#wmu if

[naturalecho]

Someone's been watching you...

[call-me-obssesed]

Character editing dump for the IF Warm Me Up by @naturalecho . I tweaked something things about her.

For the home screen edits I was inspired by this template! Loved creating this and now I’ve solidified more things about her character :D

Here’s the previous Raquel post!

More Facts >:) below:

Weirdly good at math

She has black ornamental tattoos on her left shoulder, left forearm, back, wrists, and both feet. + two roosters on her stomach in black American traditional

She loves anything cherry flavored.

Her mbti is ESTJ and she’s a virgo

Really into perfumes with a small collection of experimental ones (think of fragrances with notes like smoke, dirt, etc).

Interested in fashion history and studies it for fun

Goes by a couple of different nicknames - Kelly, gigante, araña, bruja

Her middle name is Aranza which is what her family will usually call her besides araña

Every year for her birthday, she’s gifted a new tube of lipstick from her dad

Her favorite feature of herself is her nose

Out of all of her siblings, she’s the closest with her younger brother who’s one year younger

Born and raised in Colorado

Loves being out in nature and goes out camping with her siblings often

Without fail, she always manages to dress up as a witch for Halloween

[naturalecho]

JULY 2026

Hey 👋 How’s it goin’?

A few of you have been wondering where I’ve been and asking if I’m okay. Thank you, I really appreciate it 💗 I’m fine, mostly! Basically, covid showed up at my door and rocked my shit 😭 I’m still not 100% better, though I can finally breathe through one nostril, so...small wins, right? I’m definitely on the mend.

Needless to say, I haven’t gotten much done since getting sick, but I’ve managed to scrape together enough brainpower to update you on everything I finished before shit went south!

HIGHS: It’s smooching tiiiiiiiiiiiiime!!!

For some people, at least 🤭

These scenes have been all about flavor and choices so far. I’ve been having a lot of fun playing with different combinations of MC confidence, experience, and each RO’s reaction to the moment.

Especially if it’s MC’s first kiss.

Hehe, some ROs are really going to enjoy that revelation.

I’m curious how many people will choose to have their first kiss in chapter 2 versus waiting for a specific RO—or playing the very long game.

On a semi-game-related note, I also decided to put together a beta testing application! I’ve realized this chapter is going to surpass the prologue and chapter 1 by a long shot, which means more variables, more characters, more branching, and far more opportunities for something to go horribly wrong behind the scenes!

I think having a fresh set of eyes go through the chapter and give feedback on pacing, bugs, and the overall player experience will be incredibly helpful.

Hold your horses, though, folks! Applications won’t be opening for a while. I just wanted to get the form ready ahead of time, and I put a lot of thought into it in the hopes of finding a great group of enthusiastic testers who can respectfully help me get my shit together 😅

I’m really excited to eventually work with some of you!

LOWS: Mostly just the setback from being sick.

Also, related to the above, I think I may have been riding a little too high on confidence when I decided I could finish everything by my original deadline 😭 When I think about how much I still have left to write, followed by editing and testing...yeah. It’s quite a lot. I’ve breached 100K…

I really want to reach a point where I can publish more than one chapter a year, but we’re gonna have to see how things go!

I’ll try to ease back into answering asks and writing scenarios this weekend. Thank you for being patient with me while I recover 🥰

Until next time!

BYYYYYYEEEEE~

Current Word Count: 300K (approx. +100K for ch. 2)

[naturalecho]

How the ROs react after MC wake up after being sedated but doesn't remember they are together and don't recognize them (it's due to the anesthesia, not something serious) so MC is like

"You are cute, I like you"

"This cute person is kissing me!😲"

"We are together?! Oh my God... I'm so happy we're together, you're so pretty, I'm so lucky"

"Can you kiss me again?" *kiss* "☺️"

MC is 100% falling in love for RO again.

D'aww, how cute~

Anjali

You squint at her. "You're really pretty."

Anjali's face remains passive, but her hand pauses halfway to adjusting your blanket. "I'm aware."

You gasp softly. "Are you single?"

"No."

"Oh." You're devastated. "That's sad."

Anjali leans closer. "You're the reason I'm not single."

You stare at her, your eyes going huge. "Oh my god."

Anjali's mouth twitches.

"I won?" You whisper, awed.

"Yes," she says, much too calmly for someone whose ears are going warm. "Somehow."

You tap her forearm. "Can you kiss me?"

Anjali glances at the nurse nearby, then back at you. "You are barely conscious."

You pout. "But I won..."

Her composure cracks for half a second. Then she leans down, kisses you softly, and pulls back.

You sigh, blissful. "Again?"

Anjali looks away. "…Later, muppet."

Dmitry

You blink up at him, sleepy and dazed. "You're really cute."

Dmitry smiles, relieved. "Thank you. So are you."

Your eyes widen a little. "Are we dating?"

His face goes soft. "Yeah. We are."

Your mouth falls open. "We are?"

"Mm-hm."

"With you?"

Dmitry laughs under his breath, eyes shining. "With me."

You feel like you might cry. "That's so nice."

He takes your hand and kisses your knuckles.

You gasp. "...This cute person is kissing me."

Dmitry turns bright red. "I am. Is that okay?"

"...Can you do it again?"

He makes it about three seconds before giving in, kissing your hand again, then your forehead.

You smile dreamily. "I'm so lucky."

Dmitry has to look away because sedated-you is somehow more powerful than any flirting you've ever done on purpose.

Jong-woo

You wake up, see him, and immediately smile. "Hi."

Jong-woo beams. "Hi."

"You're so handsome."

He freezes. "Oh. Really?"

"Do you have a partner?"

His entire face goes red. "Um. Yes."

You sigh, a little dejected. "Lucky them."

Jong-woo covers his mouth. Then he leans closer, barely holding himself together. "It's you."

You stare, then gasps so loudly one of the nurses looks over. "ME?!"

Jong-woo is laughing now, fully flustered. "Mm."

You reach for his hand. "I'm so happy for me." You blink down at your joined hands. "Are we hand-holding?"

"Yeah."

"Can we kiss too?"

Jong-woo nearly short-circuits. "Uh--yeah. Yeah, if you want."

"I do. You're my boyfriend."

He leans in and gives them the gentlest kiss, then pulls back glowing and practically dying.

You smile. "Again?"

Jong-woo makes a tiny, strangled sound and presses both hands over his own face. "Ahhh...you can't just--" His shoulders hunch. "You're being so cute right now."

You blink at him, dazed and pleased. "I am?"

"Yes," he says, voice cracking slightly. "And I'm not allowed to squeeze you because you just had anesthesia."

Kailee

You open your eyes, spot her, and can't contain your delight.

"Wow..."

Kailee arches a brow. "Hello to you too."

"You're so pretty."

"You think I'm pretty?"

"Very..."

"Mm." She picks up your hand. Turns it over. Sets it back down. "And do you like me?"

"I really like you."

The smile that breaks across her face is lopsided and soft at the edges. She leans down and kisses your forehead.

"Good," she says. "I like you too. For the record."

You study her for another second, then whisper, "Are we together?"

Kailee's composure strains. "In a relationship, yes."

Your face lights up. "With you?"

"Yes."

"Oh my god." You sink deeper into the pillow, blissful. "I have taste."

"Even sedated, apparently."

You reach for her hand. "Can you kiss me again?"

"You're still out of it."

"But I have taste."

Her mouth twitches. "That's not a medical argument."

"It's a romantic one."

Kailee sighs like this is deeply inconvenient, then bends to kiss MC once, soft and careful.

Your eyes flutter open again. "Again?"

Kailee's ears go pink. "…Don't push your luck."

Kalea

You blink awake, see her, and give the dopiest smile. "You're pretty."

Kalea melts on sight. "Oh my gosh. Hi, sweetheart."

Your eyes widen. "Sweetheart?"

"Yeah...?"

"Are you allowed to call me that?"

Kalea laughs, smiling softly. "I'm your girlfriend."

You gasp. "You are?"

"Yes."

You grab her hand with both of yours. "That's amazing. I'm so lucky."

Kalea makes a tiny wounded sound and presses your hand to her cheek. "No, I'm lucky."

"Can you kiss me?"

Kalea is not strong enough to say no. She gives you the gentlest kiss ever and sits back down.

You smile, dazed and delighted. "This cute person kissed me."

Kalea covers her face.

You reach for her again. "One more please?"

Kalea, already leaning in: "Okay, but only because you asked so nicely."

Linden

Your open your eyes and stare.

Linden waits.

"You're beautiful." You says quietly.

"Thank you."

"Do I know you?"

"You do."

"Oh good." You smile, completely content. "I wanted to." You keep looking at them like you've just discovered sunlight. "Are we together?"

"We are."

You smile wider. "That's wonderful."

Linden brushes their thumb carefully over your hand.

"It is."

You nod, satisfied, then whisper, "Can you...kiss me?"

Linden studies your face for a moment. "Maybe one. You're still recovering." They lean down and kiss MC softly.

You smile against the pillow. "Again?"

Linden's thumb traces over your knuckles. They press a fleeting kiss there.

You can only sigh dreamily, sinking further into the bed.

Lu

You wake up, look at Lu, and the first thing you say is: "You're cute."

"...You think I'm cute?"

"Really cute."

"Hm." They look at you, their mouth twitching slightly. "Just cute?"

"Really, really cute. Are you taken?"

"Extremely."

"That's a problem..." you say mournfully.

Lu leans in slightly. "You're the problem."

You frown. "I'm the problem?"

"My problem, more specifically."

Your eyes widen. "We're...together?"

"Yep."

"Oh. That's so good." You smile so brightly it actually makes Lu look away. "Hey..." You reach for them. "Can you kiss me?"

They smirk. "You don't even know who I am."

"...I know you're cute and apparently mine."

They stare at you, brow raised.

You pout. "Please...?"

Their eyes flash and they cave seconds later, smiling against your lips. "Happy?"

"One more?"

They lightly flick your nose. "Greedy."

Makai

Your eyes flutter open.

Makai leans in, worried. "Hey. How are you feeling?"

You stare at him, then smile. "You're so hot."

Makai stops breathing for a second. "I--thanks."

"Are you seeing anyone?"

He rolls his lips together. "Yeah. You."

"...Me? We're dating?"

His face softens instantly. "Yes...?"

Your eyes widen slightly, filled with wonder. "Really?"

"Really."

You clumsily reach for him. "Can I kiss you?"

Makai laughs, quiet and overwhelmed. "You just woke up."

"But you're my boyfriend."

"Yeah."

"So I can ask."

He chuckles. "Can't beat that logic..." He leans down and kisses your forehead first, then your lips, gentle and brief.

You sigh happily. "Best day ever."

Makai has to put his head down on the side of the bed for a second.

You pat his hair. "Again?"

His shoulders shake with a helpless laugh. "Later. You need water first."

Marcel

You wake up, take one look at Marcel, and whisper, "Oh wow..."

Marcel's brows lift. "Oh?"

"You're beautiful."

They place a hand over their heart. "Finally, the anesthesia reveals your true wisdom."

"Do we know each other?"

Marcel leans closer, smiling. "Intimately."

You're stunned. "You picked me?"

"I did."

"And I picked you?"

"Naturally."

Your eyes get a little misty. "I'm so smart."

Marcel laughs, then kisses your hand.

You gasp, staring at the nurse in disbelief. "This beautiful person is kissing me."

Marcel preens. "Yes, they are."

"Can you kiss me again?"

Marcel glances toward the nurse, then back at you. "For medical reasons, of course."

They bend and kiss you softly.

You smile "Again?"

Marcel sighs. "You are taking advantage of my generous heart."

And then kisses you again anyway.

Misty

You open your eyes, spot her, and grin. "Hi, pretty person."

Misty freezes, then grins right back. “Hi, drugged-out person."

You look at her, amazed. "You know me?"

"Fortunately."

"Are we dating?"

"Very fortunately."

"No way..."

Misty leans on the bedrail, laughing. "Yes way."

You reach for her sleeve. "Can you kiss me?"

"You are so out of it."

"But you're my pretty person."

Misty laughs. "Yeah, alright. I can do that."

She kisses your forehead.

You frown. "That wasn't where I meant."

Misty loses it.

You smile hopefully. "Lips?"

"Not while you look like a soggy prune."

"But--but I'm your soggy prune, right?"

She snorts, then gives you one quick, soft kiss on the mouth.

You beam. "Again?"

"Ask me when you can walk in a straight line."

Santi

You wake up. As soon as you see Santi, you're in awe. "You're gorgeous."

Santi's slow grin appears instantly. "I know."

You nod, very serious. "Good."

Santi laughs. "Good?"

"You should know."

They stroke your cheek. "You should know that you are too, mi vida."

"...Are we...together?"

"Of course we are."

You can't hide the pure joy on your face. "Oh my god. I'm so lucky."

Santi's teasing expression softens. "Can I kiss you?"

"You want to kiss me???"

"Everyday."

"...Okay..."

Santi leans down, kisses you once, then pulls back.

"Wow...again?"

Santi sighs like this is a great burden. They kiss you again anyway.

You hum happily. "One more time?"

"How can I refuse?"

[naturalecho]

I just had to ask a man to buy pads and it got me thinking, how are the men in the cast (+ marcus if I can be cheeky??) handling that?

Dmitry: Asks you twice what kind before he leaves. Texts you on the way there to double-check. Sends a picture from the aisle because he still needs to be completely sure he's grabbing the right one.

Jong-woo: Comes back with several different kinds because he couldn't decide which one was best. "This one says it's good for sleeping. Oh! And these are thinner. I think these are regular? There were so many brands. I didn't know which one you liked, so I got two."

Luca: Runs a hand through his hair like you've just given him a mildly stressful side quest, but goes without complaint. Ten minutes later, you get a text: "Why are there so many kinds. And brands." After another few minutes: "Fuck it. I bought them all."

Makai: He's observant enough that he's already noticed what brand and type you usually keep around. He goes without fuss and comes back with exactly what you need, no confirmation required.

Santiago: He's got three younger sisters, so none of this is remotely unfamiliar territory. He'll still ask what brand and type you prefer, though, because knowing what pads are doesn't mean knowing which ones you want. Once he knows, he'll remember it.

And Marcus, because I'm feeling generous lol: He has sole custody of his daughter, Melody. Pads, tampons, painkillers, heating pads, emergency runs to the store--he's been through all of it. You could send him give him the vaguest description imaginable and he'd still come back with the right thing (along with your favorite snack 😊)

[naturalecho]

how would our ros propose/want to be proposed to?? 🥺

for those who don't want to get married how would they react to one of those fake proposals for free ice cream or something lol

Anjali: Would want to be proposed to, and she'd want it done during a holiday or family gathering. She doesn't necessarily want a grand spectacle. But there's something very satisfying to her about the people who matter witnessing that moment of official approval. Hers, yours, and to some extent, theirs.

Dmitry: Would want to be the one to propose. He'd do something classic: a nice date, good food, maybe a walk afterward somewhere quiet and pretty. Nothing flashy or designed to make other people look over. Just the two of you, somewhere intimate, with him probably a little nervous even though he's known for ages that he wants to ask.

Jong-woo: Doesn't mind being proposed to, but if he's the one doing it, he's making it sentimental. He'd take you through a whole trip down memory lane, asking if you remembered all the sweet or silly things that happened. Each stop is tied to some cute little moment in your relationship. Then he'd bring you somewhere new, grin like he's about to burst, and say, "Remember when I proposed to you? And you said yes? Please say yes."

Kailee: She's getting proposed to, dammit! She wants the moment. She wants the romance. She wants the lighting. Something in the summer, at the beach in the early evening, right as the sun is about to set. Also, you have to give her some kind of warning disguised as not-warning so she can make sure her outfit is right and her nails are done.

Kalea: Doesn't mind who proposes, but she'd want it to be lowkey and deeply personal. At home, maybe with a scrapbook, a handwritten letter, or some small keepsake tied to your relationship. Something sweet enough to make her cry, but private enough that she doesn't have to cry in front of strangers.

Linden: Doesn't want to get married, and they also wouldn't be interested in faking a proposal for free stuff. They may not be a fan of the institution, but they wouldn't want to be disingenuous about it or turn someone else's idea of commitment into a joke. They'd probably just buy you the ice cream themselves and call that the better deal.

Lu: They have expensive taste, obviously, but they wouldn't make the proposal into a giant spectacle. If anything, they'd already have the ring picked out ages before they actually asked. They'd carry it around because they're waiting for the version of themself that can say it without flinching. Then, one day, with very little warning, they’d look at you and say, "I don't want anyone else. I don't want you with anyone else. I want you with me."

Makai: Would propose with something very him, like a mini lesson at home titled "The History of Us." There'd be a chalkboard and notes and a timeline. He'd make you raise your hand to answer questions while he very matter-of-factly, but sincerely went through the moments he fell more in love with you.

Marcel: Doesn't want to get married. However, if free things are involved? You're about to receive the most extravagant fake proposal of your life. Of course, you can't do it too often or people might start recognizing you, but when the moment calls, Marcel will commit fully. And if you ever travel together, they're definitely telling everyone you're newlyweds on your honeymoon so they can continue reaping the rewards.

Misty: She'd keep it simple, but meaningful. Stargazing, maybe a meteor shower if she can time it right. A blanket in the bed of a truck, cold drinks, the sky wide open overhead.

Santi: They'd do a playful scavenger hunt. Little notes, inside jokes, places that mean something to both of you, maybe a few gifts along the way. They'd want you laughing before you realized you were about to cry happy tears.

[naturalecho]

Do the ROs like pet names? If yes, what do they prefer to call their partner and what do they like being called? Thanks!

I'm so surprised - I don't think anyone's asked this question before! You can see their preferred pet names for MC in various scenario answers, but I'll lay it out:

Anjali: She doesn't really like being called pet names, but she'll call MC darling

Dmitry: He doesn't mind if MC gives him a pet name nor does he care what it is (so long as it's nothing silly, like schmoopie poo or something 😭) He won't call MC anything other than their name.

Jong-woo: He loves pet names! Call him anything you want. He'll usually call MC jagiya (honey/babe) or gomdori (teddy bear)

Kailee: She'll accept classics like babe, baby, honey, etc. She'll call MC honey.

Kalea: She likes pet names and doesn't have a preference. She'll call MC sweetheart or sweetie and ku'uipo in Hawaiian (sweetheart/beloved)

Linden: They'll only accept something like love or something unique to them. I've mentioned before, they prefer using MC's name, but they sometimes like giving special names to MC based on their characteristics (like sugar rush for energetic MCs, sunbeam for sweet, cheerful MCs, honeycrisp for MCs that love apples, birdsong for MCs who randomly hum, etc.)

Lu: Similarly to Dmitry, they don't mind much what you call them so long as it's not ridiculous. They call MC gorgeous.

Makai: He likes the classics like sweetie, love, babe, etc. He calls MC baby.

Marcel: If you're going to call them a pet name, it better be creative and show how much you love them, otherwise don't bother lol. Early dating, they call MC mon chou and then deeper/more established relationship gets mon coeur

Misty: She's not big on pet names, but she'll call MC babe.

Santi: They love anything. Sweet, silly, loving - they don't mind. They call MC mi vida or mi amor

[naturalecho]

ROs reaction if MC comes home to them after a long, rough day and then just collapsing into RO with a hug?

Anjali: Her brows lift, but she doesn't ask questions. She looks down at you, takes in whatever expression you're wearing, and moves enough to let you get comfortable. One hand settles at the top of your head, fingers moving slowly against your scalp while she continues reading. "You can talk when you're ready," she says. "Or don't. I'll be here either way."

Dmitry: Frowns the second he sees your face. "Come here." He pulls you in gently, one hand rubbing slow circles over your back. "Are you okay? What happened?" He brings you to the couch, keeps you tucked against him, and listens as long as you need. If you want advice, he'll give it. If you just want to be held, he can do that too.

Jong-woo: Gives you the biggest bear hug immediately. He lifts you off the ground and carries you around even if you object. "Eomeo, eomeo, what happened? Who hurt my baby?" He'll hold you, feed you, wrap you in a blanket, and keep making offended little noises on your behalf while you explain.

Kailee: Hugs you first, long enough to let you sag into her. Then she pulls back, looks at your face, and decides you need something. Water, tea, your favorite drink, a snack, something warm. She brings it back and sits beside you, close enough for your shoulders to touch. "Start from the beginning," she says, already annoyed at whoever upset you.

Kalea: Worries immediately. You collapse into her and she freezes for half a second before wrapping both arms around you. "Oh no. What happened?" Her voice goes soft, her hand rubbing carefully over your back. She might not know how to fix it, but she's very good at making you feel like you don't have to carry it alone.

Linden: They hold you for a while first, giving you space to breathe before asking anything. Then they tuck you into their side and say, "What do you need right now? Comfort, advice, distraction, silence?" Whatever you choose, they follow through.

Lu: Lets you rest back against them, arms loosely wrapping around your middle. Their chin tips near your shoulder while you complain, expression darkening at all the correct points. They don't do empty reassurance. They listen, judge everyone involved, and co-sign your frustration. "No, you're right. That was idiotic."

Makai: Doesn't say much at first. He just curls his arms around you and lets you stand there, breathing against him until some of the tension leaves your body. Then he presses a kiss to the side of your head and mutters, "Bad day?" If you nod, he runs you a bath, gets you something comfortable to wear, and climbs in behind you if you want him there.

Marcel: Immediately wraps you up and makes a scandalized noise. Their first instinct is distraction: kissing, touching, dragging you to bed if that's what you want. If you're not in the mood, that's fine too. They'll pour drinks, pull you onto the couch, and host an extremely committed shit-talking session. "Who do I have to hate? Names, mon coeur. I need names."

Misty: Pulls you into a hug, gives you a second to breathe, then starts trying to make you laugh. She just knows sometimes you need someone to make the day feel less heavy. "Okay," she says, rubbing your back. "Do we need food, a walk, or should I start insulting people I've never met?"

Santi: Takes one look at you and opens their arms. "Ay, ven acá." They hug you first, tight and warm, then drag you to the couch and pull your legs into their lap. You can vent while they rub your feet, their thumbs working slow circles into all the tension you've been carrying. "Tell me everything, mi vida." They listen closely, but every now and then they'll interrupt with a soft, offended, "No. Absolutely not. They said what?"