this blog is my little hideaway, dedicated to none other than bada lee โจ she inspires me endlessly, and this space is where i pour all that admiration into wordsโfics, headcanons, and rambles that feel a bit like strolling under fairy lights along the seine.
i want this blog to feel like sipping coffee at a sidewalk cafรฉ that's warm, inviting, and always waiting for you to come back. everything i will post is made with love, and i hope that it'll bring you comfort and joy whenever you pass by.
requests are open so feel free to send me your ideas and thoughts ๐น
masterlist ๐
about me ๐
you can call me mati
my pronouns are she/her
i just turned 20 last may 10th
my mbti is INFP
if you'd like to know more about me, feel free to ask me and i will answer questions i feel comfortable answering โก
Hi Mati! How many parts will tethered flames have? Loving it so far!
hiii ๐ฅน๐ thank you so much! I'm really happy you're enjoying tethered flames! right now, I'm planning for it to have around 5 or 6 parts in total.
I've only shared three so far and it means a lot that you're looking forward to the next ones! ๐ซถ๐ท
If it makes you feel any better, people have made that Kang Yuna comparison since 2023 both on twitter and tiktok.
yessss thank you for mentioning that!
I used to hear about that comparison during swf2! but I only recently started reading yuri, and when I finally got to bad thinking diary, I just couldn't stop thinking about it ๐ญ
the similarities (not entirely tho) really stood like suddenly all those old comments made so much sense haha
๐ โ The line between guidance and manipulation blurs as Bada and Y/n discovers yet another ruin.
Deep in the Whispering Forest, the rival hunters unearth the Tideheart. A relic that hums with the same power as the spirit who wishes to claim it.
As the cursed light flickers between their hands, they can't tell if they're holding power...
or if power is holding them.
The Whispering Forest lived up to its name the moment you crossed beneath its boughs.
At dawn, the trees loomed like towering shadows. Every gust of wind didn't just rustle branches. It also carried voices. Too many voices. Some low and guttural, others sharp and childlike, all overlapping into a hushed chorus.
Bada glanced over her shoulder at you, her jaw set. "Ignore it."
"Easy for you to say. One of the voices just said I'll never make it out alive."
Her lips curved, but it wasn't quite a smile. "Maybe they're right."
You gave her a sharp look, but the way her eyes swept the treeline told you she wasn't in the mood for banter. Not fully. Not here.
She was intently listening for the dangers hidden in the lull of the forest's whispers.
The path was narrow, twisting like a snake. Every few feet, gnarled roots clawed out of the soil, forcing you both to stumble in awkward rhythm. With her left wrist bound to your right, every misstep was shared.
When you tripped over a root, Bada jerked forward. When she paused too suddenly to scan the shadows, you nearly crashed into her back.
"Could youโ" you started, voice sharp.
"Could you,"she shot back, "watch where you're stepping?"
"Hard to do when a goose is dragging me like dead weight."
She stopped mid-path, spun on her heel, and leaned down close enough that her breath brushed your face. The tether burned between you, golden light sparking faintly. "Say that again."
Before you could retort, the forest answered for you. A long howl rose in the distance. Both of you stiffened, heads snapping toward the sound.
"โฆwolves?" you murmured.
Bada shook her head once. "Not wolves."
You didn't press. You knew better.
The deeper you went, the thicker the whispers grew. Some of them began to mimic your voice. Your heart stopped when you heard your own tone echo through the trees: "Give it up. She's better than you. She always will be."
You whipped your head around, searching, pulse racing. "Did youโ"
"I heard it," Bada said quickly, tension flashing across her face. Her eyes flicked to you, sharp. "Don't believe it. That's what this place does. It preys on you."
The strange thing was, she looked almost protective for a moment. Almost.
But the moment passed as quickly as it came.
The tether tugged again, glowing brighter the further you walked. It was leading you, you realized. Kyma's magic wasn't just binding you together, but also steering you.
Every time you tried to turn left or right, the golden thread seared hot, pulling you back to the path.
"Figures," you muttered. "I'm not only stuck with you, but with her little leash too."
"Careful," Bada said, her tone low. "Talk like that and Kyma might just tighten it until we lose our hands."
A branch snapped ahead.
Both of you froze.
The whispers fell silent. The forest listened back. From the shadows, eyes gleamed. Not one pair. Dozens.
Slowly, a creature stepped forward. A deer. Or what looked like one, at first. Its antlers were strung with moss that dripped like wet hair, and its body seemed too long, too stretched, skin taut like parchment over bones. When it exhaled, mist poured from its jaws like smoke.
Bada's hand went to the handle of her sword. The tether pulled taut, holding her back when you instinctively shifted away.
"Stay close," she murmured.
"Not like I have a choice," you whispered back, tightening your grip on your dagger.
Then the creature stepped closer.
Bada's grip on her sword tightened. Her voice was low, steady. "A Whisperstalker. I thought they were just stories."
"I see," you examined the creature, being familiar too with the stories. "Guess the stories didn't mention the part where it stares at you like dinner," you muttered, drawing your blade with your free hand.
"Two hunters at once. Neither of you will survive. Youโll die in each other's shadow."
You grit your teeth. "Ignore it."
"Funny," Bada said, eyes locked on the beast. "That's my line."
The Whisperstalker lowered its head, antlers catching the dawnlight like jagged blades.
"She'll betray you. You"ll never win. You're nothing."
You gritted your teeth, digging your boots into the dirt. "We end this now."
Bada gave a sharp nod, fire sparking along her free hand. "Try to keep up."
The beast lunged, faster than before, claws flashing.
"Split!" you shouted.
You and Bada bolted in opposite directions, the tether burning between your wrists. Golden light stretched into a long burning line as you both pulled with everything you had.
The Whisperstalker didn't slow. It barreled straight into the glowing cord...
...and was sliced clean in half.
The forest rang with its shriek, the sound splitting the air as its body dissolved into black ash and scattered like smoke.
But the victory was short-lived.
The tether recoiled the instant the Whisperstalker burst apart, returning to its original form with brutal force. You and Bada were yanked off your feet, the golden line slamming you toward each other.
You crashed into her hard, breath knocked out of your lungs. Her arm wrapped around you instinctively to steady the both of you as you hit the ground, tangled and panting in the dirt.
For a long moment, neither of you moved, hearts racing in sync.
Bada's face hovered close. Sweat dripping down her temple, strands of hair sticking to her cheek, her chest heaving against yours. Her smirk ws ragged, but still there. "Guess we make a good teamโฆ even when it hurts."
You shoved at her shoulder, glaring though your pulse betrayed you. "Get off."
She chuckled low, finally pushing herself up. "Relax. I'm not enjoying this as much as you are."
The tether pulsed between you, still glowing faintly, as though mocking you both.
___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
As the hours stretched, the forest grew stranger. Trees leaned toward you as if listening. The tether glowed brighter the closer you came to your destination, pulling tight like a guide.
By the time the moon climbed high, full and glowing, you both stumbled into a clearing.
Ancient roots, thick as towers, coiled out of the ground like the bones of giants. At their center, a hollow pulsed with light that spilled out in slow, steady waves.
The tether between you burned gold, humming louder than ever.
You looked at Bada, chest tight. "This is it."
Her expression was sharp and focused, her hand already flexing near the hilt of her sword. "Then let's finish this."
The gem rested at the center of the hollow like a fallen star. An orb the size of your fist, glowing in dark blue like moonlit oceans.
You blinked, "I know this."
"Thisโฆ isn't just a jewel," you murmured, crouching down. "This is the Tideheart," you said again, voice low.
"A relic said to hold a fragment of an ancient god's power. The ancients sealed it away after heโฆ lost control. They said when he wept, the seas rose. When he raged, kingdoms drowned."
Bada blinked, crouching down next to you. "And she sent us to get that?"
You gave a humorless laugh. "Looks like we've been collecting pieces of a god's temper."
Bada finally exhaled, steady but wary. "If this is what Kyma wants, then she must be desperate."
"Doesn't matter. We came for it.โ
Before you could warn her, her hand darted forward. The tether snapped tight, and both your palms closed around the gem.
The world exploded.
A wave of raw energy blasted outward, flattening the grass, bending the trees, and driving the night creatures into silence. You gasped, every vein in your body lighting up with golden fire.
The tether between you and Bada glowed so bright it hurt to look at, making the two of you shield your eyes
The orb's light dimmed slowly, settling into a steady glow between your joined hands. Both of you were breathing hard, but neither let go.
Finally, Bada said, voice low but certain, "We canโt keep this. Not here."
You met her gaze, startled by how serious she sounded. "You're suggesting we bring it back?"
"To Kyma," she nodded. "We didn't come here for nothing. That was the deal. We get this jewel in exchange for Kyma's Heart."
You wanted to argue, to remind her how many hunters had died possessing this gem, how it was supposed to belong to whoever was strong enough to claim it. But something about the way her grip tightened, steady and unyielding, silenced you.
For the first time that night, you didnโt feel like rivals fighting over the same prize. You felt like partners.
You straightened with a sigh. "Dawn's almost here. If we hurry, we can reach Kyma's cave in time.โ
Adjusting your cloak and forcing your pulse to steady, you silently hoped to be remembered in case you die with Bada.
.
.
.
.
a/n: I just want to share, I really enjoy writing this because I would realize mid story that I have the control to this world I am creating. The settings, the wonders, the magic and everything. It's like my own little world, and I'm so happy I get to share this with you.
Mati if you write smut would it be girl on girl? Idk how to call it. Like both girls and Bada not having a dick. PLEASE
I dare you
๐พ โ You and Bada swore you wouldn't bring the earlier fight to the party, but when alcohol loosened your tongue and a dare put her lips on yours, restraint went flying out the window.
!!! smut, MDNI, alcohol, public sex, toxic tendencies, cunnilingus, fingering, face riding, overstimulation, possessive/whipped dynamic. !!!
You were sprawled on the couch, one leg bouncing restlessly, watching the blue glow of Bada's laptop light up her face. Her brows were furrowed, her fingers moving quickly over the keys. She hadn't looked at you in nearly twenty minutes, and your patience had already snapped.
"You're still on that?" Your voice was sharp, cutting through the quiet hum of her typing. "We're supposed to leave in ten minutes, Bada."
"I'm almost done," she replied smoothly, not even glancing up. Her tone was so maddeningly calm, like you were just background noise. "If I don't finalize these class schedules now, I'll be behind all week."
You rolled your eyes dramatically standing up in your heels, letting them click to the floor. "So your students get your attention, but I don't?"
That made her pause. Her head lifted just slightly, her gaze finally sliding to you, heavy-lidded. "Don't start, babe. I said I'm almost done."
"Don't start?" you shot back, heat rising in your chest. "We've been planning this night for weeks. You're acting like I'm asking you to choose between me and your damn career."
"Because that's what it sounds like," she said evenly, shutting the laptop but keeping her hand resting on it. "This isn't me ignoring you. This is me working. You knew who I was when you started dating me."
You scoffed, walking to grab your bag. "Yeah, yeah, the brilliant choreographer. Everyone wants a piece of you. I just didn't think I'd have to fight for mine."
That line hung in the air. Her jaw tightened, the first real crack in her composure tonight.
She leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms, eyes fixed on you with that maddening stare that always made you feel like you were being handled. "You're being impatient."
"And you're being impossible," you snapped, shoving your bag over your shoulder. "Whatever. Don't expect me to sit around and be quiet all night."
Her lips pressed into a thin line, gaze following your movements as you stormed to the door. She didnโt chase after you. Of course she didn't. She just gave you that steady, unreadable look, the one that said she was annoyed but too controlled to show it.
And somehow, that only made you want to push harder.
At the party, the music was loud, pounding in your chest, the bass rattling the floor like a second heartbeat. Perfect.
It drowned out the echo of Bada's dismissive tone from earlier. You're being impatient. Her voice still crawled under your skin like an itch.
You hated how she could close the laptop, give you that steady, unreadable look, and act like that was enough.
So now, you were five shots in, draped against strangers like they were long-lost friends, laughing too loud at jokes you barely heard. Every time your cup emptied, someone was refilling it, and you let them.
If Bada wanted to act like she was above it all, then fine. She can do her thing but you'd show her just how much fun you could have without her.
From the corner of your eye, you could see her. Always could. She was leaned against the bar, tall frame impossible to miss, drink in hand, eyes on the crowd but not really participating. Typical Bada. You hated how much you still wanted her even while you were angry.
So when the drinking game started, you jumped in immediately, sliding onto the floor with the circle, knees brushing against whoever sat closest. The heat of the alcohol had your skin buzzing, thoughts sharp and reckless.
Your heart thudded, angry and desperate all at once. You hated her calm.
You hated how she could annoy the hell out of you and still make your stomach twist just by existing. And maybe that was why you kept drinking. To blur the line between your anger and your craving.
The bottle spun across the floor, clattering to a stop. It pointed at Bada.
The circle erupted, laughter and shouts filling the air. Bada smirked faintly, setting her glass aside before leaning forward with lazy confidence.
"Truth or dare?"
"Dare," she answered, of course. Smooth as if nothing in this room could rattle her.
The game master looked around, but you were already leaning in, raising your hand high, voice cutting sharp through the noise: "I'll give her one."
Every head swiveled toward you. Bada's gaze following last.
You smirked, drunk and shameless, eyes locked on hers. Your dare. Your moment. "I dare Bada," you said slowly, savoring it, "to kiss me. Right here. In front of everyone."
The crowd exploded and She tilted her head, calm as ever, and asked coolly, "Really?" And you saw it, that flicker in her eyes. The one that said she hated losing.
"Unless you're scared," you fired back, grin curling at your lips.
The shift was subtle but sharp. She stood up, long strides carrying her through the circle of people like the parting of waves. The music felt quieter suddenly, the air thick with anticipation.
And then she was in front of you, cupping your jaw with one large, warm hand. Her thumb brushed your cheek, gentle, but her gaze was hard.
Like she was reminding you who you were dealing with.
The kiss started controlled, her lips firm, her tongue barely teasing. The kind of kiss meant to shut you up, not give you what you wanted. But you didn't play nice. You bit her lip.
She groaned against your mouth, low and quiet, and in the next second, the kiss turned molten. Her tongue slid against yours, her hand tightening at the back of your neck to keep you there.
The circle erupted in cheers, claps, and whistles, but all you felt was her mouth devouring yours, her composed shield shattering just a little.
You grinned into the kiss, drunk on the taste of her, drunk on the fact that you'd won.
When she finally pulled back, her lips glistened in the dim light, her eyes narrowed as she leaned close enough for only you to hear.
"Satisfied?" she whispered.
Your smirk was pure sin, shameless as you licked your lips. "Not even close."
You slammed the lock shut with a click, still tipsy, still buzzing from the alcohol and the kiss in front of everyone. "You're crazy, aren't you? Don't tell me you're running off now." you sneered, back against the sink, arms crossed.
Bada set her drink on the counter with a clink, slow, deliberate. "You really don't know when to stop, do you?"
"Maybe I don't want to stop." Your grin was sharp, defiant. "You ignore me at home for your work, and now you think you can shut me up with one little kiss?"
Her eyes flashed, jaw tight. She stepped forward until her body pinned yours against the cold sink. "You're drunk."
"And you're obsessed with your damn schedules," you shot back, tugging her by the collar.
That did it. She kissed you hard. Her teeth clashing, tongue shoving past your lips like she was trying to prove a point. You gasped against her, biting back, refusing to let her have all the control. The kiss was fueled by every unsaid word between you.
Her hands gripped your hips, hard enough to bruise. "You drive me insane, love." she growled against your mouth.
"Then lose your mind for me," you whispered, tugging her hair until she hissed.
Bada dropped to her knees before you could get another jab in, shoving your skirt up and dragging your panties aside in one rough move. You jolted when her breath hit your skin, heat flaring instantly.
"Badaโ"
"Shh. Shut up for me?" Her voice was calm, commanding, and then her mouth was on you.
You gasped, one hand flying to the counter for balance, the other gripping her hair. The first drag of her tongue up your slit was slow and savoring. And it nearly made your knees buckle.
"Fuckโ"
She smirked against you, then pressed her mouth harder, latching onto your clit with wet, obscene suction. The sound echoed in the small bathroom, mixing with your strangled whimpers.
Instinct took over. You hooked one trembling leg over her shoulder, pulling her closer, grinding yourself against her face. You begged for more, voice ragged.
Bada groaned into you, the vibration shooting straight through your core.
She shoved two fingers inside you suddenly, curling them up until your hips jolted.
You nearly screamed, slapping a hand over your mouth. Your thighs shook, squeezing around her head, but she only pinned you tighter against the sink.
"Look at you," she muttered against your skin between licks, eyes flicking up, dark and glinting. "All that attitude, all that pouting. Melting the second I touch you."
You tugged her hair hard enough to make her moan, rolling your hips shamelessly against her mouth. "I'm soโ freaking mad, but only you," you gasped, voice breaking. "Only you can make me like this."
Her groan was low as she fucked you with her fingers deeper, tongue circling your clit until your whole body trembled. The bathroom filled with the wet, filthy sounds of her devouring you, and your muffled cries bouncing off the tiles.
When your orgasm hit, it was brutal.
Your head tipped back against the mirror with a dull thud, your thighs locking around her shoulders as wave after wave tore through you. You choked out her name like it was the only word you knew.
But Bada didn't stop. She kept licking you through it until you were shoving at her head, whining from overstimulation. Only then did she pull back, chin glistening, lips swollen, breathing heavy.
She stood slowly, towering over you again, and without giving you a chance to recover, she kissed you deep, making you taste yourself on her tongue. Her grip on your jaw was firm, grounding.
"Lesson learned?" she whispered against your lips, thumb stroking your cheek.
Your laugh was weak, breathless, but still cocky. "Only that you're completely whipped for me."
Her grin was dangerous, the kind that promised you weren't done. "Yeah? So I haven't made it up to you yet?"
You rolled your eyes, "Apologize properly next time. But no, we're not done here yet." And you kissed her again wanting more.
.
.
.
a/n:
er... well this is how I write smut. tell me what you think?
also, I disappeared for a while and I found this in my inbox. I hope this answers your question <3
Busy is an understatement ๐ believe me when I tell you I only got to hold my phone right now before bed because my day was hectic. Don't worry though because just a bit of polishing and part 3 is ready!
๐งญ โ Bounded by riddles and tangled in stolen moments.
The spirit's curse lingers, forcing you and Bada closer with every step. From playful riddles to reckless horse rides, from a warm family table to the crowded hum of the market. Each moment blurs the line between rivalry and something far more dangerous.
But in a world where bonds are shackles and feelings are a risk, how long before a slip of the heart costs everything?
The cavern spat you both out at midnight, wrists still seared together by Kyma's glowing bind. The guardianโs laughter echoed long after she gave the mission.
You cursed under your breath, yanking at your right wrist. The golden light burned hotter in response, pulling Bada's left hand with it.
"Would you quit tugging?" she snapped, jerking her arm back. The chain flared, forcing you a step closer until your shoulders collided.
Your jaw tightened. "Maybe if I pull hard enough, it'll break."
"Or maybe it'll strangle us both," she shot back. "Try using your brain for once."
Before you could spit another insult, a familiar sound cut through the night. Hooves on dirt.
From the shadowed treeline, your horse trotted into view, reins dangling, glinting faintly under the moon. Relief flickered in your chest.
You caught the reins with your free hand, patting its neck. "At least you're still here."
"Good," Bada huffs at the sight of a horse, slightly impressed. "Now figure out how we're both getting on without you stabbing me with that dagger of yours."
It turned out to be a nightmare. Mounting with one hand already occupied was bad enough. But once you settled into the saddle, reins clutched in your hand, the bind yanked again.
You turned seeing her still stood on the ground, realizing the problem instantly. Her left wrist was tied to yours, making it a challenge to have her behind you.
"Perfect," you muttered.
"Move forward," Bada ordered.
Your head snapped around. "Excuse me?"
She didnโt wait. With irritating grace, she swung herself up behind you, but instead of facing forward, she swung her legs sideways and leaned back into you, facing the opposite direction.
The motion tugged your arm, and suddenly her back was pressing firmly into yours.
You stiffened. "You can't ride like that."
"Watch me." Her voice was maddeningly casual. "Besides, it's either this, or we walk from here for that gem. You want that on your conscience?"
Grinding your teeth, you kicked your heels lightly against the horseโs side. It lurched forward into the night, hooves pounding against packed dirt.
The road was narrow, the forest thick with shadows, the only light the pale shimmer of the moon above. Every sway of the saddle dragged her weight into yours. Every bump made the chain tug tight, forcing your fingers to brush, your arms to lock.
"Try not to steer us into a tree," Bada murmured near your ear.
You ignored her, eyes locked on the dark path ahead.
As the ride stretched on, you talked about the riddle Kyma gave before the two of you left the cave.
"When silver dusk chases night's last flame,
seek the forest where whispers call your name.
Past root and fang, through shadow's bite,
the Heart awaits beneath the veil of night."
It irritated you that Kyma wasn't done with games. As if being tied up with your nemesis isn't already hell.
But for once, you were thankful for having another hunter like Bada with you in that moment.
Her knowledge about the wanders of Veyra lead to a big step towards your journey for the Heart.
Midnight bled into the purple hush of dawn. Mist unfurled from the forest floor. Birds began their morning calls, shrill and bright against the echoes within you.
The golden tether tugged with every sway of the horse, its glow faint in the early dawn mist.
The ride had carried you past winding trails and into the clearing at the edge of the Whispering Forest, exactly where Kyma's riddle had hinted.
The trees ahead loomed dark and ancient, their canopies whispering secrets in the morning breeze.
But before you could guide the horse forward, Bada's voice cut through.
"We're stopping."
You twisted at the waist, frowning. "Stopping? You said the riddle pointed there."
Her jaw set, gaze locked on the valley just beyond the treeline. "There's a village nearby. My village. We'll get food, suppliesโฆ and information."
You raised a brow. "Oh, so the infamous Bada Lee actually needs help?"
"Shut up and steer," she muttered, but the edge in her tone couldnโt hide the flicker of unease in her eyes.
The path curved down into a wide valley dotted with cottages, smoke curling from chimneys, the scent of baked bread already carried on the air. As you entered the village, it became very clear: Bada was known here.
"Bada!" A baker wiping flour from his hands waved as though greeting an old friend.
"Well, look who the wind dragged back," an elderly woman called, her eyes crinkling.
And worst of all...
"Ohhh, Bada!" A man hauling barrels grinned wide. "Bringing someone home with you, are you?"
Your head snapped toward her so fast you almost sprained your neck. Bada, the unshakable hunter, actually faltered.
"She's not what you think she is." she started, voice catching, but the golden tether between you gave you away. The villagers' gazes dropped to your wrists, the shimmering bind that chained you together. Their grins only grew wider.
You leaned closer just to watch her wince. "Wow. Didn't know you were such a hometown hero."
She shot you a deadly side-eye, cheeks coloring just enough for you to notice. "Don't. Say. A word."
But the villagers weren't about to let you two slink away. A warm, bustling family friends of Bada's, judging by the way they clapped her on the back and ruffled her hair. They insisted you both join them for lunch. No arguments allowed.
The house was warm, alive with the crackle of a hearth and the aroma of spiced stew simmering in a cauldron.
"Sit, sit!" the mother insisted, shoving you down at the long wooden table. Bada tried to protest, but one sharp look from the mother silenced her faster than any blade.
You barely got settled before food piled high on the table. Stew, roasted vegetables, thick bread, and honey-glazed fruit. It smelled divine.
Then came the problem.
You reached for your spoon, only to feel the tug of the tether. Bada was reaching for hers at the same time, opposite direction. The bowl of soup in front of you wobbled dangerously.
"For gods' sake, could you notโ" you hissed.
"Maybe you should stop hogging all the space," she shot back, elbow colliding with yours.
An elder make from across the table twinkled as he clapped her hands together. "Ahhh, look at them. Can't even eat unless they're in sync."
Heat climbed your neck, but before you could respond, a younger teenager leaned over the table, smirk painted across his face. "So, Bada finally brings someone home, huh?"
The table erupted in chuckles. Bada sputtered, nearly choking on her drink.
"I swear, she's not." she tried again, but her voice cracked in a way that made it all the worse.
You took a slow sip from your cup, smirking. "Looks like I'm special."
Her eyes snapped to yours, dark and dangerous, but you swore you saw the twitch of a smile before she masked it.
Lunch turned into a battlefield of its own.
Passing the bread? Impossible. Your binded hands always tugged in opposite directions.
Cutting meat? Forget it. One wrong move and you, along with the knife slips sideways, forcing you to steady the plate with your free hand, both of you glaring while the family cooed about how "well you worked together."
At one point, her elbow bumped yours so many times you swore she was doing it on purpose. She swore you were the one leaning in too close.
The cheery family's teasing still lingered in the air, the whole table buzzing with sly grins.
Bada pressed her lips into a thin line, clearly debating whether to defend herself again or just let the laughter pass.
You leaned closer, dropping your voice so only she could hear.
"Soโฆ are we denying their speculations, or just letting them believe what they want?"
Her head whipped toward you, eyes narrowing dangerously.
โTheyโre wrong and it's impossible to stop them.โ
You tilted your spoon toward her with the smallest of smirks. "Doesn't sound very convincing."
Bada's jaw clenched, but her ears betrayed her again turning the faintest shade of pink. She shoved another spoonful of stew in her mouth rather than dignify you with a reply.
Through it all, the villagers just smiled knowingly, trading glances you definitely weren't supposed to see.
Finally, when the grandmother ladled out seconds, she patted Badaโs arm with a grin.
"You always did eat alone before. Not sharing a table unless it's us," she said warmly. "It's good to see you share a table with someone."
Bada's throat bobbed as she swallowed hard, but she didn't argue this time. She only glanced at you from the corner of her eye, expression unreadable.
And for the first time since you'd met her, she didn't look like the unshakable rival or the swaggering hunter who steals treasures before you could.
She lookedโฆ human.
The laughter from lunch finally ebbed into comfortable chatter, bowls scraped clean and mugs emptied. The family who'd hosted you leaned back, satisfied, while Bada gave polite thanks and that rare, faint smile she usually kept hidden behind smirks.
But the moment you stepped out of the family's home and the warm air of the village wrapped around you, the mask shifted.
Her shoulders straightened, her stride lengthened, and her hand still tethered to yours, tugged you along with an unshakable purpose.
"Where are we going now?" you asked, stumbling a bit to match her long steps.
"Supplies," she said, clipped. Her voice the steel edge of focus.
You arched a brow. "Wow. No witty remark? No bragging? Don't tell me Bada Lee actually knows how to be serious."
Her gaze cut to you, sharp as a drawn blade. "If you want to make it through the Whispering Forest alive, you'll shut up and keep up.โ
Her tone made you huffed, "As if."
The marketplace was alive with sound: traders shouting over gleaming bolts of fabric, the hiss of spices tossed over open flames, children darting between stalls with laughter trailing after them. And everywhere you went, whispers followed.
"Is that Bada? Havenโt seen her in years. She looks stronger now."
"Brought someone home, didnโt she? Bold."
"Careful. The girl next to her? They say she was the hunter who outran the stormships on the Zephyr Sea."
"Y/n," Bada said suddenly, pulling you to a stall stacked with glimmering vials. "Stop gawking and pay attention. These are the maps we need. I'll find the most accurate ones."
You blinked. "And let me guess, I'm paying?"
She gave you a sidelong smirk. "Your dagger might be sharp, but your tongueโs sharper. Put it to useful bargaining."
So you did. The stall keeper's price dropped after your clever words. Though you suspected it was also because of the intimidating shadow of Bada standing behind you with parchments on hand, sword glinting in the light.
While waiting for her, you caught yourself staring once or twice. Not at the goods, but at her.
The way her battle attire hugged the shape of her shoulders and waist. The way her hair shifted when she bent low over a map. The way the villagers treated her, not just like a hunter, but like someone they trusted to face the impossible.
At last, she stopped at the edge of the market, unrolling a tattered parchment the merchant handed her.
She tapped the map, glancing up at you shortly before speaking, voice low. "Here. The Whispering Forest. Forbidden because no one who's gone in without guidance has ever come back."
You swallowed. "And you think we'll be different?"
Her eyes lifted to meet yours, unwavering. "We have to be different. After all, we're the first hunters to ever escape Kyma's cavern. And that Heart is mine." A pause. Her lips quirked. "Ours, technically, thanks to that annoying spirit."
Your hand twitched against the golden tether, brushing hers by accident. Heat flared between your palms, and for the briefest second, neither of you moved away.
Then Bada rolled the parchment, shoving it into her pack. "Get your head on straight. We leave at dusk. One night through the forest before sunrise. Any later, and the spirits wake."
"Spirits?" you asked, raising a brow. "Friendly ones, I hope?"
Her laugh was short, humorless. "If you're lucky, they'll just whisper your worst fears until you go mad. If you're not and also arrived too lateโฆโ She trailed off, expression unreadable. "Well. You'll see."
You felt the weight of what you were chasing. And standing at her side, hand bound to hers by Kyma's magic, you wondered if your biggest danger was the spirits of the forest at all.
๐ก๏ธ โ Two hunters. One legendary treasure. One mischievous, all-powerful spirit.
In the kingdom of Veyra, legends are deadly. The Heart of Kyma is the ultimate prize. You and Bada Lee are both skilled hunters, both fiery, both determined to claim it first.
But when blades clash in the ruins and a mischievous spirit binds you together, survival becomes a test of skillโฆand restraint. Rivalry, danger, and sparks fly as youโre forced to navigate traps, riddles, and each other.
Some treasures are worth fighting for. Some sparks are impossible to ignore.
โThe kingdom of Veyra was a land stitched together by myths and greed. Markets drifted on rivers of silver mist, taverns gleamed with lanterns fueled by bottled lightning, and deep in the jungles, relics older than gods themselves.
โTonight, under the bleeding glow of the moon, you and Bada found yourselves at the heart of it all: the Ruins of Auris, a crumbling temple that legend claimed housed the Heart of Kyma, a legendary jewel said to turn wishes into reality. Treasure hunters had chased it for centuries. None had returned.
โBut you weren't just anyone. Neither was she.
โYou adjusted your clothes, the midnight fabric of your cloak catching faint moonlight as it clung to your shoulders. Steel buckles glinted along your boots as you crouched low, eyes sharp to scan the cavern. Tonight, you were here to win.
โAnd then of course, she walked in.
โBada Lee.
โShe strode across the cracked marble with the swagger of someone who didnโt care if the temple swallowed her whole. Her hair spilled in dark waves down her back, and her tailored battle attire. A sword rode at her hip, though everyone knew Bada didnโt need it; she could knock you flat if you let her.
โ"Seriously?" Her voice dripped with amusement as her gaze met yours. Of all the treasure hunters in all of Veyra, it had to be you."
โYou straightened, chin tilting high. "Donโt act so surprised. You should've known Iโd get here first."
โHer lips curved. "First?" She lifted a hand, revealing a glimmering compass etched with runes. "Please. I was tracking this relic before you even left your little tavern."
โHeat rolled off both of you, not from the torches, but from the way her eyes lingered too long on your stance.
โYou scoffed and pulled the dagger strapped to your thigh, spinning it between your fingers. "Then why donโt you prove it, Bada? Winner takes the jewel."
โHer grin widened. "Gladly."
โShe struck first. Fast, sharp, and fearless. Her sword cut through the air, forcing you to jump back. The blade missed you by a breath, and you felt the wind of it slice past.
โYou lunged forward in return, aiming for her wrist to knock the weapon from her grip. But Bada's strength met your full force, her face close to yours before she shoved back, refusing to be defeated.
โ"You've gotten stronger," she said, almost like praise.
โYou growled at her remark and skillfully swept your leg to trip her, but she twisted at the last second and dragged you down beneath her. Both of you crashed onto the marble floor, the sound of her sword falling clanged through the cave. Her body pressed close, her knee pinning your hip.
โ"Not strong enough," she teased, strands of hair falling into her eyes as she stared down at you.
โYou let out a grunt as you surged up with all your strength, flipping her beneath you this time. Holding your dagger, you pressed just against the skin above her chest plate, right at her collarbone. Sweat glistened on her neck, her pulse quick against the blade.
โ"Yield," you said, your voice steady.
โInstead of giving up, she laughed. A deep, rich sound that makes your stomach tighten. Bada leaned in, so close you felt her breath. Her voice dropped to a husky whisper. "You forget, Y/n. I donโt yield."
โThe air between you burned, every breath heavy, every heartbeat clashing. Rivalry and something far more dangerous sparked like fire between your bodies.
โAnd all of the sudden, the temple floor shook beneath you.
โA blinding light burst from the chamber, shaping into a glowing figure. A cheerful voice rang out:
โ"Ta-daa! Iโm Kyma, guardian of the Heart! Ohhh, two hunters at once, thisโll be fun!"
โBada muttered, "Great. Just great"
โ"What, afraid of a challenge now?" You smirked, climbing off her but not missing the chance to shove her on the floor before standing up.
โHer eyes narrowed as she managed to stand up too, but you saw the flicker of heat in them. The same fire that made every encounter between you two feel like a duel and a dance all at once.
โKyma clapped her hands, sending sparks flying. "Now, now, no fighting, unless it's entertaining! The Heart chooses one bearer. Since you both want itโฆ" Her grin widened mischievously. "โฆthen you're going to have to share. Until you learn to get along, you're stuck with each other."
โBefore you could respond, chains of golden light shot out, coiling around your wristโand Bada's. The magic seared hot, binding you together with an audible snap.
โYou stumbled forward at the pull, bumping into her chest. The scent of smoke and steel clung to her is intoxicating. She didn't move, only arched a brow, lips brushing dangerously close to your ear.
โ"Looks like youโre stuck with me now."
โYou glared, but your pulse betrayed you, thrumming like war drums. "Don't get comfortable. That jewel is mine."
โHer grin was wicked. "We'll see about that."
โAnd in that moment, you knew this treasure hunt had just turned into something far hotter than you bargained for.
Above, Kyma spun in delighted circles, their laughter echoing strangely in the cavern. "Oh, this is delicious! Rivals, fire, sparks, exactly what I wanted. The last hunters weren't nearly this fun."
Your head snapped up. "The last what?"
Bada stiffened, eyes narrowing. "You meanโฆ the ones who disappeared?"
Kyma only giggled, covering their mouth with a too-small hand, eyes gleaming. "Oops. Did I forget to mention? They didn't play the game right. The Heart doesn't like boring people."
Your stomach dropped, and the golden tether burned hotter, forcing your hand to brush Bada's as you both shifted uncomfortably close.
Kyma leaned forward, voice dropping into a singsong. "So don't bore me. Fight, play, or whatever. Make it entertainingโฆ or else."
The air thickened. Bada's smirk faltered for just a heartbeat before returning sharper, hotter. Her gaze locked with yours, and for once, you weren't sure if the fire between you was rivalryโฆ or survival.
just little things like who's your fav singer, what's your fav song of theirs, maybe your fav movie tooo hehe
hi dearest ๐ฉท thank you for asking, it feels really sweet to share little pieces of myself.
I adore Laufey! her songs always feel like being in a daydream. Lately, "Like the movies" has been my constant companion on repeat. For movies, the Harry Potter world has this timeless comfort I never get tired of.
How about you, though? I'd love to know your favorite singer or comfort movie too. We can talk through dmโบ๏ธ
