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HARUMI

@harumibooks.bsky.social

Brief bluesky break intermission (yes a break from the break) to share my book cover for BEFORE THE LOTUS BLOOMS 🤭🤭 it turned out SO PRETTY! 💚 mark your calendars for 03.13.26!

#writesky #writingcommunity #booksky

A light green book with a darker, vine-like scroll border around the central image and text rests on a silky viridian fabric, posed between two lotus leaves, one at the top and one at the bottom. Two green (darker than the main part of the cover) semi circles border the title text, reading “Before the Lotus Blooms.” Inside the semi-circles are lotus flower silhouettes. There is a subtitle near the top of the book cover reading “Book 2, Tales of Angaride” as well as text on the bottom reading “a novel by HARUMI.”

October 18, 2025 at 1:44 AM

HARUMI

@harumibooks.bsky.social

Last snip of September, ending on a good note with a snip of one of my favorite BEFORE THE LOTUS BLOOMS characters, Piko, the calico cat.

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“What is wrong with me, Piko?”
I lament to essentially no one, as cats aren’t very good conversational partners, her focus entirely on getting in a good snooze on my stomach. Her paws open and contract in a steady rhythm as she purrs, oblivious to my emotional distress.
I can’t believe I got drunk and made such a stupid mistake, and when Jaeyun asked to return home a few days later, I was both relieved and ashamed.
Does he think I’m impossible to be around after all?

October 1, 2025 at 12:51 AM

HARUMI

@harumibooks.bsky.social

• “Love troubles?”
• It feels like my luck is finally returning. “You hit the nail on the head.” I keep my gaze locked onto his. “My cheating ex-boyfriend won’t leave me alone.”

From chapter 5 of BFBC 🦫

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“Did that picture piss off it’s intended recipient?” He asks to my surprise, his brown eyes flicking between his drink and my face.
“It certainly did.” Damien will be even angrier later. “Thank you for your service.”
He smiles behind his cup. “Happy to help.”
I notice under his slight flush a smattering of freckles across his cheekbones and the bridge of his nose. He really is pretty cute. Definitely a step up from the bartender, and though not my usual type, there’s something about his sort of farm-boy look that I like.
Either extremely intuitive or also tipped off by someone else in the room, he follows that up with a question. “Love troubles?”
It feels like my luck is finally returning. “You hit the nail on the head.” I keep my gaze locked onto his. “My cheating ex-boyfriend won’t leave me alone.”
Something flashes in Javi’s eyes just for a moment after he registers ex-'boyfriend’, but he doesn’t ask any follow up questions, nor does he run away. He simply nods in understanding before looking back at the dance floor.
Not a terrible reaction.

September 24, 2025 at 5:48 PM

HARUMI

@harumibooks.bsky.social

Skill, or perhaps lack thereof.

Jaeyun confides in Inuhori in chapter 14 of BEFORE THE LOTUS BLOOMS.

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“These are medical journals.” Inuhito furrows his brow, tipping one of the books back by the spine to look at the cover. He doesn’t ask out loud, but his face has a clear “why?” written all over it.
I take out one that’s written in Sarun, with words I mostly understand on the front.
“I’m doing some studying.” I answer plainly, not eager to discuss the details with him. But as I flip through the pages, it’s clear I may need his help knowing which texts would even be useful to me.
He watches me skeptically, pushing the book he’d pulled out back into its place.
“You’re skilled in medicine?” His voice actually sounds a bit interested, even maybe hopeful, though his face doesn’t show it.
I find myself with a lie on the tip of my tongue, ready to fire it off, but I stop myself. This is something I really won’t be able to do on my own.
I snap the book shut and turn to him. “No. Truthfully, I only learned how to read recently. Yuzeharu has been teaching me.”
His eyebrows shoot up in mild surprise but quickly settle back low over his dark eyes. “His Grace taught you?” He makes sure to emphasize the polite use of his title. “You mean to say you didn’t know how to read at all?”
I’d really like to chuck a book at his dense skull for making me repeat myself, but I keep my composure, even if just barely. “Yes, that’s what I’m saying.” He’s really not making me want to ask him for help, but I don’t really have any other choices. “Because of that, I don’t even know where to start. For books on medicine, or with what Yuze would enjoy reading.”

September 24, 2025 at 4:18 AM

HARUMI

@harumibooks.bsky.social

This one’s a vibe and not direct, since flurry automatically brings to mind a rush of snowflakes ❄️

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I throw myself backwards into the snow, my arms and legs splaying out unceremoniously as I try to calm my pounding heart. The powder beneath is cold against my scalp and now-bare neck, a fresh reminder of my newest shame. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been compared to Jemma, and I’ve always fallen short.
It’s not as though this feeling is anything novel.
Delicate snowflakes begin dancing down from the sky, each one falling and flittering at its own pace, taking their sweet time before reaching my exposed skin and melting upon meeting it. As my face grows damp, I’m reminded of a folk song Father used to sing to me on a whim, one that likened people to snowflakes. Each individually crafted by The Protector, designed from Heaven to be truly special and unique. I loved hearing it, and I would ask him to sing it for me often as a young child.
When was the last time I heard it?
“...with Her hands she weaves us all, each a crystal tap-es-try...” The words tumble out quietly and off-key as I try to remember the next phrase, pausing as I search my memory.

September 22, 2025 at 6:47 PM

HARUMI

@harumibooks.bsky.social

Not the first red face and certainly not the last in BFBC. 🦫

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I can tell Javi is completely drunk, his face bright red as he takes a break on the sidelines, clearly needing to catch his breath. I check my phone for the time, realizing midnight is approaching and almost everyone above the age of thirty-five has already left.
I shuffle my way out of the crowd and over to Javi’s side, bumping into him playfully.
“Still standing?” I ask.
“Barely.” He smiles, not making any moves to put more distance between us.
It’s now or never.
“How are you getting home?” I lean in further, pressing my luck.
His eyes search the room, looking for who I assume must be his designated driver. “My sister...”
I let my fingers organically find his wrist, taking it lightly as I finish my inquiries directly into his ear.
“Want to come up to my hotel room to sober up a little?”

September 18, 2025 at 8:21 PM

HARUMI

@harumibooks.bsky.social

“She snaps her hands back down to her sides and takes a deep, practiced breath in attempts to calm herself, and—if I could venture to guess—to keep herself from wringing my neck.”

From the opening scene of a special project, that I’m hoping to have ready to publish in December 👀😙❄️

#wipsnips

“What were you thinking?”
She stomps over and begins touching my hair, her hands running wildly through the short strands that curl slightly around my ears and the base of my neck.
“What does it matter? It’s just hair!” I roll my eyes. “And it’ll grow back, like Mama said.”
She snaps her hands back down to her sides and takes a deep, practiced breath in attempts to calm herself, and—if I could venture to guess—to keep herself from wringing my neck.
“It’s not just hair, and you know that.” Her voice is barely above a whisper, but there’s such a severity behind it, I feel like my ears hurt. “It’s the hair, the trousers, the sneaking out when you’re meant to be in lessons.”
I can’t help but sigh.

September 16, 2025 at 7:48 PM

HARUMI

@harumibooks.bsky.social

“I have some pocket money for you too, while we’re out.”
🎶“Lucky me, a son that wants to buy me things…”🎶

From Chapter 9 of BEFORE THE LOTUS BLOOMS.

#wipsnips #writesky #writingcommunity

Ahbo hammers his right fist lightly into the palm of his left. “We should go see Gyudo this mornin’, I’m certain he’d have some connections.”
I try to hold back a frown. Since the Prince and I have already made a public appearance together, I’ve been careful about showing my face in town. I know if I go out with Ahbo, he’s likely to draw attention since he can’t seem to stop telling everyone about my job at the palace.
It feels risky, but, unfortunately, he’s right. If anyone would know where or how to get something rare, it would be Gyudo.
“Alright, let me get dressed for the day first.” I stand from the table, collecting our breakfast bowls. Ahbo claps his hands together excitedly. “I have some pocket money for you too, while we’re out.”
It feels strange to be the one offering cash to Ahbo instead of the other way around, but I can’t deny it makes me a bit proud to be able to do so. I do have some guilt now, knowing I’m ripping off someone more pitiful than I’d originally assumed. But the Prince seemingly had no issue giving me my monthly salary before I left for home, and I wasn’t about to turn it down.
“Lucky me,” Ahbo sings quietly as he heads into his room. “A son that wants ta buy me things...”

September 13, 2025 at 4:33 PM

HARUMI

@harumibooks.bsky.social

“Damn, I thought that little Band-Aid was the worst of it.”

Beck discusses his recent motorcycle-accident-related-injuries with a friend over lunch in Chapter 2 of BFBC.

#wipsnips #writesky #writingcommunity

“If the food is bad, you have every right to complain. ‘Til you’ve tasted it though, you don’t get an opinion.” Robby points his unwrapped straw at me before plunging it into his water. “Now what happened? You drove up in a truck...I’m assuming that isn’t yours.” He takes a long sip.
“You would be correct.” I lift up my t-shirt sleeve to reveal the bandages over my shoulder, his eyes growing wide at the sight. “I blew a tire and lost control, now my bike’s in some random shop. The truck is a loaner.”
“Damn, I thought that little Band-Aid was the worst of it.” He must’ve thought I was just being dramatic, hearing me gripe after only seeing the little scratch on my cheek. “Did you go to the hospital?”
“Urgent care, the mechanic who picked me up on the side of the road basically kidnapped me and took me there against my will.” I’m still annoyed thinking about how he treated me like an injured child.
“What a nice guy,” Robby smiles, “taking care of someone as prickly as you.”

September 13, 2025 at 12:09 AM

HARUMI

@harumibooks.bsky.social

A little meet cute at the local marina bar and grille between Beck and Javi, the main characters of BFBC.

#wipsnips #writesky #writingcommunity

“Sorry, you’re bleeding.”
He takes over the napkin, pulling it down to see he is, in fact, wounded.
“Shit. I thought it wouldn’t open again.”
“Doesn’t look like it’s too bad. Just a scratch.”
“Yeah, well, that’s the least of it.” He continues to dab at his face, scrunching his nose every time he pulls it away and there’s more blood.
“Did you get into a fight?” I know that’s probably not what happened, but I can’t deny I’m curious.
He smiles with half his mouth, the corner quirking up. “Yeah, with the ground.”
I laugh, maybe harder than I should as his cheeks start to color.
“I got launched off my motorcycle, okay?” He defends, crumpling up the napkin as the scratch has started to clot.

September 11, 2025 at 10:45 PM

HARUMI

@harumibooks.bsky.social

Sometimes children show a strong ability to be brave and understanding better than adults can, as displayed by young Princess Tamayan after a distressing first meeting with the previous Queen.

Snip from BEFORE THE LOTUS BLOOMS 🪷

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“Tama, I know that was frightening…but I need to know if you’re hurt.”
She swallows big gulps of air between cries, loosening her grip on my neck. “I’m—okay—” She sputters out, trying to calm herself.
I push her hair back out of her face, modeling a slow breathing pattern.
“Good, I’m glad you’re not hurt.”
She nods her head.
“I’m sorry Auntie scared you…I don’t think she meant to.” Guilt starts to weigh on my shoulders, even though there was no way I could have known Mother would react that way.
Tamayan shakes her head, the tears slowing and her breathing evening out. “I think I scared her.”
I blink, shocked by her ability to be so rational and mature given what she just experienced.

September 8, 2025 at 10:57 PM

HARUMI

@harumibooks.bsky.social

“No map, no way to call anyone, and no fucking clue what I’m supposed to do.“

Good ol’ Nebraska nowhere.

Snip from BFBC 🦫🏕️

#wipsnips #writesky #writingcommunity

Living in the twenty-first century has its perks, but at times like this—when the only thing I can get to appear in the top right corner of my iPhone screen is ‘SOS’ — I begin to wonder if any of this is worth it.
Life was already shitty enough as it was, before my only accessible mode of transportation lost a tire, now currently on the shoulder of this godforsaken highway in the middle of bumfuck nowhere, black smoke billowing from the engine. No map, no way to call anyone, and no fucking clue what I’m supposed to do. I glance at my phone again, the cracked screen only adding insult to injury.
Who would I call anyway? Dad? Ben? Hell no. I’m not even sure they’ve realized I left, and it would be better to keep it that way.

September 8, 2025 at 10:52 PM

HARUMI

@harumibooks.bsky.social

“Its…not much. Not that I expected it to be.”

How Beckett Moore feels about most things in life, and this hotel is no exception.

Snip from BFBC. 🦫👀

#wipsnips #writesky #writingcommunity

I let the front desk know I may be adding a few more nights to my stay dependent on vehicle troubles and get checked in at the hotel, which is also about what I presumed. Three floors of cookie cutter rooms, blue and grey patterned carpeting in the halls, and a small indoor pool and hot tub available to guests. What I hesitate to call a “fitness center” sits next to the pool area, only two treadmills and a few free weights to its name. It’s at least an improvement compared to the murder motel I stopped at last night.
I consider snooping around to check out the event hall, since that’s where the wedding reception will be held, but my feet are already carrying me to the elevator before I can think about it too much.
It’s barely past five o’clock, but I’m already fucking tired.

September 5, 2025 at 6:19 PM

HARUMI

@harumibooks.bsky.social

Hey hey finally a different wip 👀

A little bit about a diner that smells like coffee and cigarettes in a small Midwest town, from BFBC (acronym). Title to be announced at a later date.

#wipsnips #writesky #writingcommunity

Robby raises an eyebrow. “I was gonna pay for you, but if you’re gonna be so ungrateful maybe I won’t.”
“I have plenty to cover my own meal, thank you.” I set the menu back down and slide it back his way, noticing a slight stickiness on the surface of the table which makes me immediately feel like I need to wash my hands. “Is there nowhere nicer in town to grab lunch?”
He sighs and stacks the menus, leaving them neatly on the edge of the table. “No where nice enough for you, so I figured it didn’t matter.”
He’s probably right.
A waitress in her teens drops off two glasses of ice water with straws and then takes our order, removing the menus as she goes, looking between Robby and I like we might be the only young people she’s seen in days. When I glance about the diner, I can’t help but notice the clientele all appears to be of a much older variety, and the air smells strongly of coffee and cigarettes.

September 5, 2025 at 3:04 AM

HARUMI

@harumibooks.bsky.social

I know I’m a day late but I didn’t have one for the prompt today so I’m cheating shhh

Jaeyun reflects on his appearance in BEFORE THE LOTUS BLOOMS.

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I towel off and tie my hair into a knot at the back of my head, the shorter strands stubbornly falling loose around my face and neck. Even so, the shortest pieces of my bangs are nearly at my chin. It won’t be long before I can tie it all away neatly, just like Ahbo convinced me to do.
“It’s time ya start takin’ pride in yer appearance,” he told me.
Even if that’s what he said, I’m not proud of it at all.
The discolored eyes in the mirror that look back at me are tired, and far weaker than they should be. What about this face of mine is there to honor?

September 4, 2025 at 12:23 AM

HARUMI

@harumibooks.bsky.social

𑁍 C H A R A C T E R M O O D B O A R D S 𑁍
Next up is Yuzeharu, one half of the pairing from my upcoming spring release, BEFORE THE LOTUS BLOOMS.
Yuzeharu is decorative, soft, and floral, with a poised elegance.
#writesky #writingcommunity #booksky

A photo of a Pinterest mood board comprised of several rectangular images, organized by like color or content. Among them are many images of green and yellow pears, pastel blue waters, crème silky fabrics, purple sunsets, white rabbits and shiny pearls, along with lotus flowers and leaves.

Titled “YUZE”
This image has the same Pinterest mood board in the back with three images overlaid on top. The first image is a square cropping of a digital illustration of the character, only showing his eye, eyebrow, surrounding skin, and some strands of hair. His skin is pale and ashy and he has deep, dark circles around his under-eye from illness and unrest. His eye is a cool greyish brown color and his eyebrow and hair a mousy grey.
The second image is a screenshot of text, an excerpt from the novel that reads: “Viewing him from above like this is new. His eyelashes curve along his high cheekbones, still blushed pink. His knuckles bear the same color, his fists clenched on either side of him into the bedding below.
I take the second button in my fingers, lightning coursing through me as I work my way down, un-looping the little pearls one after the next, my knees bending as I work closer and closer to the bottom. I let my knees press to the floor as I undo the last one at his waist, the vest now fully open, exposing the light purple tunic layer beneath.”
The last image is another screenshot of text, an excerpt from the novel that reads: “By looking into his eyes I consequently see for the first time the bare area around his clavicle and shoulders, exposed by the loose undershirt. His bones are still clearly defined, but his skin is not as sunken as I would have expected. In fact, it almost looks like the chest of a normal, albeit lanky, young man.
He has a mole on his collarbone, too.”

August 29, 2025 at 9:03 PM

HARUMI

@harumibooks.bsky.social

Double whammy for broad and broader! I don’t think anyone is giving out extra points though.

Snip from when Jaeyun, the consort of the First Prince, Yuzeharu, meets the Second Prince, Ohyiro for the first time in BEFORE THE LOTUS BLOOMS.

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Ohyiro directs his attention to Jaeyun, looking him up and down. “Yes, the famed consort. Out in broad daylight.” He takes a small step forward, perhaps as a means of intimidation, though his stature still lacks compared to Jaeyun, who feels as though he’s somehow gotten even taller and broader in the last few minutes as he keeps strong eye contact with my brother.
“A pleasure to finally meet you, Your Highness.” Jaeyun says, a fake politeness clear in his tone. I don’t doubt Ohyiro catches it as well as his callous expression turns into an unconcealed frown.
“For you, perhaps.” He suddenly turns to me and smirks condescendingly. “He’s really as ugly as they’ve said.”

August 29, 2025 at 1:38 AM

HARUMI

@harumibooks.bsky.social

I’ve been slacking this month but needing to distract myself from the real world so here’s one based on reptilian vibes.

🐍

#wipsnips #writesky #writingcommunity

“Return to Gajoro.” Father waves his hand contemptuously. “Your sunken face wearies me.”
Mohebi smirks before opening her fan once more, delicately waving it around, though to me it looks like a snake shaking its rattles with a venomous warning.

August 25, 2025 at 8:06 PM

HARUMI

@harumibooks.bsky.social

“It somehow makes my skin crawl.
Overnight, I’m someone of worth and importance, just because I’m sleeping with royalty.
Allegedly.”

Another quip from our resident smartass in BEFORE THE LOTUS BLOOMS.

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As I approach the gate, the guards share a lock with each other, both seemingly unsure of whether or not to harass me like usual. They’re both guards I’ve dealt with before, and to my surprise, they both bow their heads politely and open the gate without complaint.
It somehow makes my skin crawl.
Overnight, I’m someone of worth and importance, just because I’m sleeping with royalty.
Allegedly.

August 18, 2025 at 3:49 AM

HARUMI

@harumibooks.bsky.social

Didn’t think I’d actually have one for today, but behold: the only instance of “allergic” in BEFORE THE LOTUS BLOOMS. 😂

#wipsnips #writingcommunity #writesky #writingprompts

“I must excuse myself, however, as there is an important matter I must attend to. Please, enjoy the revelry, Yuzeharu.” He nods to Lord Seifaung before leaving us in a flourish, his long robes trailing on the ground behind him.
In all my years, I’ve never seen the man so shaken.
Does that mean that I’ve won?
“Come now, your father is simply allergic to having a good time!” Lord Seifaung continues to yank on me in his drunkenness until I stand, my limbs nearly unable to support me. “My goodness, could it be you’ve already drunken yourself into a stupor?”
“That would be you, Your Lordship.” Ohyiro’s voice cuts in as he reaches under my armpit to support me.

August 16, 2025 at 9:32 PM

HARUMI

@harumibooks.bsky.social

“But the King of Satesaru is no longer simply just the incumbent leader of a governmental hierarchy I detest; no, it’s much more than that now.

That man is an enemy.”

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A simmering rage within me rolls over into a boil when the King turns to Yuzeharu, pulling him in close by the back of his neck, whispering something I can’t even begin to make out as his mouth is obscured by the angle. But seeing Yuze’s expression shift is enough to know the hatred bursting forth from the deepest parts of my being are justified.
This man couldn’t care less if his son dies a tragic or painful death. As long as he has a puppet to achieve his own goals before that happens, he’ll be triumphant, and Yuze knows this all too well. He looks broken, rendered hopeless, futile. Any bit of life he’s gained in the past four months has been drained from him in an instant, just as the color leaves his face.
I’ve always hated royalty. I’ve never questioned that conviction. But the King of Satesaru is no longer simply just the incumbent leader of a governmental hierarchy I detest; no, it’s much more than that now.
That man is an enemy.

August 14, 2025 at 9:17 PM

HARUMI

@harumibooks.bsky.social

Sometimes you can’t help but say what’s really on your mind.

From ch 14 of BEFORE THE LOTUS BLOOMS.

#WIPSnips #writesky #writingcommunity #writingprompts

As much as I’d like to lie my way through the answer, I can’t seem to think of anything. I open my mouth and my real thoughts come out. “Yuzeharu is kind.” Gods, I sound stupid. I avert my eyes from his scrutiny. “In fact, it ends up making him a fool. He’s always concerned about others, and cares too little about himself.”
Surprisingly, Inuho looks like he agrees.
“His mental fortitude is incredible, despite his physical weakness. He only gets righteously angry.” The words begin spilling at a faster rate than I can manage to stop. “He adores the simplest things; when he smiles genuinely, it feels precious to me.” What am I even saying right now? And why to this bastard of all people? “He deserves to—”
I cut myself short, suddenly worried that perhaps not all the staff in Gajoro are aware of Yuze’s acceptance of death.
“He deserves to be cared for.” I settle. “He deserves happiness.”
“Do you think yourself capable of providing that happiness?”

August 11, 2025 at 8:27 PM

HARUMI

@harumibooks.bsky.social

“Yuze’s face glows just as much as the flowers, his eyes wide with uninhibited awe as the blooms reveal their intricate interiors.”

For a book whose titular element is a flower, the word “flower” itself appears less times than I would have imagined.

#wipsnips #writesky #writingcommunity

$I toss the blade of grass I’ve all but shredded into the pond water, its weight not even enough to cause ripples in the surface. Inadvertently though, it draws my attention to one of the closest lotus bulbs which bobs in the water, one of its petals popping open. “Listen Jaeyun, if things continue on like this, I’m afraid of hurting—” “Yuze, look.” I interrupt him, reaching over to grab his arm, my heart racing. They’re blooming. One by one, petal by petal, the wealth of lotuses around the shallow banks of the pond begin to unfold underneath clear, sparkling moonlight. Yuze’s face glows just as much as the flowers, his eyes wide with uninhibited awe as the blooms reveal their intricate interiors. All at once I’m reminded of being a boy, sat on the rocky shore of Lake Nakajie, watching the magical spectacle with Ahbo at my side. I wonder if I looked the same as Yuze does now; entranced and mesmerized, spellbound by each fraction of movement from the papery petals. The wait was worth it.$

August 10, 2025 at 2:56 PM

HARUMI

@harumibooks.bsky.social

August has been off to a busy start so I’ve missed out, but knew I could get one in today!

From chapter 7 of BEFORE THE LOTUS BLOOMS, hopefully to be available March 2026.

#writesky #wipsnips #writingcommunity

A brush along the side of my face sends a strange shiver through my spine and my eyes open on instinct, expecting a stray leaf or blade of grass to be the culprit but instead I’m met with the Prince’s forearm stretched out across my vision, his delicate fingers tangled in my hair on the left side of my head.
My heart feels as though it’s tripped over itself as a rush of adrenaline comes coursing through me, my body frozen as he pulls his hand away and meets my eyes, his expression seemingly unbothered.
“There was a piece of cotton,” he says, holding the little piece of white fluff up before tossing it into the nearby grass unceremoniously. The feeling of his gentle touch lingers on my cheek, which now feels like it must be burning red. I sit up quickly, nearly knocking him over as he backs out of the way, proof we were sitting much too close.

August 9, 2025 at 11:16 PM

HARUMI

@harumibooks.bsky.social

Last one for July:

“My chest hurts for some reason as I watch his hand drop into his lap, tears welling in his eyes.”

Jaeyun eventually figures out what that “some reason” is for his chest hurting when he watches Yuzeharu cry, even if it takes him a little while. 😌

#wipsnips #writesky

The way he says those words to me leads me to believe I must fall into that category. My chest hurts for some reason as I watch his hand drop into his lap, tears welling in his eyes. He’s older than me, higher in societal rank than me, but yet he seems so small, like a lost child with no hope of ever being found.
“It’s not your fault.” I feel compelled to reach out to him, my thumb wiping the outer corner of his eye as my hand finds its way into his hair. “None of this is your fault.” I may not know anything about his illness, his family, or the life he’s lived up until now...the burdens he’s borne alone. But I do know one thing.
I don’t trust a single person in this palace.

July 31, 2025 at 6:54 PM

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