DOUBLE X The ямБrst VIXX fanzine
Table of Contents p. 03 happy birthday, hongbin!
p. 06 | fic feature 8bit fiction by mel p. 12
vixx’s closet
p. 04 |
feature column
hello, LR p. 11
the starlight connection
p. 14 | member spotlight musical man ken p. 15 | recap can’t say p. 16 vixx fic tropes
letter from the editor
S
o here we finally have it. The first issue of DOUBLE X! It's been a wild ride to get here, but I'm thankful for all the support the team and I have gotten as we make our wobbly start with this new zine. I have to apologize right off the bat for the lateness of this issue. As the editor-in-chief, director, and also columnist and designer, the fact that this issue was late is entirely my fault. In the future, I’ll work harder, and we’ll also be starting the planning and production processes a lot earlier. Two weeks was definitely not enough time to put this together. I hope you’ll look forward to our future issues! When I first got the idea to start this zine, it was an idea that I almost immediately put on the back burner. It didn't seem like anything that anyone would be interested in, much less want to participate in. So when I put out that first tumblr post and tweet that I was looking for people to work with on a VIXX fanzine at the end of August, I was amazed when I even got one response! Now I have a team of more people than I can count on one hand, and possibilities for more team positions in the future. And then when we launched the raffle event on twitter and gained over 100 followers in just one afternoon, it was definitely an affirmation that maybe this zine wasn't such a crazy idea after all. I hope you'll all enjoy this zine—the team and I have put a lot of love and hard work into it. What I'm hoping DOUBLE X will become is a new unique platform for Starlights from all over the world to come together and share insights, fandom news and the creations of other Starlights. Whether it's articles, fanart or fanfiction, DOUBLE X hopes to share with you all the amazing things Starlights can do. This issue focuses majorly on VIXX’s new subunit, LR. The team is, for the most part, Ravi or Leo biased, so I think that this was a good way to start with DOUBLE X. LR did a lot of impressive things in the short time they were promoting, so it was almost a no-brainer to dedicate this issue to LR. I’m happy that we were able to also include a recap on VIXX’s recent Japanese promotions, as well as a column about VIXX fanfiction tropes. There is also an interview and fanfiction feature with an amazing fic author, Mel. Mel is also slated to begin writing an exclusive serial for DOUBLE X next month! Although the next issue is still in the pre-production phase, I can already tell DX has some amazing content lined up. Not only will Mel's first installment be published, but we have some pretty superb autumn-themed content incubating. Thank you so much for picking up this first issue of DOUBLE X. It really means a lot, and I hope you'll stick around to see what we can bring for future issues!
Best Wishes,
Thia
Editor-in-Chief and Director
contact us! DOUBLE X
Twitter: @DOUBLEXVIXX ask.fm: ask.fm/doublexvixx Email: doublex.zine@gmail.com
TEAM CONTACTS Thia GUESTS
Editor-in-Chief, Director Twitter: @kimwondick ask.fm: ask.fm/kimwondick Tumblr: wontaeks Kakao: huannng Email: corinthiawarner@gmail.com
VIXX’S CLOSET Xan
Guest Columnist Twitter: @vixxcloset
Mel Liv
Serialist Guest Columnist Twitter: @wonshiktv Twitter: @ILLUMlNEO Tumblr: wontaektv AFF: milk-tv
Ray
Columnist Questions or comments? Please don’t Twitter: @taekwoonshik hesitate to contact DOUBLE X or any team
member! We would be happy to talk to you.
Sammi
Columnist Did you enjoy this first issue of DOUBLE X? Please Twitter: @dandypop2 keep an eye out for a reader survey on our TwitTumblr: dandypop2 ter! Instagram: dandypop11
Cha
Fanartist [ Notice ] DOUBLE X has openings for one more Twitter: @ravissnapback columnist, and one assistant editor! Please contact Thia for more details, or if you’re interested in Zeon either of these positions. Auxiliary Columnist, Assistant Editor Twitter: @hakyeons_tummy
DOUBLE X does not own any photographs within this publication, and this publication is not-for-profit. All written and drawn materials are original and owned by their respective writers or artists. All other materials belong to their original sources. DOUBLE X does not use any fantaken photographs in its publications.
happy birthday, hongbin! Our Hongbin’s 23rd Birthday!
h
ongbin’s birthday is just around the corner on September 29! To celebrate, some of the DOUBLE X team members have written little messages to Hongbin. Hongbin has been an important part of VIXX for the last three years, and we all sincerely wish the best for him. Hongbin has always brought so many smiles to VIXX and Starlights— we love you, Hongbin! Happy 23rd Birthday!
Messages from the team Dear Bean, You’re super buff and yet so tiny. I don’t get it, but it’s working for you pretty well so I can’t complain. Anyway, happy birthday! I hope you have a great one, and I hope that the coming year will bring on new opportunities for you to shine even brighter. Remember we’ll always support you and we love you! P.S. We should be gym buddies. -Zeon Dearest VIXX Member Wongbin, I’m sorry the fandom has just completely ruined your name and never seems to be able to spell it right, but look at this way: just as many ways as we say your name are the many ways that we love you and cheer for you through all your efforts. Whether it being MCing, acting, playing the guitar, or pursuing your idol as a fanboy, we’re always here to support you, always cheering you on. Happy birthday, Bingbong. -Mel Dear Hongbin, Thank you for working so hard to make Starlights proud. We can’t wait for your new drama and I hope to see those killer dimples in overdrive pretty soon! (Maybe even a strictly Hongbin gun show on V app where he flexes and talks about his feelings...) Happy Birthday HongBeanieBaby, get some rest and have fun with the members! We love you! -Liv Hongbin is like a sunbeam; he’s very sweet and very kind he brings such sweetness to any environment, and he’s so talented, too! He was the member that made me get into VIXX. If I could wish anything for Hongbin it’d be for him to eat well, sleep well, enjoy time with loved ones, and eat lots of yummy food on his birthday! I’m really proud of him and hope that Hongbin and starlights can celebrate his birthday together like this for a long time. -Sammi Dear HB pencil, Without you, VIXX wouldn’t be quite complete. I remeber way back in Ye Olde Mydol days, you were shy and awkward— and although now maybe you’re anything but that, you’re still the same Hongbin (except you’re still as embarrassing as ever). You laugh hard, smile hard, and work even harder, so here’s to another year with you! I hope in the next 12 months, you’ll be able to enjoy everything you do and spend time working on your best talents to become the best Hongbin you can be. Happy birthday! -Thia
hello, LR ray;s column
by ray
I
Celebrating the debut of VIXX’s first-ever subunit, VIXX LR
was possibly one of the first people surprised by the LR subunit when the first silhouette teasers appeared at the beginning of August. When the countdown started, the last thing on my mind was a subunit by any of the VIXX members. Instead, I imagined an album, a comeback, even Japanese promotions or concert at that point, but I never, ever imagined that the countdown that had most Starlights religiously checking any VIXX official channel would end up as a Leo and Ravi subunit. But there it was: VIXX LR. The first VIXX subunit, proudly announced by Jellyfish Entertainment. In the beginning, and I think this is a common feeling, I could hardly believe that out of all people in VIXX, there was a subunit comprised of Leo and Ravi.It was a pleasant and precious surprise, and the days waiting for the music video and mini album were full of expectation. VIXX “LR” stands for VIXX “Leo and Ravi”, but could also stand for “Left and Right”. It aims to express the thoughts and feelings of how two individuals, with their particular colours such as Leo and Ravi, can work together, merging into something as beautiful, powerful and enthralling as LR ended up being. At first, most of us didn’t really know what the LR subunit was going to be about. Was it going to be just a digital single, or just a digital album? How much of a promotion was going to happen, and to which level? What kind of songs were they going to do; what kind of videos? The days leading up to LR’s showcase were filled with an endless flow of questions and wonders from Starlights everywhere. The answers to all those questions started to be revealed the moment their mini album “Beautiful Liar” was released in both digital and CD format. After their showcase on August 17th, they started to promote the title track “Beautiful Liar” on several music shows, starting with SBS’ MTV: The Show. Honestly speaking, I was ecstatic. The other four members were always busy and working hard on their own personal schedules and talents. N has his radio show, Ken has his musicals, Hongbin has his emceeing, and Hyuk is busy starting down his new path as an actor. Ravi and Leo, on the other hand, seemed to be idler about their individual works. Sure, we had Ravi for about fifty seconds on Show Me the Money 4, but I honestly think that it wasn’t really the kind of program someone like Ravi would have shone in. And Leo was probably just enjoying his time off with his family and his baby niece. That is why I was so particularly excited and happy about Leo and Ravi working together, and doing something other than working as a part of VIXX. While maybe Ravi’s rapping skills were not polished and fresh enough for a program as competitive as Show Me the Money, I never once doubted his skills and ambition to be a producer, song writer and lyricist—and the same goes for Leo.
hello, LR | 05 I simply wanted to listen to the kind of music they could do together. And I wasn’t disappointed—and I think not a single Starlight was—when the music video and mini album were released and we could listen to and watch them for first time. Likewise, “Beautiful Liar” far surpassed any kind of expectations I had for the subunit and its result. To say that “Beautiful Liar”, even with sounding redundant, is a beautiful song, still doesn’t give it enough justice. When I watched the video for the first time, I was incredibly dumbfounded. I admit I watched it about four or five times in a row because there were so many things going on; I couldn’t just focus on one thing. The whole ambiance of the video, the powerfulness of Leo’s voice along the fact that Ravi actually sang made me immediately addicted to the song. Leo’s soft yet vibrant voice and those incredible high notes worked so well with Ravi’s raspier, lower tone. The flow between the rap parts and the sung parts, and of course the piano melody, makes the song an unquestionable work of art. Before moving on to talk about the rest of the songs and the promotions they did together, I would like to make a special mention about the lyrics, written by Ravi. Unfortunately, I don’t speak Korean, but even without understanding a single word from Leo or Ravi’s lips, I could feel how powerful and overwhelming the lyrics were; tragically beautiful, even. And the moment the translations started to spread, the gut feeling became real. The lyrics have to be one of the main reasons why I particularly like “Beautiful Liar” as much as I do, and have caused me to take on a whole new level of respect for Ravi as a lyricist. I am aware of how true meaning and feelings can be lost in translation, but even keeping that in mind, the kind of sensitivity projected into the lyrics sent chills down my spine. Specifically, I want to talk about the lyrics of Ravi’s rap, after the moment he and Leo sing together in the first part of the song. After reading the translations, I think it has to be my favourite part of the song, growing on me even more as I noticed how mighty Ravi sounds, and how passion he’s pouring into the words. Even just reading it, it makes me feel moved by the kind of feelings trying to be portrayed, and it makes me once again feel really proud of Ravi’s depth and dedication as a writer.
“This isn’t the future I thought of It seemed like a sin to look at you like a lonely tied up dog So I’m swallowing up my feelings and letting you go You must live better than me, promise me But the moment I said that, you turned around.” The rest of the “Beautiful Liar” mini album consists of five songs besides the main title: “Remember”, “Words to Say” which is Leo’s solo, “Ghost” which is Ravi’s, “My Light” which is performed by VIXX, and an instrumental version of “Beautiful Liar”. “Remember” is a song in some way less powerful than “Beautiful Liar” is, but still shows how well Ravi and Leo work together. In a fluid flow between Leo’s soft voice
Not only during “Ghost”, but during all the songs on the mini album, it’s obvious in his delivery that he has improved; the flow is much more potent and powerful, as well as constant, and even his diction is clearer. Honestly speaking, the first time I listened to “Ghost”, it felt like a punch to my throat; even more so after I read the translated lyrics. It just made me admire Ravi more as a lyricist, producer and songwriter. I am very excited about what he, along with Leo, can do. I do hope they have the chance to make more songs as good as Beautiful Liar and the rest of the album. The performances of “Beautiful Liar” didn’t make me feel any less pleased. It was very different to see only the two of them performing together instead of the usual six, as well as with a song that didn’t really leave much room for dancing like most of VIXX’s songs. I was curious about what type of stage they were going to prepare, and I loved how they seemed to project the feeling and character of the video in all the stages they performed for “Beautiful Liar”. I loved how they looked for every stage, as well. I think the physical looks of both Ravi and Leo were another aspect of the whole concept of the subunit that added depth and completeness. Left and right, light and dark, contrary to each other but working together. The contrast of Leo’s pitch black hair, Ravi’s silver hair, the well-fitted suits and contrasting outfits all added to the yin-yang of LR. Finally, on September the 1st, Leo and Ravi got their first win with Beautiful Liar on MTV’s The Show! Sadly, they were unable to be there to physically accept the award due to another schedule, but Hongbin received it for them in their stead. I thought it was really a demonstration of how well the whole promotion and work of Beautiful Liar went. I’m so proud that LR were able to win an award with their very first album and debut track. As the LR promotions come to an end, I don’t think we know if the next thing is going to be a comeback from VIXX as a whole, or a repackage of LR’s mini album for another round of promotions, or some other promotion from VIXX. Either way, I think all the work Leo and Ravi have done together, from making the songs, the lyrics, the concept, the videos, the appearances and performances, are worthy of applause and praise. Every single detail of it—everything was so well
“Left and right, light and dark, contrary to each other but working together.” and Ravi’s rap, I think it’s a very good song to accompany the main title. Leo’s solo, “Words to Say”, fits the sensibility and taste of what Leo seems to like and the type of song he probably is more comfortable performing and singing. It’s a song that effortlessly shows his vocal range and his high notes, and in my opinion is very enjoyable. Even though I’m afraid of sounding biased, I think “Ghost” has to be my favourite song on the whole album, aside from Beautiful Liar. I mentioned before that Ravi’s rapping skills are probably not polished enough for a show like SMTM, but I want to take the chance now to point out how much he has improved on an individual level as a rapper.
constructed and thoroughly prepared that I was just incredibly happy and proud to be not only a VIXX fan, but a devoted new fan of what VIXX LR can pull off. Now I am just hoping for more promotions from LR in the future, and I am looking forward to what Leo and Ravi can do in their roles as producers and musicians within VIXX as a whole. •
06 | fic feature
I
8-bit fiction interview with fic author, mel by th i a
consider Mel to be one of my closest buds and favorite authors in the Starlight fandom, as her writing has always been amazing— so when she agreed to have her fic featured and to be interviewed, I was ecstatic. And then when she agreed to write an exclusive serial fic for the zine, I was floored. This issue of DOUBLE X will be featuring her series titled “8-Bit Fiction”, which is comprised of drabbles/one-shots based off small 8-bit pictures and centered around wontaek; I’ve picked several my favorites and Mel’s favorites to feature in the zine. I also hope you’ll look forward to future issues and Mel’s upcoming serial! Without further ado, here is my interview with Mel: Q: Can you introduce yourself? A: My name is Mel, I’ve been a Starlight for a little over two years now. I like writing and photoshop, and my bias is Ravi. :3c Q: Can you introduce your 8bit fiction? A: 8-Bit Fiction is a series I started around the time the LR subunit was announced. I’m not very good at consistently updating things I write and I wanted something short and noncommittal I could have fun with. The ideas come from
Q: How and when did you get into VIXX? A: In the summer of 2012, I was already on Tumblr a lot as it was. I got into a lot of different things but my main fandoms were anime and video games: Kuroko no Basuke and Kingdom Hearts respectively. At that time, I was writing fics for the fandom too, but never anything too serious or dedicated. One of my friends, someone I met on a Kingdom Hearts forum and we became close, reblogged an a capella version of “Hyde.” Looking back on it, I don’t know if she ever even knew who the band was, but I loved a capella edits, so I listened to it and I thought it was so cool. At that time, most of the music I listened to was J-pop, bands that made anime openings and endings, where I got into them and downloaded their albums, but the a capella edit was the first real interaction I ever had with K-pop. I didn’t dwell on it long after I reblogged it, but a few days later, I got curious and I wanted to hear the non-edited version, so of course, I googled it... Needless to say, watching the Hyde MV was a hella way to be slammed into K-pop, all I saw were demon goths with wings choking chicks and it was so wild. At the time, I didn’t realize how immersive the K-pop world was, so from Hyde, I
— Q: What can we look forward to in your upcoming serial? A: Lots of family-aspects in the grime of the sewers; situations that reflect the very real life for some people in the world. But there will be good times too: the darker the shadow, the brighter the light. — 8-bitfiction.tumblr.com; I’d been eying them for a little while because they were great prompt ideas. :3c
Most of the pieces revolve around Ravi and Leo in different settings and situations, contextual or not, and they’re just about their relationship and ups and downs that come with one. Q: Can you explain the origin of your 8bit fiction? A: A twitter account of the same name posts one new pixel image every day with a different illustration and sentence/word/mini-writing. The first one I wrote, “orbit”, was based off an image with a planet and a moon, and the words “Today, darling, the world will just have to wait. Come back to bed.” and I saw everything I wanted to write for it. I’d been mulling over the idea for a few days before that, but I figured it’d be something easy for me to do. :3c
sorta strayed off from here to there; of course I found EXO, and I also found B.A.P and T-ara and the sorts, but it wasn’t until the teaser for G.R.8.U came out that I really started getting excited and into VIXX. Q: What is your favorite genre to write? A: A lot of the ideas I have are very morally questionable, dark, or twisted. I almost never post any of that stuff (I don’t want to deal with the backlash) but most of the things I do post are pretty angsty with a slight surreal edge in the writing style, I guess. I say I hate angst a lot, but angst with a good ending is my favorite. Q: What is your favorite pairing(s)? A: My ultimate OTP is wontaek. Other pairings I like are hyukvi, chabean, hyukken, and from time to time, kenvi. Even though I don’t like leobin that much, I like writing them more often than others.
Q: How did the idea of the 8bit fiction develop for you? A: Like most of my ideas, 8BF was actually just going to sit in the back of my mind and never be done, but most of the time the only way I do get anything done is on impulse. When I realized that I could write something different for every given “prompt”, it just seemed like a fun way to busy myself and be a little more consistent.
Q: Where do your ideas come from? A: Most of my ideas come from songs I listen to, quotes I see, or pictures I look at. Sometimes from movies or other fics I read. I seem to get just the slightest ideas from a single word or just a small scene; it’s really annoying because all the ideas just pile up one after the other and I sorta drop my head in my hands because I know I’ll never write them. :^(
Q: Which one is your favorite? A: I’m horrible at picking favorites. [canned laughter]
Some of my ideas also tend to come from past life events. A lot of the darker things I write are inspired by how I’ve lived and what I’ve been through, but most of them never make it to post.
Overall, while it wasn’t my favorite to write, I think “bedtime attack” is my favorite. The situation that Leo and Ravi are in is something I know all too well, and while writing it, I remembered certain things I said or did because of how it was. I know how difficult long-distance relationships can be, but if there’s enough love and enough dedication, they really are sustainable. Q: How and when did you start writing? A: I started writing when I was 12. Ahaha... Naruto fanfiction... My first ever chaptered story was a high school AU, which in retrospect, really was a good place to start. However, I really, really avoid going back to read it because it’s so embarrassing. I used to watch a lot of AMVs and other fanvideos to put more weight to my favorite ships, and then I read doujinshi of the NSFW kind because I was a kid, what else do kids do besides snoop around with the grown-up stuff. I used to lie about my age so I could read all the touch the weewee stuff lmao
Q: What are ways in which you challenge yourself with writing? A: I never really challenge myself! I suppose that’s why I’m so bad about updating lol... I guess sometimes I force myself to spit something out that’s legible; write now, edit later, but other than that lol I can’t really think of anything. I wonder if trying to figure out what the most fucked up idea I can come up with counts. Q: Starting in October, you’ll be writing a serial fic exclusive to DOUBLE X. Can you talk about your plans for it? A: There’s no title yet. The fic is just a delinquent AU about six boys living in the slums, making it by day to day. Even though life is pretty hard for them, they make it work, and they make it work together; a small, makeshift family just trying to survive.
fic feature | 07 There’s honestly not much planned yet, but hopefully I can put together something I really like soon. Once the idea takes off, it pretty much runs away and drags me after it. “Hard Knock Life” is a title I’m considering for it, but u know these things are harder than they sound :3c Q: What can we look forward to in your upcoming serial? A: Lots of family-aspects in the grime of the sewers; situations that reflect the very real life for some people in the world. But there will be good times too: the darker the shadow, the brighter the light. Q: Can you recommend any of your other fics? A: Any other fic I recommend will get me in trouble lol. I Could Use Another Cigarette (ICUAC) and halcyon daze (HD) are my two ongoing fics right now. ICUAC could probably be considered the basis for the serial I’ll write, something like a lite version; take Wonshik’s situation in the fic and then multiply it by 6, add the intercity and more graffiti, and there you have it. HD is a wontaek story, a high school AU, kinda cliche, where Taekwoon newly moves in after his parents ditch him and his next door neighbor, Seungho, pretty much looks after him. It’s mostly about his life at a new school, has an almost Romeo and Juliet air to it at the more general of points, but is also about friendship and breaking boundaries and differences that teenagers ultimately set between each other. Q: Where can we find your fic? A: My writing blog URL is homoerotixx (homoerotic+vixx; don’t take it too seriously) and my AFF username is milk-tv (even though I can’t drink milk because I’m lactose intolerant lmao). Anything I post will likely be on one of the two, or both. Just u know go with caution there are things there that might not be like family-safe snorts
chest. Their legs tangle. Wonshik is warm, warmer than he usually is, but not much more than he ever is after these nights. Taekwoon knows the body overload takes more than a little while to wear off, but he “Are you okay...?” ofalsosleep knows his body will cool Wonshik’s voice is raspy, before they go back asleep his throat must be dry, again tonight. bloom near the sore, and scratched up. rightTingles left side of his chest as Wonshik mutters something, just something he’s saying while he’s waking up; Taekwoon doesn’t have to know what it is. He’s tempted to card his fingers through the messy black hair, but he just rests his hand on Wonshik’s hip. The over-stimulation would just make Wonshik upset anyway, and he needed to cool down as it was. “Are you awake...?” Wonshik murmurs into his bare chest, arm pulling tighter around Taekwoon’s waist. Taekwoon hums, just quiet enough to not disturb the haze of waking up and trying to understand how the universe works again. He wonders if Wonshik enjoys those few moments of complete bliss after waking up, those ones where he doesn’t know where he is or who he is, or how he suffers. It’s probably better not to ask. “Are you okay...?” Wonshik’s voice is raspy, his throat must be dry, sore, and scratched up. He needs water, which was why Taekwoon already had some by their bedside. He reaches behind him, trying not to move as Wonshik winds his arm tighter, as if afraid Taekwoon might get up and go for good. It’s a water bottle. Wonshik isn’t yet capable of holding a glass with a big opening, where his hands would shake and spill everywhere. Taekwoon’s thought of everything, and the hold on his waist loosens in gratitude. Taekwoon leans back as he watches Wonshik turn over and sit up, eyes closed, brow relaxed, face calm and not red. He can’t help watching his Adam’s apple slowly bounce up and down as Wonshik drinks deeply; he wants to kiss it, but Wonshik’s not up for that this morning. Maybe some other time. “Why are you asking me that?” Taekwoon wonders, voice soft, though he knows the answer. Wonshik asks every time after every night like this. Taekwoon always replies like that too, he can’t help himself; if he asks enough times, maybe Wonshik will realize he won’t have to ask in the first place. He’ll just know. “I’m okay.” he replies simply, and Wonshik lays back down, eyes still closed, crusted with sleep and dry tears. He never asks Wonshik if he’s okay, even though unlike himself, the answer
1. orbit Taekwoon’s already awake when Wonshik begins stirring next to him; sleep is too few hours after nights like last night... Not that Taekwoon minds. He wonders if he should attempt to soothe Wonshik back into sleep by running his fingers through his hair. There were a lot of little things he learned to do after they started living together, anything that would calm Wonshik and keep him grounded and clear-minded. He took great pride and care in the fact that he’d mastered a lot of it. But then he knows that he can’t keep Wonshik down, so this morning, he just decides to let him stir awake himself. He sets aside his book and adjusts himself, resting on his side, head in his upturned palm, watching Wonshik slowly wake up. His eyes are puffy and his lips are chapped; bitten and dried from last night,and Taekwoon wants to kiss them, soften them, heal them. Wonshik will just refuse the lip balm anyway, it wouldn’t do harm. A small groan escapes Wonshik as he turns on his other side, unconsciously reaching out his hand to pat around for Taekwoon, who doesn’t move. Taekwoon feels the warm hand on his side and lets Wonshik snuggle into his
differs every time. Still, it’s the little things Taekwoon’s come to discover the answer from. The way he’ll wake up, the way he’ll move around, if he lays an arm over his eyes or not. Little habitual things Wonshik is comfortable expressing himself with. Communication between the two of them is mainly comprised of eye-contact and body language; they know each other well. Wonshik lays there for a moment, not sure if he should get up or not. He rubs fists into his eyes, getting rid of the sleep stuck in them and trying to open them from the dried tears. He sits up. Taekwoon’s laying on his back now, one hand under his head and the other resting on his stomach. Wonshik doesn’t look at him, but Taekwoon doesn’t need
08 | fic feature to see his face. He holds back a sigh when Wonshik pulls his legs over the edge of the bed and stands. He’s wobbly, tired. Taekwoon can tell he wants to lay back down, but he’d never let himself. His eyes trace the bare contours of his body, the way the morning light through the soft curtains shines on his skin. An angel, with cuts and bruises and dark circles dug under his eyes, and Taekwoon wants to cry. Wonshik, mind elsewhere, hobbles around the foot of the bed and to the window. He pulls the curtains back and leans on his lifted arm, whole posture obviously ready to collapse. His shoulders are tensed up but his back is slumped. He’s tired. Taekwoon gets up too, regretful that he has to leave the warmth of their bed. He slows up behind Wonshik, who doesn’t make the slightest sign that he knows Taekwoon is there, but he does. Throat tight, forcing himself to remain steady, Taekwoon winds his arms around Wonshik’s lithe waist, pulling himself forward instead of pulling Wonshik backwards. A few moments is how long they stare out the window at nothing before Taekwoon speaks. “You’re too tired.” he murmurs into the warm skin of Wonshik’s neck. “Today, darling,” he sighs, “the world will just have to wait.” And for a slight moment, Wonshik tenses, but Taekwoon doesn’t worry that he’s crossed a line. He couldn’t cross something that wasn’t there. “Come back to bed.” With their fingers lacing, with Taekwoon kissing every bruised, cut, split knuckle, Wonshik lets himself be led back to the bed. There, he can be free, be with Taekwoon, who makes him free and okay.
5. blooming Wonshik laid on the concrete basketball court, watery eyes trained on the moon. The concrete below him was cold, cracked, unlevel, and his back hurt after a little while of laying on it. A basketball was discarded a few meters away. He’d gotten so angry that he threw it and it bounced off the fence, then rolled to a stand still. He’d watched it, watched it stop, watched its motion die and he felt like doing the same thing. A substantial welt was under his eye, already sore and inflamed, red and angry. Taekwoon punched him in the face, and the stomach. And his arms... Wonshik punched him back. They both probably sported an assortment of bruises and cuts tonight, they usually did when something fell between them. He couldn’t remember what it was this time. Taekwoon’s family? Wonshik’s bad manners? Their complete, utter differences that ultimately caused a rift every time. It tore a new one into Wonshik’s heart, and he wondered if it did the same for Taekwoon—though by the way he acted, Wonshik wasn’t sure Taekwoon had a heart. He scowled, muscles tensing with heat brushing over him. But he was tired, too tired to be angry anymore. After he and Taekwoon went at it (for what to had to be the fifth time in two
or three months), Wonshik stormed out, stealing a basketball from the neighbor’s porch. He thought about going drinking instead but he was too angry and he knew he’d just start a fight at any bar he went to anyway. Besides, he wanted to remember why and how he was mad at Taekwoon, not make drunk love declarations that only meant desperation and denial. His chest hurt. He lays on the concrete that’s cold enough to burn. His palms already sting and he wonders if he could get frostbite, but it’s probably not even that cold. “Are you ashamed of me?! Is that it?!” “God, don’t be ridiculous Wonshik.” “Then why the fuck do you act like you gotta hide me or something?! Like I’m your dirty little secret!” “If you would just listen—”
“Well, I’m waiting!” In retrospect, Wonshik shouldn’t have cut him off. He was just so angry. It wasn’t like that was the only thing they fought about. Taekwoon acted aloof. Wonshik acted reckless. Taekwoon was a slut. Wonshik was unfaithful. Taekwoon was snide and passive aggressive. Wonshik was loud and angry. 60% of their communication was based on yelling and kicking and accusations, and he wondered how they even made it past their first year. He wants to go back home and scream at Taekwoon some more for wasting his time. He wants to fight him, to knock him down, to feel like at least they have something between them that isn’t some fake love. He wants Taekwoon to hurt like he is. He chokes up a little. Closing his eyes, the first few tears trails down his face. He felt like such an idiot... Always the romantic, always letting his heart grow too fast and his emotions get the best of him. He couldn’t help it, Taekwoon was just... Taekwoon had always just been... So beautiful, quiet, thoughtful. Selective with who he talked to, who he entrusted his deepest thoughts too. Wonshik loved it, he had been that person, and Taekwoon shared everything with him. In turn, Wonshik bared his entire body and mind, his soul and heart, and the way Taekwoon smiled ... It stole his breath every time. It still did. But Taekwoon was stubborn. Wonshik was hardheaded. Taekwoon was emotionally stunted. Wonshik was overly-sensitive. His nostrils burn with the need to burst out sobbing, but he doesn’t. Instead, he turns his head to the side, eyes tracing along the cracks of the basketball court. They’re everywhere, been growing for years and years and this place continues becoming more used and abandoned at the same time, but Wonshik liked it, and he was sure he’d seen other people playing here before too. Old and cracked, worn and loved. Worn and loved. And that’s when Wonshik bursts into tears, wailing into the empty night sky, sitting up so fast blood rushes to his head and he sways. Because he feels so tired he feels so old, so cracked, so worn. But then waves of visions crash against him and he can see it all, when Taekwoon hugs him from behind, when he kisses No one loves him the nape of his neck, runs his fingers his hair, takes his hand in his like Taekwoon does. through own, kisses every knuckle, kisses every vertebrae down his spine. When they hide under the covers from the rest of the world, when they steal kisses in front of friends, laugh into each others mouths too loudly, whisper promises in the dark. He cries louder. Because how could he think even for a second that Taekwoon was ashamed of him, that he didn’t love him? That he was incapable of loving him, when in the whole entire world, Taekwoon loved him like no one else, loved him like they were dying, like the world was crashing down around them. His chest constricts and he can’t breathe. Because god , he loves Taekwoon so much too, adores him, the very breath leaving his lungs, his skin illuminated under the moon, glistening in the shower, his smile brighter than the sun, his red face of embarrassment. He’s coughing out now, gagging, god, he’s sobbing so much. He steadies a hand on his chest, trying to ground himself, trying to force calm through his fiery veins and thicken his brittle bones. The welt on his face is more swollen now, but it doesn’t matter as much as it did before. Because no one hurts him like Taekwoon does, no one breaks him like Taekwoon does. No one loves him like Taekwoon does. Through aqueous vision, his eyes trace the cracks again, and this time he sees something he hadn’t before. Weeds. Grass. Flowers . So many flowers, so much life, so much health and persistence and it’s nature taking over again, breaking through the cracks, bringing life back . And this basketball court, so old and cracked, so worn, is so loved by nature that it’s being reclaimed. The life the cold concrete buried is fighting back, it’s persisting and winning. His sobs reduce to little but hiccups and sniffles. He staggers to his feet, swaying and dizzy, and stumbles over to the wooden bench for his phone. Quivering fingers tap at the screen as best they can, and he pants out, bringing it to his ear. The dial tone only plays once. “ Wonshik? W-Wonshik, where are you? ” And he sounds like he’s been through the ringer too, and Wonshik almost starts crying again. “T-Taekwoon, I’m coming home. God, I’m s-sorry . I love you so much.” And through all things, they are still stupid in love each other.
fic feature | 09 “Are you sure?” “...No.” Taekwoon sighs. “But you have to anyway.” It’s weird, when usually the conversation is reversed and Taekwoon’s the one urging him to get to sleep, but Taekwoon has always been the more important one between them. “I mean, we can still talk tomorrow and all...” he insists, trying to convince himself to let go too. This time when Taekwoon sighs, Wonshik knows he’s made up his mind to force himself to sleep. “You hang up first, okay?” Taekwoon tells him, and he doesn’t want to. Even though he says they can talk tomorrow, what if they can’t? What if something bad happens to one of them? The other would never even know, they’d just call and message and text and worry. The fragility of their connection here made Wonshik wheeze; as strong as their feelings were for each other, it could all be broken, just like that. “Okay...” he croaks. Some longer moments pass and it’s silence again. Taekwoon’s breathing is Wonshik breathes out, clinging to the phone like a lifeline. "Do you really have trying to even out and Wonshik’s trying to will himself to hang up. It goes on like this for what feels like hours, and then Wonshik knows he can’t put it off anymore. to go...?" “Goodnight,” he whispers, afraid that if he speaks any louder, he’ll start crying On the other side, there's a sigh. " Not right this second, but I have to go to bed soon... " Taekwoon's voice is serene and Wonshik feels at peace. " I don't want to again. “...Goodnight.” Taekwoon whispers back, and something else hangs between though. " Wonshik shakes his head like Taekwoon might be able to see. "I don't want you them. Neither is sure if they want to say it for not. Before Wonshik can, he forces himself to hit end. to go either." he pouts, hoping that if he just acts cute enough, Taekwoon, lover of His phone thumps to the bed, and he curls tighter on himself, breathing out all things cute, will stay anyway. Taekwoon chuckles and his heart beats a little faster. He never thought in a heavily and trying to stave off the tightness in his chest. It’s not always so depressing, and when it is, thousand years he'd be comfortably talking to Taekwoon, someone who acted so aloof and chic “We’ll be okay,” Taekwoon whispers, Wonshik cheers himself up by imagining all the online. Taekwoon let him see his inbox once and and Wonshik wonders if he’s made things they’ll do when they meet up. Go to the beach, eat too much street food and get sick, it was filled with all sorts of confessions and him cry too. ride bikes, get lost in the city... Anything and requests to be friends; he hadn't understood how someone could be so popular like this, but then again, he'd gotten a crush on everything, as long as they’re together. When he thinks about it this time, he sees them sitting on a jetty; sun him too. It wasn't any big deal then, just some unrealistic expectations after Taekwoon setting, seagulls squawking in the distance, the salty breeze from the ocean making posted a few selfies and things like that. Then, Taekwoon complimented one of his their hair sticky... And they’re holding hands, fingers laced together, running their artworks and it just sort of... happened from there. They exchanged Kakao handles thumbs over each other. It’s all quiet and perfect, and finally Wonshik thinks, This and eventually Skyped, Wonshik got to the point where he'd send him Snapchats of is the moment I want to live in forever. Warmth flutters his chest, loosens the cold tightness, and he rolls onto his back. literally anything he was doing at the moment, and finally, they exchanged phone He stares up at the ceiling in the dark, not that he can actually see anything, but numbers. Now, at night, they would sit and talk for hours about anything and everything, he can’t close his eyes. He hopes that Taekwoon can’t either. and in Wonshik's chest sat a heaviness he never felt before. It was both good and... not so good, exhilarating and scary, because that's how Taekwoon was. Still, it wasn't just him. While Taekwoon lived in Seoul, Wonshik lived in Busan, way on the other side of the country. One more time, he said, just one more time. On Wonshik’s insistence, his final He sighed. Taekwoon hummed. "What is it?" he asked quietly, and his voice sent waves of insistence (he promised, he begged, no more after this) they were at the beach. Overhead was partly cloudy, the sun struggling its way through the clouds and only shivers through Wonshik's body. "I'm just tired," he lies, but the way Taekwoon hums again tells him he knows winning every few minutes or so. Taekwoon loved the beach. He was surprisingly pale for how much time he used he's lying. He wants to ask, just like he always does, but Taekwoon's been busy with school to spend out here, but maybe it was just that the sun didn’t love him. The sun loved and so has he. They don't have time to worry about things like meeting each other. Wonshik though; with his tan and sandy hair, if he appeared from the ocean with "I miss you," he says, and then bites his lip. Because he does miss Taekwoon, scales coloring his skin, Taekwoon might have once mistaken him for a sea god. Gods in mythology never really liked letting go of what they called theirs, not because they hardly talk anymore, there's just too much, and they only have these unless they cast them aside for a reason. Then again, sometimes the human got times, late at night when they're both half-asleep. His nostrils start to burn. Taekwoon shushes him, tries to soothe him, but the tears are already running away of their volition. Just this last time, Wonshik said; It’s pretend. One more time. down Wonshik's face. He doesn't know what to do and it all seems so silly; how Though it was weird that he insisted on putting himself through this hurricane could he have fallen this tiny smiles and Taekwoon's adoring eyes, he hopes he that was called them one more time, Taekwoon played along, if for no other reason can't be the only one. "We'll be okay," Taekwoon whispers, and Wonshik wonders if he's made him than the fact that he hated Wonshik crying. (More often than not, he was the cause cry too. He takes a deep breath. "I know... I know." And he really does, because it isn't the end of the world, and maybe it could be a lot worse. It's quiet for a few moments. Wonshik worries he either actually made Taekwoon cry or just made the moment awkward by crying himself, but Taekwoon never cared about that. "You're so cute..." Taekwoon finally says, and his voice is sleepy and heavy, and Wonshik's heart beats faster again as he wipes at his reddening face. After looking at the clock, Wonshik realizes they've stayed up far longer than they should. He turns on his side and curls into himself a little. He feels guilty that he doesn't want to tell Taekwoon what time it is, but he probably knows anyway and maybe he doesn't want to go either. Wonshik's chest aches. "You should go..." he finally admits, and Taekwoon shudders out a sigh, and Wonshik feels worse.
8. bedtime attack
9. shore
10 | fic feature of that crying.) Arms wrapped around his pulled in knees, toes dug into the soft sand, Taekwoon watched Wonshik prance around the shore as if it were a normal trip, having the time of his life and splashing water everywhere on his own. He’d looked Taekwoon’s way more than once, trying to urge him to come along, but Taekwoon shook his head. He pretended not to notice the fall of Wonshik’s shoulders. He was trying to tell himself he wasn’t responsible for how Wonshik felt anymore. Watching Wonshik play around in the water alone was both pitiful and refreshing. Wonshik moved more sluggishly than normal, but he was smiling; happy, playing oblivious, like they were in another time, back here in a happier part of when they were them. Taekwoon couldn’t help smiling on his own, but he hid it in the fold of his arms. He liked seeing Wonshik happy. So how were they here now? Taekwoon doesn’t remember. What he does remember is waking up one morning next to Wonshik, whose arms were wrapped around him, and feeling like This is all wrong. Did he not love Wonshik anymore? As far as he knew, no. Did he want Wonshik to be happy? Absolutely, but it couldn’t be with him. He lifts his head when Wonshik comes up, dragging his feet, tan skin glistening with saltwater and sweat. Taekwoon Waves die against the wonders what exactly it is he’s all shore and birds cry losing. “The water feels good,” Wonshik overhead. The clouds smiles as he plops down in the drift by in the sky sand. How can he not mind all the and a breeze tussles stickiness and scratchiness all over their hair. It’s the his skin? Taekwoon hasn’t even sort of setting that’s touched the water yet and he’s by it. Maybe it’s the heat. supposed to be serene, irritated “You should go.” that’s supposed to “I don’t want to.” he says, and relax, but it’s Wonshik doesn’t push it anymore all just irritating because he can’t; he’s not allowed to. Taekwoon instead. Wonshik rests back on his elbows, dropping his head and exposing his neck. Taekwoon side-eyes him and forces himself not to reach out and touch. If he’s not allowing himself to be with Wonshik anymore, he has no right to touch him either. “It’s hot.” he says, to break his train of thought and instinct. “Water’s right there.” Wonshik replies, and Taekwoon wonders if he’s getting irritated. Of course not though, Wonshik never did; always kind, always patient and loving Wonshik. Waves die against the shore and birds cry overhead. The clouds drift by in the sky and a breeze tussles their hair. It’s the sort of setting that’s supposed to be serene, that’s supposed to relax, but it’s all just irritating Taekwoon instead. Silence feels like it’s screaming, heaviness feels like it’s crushing. It’s all so much, maybe he wants to die. Where did it go? That easy quietness from before, the flowing conversation that came effortlessly? He can’t help blaming a part of himself for it fading like the water does into the damp sand. He feels like he was the one who messed everything up, but maybe he just didn’t want to try any more, not with Wonshik. Wonshik can feel it too, the end of Taekwoon’s rope coming, so he sits back up and shakes off his hair. Some sand gets on Taekwoon and he snorts it away. “I’m going,” Wonshik tells him, and he says it with such a sense of finality that it stings Taekwoon’s heart. He expects him to go towards the shops and roads, but instead, he’s going back towards the ocean, shirt still discarded. Taekwoon watches him wade into the water a few feet where it’s up to his calves. He stands for a moment, staring out as if he could see the entire world laid before him. Taekwoon wishes he could, for his own sake. Taekwoon stands up. Wonshik begins wading father in. Now he’s at his hips. Taekwoon’s ready to turn away, until he realizes that maybe he’s made a mistake. It takes him a few minutes to realize this, as if the universe is punishing him, laughing at him for being this idiotic. Wonshik’s at his shoulders now. Taekwoon widens his eyes. “Wait—” he calls out, hurrying forward. Wonshik is at his neck. The tide—the tide — Taekwoon’s rushing in now, rushing in after Wonshik who’s trying to disappear under the surface of the ocean with that sense of finality he has. The water is thick around him, stalling him from getting closer and if he loses him— If he could only just catch up— •
fanart by cha
the starlight connection | 11
the starlight connection by liv
LR
promotions have just come to a close, and seemingly much too soon— which leaves us here. What do we have to show for it now? An amazingly put-together album composed and written by two of our talented boys, paired with the passion and dedication of Starlights coming together to help LR’s hard work get recognized! So how did we do it? How is it possible that only two members of VIXX could achieve a win in the midst of highly competitive music shows, competing against the likes of Girls' Generation and SHINee? Surely it wasn’t the doing of Leo and Ravi stans alone. The answer is ultimately: every single Starlight. Yes, it’s true that Leo and Ravi stans are Starlights, too, but what does the LR subunit mean to those whose favorite member didn’t appear in the subunit? The response from Starlights has been nothing less than overwhelming, and all different kinds and levels of support were shown by Starlights all over the globe. From actively voting and participating in hashtagging on Twitter to simply watching the Beautiful Liar MV on YouTube, every scrap of effort from Starlights, regardless of bias, was in support of LR. Lexa (@dolbaeki), an N stan, highlights the possibilities of what may lie ahead for the rest of VIXX, saying: “It took a lot for them to get there, as a team to now a sub-unit project. And yet it's only the beginning….who knows what's in store for the rest of them. It also means a lot to me how talented they are and that they finally get to show it, for both Leo and Ravi.”
As Starlights, we reflect the light that shines from our six glowing stars, emulating the love they have for each other.
During this time of cooperation and endless love, one begins to wonder: why do they do it? Why is it that a Ken or Hyuk stan would occupy their time with a project that doesn’t include their favorite member? Many Starlights felt divided by this, yet fans were unified in their response, defining for themselves what it means to be a Starlight. “I may not bias Leo or Ravi, but I still love them. I'm a Starlight, so that means supporting all of VIXX. Besides, supporting any member of VIXX in their activities helps the group overall. So in the end I'm supporting Hakyeon anyway. Bonus!” (@kissmekate7) “A Starlight is, before supporting any member, a VIXX supporter… someone who should support all of the six boys,” (@lobikseu). They go on later to add: “Leo and Ravi debuted as VIXX members. They, of course, carry the name of VIXX on their shoulders even if they are promoting as a subunit.” “I think that as a Starlight, it's important to show support for all members of the group, not just our favorite member,” says Alex (@pastelcha). It’s clear that VIXX comes as a package deal for Starlights, as most say it should. Not only do these fans support VIXX LR with their hearts, but spend time and money in hopes that they’ll succeed. The extent of this support goes all the way from tweeting stream links to buying multiple albums, and even providing support in person at their events! One thing that’s clear when the topic of VIXX LR comes into discussion, is that VIXX themselves support their fellow members wholeheartedly (We’re all looking at you, N). As Starlights, we reflect the light that shines from our six glowing stars, emulating the love they have for each other. Keep up the fantastic work Starlights, and let’s continue to support our boys! •
vixx’s closet by
xan
W
elcome to the first installment of VIXX’S CLOSET, where I’ll focus on the fashion and style of the VIXX members! Personally, I’m so happy to be a part of DOUBLE X. I’m so glad to write a VIXX fashion spread to share with fans, and thank you to the fanzine team for this opportunity!! I hope everything will do well, and Starlights, please give some love for this fanzine, too! As much as VIXX prides itself on music and concept, a large part of the entertainment industry also comes from fashion. From the music video, to the concept and album photoshoots, to what the wear on a daily basis— all of it is an important aspect to pop culture and entertainment. I’ll begin with discussing each VIXX member’s fashion style from my own perspective.
Leo
Leo always lets his clothing stand out even just by wearing one striking piece, like a cool tone shirt or a slightly fancily colored shirt. Fit is also important, and skinny jeans are a must for his super long legs.
N
N’s style is casual but also vaguely feminine; it has often made him stand out among his members when it comes to fashion. Who says men can’t wear pink? With his beautiful skintone, he makes a pastel pink outfit or a pair of pink sneakers by Nike, or “Hyper Pink” Huarache even more daring.
Ken
Perhaps the most noticeable thing about Ken’s style is how often he wears a “cute” piece of clothing or accessory. My favorite Ken outfits are when he wears a patterned set outfit, or a sleeveless top in the summer. I think what he wears sometimes doesn’t entirely match his age, but it often shows his cute personality, which is awesome!
Ravi
Ravi’s bucket hat with a jumper on is a personal favorite of mine. It’s a very adorable look that contrasts his manly and charismatic image. And my alltime favorite Ravi look is the one directly right. I really love this look. The hair, mirrored sunglasses, dark turtle neck and coat went surprisingly well together. At first glance, I thought he was Zion.T!
Hongbin
Hongbin in a denim outfit is a thing to love, as he wears it often, lately. He rocks the entire look, be it with a denim jacket or a denim shirt. His clean and simple sense of style is endearing to me, and always causes him to stand out. In some ways, even his face completes his outfits.
Hyuk
Our Hyuk dresses really well! He also has a very casual style. In the past, he had no point to his looks, but lately, he does! A simple white top, fitted black jeans, grey Adidas ZFLUX and a fedora make his look “casually stylish”.
VIXX can pull off anything they wear like it’s nobody’s business. Every member has a different fashion sense. They dress appropriately for their body type and have the potential to come out on top as fashion kings! •
Member Spotlight by t h i a
G
rowing up, I was always surrounded by the performing arts. I danced ballet starting at three years old, sang in choirs all through elementary, middle and high school, and dappled in more instruments than I can count on one hand. I can remember frequenting the performing arts center, too; be it for my ballet recitals or to see the symphony. The performing arts are something that I have an infinite appreciation for, and it was very exciting to know that Ken would be taking the plunge into the world of the performing arts. When I first heard that Ken would be starring in a musical, I was stoked. And one like Chess, no less! I was very lucky to have been able to attend an evening performance of Chess while I was in Korea during July and see Ken perform with my own eyes. Not only was I excited to see Ken, but I was also excited to see all the support from fans. When I arrived at the Sejong Grand Theatre in Seoul, a whole two hours before the show even began, the first thing I saw were all the rice wreaths and support projects. The one from the project I joined was there, too! It was extremely impressive. My memory may have twisted things a little, Ken’s vo cals, of course, but I remember that Ken might were phenomenal. have had the most rice wreaths out of anyone, which makes me feel so proud of Starlights and of Ken. Now during the musical itself, even though I only could understand 40 to 60% of the entire thing, I was very impressed by Ken's performance ability alone. Much of musical theatre is about stage presence, expression and body language. Ken's vocals, of course, were phenomenal. Thinking about the performance in retrospect, however, it was easy to tell that it was Ken's first major musical role. I felt that from time to time, his presence on stage would get lost, especially if the chorus was on stage. Additionally—and this was something I saw mentioned online as well—his acting was somewhat stiff from time to time. While I acknowledge that it was partially his character Anatoly's disposition, there were definite ways he could have improved stage presence and body language. However, what he lacked in acting, he made up for in vocals, enunciation, and line delivery. Even though I was way back on the third floor in the balcony, there were points where his vocal power blew my hair back. Everything was mic'ed, since the Sejong Grand Theatre is huge and it would have been near impossible to project all the way to the back rows, but even despite that, Ken's singing was a force to be reckoned with. If you haven't already, I would highly recommend watching the studio version of "Anthem", and the performance version of "Where I Want To Be" on YouTube.
Another thing that will more than likely launch Ken to an even better place in the performing arts is his good attitude and willingness to put in 110%. I remember seeing a translation of an interview with B2ST’s Yoseob about working with Ken together in the musical Cinderella pass through on my Twitter feed, and Yoseob had mentioned that Ken would keep him incredibly updated on rehearsals and such, whenever he would miss a rehearsal. This kind of good rep can only bring Ken good things. I came away from Chess thoroughly impressed. Ken is well on his way to carving himself a niche in the world of musical theatre, and I am very excited to see where he goes from here, with lead roles in both Chess and Cinderella under his belt. There’s a great future in store for Ken in musical theatre, and this seems to only be the beginning. •
Can't Say
VIXX is venturing into the land of Japanese promotions— what have they been up to?
a recap by zeon
V
IXX’s Japanese promotions are in full swing! Can’t Say, their upbeat second Japanese single, was released on August 22 on FM Yokohama, and the stunning MV was released on August 27. Starlights were excited for all the events as they gathered in all the different venues for each of them. The fun started with the Starlight Festival and special stage in Osaka on September 6. The Kyoto fan event came next on September 8. Three hi-touch events in Hiroshima (September 9), Tokyo (September 10), and Fukuoka (September 13) occurred where fans traded and used their tickets from the Can’t Say albums to have one-on-one time with their biases. Tokyo also had some extra love with the release event (September 10) as well as the special stage and Starlight festival (September 11) there. Overall, it was a jam-packed time for Japanese fans. Good luck to VIXX in promoting Can’t Say! •
16 | vixx fic tropes
vixx fic tropes
by sammi
H
i guys! I’m Sammi— my column is about fanfiction tropes. Every issue, I’ll tell you about popular tropes and explain them, and try to imagine how the VIXX boys would play a part in each trope. This issue’s trope is the domestic trope— this trope often involves two people in domestic situations; for example, married couples, couples with kids, or a parent and child situation. I love this trope because for one, Leo is amazing with children. Can you imagine him cradling a newborn in his arms, or emotionally sending his little one to their first day of preschool? Or Ravi and N sampling wedding cakes, lovingly feeding each other; or Hyuk as a hopelessly romantic wedding planner; or even Hongbin as a florist whose shop Leo frequently visits? This trope is my favorite because there’s so much you can do with it, and it’s so much fun to read. The domestic trope allows you to see your bias in a different light. Now this next trope is something that everyone is familiar with— the bed sharing trope. For example, when the VIXX boys first moved into the dorms, there was only one bed they all ended up sharing. This trope happens rather often in VIXX fanfiction, I’ve noticed. This trope is especially cute when cuddling and/or whispering of a love confession or a platonic “I love you” is added. I can confirm that one way to get me emotional about a fanfic is to add a platonic emotional moment. Now comes my favorite part: AU Time! Basically what AU Time is I’ll list my favorite AUs for this issue, and I would love to involve you lovely readers by asking you guys to submit a few of your favorite AUs. My favorite AUs this issue are:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
University AU Bakery AU Football player AU Mythical creature AU Royalty AU
I love hearing what other people have to say about tropes, so please message me your favorite tropes and AUs on either Tumblr or Twitter! (twitter.com/dandypop2; dandypop2.tumblr.com) •
( thank you for reading! )
dx