u/Huge_Art_3182

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Recently, there has been a trend on Twitter showcasing Draco Malfoy gender-bent into a cute, tsundere blonde anime girl. It was flooding my Twitter feed, and tbh, I thought it was just another gender-bent thirst trap like Bowsette or the Samsung girl.

After doing a deep dive into this trend, I can safely say it's one of the most refreshing pieces of media to go viral on the internet lately. I really enjoy the short comics between "Malfoid" and Harry Potter. Ironically, it even revived my motivation to continue writing my own OC story featuring a tsundere girl.

What I found surprising, though, is how many comments are from guys yearning to have a girl like Malfoid. I can definitely relate to them. I once liked a girl who was also interested in me. I thought it would be as simple as an anime show or a movie, but in reality, it didn't work out well.

Another reason for this yearning might be that dating nowadays can feel overwhelming, and it seems like there are a lot of arbitrary rules determining whether someone is worth being with. Meanwhile, Malfoid just seems clingy, teasing, annoying, and cute. The whole situation just makes me feel like that GIF of Ryan Gosling lying in the snow.

What do you guys think? Has anyone else felt this kind of dating fatigue or related to this trend?

This story is the continuation of SoB: Short Hair. Enjoy!

Raven packed her bags while waiting for Cuckoo again. The classroom went quieter than yesterday; no one was in the classroom other than Raven. She rested her head on her arms, pretending to sleep while waiting for Cuckoo's return. Her mind drifted back to what happened in the gate.

"Woah, Raven..." Konig said.

Raven turned her head. "Yeah?"

"Your hair... Are you trying to follow Maggie's footsteps?"

"I definitely didn't take inspiration from her, but I think it's cool to have nowadays."

"It suits you, though," Konig paused. "Maggie is going to be thrilled with your new hair."

"Haha, don't make it as a surprise."

Raven then switched the scene towards lunchtime. She and Konig sat together at the canteen while waiting for Maggie to come downstairs.

"Cuckoo is going to have a meeting again."

"Huh? Again?" Raven paused. "It's been 4 days a row. What's up?"

Konig hesitated. "Apparently, we are having a hard time bridging out teachers' expectations and students' complaints."

"Aren't the student's complaints pretty simple?"

"They are," Konig paused. "It's—the teacher expecting this event to be better than last year."

"Oh..."

"I suggest you head home first or visit Maggie's house while waiting for him."

Raven hesitated for a while. "What about him? Will he know that I go back earlier?"

"Don't worry, I'll tell him."

The voice of the footsteps snapped Raven out from her thoughts. She immediately opened her eyes, raised her head while looking at the classroom door, and stood by.

As the footsteps got louder, she expected someone else. But it was Cuckoo. He looks messed up and chaotic while taking his bags. At least he looked fresh.

As soon as he looked at Raven, he was left stunned. "Raven? What are you doing here?! Aren't you ordered by Captain Konig to leave?"

Raven slowly lifted her head from her arms, still slumped over the desk.

"Yeah, you owe me a smoothie."

While they were walking along the sidewalks. Raven was grabbing her smoothie, calmly sipping it while listening to Cuckoo yapping about politics.

This time, everyone just wants their share. They don't know how tough it is for us to fight for this.

"I bet your teammates aren't on the same page?"

"Exactly," Cuckoo thrilled. "Well, Konig did great, but the rest are too subjective about this event."

"You could have expressed it objectively." Raven said while taking another sip of her drink.

Cuckoo stared at Raven with a deadpan expression. "They thought I was going cuckoo."

Cuckoo suddenly noticed something different about her.

"Btw, cool ahh hair there, why would you take such drastic measures?"

"The drastic measure is to leave the old world and embrace the modernity."

"Embracing modernity? More like preparing for a job," he laughed at his own joke. "Seriously, is that your only reason to change your hairstyle?"

Raven took another sip and glanced at him. "You seem more concerned about it than I am."

Cuckoo spread his arms with a smug grin. "Whatever it is, I'm not daring to challenge a girl's right to change."

*From now on, I will change the SoB header into TABW.

This story is the continuation of SoB: Short Hair. Enjoy!

Raven packed her bags while waiting for Cuckoo again. The classroom went quieter than yesterday; no one was in the classroom other than Raven. She rested her head on her arms, pretending to sleep while waiting for Cuckoo's return. Her mind drifted back to what happened in the gate.

"Woah, Raven..." Konig said.

Raven turned her head. "Yeah?"

"Your hair... Are you trying to follow Maggie's footsteps?"

"I definitely didn't take inspiration from her, but I think it's cool to have nowadays."

"It suits you, though," Konig paused. "Maggie is going to be thrilled with your new hair."

"Haha, don't make it as a surprise."

Raven then switched the scene towards lunchtime. She and Konig sat together at the canteen while waiting for Maggie to come downstairs.

"Cuckoo is going to have a meeting again."

"Huh? Again?" Raven paused. "It's been 4 days a row. What's up?"

Konig hesitated. "Apparently, we are having a hard time bridging out teachers' expectations and students' complaints."

"Aren't the student's complaints pretty simple?"

"They are," Konig paused. "It's—the teacher expecting this event to be better than last year."

"Oh..."

"I suggest you head home first or visit Maggie's house while waiting for him."

Raven hesitated for a while. "What about him? Will he know that I go back earlier?"

"Don't worry, I'll tell him."

The voice of the footsteps snapped Raven out from her thoughts. She immediately opened her eyes, raised her head while looking at the classroom door, and stood by.

As the footsteps got louder, she expected someone else. But it was Cuckoo. He looks messed up and chaotic while taking his bags. At least he looked fresh.

As soon as he looked at Raven, he was left stunned. "Raven? What are you doing here?! Aren't you ordered by Captain Konig to leave?"

Raven slowly lifted her head from her arms, still slumped over the desk.

"Yeah, you owe me a smoothie."

While they were walking along the sidewalks. Raven was grabbing her smoothie, calmly sipping it while listening to Cuckoo yapping about politics.

This time, everyone just wants their share. They don't know how tough it is for us to fight for this.

"I bet your teammates aren't on the same page?"

"Exactly," Cuckoo thrilled. "Well, Konig did great, but the rest are too subjective about this event."

"You could have expressed it objectively." Raven said while taking another sip of her drink.

Cuckoo stared at Raven with a deadpan expression. "They thought I was going cuckoo."

Cuckoo suddenly noticed something different about her.

"Btw, cool ahh hair there, why would you take such drastic measures?"

"The drastic measure is to leave the old world and embrace the modernity."

"Embracing modernity? More like preparing for a job," he laughed at his own joke. "Seriously, is that your only reason to change your hairstyle?"

Raven took another sip and glanced at him. "You seem more concerned about it than I am."

Cuckoo spread his arms with a smug grin. "Whatever it is, I'm not daring to challenge a girl's right to change."

*From now on, I will change the SoB header into TABW.

The winter had arrived in the bird capital. The agency director made an announcement for those who weren't Corvus species, like Magpies, Ravens, and Crows, were allowed to take winter break. The Corvus species were perfectly adapted to the freezing environment and would remain on duty.

The intelligence agency consisted mostly of the Corvus species, while the rest were minorities such as Cockatoos, Keas, Parrots, and etc. Some minorities were also able to adapt during winter, many opted to leave for the warmer south.

A Blue Jay bird was packing his belongings from his desk into his suitcase. He was preparing for a long flight to the Southern City. While some of his Psittaciformes (parrot species) coworkers had booked the one-way railway to the southern city, he decided to fly instead. He will fly over two cantons (which are equivalent to Oregon and California).

"Enlin, are you actually going to migrate by flying?"

Suddenly, a female voice with a distinct raven accent. She approached his desk before he even realized it. He raised his head; it was the Group B Leader, Konig. He immediately stood up straight. Even though she was a chill leader, but it was a formality for him.

"Yes, ma'am!"

"Really?!" She was stunned for a moment. "While everyone is buying the one-way railways tickets, you are going to fly that long distance?"

The intelligence agency HQ was located in the northern terrain near the capital of the Bird Kingdom. 100 kilometers away from the northern frontline.

"Yeah, it saves me a few pennies. Plus, I planned to transit to the Red-crowned Crane canton. It's quite near the Southern City."

"Ooh, good call. Well, safe flying."

"Thank you, ma'am. Are you sure you won't get frozen?"

"Ravens are generally adapted for winter, the corvids will stay for the rest of the winter."

"That's rough."

"Yeah," she said, her voice lacking with energy and sighed with a small smile. "Thanks for sticking around during autumn."

Enlin grabbed the luggage handle, "Alright, I will see you February."

They both waved bye-bye, and Enlin began to transformed into a Blue Jay bird shape flying from the agency's window to the sky.

Beside him, several birds were also launching from agency's window flying to the sky.

The sunsets was filled with birds, it was the most diverse migratory flock in the sky. Different species naturally separate to their own distinct groups. Eventually a group of flocks were going on the different route toward the Southern City, while Enlin banked toward his usual transity path.

After an hour in the sky, he landed at the Red-Crowned Crane airfield. Exhausted from flying, He decided to find a restaurant.

He ordered peanuts and corn. This was considerably the top-tier meal.

While he was eating, he birdwatching the red-crowned cranes around him.

The way they walk, it's like they were all runway models. The way they talked, the way their dance. Their clothes, their polite queues—everything they done did it elegantly and beautifully.

It was a major contrast with Corvid species: they were very smart and often playful with other birds. Even though they were pretty civilized, they were also hold grudges againts other birds.

Before Enlin could finish his daydreaming, he remembered that he must leave the canton in 15 mins. Because he came here for transit, his pass only valid for an hour.

He continued his flight to his own canton.

5 hours later, he reached the Blue Jay airfield, he saw his surroundings were different from what he saw 5 hours before. They were more like Corvid's cousins. The only contrast was they were noisy and a bit harsh to other birds, including their own species. To him, it was finally home.

Chokyo was famous for its education system and disciplines, generating every humanoid bird to pursue higher virtues, fostering happiness, and personal development (which, in the end, will end in the frontlines). Aside from the education success, it was all credited to Owls, Eagles, and Parrots. They were driven to raise the academic standards to the absolute highest.

Before Swan was taken to the frontline, he studied at Chokyo Elementary School. His parents decided to leave the Swan Cantons and move to Chokyo (Golden Eagle cantons capital city) to find better jobs in the highly developed city.

In school, Swan struggled academically. Every exam ended in Failure. Swan wasn't a type of rebel against the teacher; he was extremely obedient. He was very quiet and obedient kid whenever the teacher asked if anyone needed help or had questions.

Another factor was his isolations. He was unlike his Swan counterpart, he was a passive kid. He doesn't have the hobby that Swans had. Therefore, he wasn't as elegant as Swan and other birds, even got outshined easily by other classmates like Mandarin Duck or Red-Crowned Crane.

Swan only socializes with Duck, who was more of playmate rather than his study buddy.

During the lunchtime in the classroom, while other classmates were either going outside or connecting the tables, making an assembly spot. Swan was in the classroom alone, sitting down on the desk while eating bread toast. He often dumbfounded to his own imaginations or simply staring at his homeroom teacher, Barn Owl (Mr. Barn). He sat on the teacher's desk, which covered with papers. He was reading the comments from the teachers. He seems stressed out.

Mr. Barn was not everyone's favorite, yet no students dislike him either. He taught science subject. His studying style was like every normal teacher taught—monotone and soulless. Barely no one comes to him to chat other than talking about parents' meeting and exam scores.

Mr. Barn suddenly left his seat. Swan snapped the staring and quickly looked on the other way. Then, the teacher came toward him.

"Do you experience any problems during the classroom?"

Swan's heart skipped a beat. He was never ready to be interrogated by anyone else including his classmates and teachers.

Swan stammered and shook his head.

Mr. Barn sighed deeply. It was Swan's signature response to every teachers, even Mr. Barn knew he would shake his head.

Mr. Barn lowered his head while his both hand gripped on the side of Swan's table.

Usually at this time, Mr. Barn would leave Swan alone and go back checking the grades. But he seems wanting to try something different.....

"Swan, what is your favorite movie?"

Swan was stunned for a moment, can't believe what he had just heard.

"uhmm......" Swan hesitates for a while, "Pirates of the Caribbean."

Mr. Barn nodded his head. "Good show, kid."

Mr. Barn then returned to his seat.

The next afternoon before the lunch time over, Mr. Barn once again approached Swan.

"Hey, Swan. How's your day?"

Swan knew he would be interrogated after what happened yesterday. He need to say something just to end the conversation.

"It is fine,"

"You know, Swan, the word 'fine' is often contested," Mr. Barn said, his raspy voice unusually gentle. These words were enterely new to Swan. 

"Captain Jack Sparrow is a lot of things, but he is never just 'fine.'” 

Swan was shocked. 

“Do you know him?” Mr. Barn asked. 

“I... I do.” Swan answered. 

“He never just sits there and lets things happen to him. When his ship is sinking, does he just sit on the mast, fold his hands, and wait to drown? No. He bails water. He improvises. He steps off the sinking crow's nest right onto the dock at the exact moment it goes under. He always takes the wheel, even when the odds are terrible." 

Mr. Barn reached out and tapped a single talon gently against Swan's desk. 

“Right now, you’re on your own ship. You might think its alright, but I see many damages and holes that need repairing. I know you’re a good kid, but keep obedient and quiet like this is sinking you down. I want you to grab a bucket and ask the crew for help.” 

Mr. Barn stood up straight. "Next time you don't understand a lesson, I want you to channel a bit of that pirate energy. Raise your hand. Make a little noise. Don't just be 'fine' with sinking. Understood?" 

Everything suddenly seems brighter; the atmospheric tension becomes warmer than usual. Swan felt enlightened with Mr. Barn’s words. 

Before Mr. Barn left the spot, he gave a smile of encouragement. Swan replied with a nodding smile.

The high school in Chokyo is the home of the most diverse humanoid birds. No matter what status was, no matter which class hierarchy you belonged to, all birds were sitting together side by side, studying the same subject, and experiencing the same activity.

During the after-class, most of the grade twelve birds have left the classroom much earlier, leaving only 5 to 6 birds left in the classroom, and they were also preparing to head out. Raven was one of them, packing her books while waiting for her friend Cuckoo to come back from the canteen. His bag was still in the chair, even the books haven't been taken out from the table drawer.

While she was tidying up, she heard a footstep entering the classroom; she slightly raised her head. It was a bird named Dove. He was in the same classroom as Raven and Cuckoo.

Dove was a quite well-known student in this classroom. His diplomatic style towards other birds was strikingly effortless and gentle, which made him the kind of person who could slide into anyone's friend group without using a lot of effort. From the aristocratic Hawks to common Ducks, he never missed a shot.

Recently, he had started talking with Raven more often. She secretly admired his persistence; he was proven to be good at socializing, so she let her usual cool demeanor thaw a bit.

"Another day of going home much later?" Dove started the conversation, easing the tension.

"Yeah, this will be the last time," she replied, plays along with the conversation.

"Hah." He sat on the table. "it must be a determination to keep waiting for Cuckoo up this late."

"You also seemingly uninterested in going home." she repkied while raising her head.

He turns his head and looks at her. "When my folks decided to go somewhere without me, I usually wait for the school bus."

"Oh..." she began to feel sorry for him. "Where are they heading?"

"They were going to the salon; they are going there just to see wolfcut girls."

"Are they always like that?"

"Recently, I guess. They know something I don't."

"Well, what kind of hairstyle do you like?" Raven asked.

A surprised question from Raven. He stopped and slowly looked toward her eyes. "I like long hair girls who often groom their hair."

That's oddly specific. Raven guessing whether he purposefully described her, but she kept her cool.

"You do have a type." Raven said.

The next morning, Dove was in front of the school gates with his fellow multi-species group friends.

"The usual customer doesn't come that day."

"Its more unfortunate if my barber decide to give me the worst taper fade!"

Dove listens to their conversation, not knowing what we're they talking.

While his convo was deep a conversation, there was something that caught in his eyes. Something familiar, yet different in the same time.

In the middle of students, he saw Konig with a short-haired girl facing behind them. When both of them turned around, he was surprised that the short-hair one was Raven. Raven saw Dove, she made a quick smirk before turning back around.

He stared at total disbelief on what he saw.

'So much for the hint.' He thought.

The MRT train rattled over the elevated tracks of District 4, cutting through the grey smog of a Chōkyō afternoon. The heating in the carriage was broken again—typical for the Lower Line.

Raven huddled in her thick, black Agency-issued coat, pressing her forehead against the cold glass. Her breath fogged the window, but she wiped it away to look at the sky.

It was full of them.

Thousands of birds were leaving. Massive V-formations of Pelicans, Storks, and Wild Geese stretched across the horizon, heading South towards the Pelican Canton and the warm coastal buffer zones. They were fleeing the "Iron Winter" that Prime Minister Tancho had promised would be the coldest in fifty years.

Raven felt a heavy stone in her stomach.

Swans migrate, she thought. It’s in their DNA. When the water freezes, they leave. If they stay, their feet freeze. They lose weight. They get sick.

She looked at her reflection in the glass. A Raven doesn't migrate. A Raven stays, eats trash, fluffs up her feathers, and survives. She was built for this ugly, grey city.

He wasn't.

The apartment was freezing. The radiator hissed but gave off no heat.

Swan was sitting at the small kitchen table, polishing his dress boots. He looked perfectly calm, wearing a thick white turtleneck sweater that made him look absurdly elegant even in their shabby safehouse.

Raven slammed the door shut, locking the three deadbolts. She didn't take off her coat. She walked straight to the closet and pulled out his leather travel trunk.

"You haven't packed," she said, her voice tight.

Swan didn't look up. "I am not going on a trip."

"The last train to the Pelican Canton leaves tomorrow morning," Raven said, throwing the trunk onto the bed. It landed with a heavy thud. "The canals are already icing over, Swan. I checked the weather report. It’s going to hit -10 degrees by Friday."

Swan paused, holding a boot brush in mid-air. He looked at her with those pale, unreadable eyes. "And?"

"And you're a Waterfowl!" Raven snapped, her anxiety finally boiling over. She gestured wildly at him. "You need open water! You need aquatic plants! You can't survive on synthesized grain paste and frozen pipes! You'll get frostbite on your webbing!"

She marched over to him, grabbing his arm.

"Your father is already at the Southern Villa, isn't he? Go. Please. Just go. I'll be here when you come back in Spring."

Swan slowly set the boot down. He stood up, towering over her. The room felt suddenly very small.

"You want me to leave?" he asked quietly.

"I want you to live!" Raven’s voice cracked. She hated how weak she sounded. "I can see you shivering at night, Swan. I know you're cold. You're trying to be tough, but biology is biology. You don't belong in the ice. You belong in the sun."

She turned away, hiding her eyes. "I have to work anyway. The Agency doesn't stop for snow. I'll just be... busy. It’s logical."

There was a silence, long and heavy, broken only by the wind howling outside the window.

Then, she felt his arms wrap around her from behind. He pulled her back against his chest. He was warm—impossibly warm.

"Raven," he murmured into her ear. "Turn around."

She shook her head, but he gently turned her anyway. He framed her face with his large hands, his thumbs brushing away the tears she hadn't realized were falling.

"Do you know why Swans migrate?" he asked softly.

"Because... because of the cold," she sniffled.

"No," Swan corrected her. "We migrate to find what we need. We move to where the sustenance is. To where life is."

He leaned down, resting his forehead against hers.

"Chōkyō is frozen. The canals are ice. The politics are cold. But..." He took her hand and pressed it against his chest, right over his heart. It was beating slow and strong, like a war drum.

"You are here," he whispered. "You are my sustenance, Raven. If I go South, I will be warm, yes. But I will starve."

"That's just a line," Raven argued weakly, though her hands were clutching his sweater now. "That's just romance novel garbage."

Swan let out a low, soft laugh—a sound he only ever made around her.

"Perhaps. But I am a stubborn soldier. And I have decided that I can endure -10 degrees much easier than I can endure a winter without your sarcasm."

He kissed her then, slow and deep, chasing away the chill of the MRT ride, the fear of the migration, and the logic of the biology textbooks.

When he pulled back, he looked her in the eye with a seriousness that made her shiver.

"Let the Geese flee," he said. "Let the Pelicans run to the sun. I am not going anywhere. I am wintering right here, in this drafty apartment, with you."

Raven let out a long, shaky breath, finally letting her shoulders drop. She buried her face in his sweater, smelling the scent of expensive soap and rain.

"You're an idiot," she mumbled into his chest. "You're going to catch a cold."

"Then you can make me soup," Swan replied, holding her tighter. "It is a fair trade."

The northern frontlines were the most militarized zone, where the humanoid birds were guarding the trenches against the human settlement. The birds were constantly digging new trenches, resupplying new rifles, and constantly patrolling the skies.

Every time Swan returned to the camp, he immediately wrote a letter to Raven. Raven was his university friend; she was the only person that he could hold onto during his university life. Whenever he was lonely or stressed by the university administration, he often reached out to her. Although she wasn't a chatter, her authentic smiles and conversation made Swan appreciate her companionship. Before he even realized it, he began to like her, despite different bird species.

Recently, the frontlines are relatively calm. Swan immediately went to the camp post mail center. When he opened his locker, he didn't receive any mail inside the locker. He suddenly felt strange.

Usually, she would send the mail back to him the day after he sent mail to her. It had been a constant flow until today's flow went off.

'Huh? She didn't sent me today. Is she okay?'

Confused, he began to think nonsense—that she might be busy with university subjects. It sounds reasonable, but it doesn't compare to other lovebirds who kept receiving mail from their loved ones, Swan saw that a lot in the camp.

He kept calm and decided to wait until tomorrow (Thursday) if the trenches remain quiet.

On Thursday, he checked the locker; it was still empty.

Then on Friday after Swan retreat from the battlefield, the locker still had no mail. He was impatient to wait for her response since today the frontline restarted the battle. He decided to send another mail.

18 days after he sent another mail, yet she still hadn't replied. Swan hid inside his room, checking the news; there are no bombings in the university or her residence. He then checked the mail delivery status; they all reached her address. Swan then despaired, banged on the tables, and snapped his pen into two.

Swan then reached out Black Kite. He was sitting on the ground, scrubbing the rifles and repairing them.

While Black Kite was wiping down the rifle barrel, he then saw Swan walking slowly towards him. His face looks tired and disappointed, rather than scared and frightened.

"What is going?"

Swan was unresponsive; his reaction didn't change. He then sat beside Black Kite.

"Do you know why someone decided to stop responses?"

"Struggling on life, every person has priorities."

"Why would some birds still be receiving mail despite harsh times?"

Black Kite lowering his head, continues to wipe the rifles. "Perhaps they are meant to be."

"I made no mistake, I didn't make her uncomfortable. I made her laugh about my days. She looks very interested in me."

Black Kite was completely muted. He continues scrub the dirty rifles. Swan then flashes back to his high school time when there was an active, cheerful White Egret girl who was always clinging to him. Every time he was alone in his desk, White Egret would suddenly playfully disturb his peace. Sometimes she comes by herself, sometimes with her friends. One time he was eating with her in the canteen; he was rather emotionally unavailable. Although he looks muted all the time, she still cheerfully talks to him.

Swan began to regret not knowing what a crush was back then. She might be a great girlfriend if he had noticed sooner. He's on self-loathing mode.

During day and night, the humanoid falcons team were patrolling the skies. Their sole mission is to protect the villages from air fighter squadrons. Among all the falcons, Gyr was the finest falcon warrior in the bird kingdom. She was currently ranked captain, the highest-ranking Gyrfacon had.

She leads the 1st squadron, which consists of 15 of the finest warriors. Every Gyrfalcon has taken a ski cram school course. Not only culturally, but also for combat flexibility. Combined with their ice skating excellence, the Gyrfalcon was an unstoppable offensive machine, second to Peregrine Falcons.

Today is a cold winter, Gyr's ice skating course ends at 7 pm. Her final practice is doing the needle spin.

In the same time, she is reminiscing about her duel with Peregrine falcons team and making topic conversation for Pitohui.

"Another excellent spin, Gyr!" The coach was clapping hands filled with excitement.

Gyr shrugged and slid to the rink exit.

As she stepped out from the rink, she heard the sound of footsteps coming closer.

"Gyru! There is a new promotion at the fish restaurant; we should have dinner there!"

A snowy owl named Qiao Qiao. She was her closest friend in the ice skating course. They have been friends since they both joined the course, its about 4 years long. They were also ranked captain in their respective divisions.

Gyr felt a social pressure: to give up some of your time for going with someone.

"Yeah, sounds good, though." Gyr smirked for a while then rolled her eyes

She walked to the locker room while Qiao Qiao followed her back.

"Hey, is something bothering you recently?" Qiao Qiao followed up.

Gyr was silenced for a while, then she decided to speak up.

"My skills are not enough for Mr. Peregrine."

"What did he say?"

"He says I'm too slow for the newest aircraft bomber. And they are scattered everywhere like ants."

"Is your squadron facing alone?"

"It's not a big deal; I'm definitely not fast enough."

"Gyr," Qiao Qiao reached out, gently patting her back. "You can ask me whenever you need a hand."

Gyr stood still. She looked toward her face, her warm smile and her flushy cheeks gave her an uneasy burden.

'I don't want you to be involved. I don't want you to be troubled.'

Gyr removed Qiao Qiao's hand from her back.

"No thanks, I'm going home alone." She walks toward the exit, leaving Qiao Qiao alone.

On the southern coast, a coastwatcher bird named H. Pitohui stood on the sands. While gazing towards the moonlight, he saw a white falcon fly toward him. With the same meeting spot and with the same time, it was Gyr.

Gyr then transformed back to human, she slightly smiled when she saw him.

They both sit around the camp fire to roast the fish.

"Do you have other missions other than coastwatching?"

He kept his eyes on the embers. "The officer who assigned me rarely visits here."

"What if I assign you a mission~?" she teased. She pulled her knees tight to her chest, building like a barricade as she waited for his answer.

He looks at her. "What would you assign me?"

She tucked her hair. "Recently I try to negotiate a ceasefire with the parrots (human settlement allies)

Pito sighed in relief. "Oh... The officers are beginning the peace deal."

"Umm, I proposed by myself." She winced slightly. "I'm tired of this endless war."

"Me either. But doing something without officers' approval is risky."

"That's why I arranged for some people coming with me. I want you to come."

Pito stood silent, gazing on the embers. "Is Qiao Qiao also coming?"

"She isn't good at this. It may make things complicated."

Pito seems to be questioning her conflicting point of view. He doubts leaving the post, yet he doubts Gyr's idea of visiting Parrot's Canton.

During day and night, the humanoid falcons team were patrolling the skies. Their sole mission is to protect the villages from air fighter squadrons. Among all the falcons, Gyr was the finest falcon warrior in the bird kingdom. She was currently ranked captain, the highest-ranking Gyrfacon had.

She leads the 1st squadron, which consists of 15 of the finest warriors. Every Gyrfalcon has taken a ski cram school course. Not only culturally, but also for combat flexibility. Combined with their ice skating excellence, the Gyrfalcon was an unstoppable offensive machine, second to Peregrine Falcons.

Today is a cold winter, Gyr's ice skating course ends at 7 pm. Her final practice is doing the needle spin.

In the same time, she is reminiscing about her duel with Peregrine falcons team and making topic conversation for Pitohui.

"Another excellent spin, Gyr!" The coach was clapping hands filled with excitement.

Gyr shrugged and slid to the rink exit.

As she stepped out from the rink, she heard the sound of footsteps coming closer.

"Gyru! There is a new promotion at the fish restaurant; we should have dinner there!"

A snowy owl named Qiao Qiao. She was her closest friend in the ice skating course. They have been friends since they both joined the course, its about 4 years long. They were also ranked captain in their respective divisions.

Gyr felt a social pressure: to give up some of your time for going with someone.

"Yeah, sounds good, though." Gyr smirked for a while then rolled her eyes

She walked to the locker room while Qiao Qiao followed her back.

"Hey, is something bothering you recently?" Qiao Qiao followed up.

Gyr was silenced for a while, then she decided to speak up.

"My skills are not enough for Mr. Peregrine."

"What did he say?"

"He says I'm too slow for the newest aircraft bomber. And they are scattered everywhere like ants."

"Is your squadron facing alone?"

"It's not a big deal; I'm definitely not fast enough."

"Gyr," Qiao Qiao reached out, gently patting her back. "You can ask me whenever you need a hand."

Gyr stood still. She looked toward her face, her warm smile and her flushy cheeks gave her an uneasy burden.

'I don't want you to be involved. I don't want you to be troubled.'

Gyr removed Qiao Qiao's hand from her back.

"No thanks, I'm going home alone." She walks toward the exit, leaving Qiao Qiao alone.

On the southern coast, a coastwatcher bird named H. Pitohui stood on the sands. While gazing towards the moonlight, he saw a white falcon fly toward him. With the same meeting spot and with the same time, it was Gyr.

Gyr then transformed back to human, she slightly smiled when she saw him.

They both sit around the camp fire to roast the fish.

"Do you have other missions other than coastwatching?"

He kept his eyes on the embers. "The officer who assigned me rarely visits here."

"What if I assign you a mission~?" she teased. She pulled her knees tight to her chest, building like a barricade as she waited for his answer.

He looks at her. "What would you assign me?"

She tucked her hair. "Recently I try to negotiate a ceasefire with the parrots (human settlement allies)

Pito sighed in relief. "Oh... The officers are beginning the peace deal."

"Umm, I proposed by myself." She winced slightly. "I'm tired of this endless war."

"Me either. But doing something without officers' approval is risky."

"That's why I arranged for some people coming with me. I want you to come."

Pito stood silent, gazing on the embers. "Is Qiao Qiao also coming?"

"She isn't good at this. It may make things complicated."

Pito seems to be questioning her conflicting point of view. He doubts leaving the post, yet he doubts Gyr's idea of visiting Parrot's Canton.

The northern frontlines were the most militarized zone, where the humanoid birds were guarding the trenches against the human settlement. The birds were constantly digging new trenches, resupplying new rifles, and constantly patrolling the skies.

Every time Swan returned to the camp, he immediately wrote a letter to Raven. Raven was his university friend; she was the only person that he could hold onto during his university life. Whenever he was lonely or stressed by the university administration, he often reached out to her. Although she wasn't a chatter, her authentic smiles and conversation made Swan appreciate her companionship. Before he even realized it, he began to like her, despite different bird species.

Recently, the frontlines are relatively calm. Swan immediately went to the camp post mail center. When he opened his locker, he didn't receive any mail inside the locker. He suddenly felt strange.

Usually, she would send the mail back to him the day after he sent mail to her. It had been a constant flow until today's flow went off.

'Huh? She didn't sent me today. Is she okay?'

Confused, he began to think nonsense—that she might be busy with university subjects. It sounds reasonable, but it doesn't compare to other lovebirds who kept receiving mail from their loved ones, Swan saw that a lot in the camp.

He kept calm and decided to wait until tomorrow (Thursday) if the trenches remain quiet.

On Thursday, he checked the locker; it was still empty.

Then on Friday after Swan retreat from the battlefield, the locker still had no mail. He was impatient to wait for her response since today the frontline restarted the battle. He decided to send another mail.

18 days after he sent another mail, yet she still hadn't replied. Swan hid inside his room, checking the news; there are no bombings in the university or her residence. He then checked the mail delivery status; they all reached her address. Swan then despaired, banged on the tables, and snapped his pen into two.

Swan then reached out Black Kite. He was sitting on the ground, scrubbing the rifles and repairing them.

While Black Kite was wiping down the rifle barrel, he then saw Swan walking slowly towards him. His face looks tired and disappointed, rather than scared and frightened.

"What is going?"

Swan was unresponsive; his reaction didn't change. He then sat beside Black Kite.

"Do you know why someone decided to stop responses?"

"Struggling on life, every person has priorities."

"Why would some birds still be receiving mail despite harsh times?"

Black Kite lowering his head, continues to wipe the rifles. "Perhaps they are meant to be."

"I made no mistake, I didn't make her uncomfortable. I made her laugh about my days. She looks very interested in me."

Black Kite was completely muted. He continues scrub the dirty rifles. Swan then flashes back to his high school time when there was an active, cheerful White Egret girl who was always clinging to him. Every time he was alone in his desk, White Egret would suddenly playfully disturb his peace. Sometimes she comes by herself, sometimes with her friends. One time he was eating with her in the canteen; he was rather emotionally unavailable. Although he looks muted all the time, she still cheerfully talks to him.

Swan began to regret not knowing what a crush was back then. She might be a great girlfriend if he had noticed sooner. He's on self-loathing mode.

During day and night, the humanoid falcons team were patrolling the skies. Their sole mission is to protect the villages from air fighter squadrons. Among all the falcons, Gyr was the finest falcon warrior in the bird kingdom. She was currently ranked captain, the highest-ranking Gyrfacon had.

She leads the 1st squadron, which consists of 15 of the finest warriors. Every Gyrfalcon has taken a ski cram school course. Not only culturally, but also for combat flexibility. Combined with their ice skating excellence, the Gyrfalcon was an unstoppable offensive machine, second to Peregrine Falcons.

Today is a cold winter, Gyr's ice skating course ends at 7 pm. Her final practice is doing the needle spin.

In the same time, she is reminiscing about her duel with Peregrine falcons team and making topic conversation for Pitohui.

"Another excellent spin, Gyr!" The coach was clapping hands filled with excitement.

Gyr shrugged and slid to the rink exit.

As she stepped out from the rink, she heard the sound of footsteps coming closer.

"Gyru! There is a new promotion at the fish restaurant; we should have dinner there!"

A snowy owl named Qiao Qiao. She was her closest friend in the ice skating course. They have been friends since they both joined the course, its about 4 years long. They were also ranked captain in their respective divisions.

Gyr felt a social pressure: to give up some of your time for going with someone.

"Yeah, sounds good, though." Gyr smirked for a while then rolled her eyes

She walked to the locker room while Qiao Qiao followed her back.

"Hey, is something bothering you recently?" Qiao Qiao followed up.

Gyr was silenced for a while, then she decided to speak up.

"My skills are not enough for Mr. Peregrine."

"What did he say?"

"He says I'm too slow for the newest aircraft bomber. And they are scattered everywhere like ants."

"Is your squadron facing alone?"

"It's not a big deal; I'm definitely not fast enough."

"Gyr," Qiao Qiao reached out, gently patting her back. "You can ask me whenever you need a hand."

Gyr stood still. She looked toward her face, her warm smile and her flushy cheeks gave her an uneasy burden.

'I don't want you to be involved. I don't want you to be troubled.'

Gyr removed Qiao Qiao's hand from her back.

"No thanks, I'm going home alone." She walks toward the exit, leaving Qiao Qiao alone.

On the southern coast, a coastwatcher bird named H. Pitohui stood on the sands. While gazing towards the moonlight, he saw a white falcon fly toward him. With the same meeting spot and with the same time, it was Gyr.

Gyr then transformed back to human, she slightly smiled when she saw him.

They both sit around the camp fire to roast the fish.

"Do you have other missions other than coastwatching?"

He kept his eyes on the embers. "The officer who assigned me rarely visits here."

"What if I assign you a mission~?" she teased. She pulled her knees tight to her chest, building like a barricade as she waited for his answer.

He looks at her. "What would you assign me?"

She tucked her hair. "Recently I try to negotiate a ceasefire with the parrots (human settlement allies)

Pito sighed in relief. "Oh... The officers are beginning the peace deal."

"Umm, I proposed by myself." She winced slightly. "I'm tired of this endless war."

"Me either. But doing something without officers' approval is risky."

"That's why I arranged for some people coming with me. I want you to come."

Pito stood silent, gazing on the embers. "Is Qiao Qiao also coming?"

"She isn't good at this. It may make things complicated."

Pito seems to be questioning her conflicting point of view. He doubts leaving the post, yet he doubts Gyr's idea of visiting Parrot's Canton.

The northern frontlines were the most militarized zone, where the humanoid birds were guarding the trenches against the human settlement. The birds were constantly digging new trenches, resupplying new rifles, and constantly patrolling the skies.

Every time Swan returned to the camp, he immediately wrote a letter to Raven. Raven was his university friend; she was the only person that he could hold onto during his university life. Whenever he was lonely or stressed by the university administration, he often reached out to her. Although she wasn't a chatter, her authentic smiles and conversation made Swan appreciate her companionship. Before he even realized it, he began to like her, despite different bird species.

Recently, the frontlines are relatively calm. Swan immediately went to the camp post mail center. When he opened his locker, he didn't receive any mail inside the locker. He suddenly felt strange.

Usually, she would send the mail back to him the day after he sent mail to her. It had been a constant flow until today's flow went off.

'Huh? She didn't sent me today. Is she okay?'

Confused, he began to think nonsense—that she might be busy with university subjects. It sounds reasonable, but it doesn't compare to other lovebirds who kept receiving mail from their loved ones, Swan saw that a lot in the camp.

He kept calm and decided to wait until tomorrow (Thursday) if the trenches remain quiet.

On Thursday, he checked the locker; it was still empty.

Then on Friday after Swan retreat from the battlefield, the locker still had no mail. He was impatient to wait for her response since today the frontline restarted the battle. He decided to send another mail.

18 days after he sent another mail, yet she still hadn't replied. Swan hid inside his room, checking the news; there are no bombings in the university or her residence. He then checked the mail delivery status; they all reached her address. Swan then despaired, banged on the tables, and snapped his pen into two.

Swan then reached out Black Kite. He was sitting on the ground, scrubbing the rifles and repairing them.

While Black Kite was wiping down the rifle barrel, he then saw Swan walking slowly towards him. His face looks tired and disappointed, rather than scared and frightened.

"What is going?"

Swan was unresponsive; his reaction didn't change. He then sat beside Black Kite.

"Do you know why someone decided to stop responses?"

"Struggling on life, every person has priorities."

"Why would some birds still be receiving mail despite harsh times?"

Black Kite lowering his head, continues to wipe the rifles. "Perhaps they are meant to be."

"I made no mistake, I didn't make her uncomfortable. I made her laugh about my days. She looks very interested in me."

Black Kite was completely muted. He continues scrub the dirty rifles. Swan then flashes back to his high school time when there was an active, cheerful White Egret girl who was always clinging to him. Every time he was alone in his desk, White Egret would suddenly playfully disturb his peace. Sometimes she comes by herself, sometimes with her friends. One time he was eating with her in the canteen; he was rather emotionally unavailable. Although he looks muted all the time, she still cheerfully talks to him.

Swan began to regret not knowing what a crush was back then. She might be a great girlfriend if he had noticed sooner. He's on self-loathing mode.

There is a girl that is caring and sweet toward me.

We are both in art majors (21M, 21F); we are both introverts. I started meeting her when we were in the same group with other 3 people. It was during the freshman's first semester when I tried to grasp the reality of university. I got administration problem which took me a month to deal with. It was stressful, yet I'm also not a social guy.

Thorough freshman, we gained each other's trust until the semester was over. On the next semester, I was focusing on chasing to find more stable group friends. So I rarely talk with her, but she also didn't reach me.

During Sophomore, when I began attending the school party, I was one of the performers as a singer. Her inner circle begins friendly and seems more welcoming after I perform. By the same time, she also seems active and cheering me up. She even compliment me and I was glad the friendship was still alive. We did some talk, but like once every month, I guess.

Then on junior year, we still actively talking, but its 1 times in 3 weeks, but due to her kindness and being sweet toward me, I start developing something called "crush". Whenever I start to talk when no one looks at me, she will be one first to look at me. Whenever I doing something unexpected, she is the one who react first in humorous or enthusiastic way.

In Junior year second semester, I began talking to my scattered inner circles about I had a crush on her. Well, they seem unsure. This semester I rarely saw her since we have different class schedules. Around 1 week 1 time saw her in the classroom, which is crazily rare compared to last semester which is 4 times a week.

Long story short, during her birthday, i gave her a small piece of a motivational story (since i like writing novels) and she was touched with it and we had a wholesome conversations. Although rarely met her and dry text, her conversation is still being active like actively talking about my day. In the same time I want to take her to bookstore (she likes reading books). Unfortunately she said she was busy for this week and next week also unsure.

In dating norms, if she says no but not giving an alternative time, it means she is uninterested. But judging her personality and attitude, I'm kind of confused with that. Then i waited until 2 weeks later. I asked her again like if she has time in this week. Well at first she said she doesn't have time and confused, then I refreshed her about bookstore. She then clarify by not having time. Then I said, "How about next week?" She seemed doubtful but she answered faster than usual. She said she was unsure but it might not be.

The time I asked her out the second time was around May 6th. I began to realize her attitude toward me became colder and less attentive, unlike it used to.

Things have changed alot. As an introvert, i know what her meant. Because i also do that to other people (but not to her). Maybe I was too invested. Did I push too far? Which part did I do wrong?

Every humanoid bird was summoned by the kings for mandatory conscription to mobilized bird army to fight back the human settlements. Some birds are natural warriors; some birds are not fit for wars. Yet, they were treated equally without considering their capacity. "Their lack of capabilities is easy to train in the barrack." quoted from King Golden Eagle.

But except for this one young man named Swan. He then was ordered to go community hall for registration. He is a third-year university student majoring in medicine.

On the outside of the community service. There were hundreds of birds lining up for enlistment. He is lining up, looking at his surroundings. The bird's reactions are mixed, some are showing their pride nationalistic stances, others are worried and scared. He is more nervous than ever before. Right behind him is Black kite, a street gang, he lives in poverty. Swan met him infront of the community service when Swan was trying to ask the directions.

'At least there is someone i can count on...' Swan inner thought.

Swan and Black kite were inside the community hall building. The officers began to escort both of them into room. Swan looks around the room, the walls below have some golf ball sized holes. He glances at them for a while, he probably has seen this kind of reference.

The officers began to check their papers. The atmospheric room was suspenseful and intense. Swan began to show his intense anxiety, while black kite shows no emotions; in fact, he rather shows boredom.

One of the officers began to stand up from the table.

“Put your hands near the holes.”

'Huh? What do you mean?' Swan is confused.

Swan looked at the holes. He had a strange feeling, something deeply unnerving. But he can't just stand there passively. He tries to reach into the hole by putting his hand in. He looks back at the officer. The officer then comes forward, and he demonstrates by using his palm cupped open. A letter then slides into the officer's hand.

Both Black Kite and Swan understood.

Then they were doing the same hand gesture. They both got the folded letter, and they gave it to the officers. The officers open the letter.

"Gentlemen, you both are drafted to the northern land," one of the officers said.

Swan stood still while Black Kite bent down.

"We will pick you up at 5pm, don't bring too much stuff to the front line."

Then a soldier opened the door. Black kite and Swan left the room and the officer began to escort another bird.

"I thought that hole was something," Swan said.

"Don't worry, I also thought the same." Black Kite's voice was steady.

Swan then looked at him.

"It's a grenade hole," Black Kite answered.

"Well... I was thinking the opposite."

"It doesn't matter. I hope I won't die there and get government support after the war."

"What's on northern land?" Swan questioned.

"Trench warfare, it may be hard for you."

Swan fell silent. Black Kite then walked into the crowds, leaving Swan behind.

Hey folks, today i try to make an Arduino scale with HX711 and 50kg bathroom scale load cells. I used four 50kg scales with one HX711. I did follow the instructions in google and several tutorials on YouTube. Although I made exactly the same like them, when I tested it out on the scale, the numbers were jumbled and inaccurate. And after I tried to figure out for several hours, I suddenly found out that when I put my object near the HX711, the numbers became greater. Is this how HX711 works? How can I fix it?

https://reddit.com/link/1uarpe1/video/skqbdiq9je8h1/player

https://preview.redd.it/ltaxr5rmje8h1.png?width=2718&format=png&auto=webp&s=d3cff040520233ab4445c6fa573480888d67a19a

There is a girl that is caring and sweet toward me.

​

We are both in art majors(21M, 21F); we are both introvert. I started meeting her when we were in the same group with other 3 people. It was during the freshman first semester when I tried to grasp the reality of university. At that time I got administration problem which it took me a month do deal it. It was stressful yet I'm also not a social guy in this sea of students.

​

Thorough freshman semesters, I rely on her and often communicate with her. We gained each other's trust until the semester was over. On the next semester, I was focusing on chasing to find more stable group friend, more cooler one. So I rarely talk with her, but she also didn't reach me out.

​

During Sophomore, things became more interesting when I began attending the school party, I was one of the performers as a singer. Her inner circle begins friendly and seems more welcoming after I performed. By the same time, she also seems active and cheering me up. She even compliment me and I was glad the friendship was still alive. Then in the second semester, we did some talk but like once every 1 month I guess.

​

Then on junior year, me and I still active talking while its 1 times in 3 weeks, but due to her kindness and being sweet toward me, I start developing something called "crush". Whenever I start to talk, when no one look at me, she will be one first to look at me. Whenever I doing something unexpected, she is the one who react first in humorous or enthusiastic way. Whenever I began talking with her like uninterested style, she keep talking me and asking my day.

​

She's on my mind, therefore I try to actually approach her and have a nice talk. During December until January 2026, it comes ups and down since her group friends (also mine) always taking her out. I also try to ask her out, but its always them who block my way or when she alone, I had to go out instead. In Chinese, we called it 【錯位時刻】: misaligned space and time.

​

In Junior year second semester, i began talking to my scattered inner circles about i had a crush on her. Well, even an experienced one cant help me. I began dare myself to talk one of her friends, they seem unsure. This semester I rarely saw her since we have different class schedule. Around 1 week 1 time saw her in the classroom, which is crazily rare compared to last semester which is 4 times a week.

​

Long story short, during her birthday, i gave her a small peace of motivational story (since i like writing novels) and she was touched with it and we had a wholesome conversations. Although rarely met her and dry text, her conversation is still being active like actively talking about my day. In the same time I want to take her to bookstore (my reasons is to find books, since she also like reading books). Unfortunately she said she was busy for this week and next week also unsure.

​

In dating norms, if she says no but not giving an alternative time means she is uninterested. But judging her personality and attitude, im kinda refuse to acknowledge that. Then i waited until 2 weeks later. I met her in the elevator (which i purposefully wait behind the walls because she is always surrounded with her friends after she enters the classroom ). Then i ask her directly like if she has time in this week. Well at first she said she doesn't have time and confused, then i refresh her about bookstore. She then clarify by dont have time. Then i say how about next week, she seems to doubt but she answered faster than usual, she said she was unsure but it might be not.

​

The time I asked her out the second time was this May, around May 6th. I began to realized that her attitude toward me became more cold and not being attentive a like it used to. She walks away when I meet her in the school hall, she only read my messages, she even opens her phone while in elevator.

​

Things have changed alot. As an introvert, i know what her meant. Because i also do that to other people (but not to her). She are the same cheerful when she is with her friends, but now im the exception. But maybe i was too invested. Maybe I should call it quits? Which part did I do wrong? Do you think dating chances are over?

currently i try to test several sensors to check which sensor could feel the weight of the box. On the picture is FSR 402. Although I did the instruction right, but it can't detect any weight pressure except if i use my fingers to pinch it. Do you guys use this sensor before? Any suggestion or idea for this problem? If this sensor was not suitable for this light box, which sensor would you recommend (I want a sensor that can sensor the box when i stack it.)?

https://preview.redd.it/22iyjtsd8g7h1.jpg?width=4080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5dd9b81ffcc455c3109b543c8f658e122884f392

https://preview.redd.it/co1o16c59g7h1.jpg?width=2560&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=53265e948c38f1aea207e35e0929709e0b1cd9a9

I'm a junior university student at NTUT. Lately I have facing mount of pressure and unimaginable stress cause by my university (or maybe by me). I might not be able say stuff in proper order due to limited time i had and complex.

​

Accumulative problems:

Im a junior university student at NTUT. Lately I have been facing mount of pressure and unimaginable stress cause by my university (or maybe by me). I might not be able say stuff in proper order due to limited time i had and complex.

​

Since I was in secondary school, I began having a trouble on socializing with other students ever since my best friend decide to choose a better friend than me. At those time, I wasn't don't really mind being outcasted since the school subjects and internet keeps me being busy. The starting of the covid-19 pandemic, I was, infact, relieved due to no need to come to school physically. The quarantine lasted from 2020 until 2022 (the start of third-year high school). Since the beginning of the school, I began to realize that I might should get some friends as I got hypnotized by animes by glorifying the high school era. Well, due to lack of knowledge about socialization, I ended up socializing with group people like me (the one who cares about STEM subjects more than being a normal or popular high schooler). They are my best, most organic friends I ever had; it could be my last.

​

During my freshman year, I went to a foreign country, Taiwan. Even though I was fluent with their language, the friendship lasted like a banana. I took a design major because I hate STEM. And now lately I began to think if STEM and exams are the best things I could have. I also try to approach the Taiwanese and be like them, I do notice other international students tend to socialize with other international student, there are few successful people who have a stable Taiwanese friendship there. I use the same formula and apply it. It works, but only for a semester. I still don't really understand why every time I made a friendship, not only locals but also internationals tended to last only one semester. It could be my lack of socialization knowledge, but I'm currently in junior year, and I have met more than 100 people in different majors. Do you experience the same as me?

​

problems inside has problems like a maze.

​

I thought things would get better as I grew up, but it's just a naive statement made by a naive person. The unimaginable mental pain I would face with the old problems still carries weight.

​

Spend alot of money on psychiatry and Psychology only to get the problems to accelerate. Some of these problems came after I went for the treatment.

​

Too many group project:

Since this is a design major, group projects are the soul of this major. I want to be honest, everyone was shocked, including Taiwanese on how different the subjects were from their expectations, but they managed to walk past thru due to a strong group of friends and being extroverts. The introverts tend to be diligent and a bit outcasted, but they are still stable. And there's the problematic student, who only shows up one day in a week, frequently plays video games or parties, tends to procrastinate and makes other members in pain.

​

In my freshman year, I was close to being an extrovert due to actively engaging with extrovert friend groups, but it lasted one semester before i downgraded to a second-tier extrovert group. And this year, I downgraded again to a problematic one. I really try to survive in this different world, and I thought by being them it was enough; it was never enough. no one can define "enough."

​

This semester I had 4 group projects in between 10 classes I took. They had drained my energy for one semester. They are always telling me to do things and never assist. When I need their assistance or hangout, they just shrug and are silent. One of the group projects is with international students due to the fact that I have done a lot with the Taiwanese. Maybe I had those wishes that they could at least be empathetic, but sadly the opportunity is closed; they had their own group of friends (long-lasting ones). While I had group projects, the unexpected problem suddenly appeared, like my toenails had a problem due to a particular incident which took me a month of recovery process and finding an internship is like a maze problem.

​

Since most of the groups' projects i had were in the same design department, it means we had a lot of revisions just to make the teacher "like our project" or barely pass their bare minimum.

​

Dating:

During my freshman year, I became interested in one Taiwanese girl who was in the same group. She is very supportive, and we often chat with each other. For over one semester, I thought the dating route was a clear highway. After joining the same parties and chats, I then found out she had a boyfriend. It's a big slap in my face, but I move on. We were still chatting, but the intensity was minimal. Then, as a sophomore, I began close with one of the introverts in my major, she was once being attentive toward me, but then after 1 semester i realized she was the problematic one after I was in one group with her. Then my junior year was with one Taiwanese girl, with whom I had a very long story. Summary: she was in one group with me during freshman year; we became close, but then it was a one-semester friendship, but then during almost the end of sophomore year, she became attentive toward me. I was like, "We have been friends since I was chasing other girls." Due to her long-term relationship with her, on this day I try to ask her out. The first try was that she was busy this week, and i thought she was just busy. Then on the second time I asked her out, she gave the same answer. The difference between the first try and the second try is that on the first try we still had contacts; on the second try, she barely talks to me anymore. She doesn't even look at me or laugh at my jokes.

​

Questioning myself:

I began to question whether my choice was a mistake. Maybe I should have enrolled my own country's university for finding partners to date and friendship; maybe I should have focus on skills rather than how to socialization (some students actually got friend through their skills); maybe I should have chosen the STEM major (the exam is 2-3 days to deal with, while group projects requires a semester); maybe it's me that's the problem (like being self-loathing or overanalyzing people's friendships or hoping too much)

​

ChatGPT isn't helping me with any of his advice. Some of his advice is more subjective than being objective.

​

For anyone who has read until the end, thank you for reading my rough text about me. I'm sorry if it's too long; I just try to get it off my chest.