Chapter 1: It's OUR Business Actually
Chapter Text
"That was perfect!"
"Really?!"
Shiraishi An was practicing with her recently formed group: the Vivid Clovers! They were wrapping up their final song.
"You're perfect An-chan!"
"Kohane!" An had really gotten lucky that she found such supportive partner like Kohane.
"I'm surprised you were able to hit that note with the intense choreo."
"Ha! Don't underestimate me miss idol!" An was just glad she could even be considered on the same level as Haruka.
"An-chan, can you teach me? I can never hit those high notes...."
"I would love to help Minori!" Minori was new to performing, but her dedication rivaled that of another.
"Shiraishi, where's Ken-san." And there he is.
"Why do always intrude on our practices?" She wasn't actually mad at Akito, but recently he's been coming over more and more, and it's starting to piss her off.
"Geez, I just need to see him."
"Ugh, you know where he is. You practically live here at this point."
"Whatever." And he was off.
"Y'know," Haruka started, "you probably don't have to be that rude to him."
"Yeah I guess, but isn't it just annoying how he's just lives in my house, hell he's probably around her more than I am!"
"Well have you tried talking to him?"
"HA! As if! Even when I try he just ignores me."
"Hmmm, well maybe ask your dad?"
"Been there, done that."
"There has to be some solution..."
"Yeah, well I'm too tired to figure that out today! Anyways see y'all tomorrow?"
"Oh, I forgot, I told Emu-chan I would help her with something." Said Haruka.
"I also am busy tomorrow. My dad and I are going to buy Count Pearl a new tank!" Said Kohane.
"Ah, ok, cool! Maybe we can see each other over the weekend. Remember our first performance is next week on Friday, so we can't slack off!"
"Right!"
"Well, bye guys!" Kohane waved and left.
Haruka followed behind. "I should get going too see you later!"
"Minori, shouldn't you get going too?"
"Uhm, well I was maybe hoping you could help me hit that note.. I'm also just a bit nervous for our first show."
"Hmm, well, if you're not busy tomorrow we can do it then!"
"Really!"
"Yup!"
"Thanks An-chan!" Minori gave her a big hug and An couldn't help but hug back. "One last thing. Could I maybe sleepover? My air conditioning in my house broke.."
"Aw! Of course you can stay over! You can even borrow my clothes, and my dad can wash your uniform for tomorrow!"
"Wow! You really are the best!"
An excitedly dragged her upstairs, but when she got to the living room she saw that all too familiar orange hair on the couch.
"Hey An!" Called her dad.
"Hey, you're cool if Minori stays over right?"
"What happened kiddo?" He looked at Minori.
"Oh, it's not too big of a deal, it's just, my house doesn't have air conditioning."
"Oh, well, you can stay until it's fixed."
"Really?!"
"Yeah, you can bring some of your stuff over tomorrow, but it's getting late. You can sleep in An's room if you want. He should hopefully only be here for tonight." He gestured at Akito.
"Thank you! I don't know how I'll ever repay you!"
"It's fine, you can't help it."
"Aaa! You're too kind!"
"C'mon Minori, let's go to my room!"
"Coming An-chan!"
The two of them just decided on sharing the bed. An gave Minori a pair of shorts and a shirt to change into as she went to take a shower.
Once Minori was in the bathroom, An went to interrogate her dad.
"Heyyyyyyyyyy."
"What's up An?"
"Why is Akito here." No point in dragging it out.
"He asked me not to tell."
"Pleaseeeeee! I live here too y'know!"
"Not so loud, and yes I get that, but you don't need to be in his business."
"Yeah, well he's up in my business, coming by everyday."
"Yeah, he said the same thing."
"Huh?"
"Akito said that he was tired of you bothering him at school."
"I don't-" But then she thought back to that one day. Oops. But she couldn't back down now. "He just happens to be in my line of sight, and I want to talk to him!"
"Right." He giggled.
"Ken-san, do you have anything less itchy." Akito mumbled. He was probably referring to the brown sweater he had on right now.
"Yeah." Her dad went to his own room to retrieve a shirt for Akito.
"Nice to see you too Akito."
"Oh. You." Akito turned around and slowly made his way towards the couch.
"HEY!"
"I'm too tired for your shit."
"Ugh, rude. You staying in MY home, you can at least try to be nice."
"I like your couch."
"See, was that so hard?"
"mmmm." Akito was about lay down but An beat him to it. "asshole."
"Sooooo, why are you here?"
"If I tell you, you're gonna make fun of me."
"My dad will kill me, at this point he like you more than me."
"I got in a fight with Ena."
"What?"
"There, now get up and let me sleep."
"Ha! There was no way this was comfortable. You didn't even have a pillow. Here use my lap." She sat up and crossed her legs.
Akito just looked at her. "Fine, but don't say your legs hurt in the morning."
"So what was the fight about?"
"Why do you care."
"I mean," Her hands started to play with Akito's hair, "you basically live with me at this point. Might as well get along."
"Whatever. The fight was dumb, but Ena got mad at me for breaking her keyboard, and she, uh, broke one of my CD's."
"SHE WHAT! Ok, that's fucked up."
"Yeah, and it was a limited edition one..."
"NO. Bro you need a new sister."
"Haha. Yeah. Hey An?"
"Yeah?"
"Remember do you remember the first time I started coming here?"
"Ha! It was probably only a week after RAD Weekend you'd come every day."
"Wanna know the reason?"
"Sure!"
"Well, I wanted to be friends with you. Partly because you were Ken-san's daughter, but also because I saw you practicing, and you, in a way, inspired me."
An was gonna cry. "AKITO! That's soo sweet. I never that that you would be the type, but here you are!"
"Shut it. You're not telling anyone about what we've said here."
"Fine, but only if you stop by everyday."
"Ha, no problem."
"So Akito, why do you hate me?"
"Huh?"
"You always avoid me, and whenever we talk you're rude to me. Why."
"I don't know."
"REALLY?"
"I mean, whenever you talk to me I'm usually already pissed off, and I know if I talk to you I will become pissed off."
"Why?"
"I don't know man. I'm tired."
"Whatever. Night Akito!"
Akito sat up a bit so An could leave. "Night An."
An was headed back to her room when she was stopped by her dad.
"You talking skills have gotten good."
"Thanks. Wait. You were eavesdropping! How dare you!"
"I wouldn't say eavesdropping, more like you talking too loud."
"Whatever."
"I'm glad you and Akito talked things out."
"Yeah, you're gonna have to deal a lot more with him now." An giggled.
"Alright, now go to bed, you still have school tomorrow."
"Righto!"
Finally, An made it to her room. Minori was already in bed, but she didn't look asleep. An slid into her bed facing away from Minori.
"Hey An-chan."
"Aw, I hope I didn't keep you up."
"No you're fine, I was just thinking."
"Well you can tell me anything!"
"Ah, well I was just thinking about how you made me regain my hope."
"What do you mean by that?"
"I mean you let me join this group with my idol, my friends. You've done a lot for me, and I appreciate it."
"Minori! You'll make me cry if you go any longer."
"No! Don't cry! I'm just thankful for everything you've done for me."
"Yup, I'm definitely crying."
"Hey, turn around." A did as she was told and Minori gave her a big hug.
"AAAAAA! Minori!"
"Thank you An-chan."
They stayed like that for the rest of the night.
Chapter 2: You, You Are My Family; My Home
Notes:
SORRY THIS TOOK SO LONG! i think i might've been hacked, and also writers block and school got in the way
anyways shiraishi siblings truthers unite!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Huh."
After waking up, An went downstairs and saw Akito talking with her dad.
"You said you'd tell me if you were going on a run."
Akito looked away. "Sorry.."
"Just, talk to me, ok? Also good morning An!" He and Akito turned to look at her.
"It's so early bro, why are you awake?"
"Sorry for not slacking off." Akito said.
"Try hard."
"Ugh, whatever." Akito turned to his breakfast of pancakes.
"Sigh! Anywho, you're gonna talk to Ena, right?"
"Huh."
"Omg. You are unbelievable."
"What do I even talk about?"
"Make her apologize! Dumbass."
"An, language."
"Sorry dad. But seriously, if she upset you that much, then tell her."
"Ugh, yeah, but Ena is just so..."
"Annoying?"
"No, just.... AGH! I don't, I can't, agh...."
"Well, maybe we can talk to her together."
"Really?"
"Yeah! We'll make her regret ever hurting you!"
"You're making it sound more serious than it is."
"She broke your CD. That is unacceptable."
"Fine, just don't hurt her."
"I'll try not to!"
"Very convincing."
"Good morning everyone!" Minori had just gotten downstairs. "Sorry I took so long..."
"Aw, don't worry about it. We were just talking about getting revenge on Akito's sister!" An smirked.
"No, we're making her apologize." Akito replied. An could see that he was trying to keep his "nice guy" persona. It would be reaaal funny if it broke right now.
"Yeah, revenge!"
"Just shut up An." It broke for just a second. "I mean, no."
"C'mon! I'm not wrong!"
Akito just glared at her.
"Oh, maybe you can tell her why you're upset." Suggested Minori.
"It's kinda obvious why I'm upset." Akito sighed.
"I don't know why you're upset?"
"She broke my CD."
"She WHAT! Who was the artist?"
"I'd rather not say.."
"Well if one of my ASRUN CDs were broken, I would cry!"
"Hmm, I've heard of them."
"Yeah! It was the group Haruka-chan was apart of!"
"I've heard of her before."
"Yeah, of course you have." An taunted.
"Akito-kun, are you an ASRUN fan too?" Asked Minori.
"Ena's shown me some of their music. It was good."
"Actually, Akito's an avid listener! You could say he's a stan!" An was determined to make him break.
"Sorry about An, she a little liar!" Akito smiled to hide his pain.
"Oh, well, I could show you some other groups! Even though I'm getting into street music, I still love idol groups!"
"Hmm, then I guess I can show you some street artists."
"Hey Minori, y'know Akito is actually in his own idol group!"
"Shut up An."
"HA! Gottem!"
Akito just grumbled.
Despite his facade dropping, Minori didn't mind. "So, what's the group name?"
"Eh, 5 Bad Times.." He whispered.
"I'm sorry, I couldn't hear you?"
"He saaaid, '5 Bad Times'"
"SHUT. I'm going to school." Akito got up.
"Hey! Wait up!" An dashed after him.
"Kids these days."
--
The three of them were all walking to school, until they were stopped by none other than a familiar brown haired girl.
"AKITO. WHERE WERE YOU."
"Calm down Ena." Akito rolled his eyes.
"Akito. I was worried about you." Ena stared at him with anger. "You weren't responding to my texts."
Akito looked down.
"Weren't you the one who broke his CD?" An chimed in.
"Seriously. He literally broke my keyboard. It was simply payback."
"It was limited! You can buy another keyboard, but not another one of those CDs." An replied.
"If anything, you owe Akito-kun something!" Minori added.
"Yeah, but did he tell you about how he stole the last cheesecake slice."
"Is that all?" Minori asked.
"Guess what, he also took my eyeliner."
"What, it's not like I can buy it." Akito shrugged.
"Broke ass."
"I'm sorry, who has a part-time job?"
"Ugh. Then why do you steal mine?"
"It's embarrassing."
"HA." An and Ena both laughed at him.
"Fuck you."
"If you're really embarrassed, then I can just get it for you." Ena said.
"Actually?"
"Yeah."
"So maybe Ena-chan buys Akito-kun the eyeliner, and we can all be happy!" Said Minori.
"I guess that's fine. Ena?"
"Yeah."
"YAY! Wait. We're gonna be late to school, c'mon! Hurry!" Minori exclaimed.
--
"Ena, when I said you could buy it after practice I didn't mean to bring us with you.
It was after school, and the four of them were now shopping on Vivid Street.
"And why'd it have to be here of all places."
Ena glared at Akito. "An said this was a good spot."
"It's true! I remember the first time I stepped into here." An said.
"Let's hope it's my last." Muttered Akito.
"You never know! Maybe you can find something you like!" Minori said.
"Nah, Ena's got a good enough collection." Akito whispered to Minori.
"Nope! Today we're getting you your own makeup! Vamos!" Said Ena.
"How'd you even hear me?"
"Eavesdropping is my superpower!"
"Ew."
"C'mon, it'll be fun!" An cheered. "I could even do your makeup for you!"
"No."
"Can I?" Asked Minori.
"No! I'm perfectly capable."
"Akito, if you don't let them, then I won't buy the makeup for you." Said Ena.
"This is just bullying at this point."
"Hmmm, what if we get some food after this?" Minori suggested. "Akito can choose the place to pay him back in a way!"
"Finally a voice of reason." Sighed Akito.
"Then, we can give Akito a makeover!" Minori finished.
"To think I almost liked you."
"Aww, well fine, I'll choose!"
"Slow down Minori, we still need to buy the makeup first." Chuckled Ena.
"Right!"
"Then let's go!" Said An.
The four of them went off into pairs: An with Ena and Akito with Minori.
"So Ena, what were you planning on getting?" An asked.
"Hmmm, well I need eyeliner for sure, and I could use some eyeshadow."
"Ooo! I know! There's this really cool local brand that has really vibrant colors!"
Ena looked at An. "An, do I look like I use bright colors." Ena had pastel pink eyeshadow on and was wearing a pastel hoodie.
"Well, you can always try something new, right?"
"Yeah, but like, I have nothing to match."
An gasped. "We should go shopping on Vivid Street! Then you can find stuff that matches!"
"Really?! Omg, I've been dying for Akito to take me shopping here, but he's been refusing."
"Yeah, Akito sucks."
"For real."
On the other side of the store, Minori and Akito were making conversation. Well, more like Minori was questioning Akito while he looked for what he was looking for.
"So, what's it like being an idol?" Minori asked.
"It's fine." Akito was tired and wanted to go home.
"Sigh, I wish I was an idol. Unfortunately, I never got accepted into any groups."
"Aren't you performing at live houses around here? I'd say that's better than being an idol."
"What! How could you say that?! Don't you want to inspire people! Don't you want to spread hope to everyone?!"
"Do you even know what it's like performing here? It's a feeling like no other."
"There's no way it's better than being an idol!" Minori huffed.
"Nah, being an idol requires photo shoots. Literally the other day, Ena forced us to take 'promotional pictures' to post. It was a painful three hours."
"Yeah, but surely it's worth it for the fans, right?"
"The other day I saw a thirst trap of Rui from a live stream. It was weird."
"Oh, well, at least it shows the fans care?"
"Yesterday I got a comment on how someone wanted to squeeze me till my eyes popped."
"Oh my!"
"Yeah and they called me a piece of shit too."
"Oh. Well you totally have tons of adoring fans! I mean, if I had heard of your group earlier, then I totally would be an OG fan!"
"Eh, it's honestly just weird how a bunch of people now have my face as their profile picture."
"It just shows they care! I should teach you more about idol culture!"
"Then I can teach you about Vivid Street."
"Sounds like a plan! Hey look, I think this would look good on you Akito-kun." Minori handed him a red eyeshadow palette.
"Yeah, I could try it. Although I don't really do eyeshadow."
"Well I think it'll make your eyes standout! Besides I was thinking of putting a light amount. Wait! I have an idea! Follow me!" She dashed off, dragging Akito with her.
"Slow down! Jesus!"
--
The four teens had made it home, well, more like the upstairs to the Weekend Garage.
"Alright, I want to go first!" Said An.
"Please don't." Said Akito.
"Don't worry, you've got a makeover professional!"
"If you're a professional, then I'm a god."
"More like an amateur." Said Ena.
"Ok miss 'I spend 20 years in the bathroom only to look worse' I didn't mean to offend you." Teased Akito.
"I think your makeup looks good Ena!" Said An.
"Honestly, I do think you look prettier without it." Said Minori.
"Minori! I thought you were on our side!" Cried Ena.
"Sorry, but I think it's true."
"Ena, you're my new roommate." Said An.
"Yay!"
"Huh! You're kicking me out?!" Exclaimed Minori.
"You can stay at our house." Said Akito. "You're probably a better sister than Ena, so you can have her room."
"What?!" Said Ena.
"Yay!" Cheered Minori.
"Whatever, Akito hold still. It's makeup time!" Said An.
"Fine."
Despite his first impression, Akito liked what An had did.
"Not bad." Said Akito.
She had done a light red around his eyes with fox eyeliner.
"I was planning on putting mascara, but your eyelashes were long enough." Said An. "Y'know for a boy, you're surprisingly pretty."
"Is that supposed to be a compliment?"
"It can be whatever you want it to be."
"Reaaal helpful An."
"Yeah yeah, whatever, Akito picture time!" Said Ena as she took out her phone.
"Why? Wait, you're not going post these are you?"
"Well we need to determine who did the best, and also the group social media was been too quiet, so strike a pose!"
"Whatever." Akito held a peace sign, and put on his 'idol smile' as Toya called it.
"Cool, now it's my turn. An, where'd you put the makeup wipes?"
Ena opted for a more "natural" look. Instead of dramatic eyeshadow, she put a little highlighter near the inner corner of his eye. After that all she but was a little mascara and eyeliner.
"Wait! One last thing!" She drew a little heart under his right eye.
"It's alright." Said Akito.
"Whatever, make a heart with your hands."
Akito did just that.
"No the other way!"
"Like this?" Akito used his index and middle finger to the create the heart.
"NO! Like this!" She gave up and showed him how.
"You could've just shown me that."
"Shut up, and pose." Akito did as he was told, once again.
"My turn!" Said Minori.
Minori decided to do a doll-like look with long and exaggerated eyelashes. For the lips she decided on a matte lipstick.
"It's different." Said Akito once she was done.
"You look so cute!" Said An. "You're just a cutie patootie!"
"An, I will fucking end you."
"Akito-kun! Pose like this!" Minori held her fingers up to her bright smile.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever. Ena hurry up."
Ena had a smirk on her face. "Ok fine, hey Minori, y'know, Akito likes being called Aki-chan?! Right now it really fits."
"Shut up Enanan!" Replied Akito.
"Huh, is that what they call you as an idol?" Asked Minori.
"Nah, Enanan is just Ena's Nightcord username." Said Akito.
"Yeah, but the fans call him Aki-chan. Me personally, I would not let that slide." Said Ena.
"Your days are numbered."
"Anyways! I'm posting the poll now! What should I caption it."
"In this post, three makeup professionals were challenged to do Akito's makeup. Who do YOU think did the best!" Suggested An. "I want the 'you' to be capitalized."
"You sound like a youtuber doing an intro." Commented Akito.
"Ok, what's your idea?"
"Which one is the best."
"LAME!"
"I have an idea!" Said Minori. "Me and my friends did Akito's makeup! Who did the best?"
"Good enough." Said Ena. "And posted."
"So what do we do now?" Said Minori.
"We wait." Akito replied.
"Hey guys," started An, "we should play truth or dare."
"An I dare you to eat your sock." Said Akito.
"Hey! That's not apart of the game!" Scolded An. "Here, let me demonstrate. Ena, truth or dare!"
"Truth. I don't want to fall victim to your evil schemes."
"Jeez, you need to stop hanging around Rui. He's tainting your dialogue." Said Akito.
"You're just jealous."
"Whatever."
"Anywho!" An continued. "Ena, are you dating Tsukasa?"
Akito burst out laughing while Ena face-palmed. Minori just gave a look of shock, and An was confused by their reactions.
"What? I don't get it? Everyone at school thinks you two have a 'thing' going on."
Akito, recovering from laughing, responded. "I can't believe people still believe that. Ena's dating Mizuki."
"WHAT!?"
"Yeah, like at least since like April."
An was too stunned to speak.
"Who's Mizuki?" Asked Minori.
"Ah, well they're my partner, and also apart of our idol group. They designed our outfits for the music festival, and they help make out music videos." Said Ena.
"That's cool!" Replied Minori. "I guess it takes a lot to be an idol. I guess I didn't have, and don't have what it takes to be an idol."
"Ahw, Minori! If anything you're more idol-like than those two." Said An as she pointed at Akito and Ena.
"HEY!" The two said in unison.
"Nah, I remember when waking up to go get water, I saw Akito-kun getting ready to go on a run. I admire his effort, and it pays off! During lunch, I looked up your channel to see your music, and I remember hearing Akito sing, and it was amazing!"
Akito started to blush a little, but Minori continued.
"After that, I watched clips of your past live streams, and I could tell why the fans love you! Even though my first impression of you wasn't the best, I could see that you cared about what you do. Sure to the unobservant eye you may seem like a jerk who cares little for others, but past that facade is just a passionate guy!"
"Uh, y-yeah, I guess." Akito was fully red now.
"Ha! She really just did a full character analysis on you!" Said Ena.
"Well hold on now Ena-san!" Exclaimed Minori. "You are also quite the idol. First off, your voice is amazing! Not only can you sing cutesy songs, but also some really sad ones. My personal favorite cover was Charles, but that's besides the point."
"Look who's red now." Said Akito as Ena tried to hide her face in her hands.
"Anyways, I can definitely tell that the fans love your personality. While at times you may come off as blunt, you always care for your friends!"
"Eh- Minori! I'll cry if you go on!" Said Ena.
"Ahh! Sorry! How about we get back to truth or dare?"
Before the four teens could resume their game, a familiar father had just entered the room.
"Hey, were you having a party without me?!" Said Ken.
"Hi dad!"
"Hi Ken-san."
"Hi Ken-san!"
"Hi Ken-san."
"Heya kids. I know why Minori is here, but Akito, Ena? What happened?"
"We resolved our issues, and decided to hangout for a bit." Replied Ena.
"Oh, well if you need a ride home let me know, it's almost midnight!"
Akito and Ena shared a look that said: "If we go home know we're dead."
"Ken-san, do you mind if we stay the night?" Asked Akito.
"An?"
"As long as Akito isn't in my bed!" Said An.
"Well, it's settled! You guys wanna watch a movie?"
"Sure!"
"I call dibs on choosing!" Said An.
"No fair!" Said Minori.
"Two words: Skill Issue."
--
After a while, the four were on the couch under one blanket with a few snacks for them to share.
It wasn't long before Akito was the first one asleep.
"Oh, Akito-kun is already asleep!" Whisper-exclaimed Minori.
"This is probably one of the earliest times he's gone to bed." Ena said. "It's kinda sad that it's only a half joke."
"Yeah, it's always important to get good sleep, especially if you're working like you and Akito."
"Yeah, should we turn off the movie, An?"
"Aw, I wanna keep watching. Just turn the volume down." Replied An.
A couple more minutes passed, and Minori was the next to go.
"Ena, just so you know, you and Akito are always welcome here."
"Thanks An, although, why are you telling me now?"
"Well partially because I know what happens at your house, to some extent, but also because it's nice to have company."
"Oh, well why didn't you just say that! I love hanging out with you!"
"Thanks. And I guess I should thank you for helping Akito."
"Why?"
"I know it may not seem like it, I really care about Akito. He was basically my first long-term friend. I don't know what I would be without him."
"Yeah, well I should also thank you. You are probably his longest lasting friend. And you helped him grow, and gave him a home. I remember when he first started, somedays he wouldn't even come home, but that's because he found a home here."
"Well, maybe this can also be your home."
"I'd like that." Ena yawned.
An giggled. "You should probably go to sleep now."
"Hey! I'm the older one!"
"Yeah, whatever. Night Ena."
"Night An." With that, Ena closed her eyes.
An was finally the last one standing.
"You had quite the night!" Her father said.
"Yeah, it was nice."
"It's almost like you have a whole family here!"
An looked around at her friends faces. Their faces usually so determined are now at peace. Would it be so bad to have them around? Are they her family?
"Yeah, yeah we do."
Notes:
- i can't right oneshots for the life of me
- dialogue based on real conversations
- an and ken live above weekend garage (i will die on this hill)
- i tried my best with minori, but she's probably ooc
- i'm terrible at describing makeup
- fun fact: akito and haruka canonically wake up the earliest in the game
- these four characters are literally so similar they must be related. only explanation
- i love them all they are all girl flops in one way or another
- for the conversation with akito and minori during the shopping trip was based on things i've seen from mainly tiktok (maybe pintrest, but i try to stay off of pjsk pintrest bc yeah)
- so the "squeeze till he explodes part" was based off of like some comments i've seen, BUT the "piece of shit" part comes from when you use the tone indicator "/pos"
- some people thought/think that it means piece of shit and i think that's incredibly funny
- i think that an knowing every rumor around the school is just really funny to me idk why tho
- minori forgot to take over her stuff to ans house, so they went at noon to get it
- an and ena interacted a more during the summer
- one day i will write the summer oneshots
- anyways if you're still reading this here's why i think i got hacked
I couldn't log into my account, and once i did i saw that my history was offalso how do you turn it back on pls help
anyways the only unreasonable part of this is who would hack/steal an ao3 account just to read fics because there's nothing in my drafts
idk anyways, i will have one pride month special where an aroace will once again try to write romance, and a big project for this au
anyways thanks for reading!