#TOALoveHypothesis2024
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The Setup.
Congratulations, you have chosen to undergo a psychological experiment in order to test the bounds of relationships and what the average individual deems appropriate behavior with a speed-dating simulation. You will be placed in a space with other like-minded subjects, where you will then converse about specific topics provided to you.
Your goals are to be as well liked as possible. We will act as facilitators for this simulation and watch the outcomes. We will be taking notes.
The Rules.
Signups will be from February 8th-13th. If you miss this window, your muse will not be allowed to enter the mini event. This is to give time for the organizers of the event (Ruaidhri and Arden) enough time to generate the lists.
The event will run from February 14th until February 20th.
You can sign up as many of your muses as you would like, but please note that the event runs for just over a week. Don’t overextend yourself!
Please tag all interactions #toaLoveHypothesis2024
Every participant will be paired with one other muse per round, which will be posted on Knoll’s blog. You may choose to do a thread with your partner, or you can send an ask. Please communicate with your partner to decide which works best for both of you!
At the start of each round, you will be assigned a random partner and a random conversation topic suggestion (you do not need to adhere to this topic, it’s just a suggestion for if your muse doesn’t know what to talk about).
The goal is to get your partner to like you! You want to impress your partner, and get them to give a thumbs up approval for the next round. Liking or disliking you does not affect whether you progress to the next round, only your score at the end.
At the beginning of each round Hubert or Knoll will go into each participant’s inbox and ask whether or not they like their paired partner. This ask is to be answered privately. You cannot change your mind once the ask has been answered.
Additional Info and Signup Form.
SIGNUP FORM HERE.
My muse is in a relationship/currently isn’t looking for a partner, can they still participate?
Yes, if you think they would sign up. The ic phrasing of the event as a psychological experiment or the logistics of a gathering like this appearing open-ended could lend itself to misinterpretation. Maybe a muse just showed up to make new friends. Whatever you want, they don’t need to have shown up with the goal of speed-dating if you don’t want them to have. Confused participants can also make for interesting threads. This, too, is data.
Do we have to follow the set topics assigned to us?
No, you can chat about whatever you wish. These suggestions are optional, to be used if you don’t know where to begin your conversation.
How many asks per round should we expect from the organizers?
One at the beginning of each round. Knoll or Hubert will ask you whether or not you like your partner. Answer it privately at any point before the round closes; unanswered asks will default to a ‘no.’
What happens if we’re disliked?
That’s unfortunate.
How will partners be chosen?
We will randomize the list of participants (rerolling only in situations where someone gets two of their own muses paired up).
Can we join the event late?
No. Once signups are closed, they’re closed; this is to make sure everyone is paired up evenly.
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@sublimeflowoftime
Sothis lets out a short laugh at the critique of the question. She was thinking much the same after all. “The organizers, clearly.”
She leans her head down as close to the table as she can, trying to see beneath the card the best she can without being able to actually pick it up and flip it. Which is not at all. “Hm… I suppose one could attribute such vagueness to an attempt to allow an ‘open-ended’ perception.”
She sighs, lifting her head as she gives up on her investigation of the card. She doesn’t know what she expected there. Her brows furrow as she turns her attention to the groups around them, attempting to peer at their questions to see if they’re just as strange. “Still though, I do agree. A question such as this does seem rather out of place within a ‘romantic’ setting, by all accounts…”
"Romantic. Huh." Right, this was supposed to be about romance, or friendship, at the very least. Testing chemistry between two people or something in a controlled setting. Had Erk been paying complete attention during the pitch? Not particularly.
The experiement part had certainly interested him at the time, but now he's almost wishing that he had elected to stay in his room and continue studying the topic he had been reading up on.
"Religious, or... hm, what's the word?" Erk pauses, scanning through his mind, "Ah yes, theological. Theological debates do not interest me much anyway. Saints are historical figures revered in one way or another, I care not for the divine aspect of tales about them."
He scoffs, "Can you imagine trying to actually form a proper connection over a question like that anyone? You might as well have asked me to pick out a random book from the library to discuss with no prior context."
#ic#ic: i am to be my teacher's ideal student#supports: i will repay my debt to you one day#support: sothis#events: i will put in whatever effort is necessary#event: the love hypothesis#toaLoveHypothesis2024#sublimeflowoftime#//sorry he's a hater.
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“Hm. A ‘hidden identity’?” Hubert reads from his notes, but nonetheless hands Niamh a pin that says ‘likable individual’. “Your partners have written some feedback about your performance, though you have gotten more approval than disapproval. One outright asks if you can be friends. Unfortunately, with the nature of this experiment that comment needs to stay anonymous, so you will need to figure that out on your own.”
Friends?
Niamh lets that comment sit with them for longer than she expects, but she eventually speaks a simple, "I see," before carefully taking the 'prize' that she has won. It's a strange little thing - and the wording engraved on it gives her additional pause.
That's right. Others had examined her just as much as she had, and written their review of her. She wonders what else the man before her has seen from her assigned partners, but opts against it.
It'll be more satisfying if its her that figures it out.
#toaLoveHypothesis2024#cremisii#awww niamh is likable shes just a lil creatura#thabk u for event i cry
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After waving farewell to Mark and wishing her well, Laslow dutifully follows the hosts to his next seat. He wonders who his next partner will be. A damsel in need of a charming hero? A stunning lady he can woo with his good looks? Perhaps a more stubborn ice queen type that will thaw around his heart-warming smile?
He lounges in the chair with effortless ease, adopting a carefree attitude as he reads the cards set before him.
What are the socio-economic consequences of increased banditry? pros and cons, please.
What kind of a question is that? He frowns, looking up at his partner once they're situated. Ah, not a lovely girl, this time. Laslow tries not to let his disappointment show.
"Hello! I'm Laslow, assistant sword professor with the Blue Lions. Bit of a mouthful, eh?" Free hand extends across the table for the other to shake. "Nice to meet you.!"
This one approaches from the direction of the tactician — Denning had made note of her and Marquess Ostias positions as he had entered, just for the sake of it. The man in turn was collateral information, though it is fortunate that it came into use. He seems the social, 'amicable' sort: The perfect kind of person to make a positive impression upon within the constraints of the average expectation for such a meeting.
The question is somewhat puzzling, however, especially in comparison with the earlier one. Perhaps testing is being done with nonstandard parameters to diversify results. Many of their kin were made to be such variables. A worthwhile apprach. Golden eyes watch his approach, and thee morphs hands move in greeting — A horizontal stroke of flat hands, two fingers meeting like two people would, and a point towards the other's person. nice to meet you.
"Denning." He rasps in return, taking the other's hand in his gloved one in a firm shake, then retreats to tap his own voicebox, then his notepad.
Again, a slender hand reaches for the provided note and turns it towards Laslow in prompting. what do you think?
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Well, this is different! Perhaps it will be the spark that ignites the flames of love--or so he hopes, anyway.
There's a nervous energy thrumming through the air as he finds his seat. He runs a hand through his hair, tousling it just so. Grinning, he welcomes his partner--Mark--once she settles.
"Well, hel-lo there, my sweet! I don't believe we've had the chance to talk to one another before. Laslow, at your service." He winks for good measure, then picks up their conversation card. "Ah, let's see here...cats?"
He tsks. "What a shame I'm allergic!"
Mark shuffles to her seat, across from a man who’s all smiles and confidence. It only makes her more nervous, eyes drifting down to the notes on the table.
“Um, hello! I’m- my name is Mark.” She finally affords him a look in the eyes, and a shy smile. It’s nothing next to his brilliance, but she is here, and she wants to try! “I, um, like cats, I guess...” She fidgets with her skirt. “You can’t, um, be near them at all?” Her mind scrambles for another topic. “Um, do you like, other animals? Like dogs? Or are you allergic to them too?”
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“sir andrei. i must thank you for being such a helpful participant in this experiment,” knoll says. andrei is a favorite subject subject for observation. he refrains from saying that aloud, though, as people tend to dislike that sort of verbiage.
still, he first offers him a small metal pin, the words on it neatly printed:
‘ exceptional model of behavior ’
he flips a page on his notepad. “though you were liked by everyone you met today, unfortunately nobody had any detailed notes for you. perhaps this is a good thing?”
Andrei nods at Knoll as the latter approaches, taking the use of the word 'experiment' in stride now that it is over. It hadn't been overly unpleasant, after all, even if he isn't certain whether the same could be said for the people he'd conversed with—
A flash of surprise crosses Andrei's face at the words on the pin he is presented with, and Knoll's subsequent comments. In truth, he hadn't expected such an outcome. Between the prior history with his first two conversational partners and the insinuation that his final one might had heard tell of him from somewhere, he'd truly expected at least a few of them to have less than favorable opinions of him. He manages to hide the surprise, after a moment.
"Of course," Andrei answers, accompanied by a smile slightly strained at the edges, "I must present nothing less than my best comportment at such an occasion, after all."
He glances back down at the pin. Exceptional model of behavior. Knoll seems to be sincere in such a statement, Andrei is fairly certain (at least, he hopes), but he cannot help but feel an unease, almost guilt, at the words, warring with the odd sense of contentment at having his behavior approved of by a friendly acquaintance, whose opinion of him had already managed to reach him, to change his course, once before.
Neither are completely comforting thoughts, but one easily wins out, in the end. The pin is added to Andrei's small pile of possessions kept on his bedside, face down to keep the words hidden from prying eyes. Exceptional model of behavior.
You mustn't disappoint now, false heir.
#pryings#toalovehypothesis2024#thank youuuuuu this was so much fun!!#andrei's opinion of knoll increases further ahaha soon he will be second only to prof python#(which will make him an increasingly willing test subject tbh)
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“Another impressive outcome,” Hubert says, though he is not surprised that someone like Elise would get such positive reviews. He hands her a button that says ‘exceptional model of behavior.’ “You have done well, and provided us ample data to move onto the next phase of the experiment. We thank you.”
“It has been noted that you are incredibly sweet, if only to hide some of your sadness. You also are intriguing to those who wish to study animals alongside you.”
Elise gasped, clapping her hands in happiness as she looks between the button and it’s creator. “I did?! Really?!” She was hoping everyone would like her (especially since she liked them all too), but to hear she did so well it was impressive??
“Hehe, thank you!!” She reaches out quickly and practically snatches the award out of his hand, taking the button so excitedly it’s impressive she managed to not accidentally stab herself while fixing it to her uniform. It’s a little crooked, but that’s okay! She’s still a winner. She won friendship. Yippee!
Kinda weird someone thought she was ‘sad’ though. Was she sad? She doesn’t remember being sad. Did her being sad make them sad??? She hopes not. That would make her sad for sure. Oh well, at least she’s still friends with whoever it was! This was a very productive experiment. Probably.
“Thank you! This was super fun! I’m happy I was able to help you, too! Whatever it is you’re doing. Good luck with that, by the way. I hope the ‘next phase’ thing works out!”
#˖ ࣪ . ࿐ ♡ ˚ . Step back world! This girl is on FIRE! (IC)#˖ ࣪ . ࿐ ♡ ˚ . Oh! Oh! Can we team up for the next battle? Pleeeease?! (Ask)#toaLoveHypothesis2024#cremisii#//ELISE WINS AT FRIENDSHIP YEAAAHHHH#//she would’ve cried if anyone didn’t like her tbh
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Rosado’s pin is a bit different from the others. Next to the words ‘exceptional model of behavior’ is a small image of a ghost, with one eye obscured and a little smile on its face. Hubert does not make note of it. “You’ve been liked across the encounters you’ve had, and perhaps you might coach the… less talented so they may do better in the future.”
He looks down at his notes. “Your partners have said that you have a positive energy, you seem open minded, and are talented with art.”
one, two, three — every one in the bag! not a single one of those judgments were wrong, and rosado sways lightly back and forth, pleased to hear it. the ducked chin, fluttered lashes, cheeks rosy with modesty; but truth is, it's pretty expected.
never hurts to be validated, though!
"wow . . . that's so nice. thanks so much! i don't know how much being likeable can be taught, but i definitely wouldn't mind giving it a try if you really want!"
with open hand, he accepts the pin, taking in the words ' exceptional model ' with a willing smile, then eyes glimmer upon catching the accompanying doodle. "ah! did you draw this?? hubert. this. is the most adorable thing i've ever seen." and it matched the little ghost he'd done for him first!
this time his bubbly tone quiets with a bit more sincerity than before, two hands clasping the memento to his chest. "there isn't a single other one like it, so i'll cherish this forever."
#◟ 🇨🇭🇦🇷🇦🇨🇹🇪🇷 ❝ HUBERT! ━━ ｡#cremisii#TOALoveHypothesis2024#thanks for running the event! had a lot of fun with it :sparkle:
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“zephia, was it?” he greets, with a bow. he does not know the dragon’s title, nor does he ask for it.
“you received approvals from all your conversational partners, but only one with enthusiasm. the other two are a bit, well let me just read these.”
before he begins, he hands her a metal pin which reads ‘ exceptional model of behavior ’ on it. but then, as if to show what mixed signals he was given, he glances at his notes.
“‘i don’t know about like, but i wouldn’t run the other way’ and ‘if maybe was an option, that would be the answer.’ hm. peculiar, but there you have it. thank you for your participation regardless.”
TRUTH TO THE HOSTS' FINAL ENCOURAGING WORDS, there had been refreshments provided at the center of the dining hall, all to signify the end of the event. and, though such delicacies, such as those prepared, were known to the mage dragon as luxuries, she assessed through all that was there to be taken.
unfortunately, nothing was dangerously spicy, for griss, and nothing was the right texture, for herself.
her amusement, instead, came from the figure at her side; knoll, one of two hosts. the librarian, she remembered, though, through her treks to the library, she would hardly see him lest she strained her gaze. "yes," the mage dragon answered, "is something wrong?"
but there was nothing of the sort! in fact, as she listened to him as he spoke, zephia could not stop the grin from pulling at the edges of her lips. fanged and crooning, she happily took the metal pin, resting it flat on her palm to appreciate the honor of it. how positively she fooled those assigned to entertain her. it was ironic, surely, that she had managed to become a model for others, despite the offer of mixed signals given.
had she frightened poor hector away by laying the offer of indirectly worshipping her horns at his feet? hah! humans and their strange customs. but, no matter, as thankfully, she could assume who, of the other two, gave such an enthusiastic review.
"all is well," zephia laughed, claws clasped around the pin and head tilted to the side, "there is no need to thank me, knoll. this was an... amusing experience. in fact, in the case you require such data from me again, know that you are welcome in my office."
because he would be useful; one who knew to study others was one to be studied, first.
but that would be for later as, clutching the pin, the mage dragon turned on her heel and left. offering only a dismissive wave over her shoulder in farewell.
#toalovehypothesis2024#pryings#☽ ━━━━━━ ❝ the cruelty of a mother's greed ・ 【 𝐈𝐍 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐑 】 .#☽ ━━━━━━ ❝ to appease the handmade goddess ・ 【 𝐀𝐍𝐒𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐃 】 .#THANK YOU AGAIN FOR THE EVENT!!!! v fun... zephia has made friends ( LOUD INCORRECT BUZZER#this is also my reminder to finish up the event threads and get them rolling :pray:#knoll! you're on her hitlist now! ( affectionate )
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“i know hubert rather roped you into this, but i did wish to thank you for your participation nonetheless. since you were not a standard blind participant, i am grateful that you performed your function so well.”
the pin raven received reads: ‘ best control subject ’ on it. “a gift from hubert. his sense of humor. now, are you still interested in the comments you received? how about ‘nice to talk to, but i don’t think i’d go out with him romantically.’ oh, or ‘i can’t say i approve of lying, but i will certainly be discussing more with him at length when we aren’t under such a restrictive time limit.’ it seems you’ve made some, shall we call them friends?”
"Oh, well. As long as I performed admirably enough for you to get what you need from me," Raven deadpanned, eyes narrowing as he snatched the button from the mage's hand. He scoffed at seeing what had been printed on its surface. Hilarious.
He couldn't be too sore at being manipulated - it was his own fault for not asking any questions, and for assuming the best of someone like Hubert. He'd only known the young man for their shifts in babysitting, but he was a sinister one, regardless of motive.
He knew nothing of the librarian, but he ill-liked the idea of being watched, of being poked at as though he were an exhibition. They might have been better served leaving him out of it if they wanted useful information - no matter how lovely any of his partners, no matter how charming or intelligent or kind, Raven couldn't have stomached the idea of having them waste their time with someone like him, a wall for the wave to break against.
He skipped out on the after-party - now that he knew the purpose of the event, the socializing, the making connections and forming bonds, it gave him a shiver of discomfort to know that in spite of everything, there might have been people who wanted to see more of this shell, the facade of Lord Raymond.
His eyes found Lucius, enjoying himself at the prospect of being enjoyed, and he allowed himself the smallest of smiles, sincere, before slipping out a side exit.
#in character#toalovehypothesis2024#interaction: pryings#good luck catching him poe he will be exercising his maxed out avo as he runs from his problems
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There is something unnerving about this individual, but he cannot put his finger on exactly what. There are people from all different realms and countries, he simply hasn’t met someone like this. Silently, he hands her a button that says ‘likable individual.’ “Here is your prize from this experiment,” he says, and frowns a little more. “Despite making one of your conversation partners adamantly say ‘no’ with a plethora of exclamation marks, we found you were generally enjoyable company. Congratulations.”
Oh. She wasn’t aware she would be getting a reward for this. A rather useless reward, all things considered, but it’s the thought that counts.
“Thank you.” She nods politely, gesturing vaguely to a nearby table since she can’t take it herself. Perhaps she can give it away to someone else with a lesser grade. She’s generous like that.
…Wait why do some people have a higher score. What is this. She’s ‘exceptional’! She’s the model of model of good behavior! Why is she not exceptional?!
“One of your conversation partners adamantly say 'no' with a plethora of exclamation marks,”
……That purple haired little brat—
#{You may call me Sothis. But I am also known as… “The Beginning”. — IC}#{I’ll lend my strength! — Ask}#toaLoveHypothesis2024#cremisii#//sothis vc: ERK. ERK WHEN I CATCH YOU ERK. ERK WHEN I CATCH YOU ERK. ERK WHEN I CATCH YOU ERK—
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“Well,” Hubert says as he slides a button over to Ike that says ‘acquired taste’. “Excellent data, but it must be disappointing to have gotten more negative reviews than positive ones. Alas..”
He pulls out his notebook and begins to read. “‘We would not get along if we spoke further,’ ‘he isn’t for me’ and… oh, look,” he taps the paper. “Kind and lovely. I suppose there is more to learn about your interactions.”
Ike isn't really surprised with his mixed results. He knows he's...well, an acquired taste. Not everyone takes to him that well.
He's glad he came out though. The experience was kind of fun. He got to meet some new people he wouldn't have met otherwise. Even if they were all strange in their own way.
"Thanks," he says, taking the button with confusion.
"I had fun, I think."
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the experiment is concluded. under normal circumstances, knoll would be thrilled to pour over his data—and he is, mostly. but the focus of the experiment had gone somewhat awry with general duessel’s joining in. he hadn’t anticipated this possibility, and now it felt as though everything had become—unfocused.
still, he approaches the general, some notes still clutched in-hand. “i have compiled a list of the most effective questions,” he says, his tone all business for the moment, because otherwise his voice would shake with nerves. “the most effective… ah… never mind.”
and now he’s retreating, shrinking in on himself. even with all this information before him, he still struggles to connect. it’s difficult. models and models of behavior in front of him and what does he do with it? not a thing. he looks down, then away, then back at the general. “forgive me for wasting your time. farewell.”
The experiment was a success, at least as far as Duessel was concerned. It appears that he's made at least one new friend, though has appreciated all those that he has interacted with. He plans to seek out Knoll and Hubert, to thank them for this experience.
But it is Knoll who finds Duessel. He holds his notes, and Duessel listens as Knoll speaks, then loses his nerve. A frown replaces his smile and he reaches out as if to grip his wrist.
"It's not wasting my time," he says, encouraging. "I would like to know more about what you discovered. Please, there's refreshments. Won't you stay with me and chat?"
Why is he suddenly nervous? Perhaps he does not like the outcome -- or there was not enough to go on. Duessel hopes that Knoll had as much enjoyment out of this as he did.
#the obsidian of the imperial three ● ic.#support ● pryings.#and what is just? ● answered.#toalovehypothesis2024
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“thank you for your participation in this study,” knoll says, without preamble. something about this girl’s presence is somewhat intimidating, though he doesn’t know what it is exactly it is.
regardless, he hands her a small metal pin reading ‘ exceptional model of behavior ’ on it.
“i’m pleased to report that everyone who spoke with you reported that they’d do so again. in fact, one fellow participant said they were ‘starstruck’ after meeting you. what an odd turn of phrase.”
The verdict comes as little surprise to Goldmary, of course. She takes the pin with a pleased hum, pausing only to admire her vague reflection in its surface. Even her silhouette is dazzling. Of course she would score perfectly on a scale gauging likability.
It's only natural.
"Aw, why thank you!" She smiles, clearly delighted, before affecting surprise: "But oh my, starstruck, you say? Though it isn't my fault, I can but apologize if my mere presence has left this soul forever changed, longing after what can never be..."
Anyway.
Nailed it.
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“You might be surprised to know that you have gotten approvals across all of the interactions you’ve had,” Hubert says, and does not hide his surprise in his voice. He slides Dwyer a pin that says ‘exceptional model of behavior.’ “I suppose Knoll will wish to speak with you later, to find out exactly how you did it.”
“Some notable feedback includes that you do not care about your own appearance,” he pauses, looks over Dwyer’s clothing, and continues “... gave an underwhelming first impression, and that participants wished they could speak with you more. Fascinating. We will be in touch.”
okay, who does this guy think he is? seriously? do they even know each other beyond the lines of "tester" and "testee"? what's he so surprised about? and watch where those eyes are looking, bub.
dwyer takes his pin with an especially deadened stare, hoping to politely get across that he didn't appreciate the random feral cat scratching from hubert (even if none of it was truly vocalized). he's not really sure what he'll do with it, so for now he just pins it to the lapel of his uniform. maybe he's just too socially drained for this right now.
he is quite pleased, however, to know that all three conversation partners enjoyed his company. not everything was perfect about each meeting, but he recovered each time. what a clutch indeed. if he was honest, he actually did enjoy speaking with his partners. rosado was a manageable amount of positivity and energy, mark seemed to appreciate quiet like dwyer did, and poe was... poe. it'd be nice to talk to them again sometime.
dwyer turns, shaking his thoughts for a moment. he's still standing in front of hubert, who is leering at him weirdly. is he still thinking about his clothes? back off! "fine, just let me know when you need me or whatever," is all he gruffs before scooting off to the kitchen. he needs some coffee after all of this.
#toalovehypothesis2024#[ ic ]#[ asks ]#[ this was an extremely fun event. i had a kick and a half doing this ]
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with the final signal, the event has come to an end. the organizers wait patiently for conversations to end before speaking.
hubert stands in the center of the room as the bell chimes, indicating the end of the final round. "and now," he says, and begins laughing just a little. "it's time for the end of the round. you have given us such interesting… data for our collection."
"your participation in a scientific study is most appreciated," knoll says, smiling a little. "the data we have collected will be incredibly useful, i'm sure. we've prepared a variety of tea, coffee, and pastries for you all to enjoy before departing."
12PM. EST FEB 20
LAST WORDS.
with the completion of the mini event, knoll and hubert will stop by to deliver 'prizes.' hubert is surprisingly crafty, and has made them himself.
feel free to answer these asks publicly, as they have no bearing on the experiment. they're just a little thanks from us. ♡ happy valentine's!
#toalovehypothesis2024#⁺ . ✕ ◞ out of character ⋅#thank you so much everyone who participated!!#this was a lot of fun to organize and watch#truly delightful#congrats on a 100% success rate (at least one person who approved of each muse)
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