Questions By Mingrui
Q1: 'What exactly would the main groups' fashion sense be like?'
(Note: Alice, while part of the main group, hasn't been introduced yet, so her answers will be shared later, but readers can expect it to stand out the most in contrast to the others.)
A:
Hoku
Hoku dresses for practicality more than appearance. He likes well-used but cared for shirts and trousers mended over time yet kept in order, like a scholar or painter of modest means. His clothes are mostly white or off-white button-downs, dark trousers, the occasional vest or light coat, they are simple and slightly wrinkled, but otherwise composed. Even when formal in origin, he wears them in ways that soften their structure (pushing up his sleeves, leaving the top button undone, or carrying a coat over his shoulder. His palette of whites, greys, and browns stays muted. The result looks defined more by his habits than by what he owns.
Zhou Fang (Qi Li)
Zhou dresses like a man bound to formality through responsibility instead of vanity. His wardrobe mostly has tailored shirts, fitted waistcoats, cropped coats, and cloaks that display clean lines. Every detail serves function or symbolism, dark jewelry, subtle embroidery, asymmetrical ornaments placed intentionally. He avoids excess and trailing hems, and keeps his collars closed and sleeves never pulled further than his elbows.. Essentially his fashion will often appear ceremonial but restrained.
Juno Mirai
Juno's style combines modern structure with the subtle authority of classic tailoring. Somewhat similar to Zhou Fang, she likes button-ups, fitted vests, and long coats in mellow tones; they're layered for mobility as much as poise. However, her clothes don't rely on any decoration, even if it's a part of the costume. She dresses more with clean cuts around her body proportion and wears heavier fabrics that keep her form composed, even when looseness appears in a sleeve or drape. Her fashion period is both contemporary and older, high-waisted trousers, minimal lines, and traditional tailoring, so her look remains refined yet timeless..
Q2: What type of media inspired tcotm's concept/vibe?
A:
The concept of The Covenant of Timeless Mysteries was "inspired" less by any single work and more by the atmosphere certain stories create. (Though I want to promote it to audiences who might have an interest in this genre, which is why I mention ORV and LOTM often.) I've always admired the subtle details that create complexity in works like The Summer Hikaru Died and older mystery novels like "A Strange Case of Nine Murders," "Crime and Punishment," "The Stranger," others like "The Lost Tomb." In general, stories that unfold through subtle foreshadowing and creative structure, (each revelation expands what you thought you knew.) ...Or visual games like Omori and Elden Ring, when the atmosphere carries as much emotion as the plot.
I was also inspired by the artistry of folklore, essentially how its layered meanings and open interpretations all circle back to a revelation.
Beyond that, despite writing TCOTM in English, I was more inclined to write in a style with the distinct storytelling tones in Chinese, Japanese, Latin American, Slavic, and Persian literature. I think various languages apart from commercial American literature are a lot more rich in rhythm and emotion. My main goal with TCOTM was to create a narrative that uses beauty, melancholy, and a sense of foreboding side by side. I want to create originality by contrasting design elements, like using gardens to evoke eeriness.
Q3: How would each of the characters describe themselves?
A:
Hoku
"...I think I'm pretty typical. I have a tendency to overthink small things sometimes, like if I said something that sounded rude even though I didn't mean it that way. I'm not trying to be difficult, I just… notice things that don't make sense and can't keep quiet about them. I guess I come off more confident than I actually am."
Zhou Fang (Qi Li)
"I'm not shy, only quiet, because I speak when there's meaning in what I have to say. At times, people read my stoicism as carelessness, because I don't respond the way they'd like, but I've just learned not to spend myself on things that don't matter. Maybe that makes me seem dull, but I think there's a steadiness in being ordinary that most overlook."
Juno Mirai
"I think I'm reliable. I can say certainly that I'm good at giving direction, but when it comes to everything else, I'd rather not move unless I have that certainty. Even so, I like to talk, though most of the time it's when someone else initiates or from a sense of obligation. I like people, I really do, just… not when they all want something at the same time. I don't like being asked about things I haven't practiced, because it reminds me how little progress I've made, like I didn't even try to improve.
Maybe that's why some see me as too serious, but I've never found that worth changing. Seriousness, to me, is simply another form of respect."
Q4: How does each character look (in terms of physical description)?
A:
Hoku
Build & posture: Balanced and lean, about 5'9"-5'11", narrow shoulders that look softer in motion; usually slouches slightly so his head leans forward, giving him a watchful, and prepared stance.
Hair: Long (shoulder touching length), straight black hair that falls past his shoulders. He most often wears it loose with a messy center part; sometimes he ties a thin ribbon at the nape so a long tail hangs down one side. Strands constantly fall into his face and he brushes them back with the same hand.
Face & skin: pale/fair, slightly angular face, high cheekbones and a narrow chin. Dark circles or faint shadows under his eyes from erratic sleep. Small, healed scars along his hairline, hidden behind his bangs.
Eyes & expression: His neutral look is detached/internally amused. Hoku's eyes are narrow, almond shaped, though his gaze is naturally observant, very fox-like but at times they appear mostly elegant. Given proper lighting, you will best see the intricate coloring within his irises. His right iris is warm hazel rimmed in a deeper shade, and subtle gold near the center, while the left has sectoral heterochromia. Pale ivory streaks and soft champagne tones blend unevenly into the hazel, which leaves more prominent greenish tints that give his eyes a layered, luminous effect.
Hands & small mannerisms: long, slender fingers; habit of tucking hair behind one ear, rubbing the bridge of his nose when thinking, and idly scratching his hand. He gives a slow, casual thumbs-up when he wants to disarm someone.
Voice & speech: Low, soft-spoken, measured; naturally upfront and even witty when he's not too overwhelmed. He rarely raises his voice, so when he does it gets attention.
Zhou Fang (Qi Li)
Height & build: 5'10", lean, slightly tall—long limbs, narrow shoulders, not muscular. Moves with economical, quiet motions.
Skin & complexion: very pale and fair, cool undertone. There are shadows under the eyes that appear more prominent due to his very light features.
Hair (general): pale/silver, shoulder-length in loose layers. Straight with soft, uneven ends that brush the collar and cheeks. Hair parts unevenly so strands fall over the forehead and eyes.
Face: Slim, slightly angular jaw, smallish chin, high cheekbones. His nose is straight and refined. Eyelashes are long enough to be visible despite also being very light.
Eyes: Pale green /look thinly tired or even mildly annoyed.
SN: Zhou Fang and Li are technically the same person but their appearances are subtly different. You will understand in the second part of the volume.
Appearance A (Zhou Fang)
Expression & posture: Contained; his mouth is often set flat or in a small, controlled frown. Person: precise, slightly austere; measured, with a bit of rational detachment (More mature.)
Appearance B (Qi Li)
Expression & posture: distant and thoughtful, head often tilted slightly; long neck visible, posture relaxed. Less formal//more introspective.
Appearance: Mostly just younger, quieter, more vulnerable, still composed but more melancholic.
Juno Mirai
Height & Build: Around average height; slender and lightly built, with long limbs and defined posture. She's not frail, but her strength looks subtle, more wiry than muscular.
Skin & Complexion: Fair but not pale, smooth, with a very faint olive undertone.
Hair: Deep black with a cool undertone that occasionally appears indigo under artificial light. It's straight and fine, reaching just below her shoulders with strands always falling around her face and nape. Her bangs are uneven, slightly over her eyes.
Face Structure: Defined and "elegant" sharp jawline, narrow nose bridge, and high, subtle cheekbones. Her lips are thin and slightly downturned, giving her an expression of severity or thought.
Eyes: Almond-shaped, tilted slightly upward at the outer corners. The color appears black but reflects crimson hues depending on the light. Her gaze is steady, intelligent, and unreadable, often giving the impression that she's assessing everything.
Voice & Expression: Juno speaks calmly, with low, even articulation, she had a tendency to pause before responding. Her resting expression is neutral but intense/cool, there are subtle frown lines near the brow.
Q5: Hypothetically, if they were people who used the internet how often would they use it + what media would they be into?
Hoku
Hoku reads more than he watches or posts. Sometimes obscure forums in different languages, and philosophical journals that most would skim but he actually finishes. He would probably use youtube to watch commentary videos and author interviews, or even own a dormant Instagram to follow a few photographers and bookstores. His browser would be a graveyard of tabs he swears he'll "read properly later." He'll delete apps if they send him too many notifications.
Though his most used app would have to be an app for streaming music. (Spotify, mp3 downloads, etc.) I think he would prefer genres like; Indie folk, acoustic indie, art pop, and alternative rock.
Zhou Fang (Qi Li)
Zhou Fang would use Baidu Tieba (百度贴吧) an old-school forum style site. He would occasionally go under his real name "Zhou Fang", but he wouldn't have a profile picture, and he most likely wouldn't follow anyone. He'd be a rare poster, really only doing it over something technical he wants to note for himself. He bookmarks threads, reads deep niche discussions. He might even be the type to send someone a random link that perfectly solves their problem without any context.
Juno Mirai
Juno would use the internet mainly for practical purposes like news, art references, and design tutorials. She would definitely enjoy older music videos and short documentaries, and keeps her LINE and Instagram private. She'd probably post, though only close-ups of objects, books, or city lights. Sometimes she might go online shopping, and save everything that catches her eye without ever buying it. Lastly, she would probably message her friends a lot, but only if they messaged her first.
Thank you for your questions!
Hjkorio