The Day After (Comms)
Thank you https://www.furaffinity.net/user/tesser for commissioning me!
My commissions are open. Click here to find out my schedule: https://www.notion.so/11792d73278b80d1a2c1cfb52e223023?v=7c5a2792ae4641f2890d8d97b89ed1ec
If you're interested in supporting me, do check out my patreon (https://patreon.com/lim2357)) where I will give out free words, cheaper rates for future commissions, exclusive stories, early access of stories and much more!
Enough with the ad, let's go with the story
Sequel to Happy Mistake (https://www.patreon.com/posts/happy-mistake-136241995)) or (https://www.furaffinity.net/view/61931524/ ) .
The new couple (Alex, the dragon fox hybrid and Brad, the dragon) now go on their little shopping date with Alex buying clothes for her new form. Though certain doubts lingered in each other's minds about the recent changes...
Posted using PostyBirb
Waking up the next day, Alex rubbed against her eyes. She had the weirdest dream where she turned into a hybrid with sexy curves. A hybrid with scales and horns of a dragon but still retained her smaller vulpine-like features. Her tail swished with more dexterity, careful not to hit the snoring dragon beside her. Seriously, why was she sleeping with him? Faint memories of them drinking late at night, laughing away their stresses and playing video games. Think he carried her back to bed or something? She yawned, dragging herself to the bathroom. Strange, why was her voice so high-pitched? Sore throat was supposed to pull down her pitch, not raise it u-She gasped, seeing the beauty in her reflection. All the other memories hit her like a truck. Immediately, as her face blushed up into a strawberry. Must be the hang over but how could she ever forget what happened last night? She closed the door and covered her face. There, she slid to the ground, feeling the air brushing against her scales and bare ass. She was actually a woman. A woman that had sex with her best friend… now boyfriend, actually. Her heart skipped a beat upon thinking back. As calm as she was yesterday towards Brad, she definitely wasn’t joking. Alex had feelings for him but, like any other crush, she just sat on them and pushed them down. Who would want to date a nerd guy like him? Especially since Brad was from their colleague’s own rugby team… Alex giggled, with her tail unknowingly wagging left to right. Her scales shimmering under the lights as she admired her own reflection. Her shame that was once there quickly faded out from all of their ‘activities’ last night. Standing up, she groped against her breasts, watching them jiggle. She giggled once more — partially out of disbelief and partially out of joy. She really was dating Brad now... The hangover reminded her of its presence, throbbing her head in pain. Gripping against her new scales, she splashed water on her face before blinking a couple times. At least that drove the pain down. There, her stomach growled, resembling her boyfriend's. Must be the dragonic parts kicking in. Pulling the door open, she was greeted by the taller Brad. His musk (now more prominent than before) infiltrated her nostrils. Immediately, while he rubbed his groggy eyes, her tail rose up with her eyes darting away. “Morning Alex.” “Mo…morning, Brad.” She brushed her hair to the side. Since when was Brad this tall? She could’ve sworn that she had gained a few inches but… he was still the same giant towering over her. And if her memories were anything to go by, she loved his strong hands gripping against her smaller body. Brad yawned. Seeing her frozen face, he smirked. Time to have fun with her. Leaning into her sensitive ears, he said, “So love, how was last night's sex?” “Splen…splendid.” “Yeah, I can tell. Your tail’s been wagging all this time after all.” He snickered. Immediately, Alex dashed out of the room. Her face warmed up, shaking her head in complete embarrassment. Gah! Did he have to tease her this early? He chuckled before echoing from the toilet. “Just give me a sec before I prepare breakfast!” Alex nodded, pinching at her scales within her fur. A little duller than her usual sensations. She took in a deep breath before exhaling slowly within her palms. Her warmth was more evident now, circulating within her body. Thinking past her present moment, worries festered. Now how was she going to live? What about the paperworks or the legal stuff? Like… how was she going to explain to the college that she had turned from the shy nerdy fox into a hybrid babe? Although Brad was fine with it (he only cared about her own thoughts anyways), others weren’t that kind. Suddenly, she felt a larger warmer palm, tapping on her shoulders. “Alex, are you fine?” “Oh, what’s up, Brad?” She turned back to see his concerned eyes. She could’ve sworn those eyes could see right through her. “I was just… thinking about stuff.” The larger dragon walked past the kitchen top. Grabbing the pan and breathing flames beneath the fire starter, he couldn’t help but worry. She was trembling like a dry branch on a tree, getting pushed by the passing wind. “You wanna talk about it?” “It’s really nothing much… Just a little scared of being in this form.” Cracking some eggs, the dragon nodded. “I can always turn you back if you want.” “I like this though,” She said, leaning closer to the table and showing off her curves. “I feel so sexy and strong that I… don’t ever want to turn back.” “Thought you won’t change back because of my techniq-” Alex slammed against the kitchen table. Choking up on her words, tingles surrounded her pussy. Even with fragmented memories, she could vividly recall the euphoria. Overwhelming euphoria. Brad served the eggs into plates with bacon on the side and slid them to her. “So what’s the problem?” “I mean… just look at me. Aren’t I a freak?” “All I see is my beautiful girlfriend not eating my breakfast.” With his back facing Alex, he grabbed utensils. Instead of blushing like before, Alex leaned forward and pecked against his face, stunlocking the dragon. She giggled. “Alright Dad, I’ll eat your breakfast soon enough.” Shaking his head, he calmed his racing heart down. “But I’m serious Alex, you’re beautiful. Like really gorgeous. If there’s anyone who would call you a freak, I promise to bea-” “Woah, woah, I’m not paying for some randos’ medical fee.” She shook her hands. “But thanks Brad.” Still, there were doubts within her heart. Maybe it was the hormones that surged within her veins but she couldn’t shake this insecure feeling of being judged. She just felt… smaller than before. And much more self conscious of her new body. Stabbing into his bacon, he chuckled. “Even if everyone laughs at you, just remember you have me, alright?” She nodded before morphing her face into a wry smile. “So I’ll take it that you’re free today, right? Wanna go on a date?” “Da…date?” “Yeah, just the two of us in the mall.” She pinched against her arm. “Can’t let everyone see how hot I am, could I now?” “Oh my, Miste…I mean Miss Genius here isn’t studying all day in her dorm?” She chuckled, biting into the bacon. Her fangs now sharper to pierce it. “I mean, your girl needs a new wardrobe, doesn’t she?” His tail was already swishing like a dog. Going on a date with her and watching her change into all sorts of dresses? Some boyfriends would be reluctant on such an idea; but since he had plenty of training from his icky sister, this was a definite upgrade. After all, those curves need an admirer, don’t they? “Your wish is my command, little Alexia.” “Oh shut up.” Softly punching his arm, she could feel the difference between them. Not in terms of strength but more so in terms of distance. Felt like their relationship had returned to their middle school days where they weren’t self conscious about one another. Of course, they were still close as friends even in high school but there was always a set distance between them. Like she was self conscious of what Brad thought of her. She didn’t want rumours spreading about how Brad was gay, especially not when he had a college scholarship on his line. Plus, why should she risk their friendship over her stupid feelings? Feelings that well…could overspill and break their strong bond. Finishing up her meal, a small grin arose. She never guessed he shared these feelings and to watch him be flustered over her was cute. Placing her dishes back, his tail bumped into her before twirling together in a ribbon-like fashion. “Didn’t know dragon tails were this flexible.” “One of the perks when they aren’t as fluffy as yours.” “Right. So about this…” She pointed at her naked body with messy scales and fur all around. “Don’t think any of my old clothes could fit me now.” “Yeah… You’ll just have to make do with Brigh’s clothes. I think hers is a little smaller but… well it's better than nothing, right?” Brad peeked into her dark room. Seemed like she was still sleeping. “I’ll go get a dress for you.” “A dress…?” “Well, yeah. Thought that will be easy for you to wear. Or are you just embarrassed at wearing dresses?” Alex covered her face, feeling the warmth creeping up against her cheeks. Her? Wearing a dress? The embarrassment made her body warm up in shame. “Alex, you alright?” “Just… embarrassed. Would I even look good in it? Maybe just grab me a T-shirt or someth-” “Nonesense! I promise you, you’ll look so pretty in it.” “Re…really?” “Yes. When have I ever lied?” She gently pushed his back, pouting. “Fine, fine. I’ll trust you on this.” He laughed, sneaking into his sister’s room. Images of Alex flashed within his mind — all in fashionable dresses. A small blush emerged from his blue scales. She would be so sexy with those curves pressing out and that sultry face of hers. Rummaging through the clothes, he snapped out of his day dream. Right. He couldn’t stay here for long, lest he woke her up. A final thought entered his consciousness. Oh gosh, he really was going to spoil her rotten, buying her any clothes she wanted. After all, who didn’t want to dress up their girlfriend? Grabbing a neat cloth under the mess, he scurried out of the room and within his hands brought out a simple black dress for Alex. “So what do you think?” “You sure I will look good in this?” “Definitely.” She sighed, grabbing the dress and inspecting it. “Never seen Brigh wear this before though. Is it something special?” “Well, according to her, it's only for formal events. I say it's a pity because it looks good on her.” Alex nodded before heading into his room to change. “Yeah, I think it looks great with her scales.” “Right, that’s what I said.” “Alright, alright, enough talk. Let’s change before going to the mall.” Though awkward at first, she eventually found her way around that dress. Slipping into it, she could feel her curves pressing against the dress. It was a tad bit small but… it wasn’t like she had much choice on this. Once changed, they met together by the door. Brad was in casual attire — a little collared shirt with a leather jacket and jeans. He adjusted his shirt as his eyes locked with hers. “Shall we get going, my lady?” “Of course.” Alex’s soft words couldn’t hide her heart skipping a beat. She had only seen him wear that leather jacket on special occasions. While the blue dragon couldn’t hide his large grin, seeing how her scales contrasted her dress. Walking to the mall, they caught up on each other’s lives. Though they briefly knew how the other was doing, like how Brad was going in the national tournament or how Alex was mugging the entire month, they weren’t exactly keeping each other in contact constantly. While walking there however, Alex could feel people’s gazes shifting towards them. Some were for Brad with his tall domineering physique. Most however was on her. Her fur and scales with that not quite Draconic but not quite Vulpine attribute. She tried to ignore it. Focusing on Brad’s attribute and his story instead. At times, she considered telling Brad about it. But… not outside like this. Maybe when it was just the two of them in private. And yet the seeds of doubts planted their roots. Just at the back of her mind, waiting to strike. Entering the mall, Alex took the initiative and held his hand. “Oh, what’s up with you today?” “Just want to be your clingy girlfriend for the day.” She clung against his large arm, pressing her breasts against his muscles. Immediately, the man turned away. Didn’t want her to see his embarrassed face… “Say Bradley nya~, where are we going?” “Okok, stop this. You’re making me cringe.” Giggling at her act, she firmly interlaced her smaller fingers with his larger hands before standing back. “Alright Bradley, whatever you say, Master.” “Right. Let’s just buy some clothes first and since I’m your Master I can pick, right?” “Wait… wait, that wasn’t how it was supposed to go. How am I go-” Flashing his credit card, he smirked back. “I’ll pay then. My scholarship gives me an allowance for me to spoil you rotten.” Tugging at the shocked Alex, they headed towards a lingerie shop. There, Brad demanded her to get her measurements while he found some ‘exciting clothes’ for her. Geez, since when was he the expert at buying lingerie? He never even had a girlfriend to practise on. Going into the fitting closet, one of the staff members brought a measuring tape while she stripped her clothes. “Oh honey, has it been a long time since you measured yourself?” “I think so?” “Those breasts definitely seemed to tell me so.” Wrapping around them, the staff cold fingers merely gazed against her nipples. Alex squirmed. Damn, it was much more sensitive than she could’ve ever imagined. “Alright, lean forward for me, darling.” Following her instructions, Alex’s tail shuddered with another set of her measurements. Just a week ago, she was studying for her final exams and now she was getting her breasts measured. Looking at her reflection, she still was reminded of how much she changed. Stag-like horns on her head, scales and fur intertwined together with sharper claws and fangs. Yet, there was the distinct vulnerability with how much shorter she was. Hell, even her fur had turned blood crimson. “Alright, that will be 33C.” The staff jotted down notes as she now continued against her waist. “Say, if you don’t mind me asking, how did this happen to you?” “Sorry?” “I mean like your parents. Hybrids aren’t all that common around here, right honey?” She jotted down more notes about her new wider hips. “You must be something like a botched experiment if you don’t mind me being blunt.” “Oh… yeah I guess?” Her eyes glanced back at her body. Right. Who was she kidding? She was a weird chimera thing now. One that she enjoyed but everyone else loved to judge. If only she had turned into a regular vixen. Yeah, she would be weaker but at least she wasn’t a freak. The staff stood up. “30 inches for your waist. Damn, hope your man likes those peaches up there. Oops, I think I said too much there.” She hurried back outside, leaving Alex behind. As the door swung back, Alex sat on the floor. Was this her life now? The constant judgements on her species? She shook her face. No… this was fine. It wasn’t anyone's fault that she turned out like this. It was just… pitiful. Rising back to her feet, she wore her dress. Her dull eyes glanced back at herself. No, no, no. She was beautiful. She had eyes to see how her body was now sexy. Her new curves, horns and scales only amplified it, didn’t it? It was certainly an upgrade from her own original dull grey fur. Like she wasn’t even handsome back then. Now? She had her best friend as her boyfriend. And that was enough. She shouldn’t need to care about these strangers. If anything, they were the weird ones for not appreciating her beauty. Yet, the whispers of her doubts only grew louder beneath her thoughts. Walking out of the fitting room, Brad glanced, “So what did she say?” “30 inches waist and 33C for cup size.” Her eyes darted around, trying to find a spot to avoid seeing all of these lingerie. “Say, since when do you know all this stuff?” “Brigh. Back then, she used me as a bag carrier, carrying her clothes around as she shopped.” Alex chuckled. “Wait, didn’t your parents say anything?” “Dude. They’re the ones that told me to be her bag carrier. Because else she might get ‘kidnapped’ or ‘lost’.” “Damn, at least now you’re my bag carrier.” Leaning close to her, he gave a little peck on her neck, “And I’ll gladly be yours.” “That’s cheating.” “No, you’re just simply too cute not to tease,” He said, now examining the lingerie and panties section. “Say… I know your type but do you want something tighter or… a little more loose?” Alex fidgeted against her fingers. Visualising herself in bikinis and lingeries was much more humiliating than she liked to admit. Similar to how she would feel when she barged into the cheerleader’s lockers as a guy. Softly, she muttered something under her breath. “Sorry?” He leaned closer. “Looser…” The dragon glanced back at the clothes, pulling one pair of dark translucent lingerie. “Something like this?” Nodding, she scavenged a new set of panties. Medium size. Her tail slowing down its swishing. “You said you’re paying for everything, right?” “Yes, yes. All of your clothes, babe.” After grabbing her bras (soft with more support), she scurried to the fitting room. Trying on the panties, her tail slithered through their hole, tightly squeezing into her ass. She turned around. Her tail raised up to reveal her butt, strutting out. Damn, she kinda liked how cute her panties were. Her cunt tingled, its sensitivity akin to having a boner. As she moved up to her breasts, she gave them a little grope. A soft moan escaped. Gosh, that thrill rushing down her spine. How could she ever consider changing back? Once she was done with her fun, she began wearing her bra before struggling to latch behind her back. Like inches out of her reach, her arms were just not long enough. She tried shifting her body and stretching further but to no avail. After a few more minutes of frustration, she gave up. She needed help for this. Peeking out of the fitting room, she blinked at Brad to come in. “Oh babe, you need help with your bra?” Alex nodded, using her tail to pull him in. “Yeah, yeah, just help me latch onto it.” Sprinting in, Brad closed the door, locking it with a click. Can’t have the staff scold them for both being in here. From there, he brushed against her back and grabbed her bra firmly. And instead of listening to her, he grabbed against her slender arms and pulled them back to where the latch was. A simple click was enough to wear her bra. “How… Do you know about this stuff?” He kissed her neck and gazed into their reflection. “Some things are best unsaid. By the way, you look hot in this bra and panties.” “You think so?” “Yep. But you know what will make you hotter?” She unlatched her bra before trying a new one on. “That I go completely naked?” “That and if you could wear this lingerie for me.” Dangling the lingerie right in front of her, she grabbed it before pouting. “Prev.” “Hey, you know my type since middle school. I’ll wait for you outside, alright?” “Wait.” She tugged against his arm. “Just let me change it to this.” “Serious?” “The least I could do since you’re paying…” Her voice softened before she said, “Turn around and don’t peek.” With his front facing against the wall, he raised both his arms up. It was a joke. Just a simple joke about how sexy she looked but… she actually was changing for him? How lucky could he possibly be today? To have her as his girlfriend dressed in those lingerie. Blood rushed to his cock, forming a noticeable bulge against his jeans. His ears perked up, hearing her every shuffle and ruffle through her new lingerie. She was lucky that it was loose enough — the translucent parts allowed her scales to shimmer while her breasts and ass all had ample support. “Turn around.” Immediately, the man turned to see her head ducking down, her eyes glancing up at his elated face. Blushing like a strawberry, she asked softly, “How… is it? Do I look good?” “You look amazing, Alex. The most sexy girl I have ever laid my eyes on. Even better than those models.” “Stoppppp! You’re making me embarrassed!” Brad laughed. “But I’m only stating the facts.” “Okok, let me change back, already,” She said, giggling and pushing him out of the fitting room. Ah… did she really look that good? She glanced back at herself. Guess she really was sexy, wasn’t she? After buying her undergarments, the couple continued their shopping streak, entering into clothing stores to try them. Unfortunately, they met up with a problem. A big one being that Alex… had no fashion sense whatsoever. “Damn, I’m starting to realize why you’re single all these years,” Brad said, glancing at Alex’s atrocious shirts. The hybrid’s ears drooped. “It can’t be that bad, right?” “Seriously, why are there so many T-shirts? And all of them don’t pair up well with your pants.” “Well… T-shirts are the most convenient shirts and I like shorts…” Brad sighed. When they were friends, he had always known how nerdish Alex was. Always rambling about games that they both played. The difference was… he showed the whole world with their logos and poorly designed clothes. Brad did tell Alex a few times to buy better clothes. But according to him, it was a ‘waste of money because I wasn’t going out to parties in the first place so why should I even try?’ Now that all of her clothes were being charged under his account? He wasn’t going to let that slide. “Firstly, why not just have some dresses in there? You seem to be rocking that dress Brigh was supposed to wear.” She fidgeted against her fingers. “Well… some people were looking at me and I… I don’t know. Feels wrong to wear dresses when I’m a-” She stopped herself. “When I used to be a guy.” “Don’t worry about it. You look fantastic in this dress. Honest.” Her eyes lit up. “Really? But…” “Plus, you like this, don’t you?” She waved her hands. “Wait… I never said that!” “Your tail did when you dressed up in this dress.” Leaning closer to her ear, he whispered. “I mean, everyone’s looking at you because you’re so beautiful, babe.” That last part shocked Alex so much that she went stiff. Brad tapped on her shoulders allowed her to move into the feminine cloth section and picked out more conservative dresses and cozier clothes. “Huh, thought you said you liked girls with tighter clothes?” Brad asked. “Well… that’s before I was a girl, right?” “Fair enough. Aren’t you gonna try them?” “Oh right.” Picking up her stack, Alex couldn’t help but wag her tail faster. Must be her fox-like traits kicking in. Seeing herself in a dress, she couldn’t help but enjoy her view. For someone whose sole focus was only to feel comfortable, she didn’t realize how much fun it was to also look good. She changed through the clothes. Each time stepping out of the fitting room, she was Brad’s personal model, switching between outfits. Some of them fitted well with her scales but others scraped against them. Like the judge, Brad would point out how certain dresses made her look. Like how some of them made her look bigger while others emphasised her leaner aspects. If only he took his studies this seriously… Finally, she found a good set of clothes and passed them over to Brad. She specifically took more demure clothes because in her own words: ‘I only want you to see my beauty, ok?’ As for the price, she mostly remained strict on the budget. Didn’t want to make him go broke after all. “Thanks for paying this, Brad.” She said, walking out of the stall, “Seriously, I didn’t expect the prices to be this high. Was thinking it was going to be ch-” Her stomach’s grumbles interrupted her speech. “Oops, do you want to eat?” “Yep, feeling hungry myself.” Shifting the bag of clothes to another side, he continued. “You know Brigh’s clothes were more expensive than this. Seriously, I don’t even know how that girl has all that money to spend.” “Maybe freelancing?” She interlaced her hands with his larger ones. “Oh right. Is there anything I should know about dragons?” “Like what?” “You know, like if I’m allergic to any food?” Brad thought back to his younger days. “Hmmm… don’t think there’s any allergic reaction to anything but… we do handle spice better.” “Spice? You mean it?” “Yeah. That’s why when we always order the spicy ramen, I don’t find them that hot.” Her eyes widened. Finally, she could handle spice. Without crying about it. “Say, why don’t I pay for the meal and let me pick the place.” “Sure. Where do you want to go?” Tugging his hand, she dashed downstairs, heading straight to that Mala store. Brad blinked at how fast and forceful she was. Alex never had this much strength before. If it was last time, he would’ve stopped in his tracks, unable to move forward from pulling Brad’s bodyweight. He pushed this thought to the side. Whatever. He probably didn’t train enough. Slacking on that workout routine. Entering the store, she promptly ordered a small spicy bowl to be shared. Her excitement was infectious. She picked dishes off the top of the menu, knowing exactly what she wanted and how she wanted them cooked. Brad watched her blabber to the receptionist. She had always loved eating this when she was a fox. Even when she was covered in snot and tears, causing her to pause on multiple occasions, she still finished it with a gleeful smile on her face. Once they were seated, Alex trembled in her seat. “Are you that happy to eat this?” Brad asked, scanning the crowded place. It was a small miracle for them to even have a seat. “Of course! You have no idea how much I wan-” Alex softened her voice, realizing that people were looking at her, “Want this without crying from it. Seriously, Brigh should’ve turned me into a dragon sooner.” “Damn, you truly love this, don’t you?” She nodded. “Of course. That spice and numbness all blended into one culinary expe-” A bowl of hot noodles mixed with ingredients arrived. After thanking the waitress, Alex slurped down the noodles. Although the spice was toned down slightly, the rich flavor was still there. Ah~ Finally she wasn’t crying at the spice. Brad soon followed her lead. Just watching her eat this was making him hungry. He took the first bite before nodding along. As expected, this didn’t suit him. Too saltly. Still, he wasn’t rejecting a free meal. During their meal, Alex could feel gazes glancing at them. She slowed down her pace. Was she being too loud? Or was it something else about her? Maybe it was because she was too pretty but… with how they gossip between breaths, this possibility was wavering in her mind. As for her boyfriend, he had a nagging thought. It really didn’t make sense how she had the strength to pull him here. He scratched his hair. Did he skip too many days at the gym? Sick of the silence, Alex slithered her tail over to him. “So, any plans tonight? Do you want to have som-” She stopped herself, noticing his dazed expression, “Brad? Are you there?” “Yeah! Sorry, what were you saying?” Doubts crept within her thoughts. Was he thinking how they were looking at her as well? She shook them away, answering, “Just asking if you were free later.” “Why?” He leaned forward. “Does someone want some fun?” “I wished I could but I have to be at dor-” He tapped against the table. “Actually, I’ve been thinking about that. How about you just stay over?” “ ‘Stay’ as in live there?” “Of course. I mean if you don’t mind that is.” She shook her head. Her pitch rose a little. “No, no, I would love to. But I would need to sneak into my dorm and grab my stuff later.” “Oh let me help you with that. Is there a lot there?” “Exluding my clothes… I don’t think there’s much. My PC, my textbooks and appliances should be it.” “Let’s go then, babe.” Brad rose to his feet, pulling the smaller hybrid up. With the duo out of the store, Brad said, “Seriously, I don’t know how you like this.” “Hey! Then let me enlighten you…” With Alex blabbering away at her food choice, they eventually arrived at her dorm. Fortunately, no one was there during winter break. They found some cardboard boxes and packed her items in. Brad had his suspicions confirmed, watching the smaller vixen carrying her bulky PC with ease; she was definitely strong now. He blinked at the sight, asking, “Need any help?” “Nah. This isn’t so bad actually.” She smiled back. Somehow, she was energized instead of groaning at this hurdle. Must be the dragon parts. Lifting the box up, she made her way towards Brad’s apartment. Brad tailed behind her. Frowns surfaced up. This was good. She was strong like she wanted. Unease settled inside his heart. It felt wrong. Wrong to see her strong. Like she was supposed to be the smart weak nerd while he was the dumb strong jock. That was how it always was, wasn’t it? If she became strong… What role did he have to play? He shuddered, taking the lift alongside her. She didn’t even ask for a break now. Unlocking the door, he headed towards Brigh’s room, after placing her stuff down. Knocking the door, his voice deepened. “Brigh, we need to talk.”