#i thought that was hella embarrassing BUT TODAY DUDE? TODAY TAKES THE CAKE

[kaidabakugou]

genuinely want to cry rn, like i’m never leaving my house ever again y’all

[whereisthecd]

Magnolia Riders: SuperM/Saddle Club AU ✨

CHAPTER TWO

Meet the Magnolia Riders, a high caliber Equestrian Club showcasing some of the best, albeit chaotic, talent in the region. As the winter rest is coming to a close, the high intensity training at Sunset Magnolia Equestrian Center resumes in preparation for the first hunter jumper show of the season. While the team of hardworking goofballs is hoping to get their first group win of the season, their competition seems to be internal with the It Rider™️ on their team creating one storm after another. And then there’s the new guy with a not-so-superstar horse, or so it seems. How will the Magnolia Riders do this season? Will the barn aisle drama subside enough for a win? What’s with this new guy and will he find his way as a Magnolia?

Chapter One

Chapter Two: Sugar and Spice

Mark pulled up to the gravel driveway of the Wong residence. Their house was small yet charming, two apple trees perched at the end of the driveway next to the family Mustang that Mark and Ten drove. Mark gave the routine honk which signaled Lucas to run out of the house, two grocery bags in hand. As he opened the door he tossed both bags in carelessly, letting them hit the opposing window.

“Hey thanks man! Dad and I still haven’t figured out what’s wrong with the truck. I love the classic look of an old Ford but man are they a pain to fix,” he said before patting the shoulders of Mark and Ten in the front seats. 

“No problem, dude,” Ten answered before taking a sip of his iced coffee. It wasn’t normal for the guys to be out before 9am on a Saturday, but today was the annual Magnolia Riders Bake Sale, and with high goals set for the season, they had no choice but to wake up early.

“Do y’all think we’ll make anything this year?” Lucas asked eagerly. His seatbelt was fastened, but being in the middle allowed for his giant frame to hang over the center console, arms still on the backs of the two front seats. Ten and Mark both looked at each other, unsure how to answer that question. 

“Well, I don’t know. I mean we barely made enough money last year to cover show registration fees. And we need new jackets. I just don’t want Taemin to have to pull to other funding sources, you know? Sunset Magnolia is a high caliber farm and I just want us to be able to prove that we can represent that,” Mark added, his voice soft. He didn’t look at either of them, attentive to the road. Ten, on the other hand, casually leaned back and looked at Lucas.

“Yeah, the short answer to that is if we don’t sell enough cookies our pride is fucked again this year, so I hope those scones you brought are worth every penny,” he sassed before taking another sip of his coffee. Lucas gasped before releasing a deep chuckle, his cheeks leaving their beautiful brown tone for a softer pink blush.

“Well they’re store-bought and masked in my mom’s tupperware, so I hope so too!” Lucas yelled before falling back into his seat. The boys all let out cracks of laughter, drowning out the music Mark had blasting from the radio. A few minutes past. The boys listened to the K-pop that Ten had selected for the remainder of the drive. For a moment it felt like last season, just the three of them against the world, and Baekhyun of course. It was by no means the best season, but it was one they couldn’t forget. This year was supposed to be better, it had to be. Before long, Mark perked up to the group.

“Hey do you think Taeyong will be there? I mean, someone texted him right?” Mark waited for a response. It had been almost a week since Taeyong and Flower moved into the barn. While it wasn’t easy to fit into the group, they all agreed he was better than Baekhyun. With high hopes for this season, they just needed a teammate more than anything. Ten pursed his lips for a few moments before answering.

“Well, as long as he doesn’t get in the way of Taemin and me, I don’t care how many cookies he sells,” Ten settled back into the seat, looking out the window as they slowly approached the shopping center where their mobile bakery would station itself. 

“Jesus, Ten, all you care about is getting in his pants,” Lucas said, half joking and half serious.

“No, it’s much deeper than that! You know that! Come on, do I have to explain this again -”

“No dude, you’re fine, trust me. I’m just kidding. Taeyong is going to be fine, he’s not coming for you. Do you see how soft he is? He named his horse Flower!” Lucas put his hand on Ten’s shoulder.

“Hey, you can’t pipe in with that when my horse is named Annabelle and I am proud of that,” Mark replied, looking at Lucas in the rearview while parking the oldsmobile one-handed in the shopping center.

“Hey hey, there is nothing wrong with being soft. Not at all, I’m just trying to calm our drama king over here,” Lucas knudged Ten before unbuckling his seatbelt. “Besides, the TaeTen Love Story is the least of our worries right now, we just need to sell some shit.”

Ten blushed and silenced any clapback he formed in his head. It wasn’t worth any further embarrassment. The boys got out of the Mustang and collected their faux homemade goods, then headed towards the sitting area of the shopping center. They always had their bake sale here. Kai would usually drop off their table and banner before sunrise, in between the Hal’s WorkWear and Lily Ray’s Smoothie Shop. Between the two, they always hoped they would find a few customers. As they approached the area they expected to find their supplies, usually up against the edge of a raised garden, full of ferns and a few tulips, they found a different sight. 

Taeyong sat at the thin metal table, the Magnolia Riders banner hanging perfectly off the edge. In front of him sat a smorgasbord of baked treats: cookies, cupcakes, tarts, macarons, muffins, and tea cakes. It looked like he had been up for days, buried in a sweatshirt and hair flying in every direction. The site was a surprise for the boys, and the boxes of goods sitting behind Taeyong was an even bigger shock. 

“Holy...what is all this? Did you do this?” Mark asked, walking up to Taeyong, who was now frantically trying to stand up out of his chair. 

“I, I - yeah, I did this. In my spare time I like to bake. I figured the least I could do was help out here. I’m sorry I didn’t let you know earlier. I have Lucas’s number but I didn’t know if it would be weird to reach out or not. I have like, 12 dozen items here. Do you think that’s a good start?” Taeyong spoke quietly, his arm resting on his other shoulder, trying to hide his heart racing under the pink sweatshirt he wore.

“Dude! This is better than okay. This is everything we could ask for!” Lucas yelled as he threw the scones he was carrying in the garbage. “Screw these! Yours are going to make us money!” The rest of the boys giggled and crowded around Taeyong, hoping to see some customers show up soon now that the shopping center was open for business. 

Within the hour, a slow herd of shoppers flowed through the line. Usually a measly three or four donations an hour felt like success, but with Taeyong’s pop-up bakery in the works, it felt like non-stop traffic. Taeyong spent most of his time informing each customer of the buttercreams and fruit fillings he made. Mark spent his time as the Magnolia cashier, doing quick math, while Lucas and Ten schmoozed with their wit into leaving extra donations. It felt like the first time in a while that the Riders were in sync, and thanks to Taeyong, they were making bank. 

As the next couple hours passed, their business slowed into a steady pace, giving the boys enough time to restock the table and chat between customers. The constant flow of donations was welcoming, but everyone was a bit relieved to catch their breaths. Lucas took a few moments to sneak into the smoothie shop and buy everyone drinks, a treat Taeyong was appreciative of. 

“Ah there was no need to do that, thank you,” Taeyong said, hesitantly taking the smoothie from Lucas. His arm grabbed onto Taeyong’s shoulder in a rough yet reassuring way.

“No man, we owe you. You saved our asses today with this bake sale. We usually don’t even make a third of this, seriously,” Lucas urged, keeping his hand on Taeyong for a few more moments. Taeyong stared down at the table, eyeing the metal box stuffed to the hinges with dollar bills, the only thing of value in front of them, aside from the last few cakes, and crumbs of those who were snatched up before. His thin eyebrows furrowed from deep thought. 

“Wait, but…” his voice cracked, “we have nearly 1100 bucks here. And that was with some huge donations. Show registrations alone cost like 40 bucks a person. How do you guys even make it past the spring show every year -” 

“Look we know,” Ten interrupted, not in anger but embarrassment, “there’s a reason things run the way they do around here.” Ten nostrils flared between breaths. Mark and Lucas lightly nodded their heads. There was an unspoken agreement that Taeyong would learn as his time with the Magnolia Riders continued. He stayed looking up at the boys, his eyes widened into a soft begging stare, knowing there was more info he needed. 

“Look,” Lucas said. “Did it strike you as odd that Baekhyun called us all teammates?” He sat down in the metal chair next to Taeyong, slouching deep into the seat in an attempt to avoid the frustration of the topic at hand. 

“Oh, yeah? That annoying blonde guy. He’s on our team? Well why wasn’t he at our lesson then? Isn’t he supposed -” Taeyong paused, seeing the rest of the boys begin to roll their eyes. “What did I say? Did I mess up?” 

“No, no it’s not you, we promise,” Mark began, leaning from his chair to see Taeyong’s face from the other end of the table. “There’s a reason for all this. Baekhyun gets his own lessons. It’s to return a favor. His parents are LOADED. Like, hella loaded.” Taeyong looked at the boys as if he was desperately trying to solve a math problem they threw at him. Ten was quickly growing impatient, desperately wanting Taeyong to connect the dots so he didn’t have to say the answer out loud.

“Come on, I know you are smart enough for this,” Ten sneered, now moving his hands hoping to roll out an answer from Taeyong. His eyes suddenly widened, eyebrows now stretched near the top of his widow’s peak.

“You’re not telling me….” He began to say, letting out a gasp once he connected the dots.

“That is EXACTLY what we are telling you, bro,” Lucas said before running his hand through his hair, tugging at the ends just above the back of his neck. 

“His family does the Riders a favor, suddenly we have registration and jacket funds, and then Taemin returns the favor back.” Mark mumbled, the straw of his smoothie hanging onto the ends of his lips, the other end tapping back and forth on the inside of his cup. Taeyong barely knew these boys, and certainly didn’t know Baekhyun, but it was clear where the battle lines were drawn. He tried his best to always keep an open mind and be free of judgement, but it was clear that this situation was much more complicated than his heart wanted it to be. 

“Shouldn’t he be here?” Taeyong asked, growing anxious about the politics of his new riding club. 

“Why show up and help a team you don’t give a shit about when your parents are just gonna donate their funds for your private lessons anyways,” Lucas huffed. 

“Trust me there is nothing I hate more than having to be a known competitor simply due to his parent’s money. It’s not like we don’t work our asses off outside of Sunset Magnolia for him to flaunt someone else’s money in our face. I spend the remainder of my free time scooping ice cream for minimum wage while he just uses mommy and daddy’s money to get the best of everything and I’m just expected to sit with it. God I hate him!”

“Sounds like someone is just upset he doesn’t get his own private lessons with Taemin,” Mark let out, immediately regretting his decision as Ten threw a half eaten cupcake at his chest.

“Fuck off, Mark. I know where you sleep,” Ten pouted before collecting himself. Taeyong stood up and started to pack the remaining treats. 

“No, you’re right. We all work too hard to let someone else just buy their way in. But that’s not happening this year, because we have the registration fees right here,” Taeyong began, chucking the box of cash into Ten’s hands. “It won’t cover everything, but at least he can’t take this credit from us. And it’ll be a nice surprise for him when he sees how we don’t need his money all the time,” Taeyong tried to affirm his team as best as he could. He was still the new guy, but this was who he had to fight for now. Ten looked back at Taeyong, he didn’t say anything, but Taeyong could feel the rage dissolving. The boys slowly packed up and walked towards the parking lot, satisfied with the best bake sale in Magnolia Rider’s history.

Taeyong followed the boys, who were all making random conversation about next week’s lesson plan and whether or not Baekhyun’s horse, Galina, was real or a robot, to the family Mustang. Before long they all stood in the empty parking space next to the car, kicking a pebble back and forth and continuing small talk, hoping to prolong getting into the car.

“Oh wait, did someone text Kai about coming to get the table? I don’t want someone to take it. God forbid our hard earned cash goes to table recovery,” Mark chimed in. 

“Oh I’ll just throw it in the back of my truck, I was gonna go see Flower anyway. It’s no big deal,” Taeyong offered, his hands now digging deep into his back pockets, pushing his scrawny yet broad shoulders forward through his sweatshirt. 

“Oh, no way! You and Lucas can be truck buddies now!” Mark exclaimed, “well, once he gets his fixed.” 

“Oh no way? You know I’ve had to fix mine plenty of times, gotta love a classic Chevy. If you want some help I’d be happy to take a look,” Taeyong offered, hoping he played his cards right. He was slowly growing more comfortable with these guys, but didn’t want to take any good moments for granted. Lucas stepped forward, right hand extending out. His arms were long but insanely muscular for such an agile equestrian. 

“You’ve got yourself a deal, man!” he jokingly shook Taeyong’s hand before patting his shoulder and turning back to the car. “See you at the barn on Monday?”

Taeyong nodded, letting out a soft smile. Mark walked around towards the driver’s seat before hollering over the roof.

“Hey, Ten and I are gonna be working at the ice cream parlor down on 127th and Maple tomorrow if you want to stop by!” Ten walked up to Taeyong, trying to make conversation a bit more intimate. 

“Yeah man, stop by anytime. And….thanks for being on our team, you’re one of us now,” Ten said quietly, looking down at his feet and then back into Taeyong’s eyes. A few black strands of hair fell into Ten’s brow, softening the edgy front he originally put on earlier that morning. 

“And...I’m sorry for being so hard on you during our first lesson, you’re really good, and we might actually have a shot this year with you on board.” Taeyong let out a small half smile, his right dimple stretching down to his jawline.

“Hey, don’t worry about it. I’m really thankful to be here,” Taeyong said. He began to turn back towards the shopping center for the table, but stopped a couple steps into his journey. He looked back over his shoulder, yelling out to Ten as he tucked into the passenger seat.

“And I haven’t seen him ride, but trust me, you’re no number two. I’ve never seen someone ride like that. You’re at least my number one,” he said. Ten smiled back at Taeyong before rolling up the window, watching as his friend slowly made his way to complete his favor. 

[yumeironogenesis]

[Drama CD] Re: Phantom of the Masquerade Part 3: Aristocrats’ Masquerade

Part 1 |  Part 2 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6

Hey guys! it’s been over a month, I know. I have no excuse, I was just a lazy ass. But hey, better late than never! This 16 minute monster is all under the cut!

Characters

Kyoya Asahina as Louis

Hinata Sakuragi as Hippolyte

Kaito Shindo as Gustav

Subaru Jougasaki as Rudolfus

Jin Amamiya as Clovis

Jin: One two three! One two three! From the tips of your feet, take it slow and steady… Yes, like that! Smoothly get into your rhythm.

Jin: Subaru! Softer!

Subaru: Ah yes! One two three! One two three!  Then naturally turn!!

Jin: *claps* Stop! Stop! Subaru, you’re spinning your partner too roughly. A man should escort his lady delicately.

Subaru: Urgh... I’m sorry.

Hinata: Subaru you’re hella struggling. You nailed it much better before. Forgot the basics already?

Kaito: At this rate it’s a brawny waltz. No elegance at all.

Iori: B-brawny waltz… Pft, hahaha…

Hinata: Oh, this is rare. Iorin’s snickering.

Kyoya: The previous number’s intense dance moves are probably still stuck in his body. Subaru’s vigorous emotions and movements are his appeal, but now it’s getting in the way. Subaru, you realize you’re putting too much strength in your movements, do you?

Subaru: Yes… It’s in my head but I just can’t grasp the trick to it.

Jin: Hm. You might just not be aware enough that you are leading a woman.

Subaru: Huh?

Jin: In the masquerade scene, you should be dancing like the heroine you are leading is on stage with you. Your movements now look like you’re only dancing by yourself.

Hinata: Hm… Ok, then how about actually dancing with someone? Sis is in the office sorting out documents, so… With Kaito?

Kaito: Ha?! Why me?

Hinata: Your Amaterasu! Your elegant kagura dance was legendary.

Kyoya: Yeah, he was awesome as Amaterasu.

Kaito: That’s a different story! I don’t want some muscle head dragging me down. Besides, kabuki is much more suited for this. *points at Iori* This dude’s been an oyama [1] this whole time!

Subaru: Yeah yeah! If Iori becomes my partner, I think I can learn the tricks!

Iori: Why me…

Subaru: Please Iori! I want to be able to dance properly! Ok? Please!

Iori: I guess, if you say so…

Subaru: Hell yeah! Thanks, Iori!

Hinata: Hehe! Despite all he says, Iori is super soft with Subaru, right?

Jin: Alright, let’s resume practice. Subaru, Iori, are you ready?

Subaru: Yeah!

Iori: Yes.

Jin: Ok then, from the top! One two three! One two three! One two three!

Subaru: One two three! One two three! Then naturally turn!!

Iori: Urgh..

Subaru: Ahhh! Sorry, Iori! I stepped on your foot!

Iori: Females and males have different strides. Instead of trying to perfect your own dancing, you should think about how to lead a woman to make it easier for her.

Subaru: Got it!

Jin: One two three! One two three! That’s right, Subaru! Just like that! One two three! One two three!

Jin: Ok, that’s it! Subaru, it seems you got that feeling back.

Subaru: Yep! I’m good now! *walks over to Iori* Thank you, Iori! It was so easy to get into my role. Your movements were so elegant… I knew it, Iori is amazing! I wonder if I can do it too?

Subaru: *glides across the floor* Kinda like this? Weeee…

Hinata: Hahaha! Subaru! Ain’t you just wriggling?

Kaito: What the hell is that? You’re looking more like a clay statue!

Subaru: Eh?! I only wanted to do it like Iori!!

Iori: Wait a moment. Is that what my dancing looked like to you?

Subaru: Huh?? Iori are you mad?

Iori: No, I’m not.

Subaru: Then why aren’t you looking me in the eyes? You’re always doing that “averting your gaze” thing-

Jin: Come on guys, stop fooling around and let’s continue practicing.

Kyoya: Partner, huh….

Sousei: Hm? Kyoya, is something wrong?

Kyoya: No… I thought, why don’t we act out the ball scene with Iori acting as the follow?

Iori: What?

Kyoya: Jin-nii said that we have to act out the ball scene as if we are leading a heroine, right? So I thought, if everyone could practice their line of sight and stride with a real partner, then it’d feel more natural.

Hinata: Ooh! Kyo-chin, good idea!!

Subaru: Yeah, I agree! Let’s do it!

Iori: Wait, then what about my own practice-

Kaito: Well, it’s a good way to learn the ropes.

Jin: Yeah, sounds interesting. Hina, can you get me the audio player?

Hinata: Yessir! *runs to get player*

Iori: Hey, listen to me-

Kyoya: Alright let’s review the scene.

Iori: *sighs in exasperation*

Kyoya: In a certain aristocrat’s mansion, a masquerade is held. The eyes of the ball’s participants were all fixed on one beautiful woman. She stole the heart of the mansion’s phantom. That suffocating love brought tragedy. Hinata, the BGM, please.

Hinata: Yessir! Tuning in!

*BGM plays*

Kyoya: The mansion’s door opens and the heroine enters. Alright, start from Clovis’s line.

Jin: Alright.

Clovis: Welcome to the masquerade! I am Clovis. I am the host. Is this your first time at a masquerade? Haha, don’t be so stiff. First, won’t you dance with me? I will dance my finest dance for you. *they dance*

Clovis: You’re doing great. It seems like you’re no longer nervous.

Gustav: “Clovis. Would you mind introducing me to this beautiful woman?”

Clovis: “Yes, of course. She is the young mistress of the Darchen family.”

Gustav: “Darchen family? I see. She has the eyes.”

Gustav: Young mistress, do you not like dancing? Would you fancy dancing to a song with me? Come here. *they dance* I’m sorry for the late introduction. I am Gustav of the Renier family. It seems I was right to come to tonight’s masquerade. To think I would be able to meet a fine lady such as you… Haha, your embarrassed face is cute. How about it? After the masquerade, just the two of us…

Hippolyte: Gustav! I didn’t think I’d see you again tonight. Can we talk for a while?

Gustav: Hippolyte! Can’t you see? I’m spending my time with this beautiful princess.

Hippolyte: Oh? Isn’t today’s princess different from yesterday’s? It’s just as the rumors say. You sure are a busy man.

Gustav: Yeah, well, not as busy as you, of course. Princess, it pains me, but I have to take my leave. If fate guides us, then we are sure to meet again. *walks away*

Hippolyte: H-hey! Gustav! Ah… He left. We were unable to talk again tonight…

Hippolyte: Ah, no, it’s not your fault. I just wanted to talk about our families. Besides, he isn’t the only [young master of] Renier. If I could just talk to Hughes. I’m sure… Ah, I’m sorry! It’s a masquerade but I’ve only been ignoring you. If you don’t mind, can I ask for this dance?” *song changes, they dance*

Hippolyte: There’s no need to be afraid. Just let your body and your mind go. You are very good at the waltz. If I could only let time pass as I dance with you…

Hippolyte: Isn’t that Hughes? Young mistress, I am sorry, I have business to take care off. Excuse me. *runs to Hughes*

Rudolfus: *approaches her* Young mistress, are you alone? If you’d like, would you dance with me? In truth, I haven’t found a dancing partner yet. *song changes* Hehe, this is my first time at a masquerade. It’s very interesting that we can’t see our partner’s face. Haha! I’m glad. What a waste of a perfect night it would’ve been if I couldn’t dance. Alright, lend me your hand. *they dance*

Rudolfus: It feels quite strange. Is it because of the mask? I wonder how you’re smiling right now? To think that a mask would vex me… If you would allow me this indulgence, I’d like to face you… without the masks.

Louis: *comes running* Rudolfus! So this where you were. There’s a little hiccup over the-

Louis: Oh? Who is this young mistress?

Rudolfus: Hey Louis! It seems this is also her first time at a masquerade.

Louis: *grabs her shoulders* Ah… So that’s how it is.

Rudolfus: Louis. What’s wrong?

Louis: I finally understand. This masquerade was held so that you and I could meet. Do you think I’m joking? Then, please look into my eyes. They say the eyes hold the truth. Even when covered by a mask, my feelings can never be hidden. The moment I saw you, you stole my heart.

Rudolfus: Louis… don’t tell me you…

Louis: That’s right, Rudolfus. She is my fated person.

Rudolfus: I… see… Then I shall leave you with my friend here. I’ll be taking my leave. *walks away*

Louis: I hope I didn’t make my best friend uncomfortable. [2] *song changes to Behind the Masquerade* Ah, the song changed. May I have this dance? Together with you, let’s dance as if in a dream. *they dance* I wish I could dance with you forever. May this song, may this day never end. I cannot help but hope.

Louis: Is something wrong? Huh? You see a figure in a black mantle through the window? Have you heard of the rumor? They say that a phantom haunts this mansion.

Louis: Ah, did I scare you? It’s just a rumor. If there were really a phantom, I will protect you. That’s why tonight, do not leave my side. I don’t want this sweet dream to end just yet.

Jin: *claps* Alright! That’s it!

Hinata: Wah! It was a piece of cake thanks to Iorin!

Subaru: I also felt like I could dance the way I wanted to!

Jin: Yeah, it wasn’t just Subaru, everyone was moving very naturally.

Kaito: Well, it doesn’t hurt to do things this way sometimes.

Kyoya: But, as expected of Iori. Even the intricate moves and expression were just like the heroine’s.

Iori: Yes. If I am to do something, I would not hold back, no matter the role. Are you satisfied? Then, let’s continue to my prac-

Sousei: Everyone! It’s time for the magazine interview. There’s a photoshoot too. Can we head out now?

Kyoya: Huh? It’s that late already? I’m sorry guys! I forgot!

Subaru: Wahhhh! Wait!! I’ll go change! I sweat a lot!

Hinata: I’ll go fix my hair, too! I can’t do a photoshoot looking like this!

Kaito: Aight, I’ll go take a shower.

Jin: Eh? I don’t think there’s enough time for that….

Sousei: Kyoya, did you forget about the interview? Didn’t I send you a reminder email yesterday?

Kyoya: Sorry! We got too into practicing with Iori’s follow…

Sousei: *sighs* I swear…

(in the background

Sousei: Kaito, where are you going?

Kaito: I said, I’m taking a shower.

Sousei: There’s no time for that! No time! No time!)

Iori: Hey… what about… my practice…..

Notes:

1) Oyama are men who play (most of the time almost exclusively) female roles in kabuki.

2) The original audio was 気を付けて, which means “to be careful/considerate”, in this case, of Louis’s feelings. Though uncomfortable is definitely not accurate, it means more like “holding back” in this case, but I couldn’t make it flow very well in English. Especially with the way Louis said it.

3)  Soooo there’s def something going on with Hippolyte and Gustav, I feel it in my bones.

4) I know for the dancing scene I have to imagine a girl dancing with them, but knowing it’s Iori I just-

Thank you for reading!

Buy me a coffee!

[inqshead]

no vacancy.

did you know that bees tend to shit a lot? oh man i laughed so hard when one of those honeymakers landed on olive’s head and did what it needed to do. it was a fun day. the land seemed so much more intense since the water sooked into the dry earth and trees and changed their colors visibly. it smelled like heaven, which contains the smell of wet air and beeswax; for today. we tasted fresh honey and walked a lot, learned new stuff and ate cake. i felt like not eating at all, but i couldn’t think of any excuse since i couldn’t just go ahead and say ‘eyyy, my eating disorder still affects me alot although i am already through the worst, so i am so incredibly sorry but i just cannot eat the cake you put all your effort in’. after all i felt proud, eating, gaining coinfidence doing it and making the people around me happy. i felt good enough to even look forward to the party. when we said goodbye and agreed to meet tomorrow again for dinner (which included hiking beforehands) on a mountain and under a sky full of stars, i asked olive if he was going to go to the party. he denied, because he wanted to use his time alone to just have a few minutes for himself and maybe a call with his girlfriend. i found out that they even had a seperated bar in the basement where the elder ones could party for themselves. my parents were excited. me too. when we arrived ‘home’ there was a mess. many many cool and also fancy or extraordinary people ran around and decorated the rest. i could hear oldfashioned music playing and traveled through times into the past century. i didn’t see any familiar person except tryah who wore a funny hat and glasses that were starshaped. oh my i had to laugh really hard. and that was also when i realized how confident i was compared to the day before. there was nothing to worry about, i had everything under my control; and even if not: i felt like i was able to fix anything. and oh goodness that felt good. i said goodbye to my family and walked into my room, fell on my bed and i was too exhausted for just staying awake. but when i heard the hard beats shaking everything's existence i fell into a rush. i didn't even have swimming clothes (since it was a pool party i probably could’ve needed them), but i chose to wear my denim levis and decided against the white shirt (what if i fell into water. oh gods.) it wasn't that hot anymore and also late but i wanted to wear a shirt and eventually i took the yellow one which had 'fresh anti youth' written on it. then i ran back to my family's room in which i found a gaming olive and showered. when i came back outside olive was gone. i turned the lights off and walked outside, while turning around and closing the door only wearing a towel snugged around my waiste. i wasn't expecting anyone out here right now since basically everyone was out partying but when someone shouted my name i immediately screamed and ran into the door nose forwards. ,,Ow!'', i shouted back. dammit that hurted. holding my nose i turned to the person i expected olive to be. i started swearing in my language and stopped when i realized that this was sara. oh man i had been sure it was a male voice, but it was clearly sara's high pitched language. i started screaming again and bummed against the door with my back. again. she started screaming as well, giving me a very confused look. when we stopped, we started laughing. ,,the heck?’‘, she asked under her breath. ,,sorry’‘, i responded out of context. she wove aside. when we calmed down our breaths both of us suddenly realized that i was barely wearing anything. my face turned as red as the strawberries i ate earlier that day. she looked down the hallway, eyes widened. ,,oh my...’‘ ,,ummmm, did you intend to talk about something or did you just want to scare me?’‘, i broke down the embarrassing silence. ,,haaha’‘, she laughed, ,,let’s get you some clothes first and then talk.’‘ i nodded. after a few seconds went by she went on. ,,ty, you need to move for that.’‘ ,,ooh, i’m sorry. was lost in my thoughts.’‘ i started walking, she followed and mumbled something about being interested what kind of thoughts. after i got dressed in the said pants and the shirt, i sat on the bed. the open window let the fresh air in. the sun was about to sink down behind the end of the world in maybe two or three hours and sara shivered when the lively song changed to a slow love jam. she didn’t want to sit down and just stood in the middle of the room, awkwardly. she started biting her red lips. ,,i actually wanted to apologise for earlier. nojus was really angry, like, i’ve never seen him so serious before. he’s not the type to take anything personal and, i have to add this, i don’t usually do this. you just seemed really cute and kinda lost, so i thought, hey, maybe we could have a drink and talk or something. it’s not like one has many different friends here.’‘ she interlaced her fingers and kept her eyes on the ground. honestly i was astonished. that crazy cool person just apologised for nothing and looked so sad. this felt like a joke. like, she thought i was cute and wanted to accompany me. i repeat, me. what was happening?! the stars must’ve mixed somthing up. i must’ve looked really dumbfounded, and again, i forgot to answer, coz she laughed (but it sounded sad) and turned towards the door. ,,it’s okay, i usually do dumb things, i guess i should be used to it right now. see ya.’‘ she was about to close the door behind her when i finally came to my senses. ,,wait!’‘ i ran to her and caught her hand. she seemed surprised and really tired as well. ,,let’s go together to the party. i’d like to have a drink with such a beautiful girl.’‘ i even managed to wink without turning into a tomato, but when she started laughing i couldn’t hold it in any longer. i was such a fail at flirting. and again, 24 hours ago i wouldn’t have dared to do something like this. social anxiety felt like a joke. we interlaced our fingers and jumped through the heartfully decorated hallways like little kids. it was loud but everything gave me the intense feeling of being able to hear a butterfly clapping its wings. ,,you’re lucky, i’m not into guys’‘, was her response when an elderly couple started whispering as soon as they saw us. i laughed like a weirdo. ,,and i know you ain’t into females either.’‘ oooh what?? was that so obvious?? i started sweating in places i didn’t know one could sweat. i needed to vanish. immediately. if she knew everyone knew. oh gods. my life had been wasted. i was about to search the next bridge to jump down. coming out with something i wasn’t a hundred percent sure of just wasn’t an option. ,,ty? it’s alright, i won’t tell anyone and i’m sure no one knows. i wasn’t sure either, just wanted to test you.’‘ she winked at me and i died a thousand other deaths. couldn’t even dare to look at her. ,,come on kid. we have a party to throw’‘, with those words we started walking again (didn’t even realize we had stopped,, dumb me) or rather she pulled me forwards and giggled like a chicken. maybe it was good to start with a base. a love that wouldn’t concrete to entirety and include infinite and unconditional love on a more touchy basis, but something like an honest friend, someone that would take care of my secrets and be like a hideout, a hideout i always needed, because the outside world, this whole society mess thing was just getting too much. i felt like such a love was actually important; whereas i hadn't seen it when it was right there. ,,-tiberius come on, are you asleep?’‘ sara waved her bronzed hand in front of my face and looked really worried. i blinked a few times until i was back in this reality. i could hear the music playing very loudly and the gold light colored the trees and the flowers and all the beautiful scents into a romantic scenery. the people, i believed, must have been behind another huge building which made me think of a gym or something similar to that. ,,sorry, i’m okay.’‘ she didn’t really believe me and i decided to hug her (she felt like a warm soft pillow fyi) when a laughing nojus suddenly appeared right behind her- a guy’s arm around his shoulder. that dude was hella tall and muscular, not my type but probably considered sexy. nojus seemed to be comfortable. when he saw us his huge smile faded into nothing, which cut my heart bleeding and he got angry. someone said fuck, but i wasn’t sure wether it was nojus or sara, coz the whole loud atmosphere made me dizzy and the next thing i can remember is my legs giving up and my heart falling onto someone fragile but strong.

chapter eight end.