"... Hi."
"Hey."
The mood is weird. Clearly this wasn't a first for either of us. But it was a first, doing it together.
"Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, Dylan."
"That's good."
I brush a strand of hair from her face, and can't help kissing her again. This woman is nothing short of stunning.
"Are you hungry?"
"Are we playing twenty one questions or something?"
"No, I just-"
My words are cut off with a kiss initiated by her this time. A sigh escapes my lips,
"Let's just stay in bed a little while longer, okay?"
"Sure, yeah- whatever you want."
"Thank you."
Hours pass, and we're eating cereal in her kitchen. It was the easiest to make from how exhausted we were. Happy, but exhausted.
She looks at me for a moment, before blowing a kiss towards me.
"We've kissed more in the last twenty four hours than we have in the entire span of our relationship."
"Is that a bad thing? Haha-"
"Why don't we set a new record next time?"
"I'm not opposed to the idea, since it's with my boyfriend."
That label still feels so foreign. But I guess it's true now, and it really applies. I want to treat her so well she may want to add the word "best" to the title.
We're hanging out again when I get a call from Max. He has news about the group's future endeavors, and I talk about the things happening back home.
His last words almost make the shield hiding my emotions crack.
"Everything's alright, Dylan. I promise."
The call hangs up, and I'm not sure why but I miss him. I could obviously drive to Kassel and go see Max when he's in town, but I don't want to be invasive. Or clingy.
Maybe it's because he lived at home after going to university? Now Genesis7 goes on shows around the country, and they're even planning to travel the world.
Clarissa actually notices the change in my mood, and pokes my cheek in a teasing way.
"Aww, what's got you so down? Do you want me to get you a signed photo of Jupiter Stone for you?"
"That'd be greatly appreciated- but it's not that. I'm having parent troubles."
"Oh, is it your rich dad? Did he marry someone else or…"
"I'm talking about myself as the parent."
I can see why it takes her a moment to register the thought. The age gap between me and Max could be considered siblings, really.
"Did something happen?"
"The thing is, I don't think much has changed since he's joined the group. But with the tours, and their increasing fanbase, I'm worried he might get stalked by obsessive fans."
"Isn't it their bodyguards' job to protect them?"
"Well, there's also mean comments online- I don't want people to treat him rudely."
"Do you think he's a damsel in distress that can't find ways to cope with it?"
"I know he can. I guess I should focus on myself more, though I can't help overthinking."
After a few seconds, Clarissa has some sort of weird smile on her face. Is she scheming something?
"We should literally have a spa day! That's exactly what you need."
"Like, with face masks and cucumbers on my eyes?"
"At least you're manifesting it already."
That weekend, she pays for both of us to have a couples massage and facials. All I can notice is the amazing smell coming from the place.
"Is it something in the air that's making me already feel relaxed?"
"It might just be the drink I gave you earlier, Dylan."
"Wait- what? What was in the drink you gave me?"
"I'm kidding, idiot… I know you can't die anyways."
Is that her way of calling me invincible? As a compliment? Well, I'm very much still flattered,
We change into robes and slippers, making our way into the massage room. The atmosphere is everything.
Clarissa's eyes literally light up, it's so easy to tell.
"Don't tell me… is this your first time?"
"Maybe. So what if I used you to get someone to come along with me for this?"
"You're pretty slick, I can't lie."
All I can feel when the masseuse begins working on me is complete relaxation. It feels wonderful, like I'm on a cloud…
I stay awake the entire time just so I can feel everything. I don't want to forget this experience.
Though once the massage is over, we're moved to a different room for the facials. I close my eyes for the cucumbers, and only then do I fall asleep.
"I feel like they just took my soul out of my body, cleaned it, and gave it back to me."
"That's surely descriptive, Clarissa. But I also feel like a brand new person."
Being lost in our bliss, we almost walk out in the robes until a staff member brings us our clothes.
"Oh, right."
After Clarissa changes into her clothes, I go into the room she was just in. Until something catches my eye. A pair of bike shorts..?
I bring it with me after I've changed, and see her eyes widen as she snatches it from me.
"Uh… did you leave those in there?'
"Yes. Ugh. I forgot to put them on.'
"Well, it's not that big of a deal, you're already wearing a dress so-"
Ah, I see. The shorts were supposed to go under the dress. But is it really so embarrassing?
We make our way to her car, and I can still see the shorts clenched in her hand.
"Are you gonna get in?"
"The dress might ride up if I sit down."
"Then why don't you put the shorts on?"
I stare at her for a full moment, before I realize and look the other way.
"You can- I'm not-"
"Dylan."
My chin is grabbed and I'm facing her again. She's awfully close.
"Thanks."
"For what?"
"Grabbing the shorts from the changing room. Not looking at me when I put on the shorts."
"It's not a problem, I just wanted to be a decent human being."
"You're doing a great job at it, putting more effort in than other guys."
"Those other guys must've been awful, then."
"Hmm."
Clarissa's eyes narrow, and she furrows her eyebrows.
"Clarissa…?"
"I'm jealous."
"What? Why?"
"Because you mentioned other guys."
"But I- I was talking about the other guys that you've dated."
"Well, it'd have to be other guy, then. But we shouldn't bring him up. I don't need his bad energy in a good relationship."
"So… I'm the best boyfriend you've ever had?"
"I guess the competition is against yourself. Though, today you were better than the Dylan three months ago."
"Thank you?"
"You're very welcome."
Days pass, and I feel at ease. The massage really worked its magic. However, on a random Tuesday evening I hear the doorbell ring.
Seeing the camera, my eyes widen. I bolt from my seat to open the door.
"Max? What are you doing here?"
"I have to take my final exams this week, and I can't keep getting distracted at the dorms."
"Oh- come in. Are you hungry?"
"Yes. Thank you, Dylan."
I wait in the living room while he eats in the kitchen, and my gaze falls upon the suitcase he's brought.
How long is he planning to stay?
But a different set of words come out of my mouth.
"You can stay here as long as you want."
"I know."
A smile tugs at my lips, and I feel glad I've created such a welcoming environment.
"Do you wanna play some videogames on-"
"After the exams."
"Right."
He seems stressed. I should've realized it sooner.
"I can cook your meals for you to save time."
Max finishes washing his dishes, and walks over the sofa I'm sitting on. I can see his expression, and it looks calmer.
"You're the best, Dylan. I might be a little on edge this week… I apologize in advance, haha."
"It's fine. Just don't overwork yourself, alright? I know you're responsible."
"Goodnight."
"See you tomorrow, kid."
When he goes to his room, I let out the longest sigh. Max came when I least expected him to, but being told about his situation put me at ease. The same way Clarissa did.
It's not like the entire story matters anyways, right?