MID-MARCH. THURSDAY EVENING
[Toronto, Canada]
It was a serene evening, amidst the tranquility of the neighborhood, one house stood out with its vibrant noise. A lively house party was in full swing, echoing laughter and music down the street.
At the front door, a girl with a ponytail and round glasses welcomed arriving guests, engaging in friendly banter with some as they entered.
Inside the bustling house, another host attended to the guests in the living room. Carrying a clipboard with a meticulous list of names and a pen, a gray-haired man with weary eyes conversed with each guest individually, ensuring their comfort and enjoyment.
Upon closer inspection, he bore a striking resemblance to the girl outside, albeit with an air of fatigue that contrasted the lively atmosphere of the party.
CIFER POWERS
27 YEARS OLD
STATUS: OVERWORKED
Cifer Powers, older brother and co-host, moved with practiced ease through the gathering. While his sister handled the front, he managed inside, ensuring the atmosphere remained lively and welcoming.
Then, amidst the shifting sea of people, something—or rather, someone—caught his eye.
She moved through the crowd with an almost effortless grace, her purplish collared top complementing the soft curve of her form. But it wasn't the outfit that held him captive—it was her hair. A cascade of vivid pink, streaked with subtle hints of purple on the tips, shimmering under the party's dynamic lighting. It shifted like silk, catching the glow of neon and shadow alike, creating an almost hypnotic effect.
Intrigued. Cifer excused himself from a conversation, and weaved his way toward her. She stood against the wall, cup in hand, observing the party with quiet detachment.
UNKNOWN
AGE UNKNOWN
STATUS: WANTS TO GO HOME
With a friendly smile, Cifer approached her, curiosity evident in his demeanor. Unlike the other guests, she didn't engage in the revelry—she simply watched.
"Are you the new girl?" he asked, his tone polite as he took a spot beside her.
The girl glanced at him briefly before returning her attention to the party, clearly not giving him much thought. But since he hadn't been rude, she figured it was only right to respond.
"Yeah. I guess I am" she finally looked back at him. "What's it to you?"
Cifer chuckled. "Just rare to see someone I don't know at our party, I guess. Got curious"
Respecting her space, he took a step to the side, giving her a bit more distance. She raised an eyebrow at the gesture before finishing the last sip of her drink. With a quiet crunch, she crushed the plastic cup in her hand.
"Eh. It is what it is" her voice carried the weight of disinterest. "Don't really plan on staying here too long either way, I'm already bored just standing around."
"You know anyone here then?" Cifer asked, his tone careful, as if testing the waters.
She let out a sigh, clearly growing a little impatient. "Are you really that curious?"
Despite her annoyance, she decided to humor him. He hadn't done anything to warrant outright dismissing him.
"If you must know, pretty much no one" she paused, tapping her fingers lightly against the crushed cup. "Well… maybe like, one person. She's the host. Yeah."
"Julie?" Cifer's brow lifted slightly. "So, my sister invited you?"
She gave a small nod. "...Yeah. You're Julie's brother, then? Cifer, if I'm right?"
Cifer smiled, tapping the pen against his clipboard absentmindedly as he spoke. "Spot on actually. Didn't think Julie told anyone about me"
His curiosity about her only deepened.
The girl looked at Cifer blankly, her expression unreadable but her disinterest unmistakably was still there. It was clear she had no intention of extending this conversation any further.
"Well. Nice to meet you then." she said, her voice laced with sarcasm.
She didn't want to be outright rude to someone who had been nothing but polite, but at the same time, she had no desire to stick around. As she scanned the party—filled with strangers, noise, and energy she didn't care for—she only felt even more out of place.
"Hope you're having a good time at this party" she added, letting out an obvious sigh. "Because I'm not. Might head out soon."
Cifer picked up on her souring mood and decided not to linger any longer. The last thing he wanted was to make her uncomfortable.
"Then I hope you take care of yourself I guess" he offered, it was a simple sign of goodwill.
She didn't reply, letting him leave without so much as a nod. Her expression remained indifferent as she exhaled softly, already eager to leave.
The girl scanned the room once more, her gaze drifting aimlessly across the crowd.
'This is a waste of time…' she thought, already shifting her weight to walk away.
But as she was just about to make her exit, she spotted a familiar figure weaving through the party—round glasses, brown tank top, and a casual confident stride. The one person in this city she could call a friend.
JULIE POWERS
22 YEARS OLD
STATUS: THIS IS HER HOUSE
Julie grinned as she approached, waving. "Hey, Ramona. Nice to see you made it."
Ramona sighed, running a hand through her hair.
"Yeah. Guess you had to drag me here" she shrugged. "Wasn't really in the mood to even do anything tonight to be honest."
Julie's brow furrowed slightly. "What exactly is that supposed to mean? You okay?"
Ramona hesitated for a second before giving a half-hearted nod. "Yeah, of course I'm fine. Just... just had a bad break-up not that long ago honestly. Didn't really have the mood to be at one of these."
She crossed her arms, gaze drifting away to avoid making eye contact.
"Bad breakup? What happened? If you don't mind me asking." Julie leaned in slightly, her curiosity visibly piqued.
Ramona inhaled sharply, debating whether to even bring it up. But one glance at Julie—her expectant expression—made her decide to spill the truth. Though Julie seemed more interested in the gossip itself.
"Well. They were a bit..." she paused, searching for the right words.
Julie tilted her head, waiting.
Ramona exhaled again, albeit slowly this time. "They were a bit overprotective on things. I mean I get it I guess… They really liked me and didn't want to lose me."
Her voice wavered just slightly, betraying more emotion than she intended. She took a deep breath, steadying herself before continuing.
Ramona hesitated, a twinge of discomfort settling in her chest. Discussing something so personal wasn't easy, but as she reflected on her earlier interaction with Cifer, she recognized the sharp edge of her own rudeness. Maybe she had been too dismissive. Maybe keeping everything bottled up was doing more harm than good.
Taking a slow breath, she made a conscious decision. 'Just say it'.
Releasing some of the pressure, even a little, might be the relief she needed.
"But they went way too far at some point" she admitted, her voice quieter now. "To the point where they just kept wanting to control everything about me. Like… they didn't really let me make choices for myself anymore."
Julie's brow furrowed slightly "The hell kind of choices were you making that set them off?"
She was fully invested now, trying to piece everything together. The curiosity in her eyes was genuine interest.
Ramona hesitated again, lips pressing into a thin line.
"Honestly" she sighed. "I don't think I even should tell you about it. It's... a lot."
Her frown deepened as she weighed her next words. The air between them grew heavy with unspoken thoughts. She could feel the moment hanging there, teetering on the edge of something real.
'Just say it' she told herself. 'Just get it out'
But before she could, the opportunity vanished.
"Julie! there you are!"
Cifer's voice cut through the moment like a dull blade.
Ramona deflated instantly, her shoulders tensing as she turned to see him approaching. His eyes flickered toward her, catching the briefest glimpse of her frustration, but he wisely chose to let it slide.
Julie, too, seemed to pick up on her sudden shift, though she didn't press.
Cifer stopped between them, running a hand through his hair. "Have you seen my car keys?"
Ramona exhaled sharply, barely suppressing her annoyance. 'Damn it'
She was fully prepared to talk about something personal, finally getting the faint courage she needed for it… only for it to go to waste.
When she lost her mood, Cifer notices it. Her piercing glare. But he chose to ignore it in order to not make things worse.
And like siblings, Julie thought the same.
"Can't say I have..." or so she says, but she patted her pockets to check anyway. "Yeah, they're not here. What do you need your keys for?"
Cifer shifted slightly, scratching the back of his neck. "Kim called me to pick 'em up"
Ramona's eyes narrowed. Her tone sharpened into something Cifer could only describe as bossy as she planted her hands firmly on her lips. "Alright it's not here so you can go now—we're kind of in the middle of something."
It wasn't subtle. The vibe was crystal clear: she didn't like him much, though he couldn't tell why.
"My bad" Cifer said quickly, keeping his voice polite. "I'll catch you later then, sis"
Without further fuss, he slipped out, moving briskly into the crowd.
Just before he disappeared from sight, Ramona caught him in the corner of her eyes—already hurrying upstairs as if he couldn't get away fast enough. Only when he was gone did she finally exhale, shoulder sagging in quiet relief.
Julie, who had been observing with folded arms, raised a brow. Her tone was blunt, cutting through the noise. "You got something against my brother?"
Ramona hesitated to answer, then sighed.
"I'm sorry… I… I don't know what got into me…" her voice softened to an apologetic tone. "He just caught me in a bad mood, that's all"
Julie studied her for a moment before shrugging. "Well, it's none of my business"
She dismissed it casually, chalking Ramona's reaction up to some personal drama. No point going deeper.
"Anyway, we'll be here for a while if he's gone" Instead, she smoothly shifted the topic. "Can't really end the party without his say"
Ramona blinked, confused. "What? Why?"
"Oh right, you wouldn't know" Julie leaned against the wall, explaining carefully to the obvious first-timer. "My brother keeps track of everyone who comes in and out. Like… a mental guest list. Helps us notice if someone goes missing or someone's not supposed to be here. Everyone just sort of went along with it. Now, nobody leaves without letting Cifer know"
Ramona froze, her face twisting into visible annoyance. "You're kidding"
Julie just shook her head.
"God damn it…" Ramona groaned, dragging her hand down her face. "So I really have to wait for him?"
Her tone dripped with irritation. She wanted nothing more than to leave, yet somehow Cifer still had control of the night—even while he was off searching for his own damn keys.
Julie gave a small, unbothered shrug. "Yeah. Seems like it"
"Ugh, this is annoying. Why does he have to play the good host?" Ramona muttered, sarcasm laced in her voice. She didn't even sound like she wanted an answer.
"I don't know" but Julie answered anyway. "He's just… always been the responsible one"
Ramona groaned again, throwing her head back in exasperation.
"I just wanted to leave as quickly as I could. But here I am… stuck in here even longer, all because your brother has to go pick up some random people"
Her words hung heavy with frustration, the kind that made it obvious she wasn't the type to enjoy being forced into patience. She had only come tonight for Julie's sake, expecting it to be quick. Instead, the night was dragging on, and every passing minute felt like another chain tying her down.
—————————————————————————————
While Ramona grumbled downstairs with Julie, Cifer was upstairs tearing the place apart in search of his car keys. He checked his sister's room, then his own, rifling through drawers and closets.
Until at last, his hand brushed against something cold in the pocket of a hanging coat.
"Finally" he muttered, fishing out the keys. "Found my damn keys"
With a relieved sigh, he stepped out of his room and headed downstairs. His hurried footsteps drew Ramona's attention almost immediately.
The moment she spotted him, her irritation flared back up. For reasons she couldn't pin down, her mood soured at the sight of him.
But she moved toward him anyway, pausing in front of him with a sharp breath as if to steady herself. For a moment, she simply stood there, meeting his gaze head on.
Cifer tilted his head slightly, brows raised in polite confusion.
"Do you… need something?" he asked, his voice calm, almost disarmingly so.
Ramona froze.
Embarrassment pricked at her, though she quickly tried to hide it by turning her face to the side. She hesitated, pondering her words. Only when she glanced back up did she really see him for the first time.
Up until now, she had avoided his eyes—avoided looking at him at all, really. But now…
His eyes.
'...His eyes…'
They were tired, yes, but there was something that pulled her in. Behind the weariness shimmered a glint like silver moonlight. The shifting lights of the party reflected in them, turning them into polished steel that caught the scattered color in a way that was… alluring. Too alluring.
Ramona's breath caught, and for the briefest moment, she felt herself drifting into a trance.
Then she snapped out of it, blinking rapidly as if shaken awake. Heat crept up the back of her neck, and she quickly turned her head away to break the contact. Swallowing hard, she drew in a quiet, steadying breath before facing him again, trying desperately to recover her composure.
"Nothing" she said firmly, though her voice carried a trace of nervousness. "Just wanted to ask the party's main host if I could leave now" her expression hardened, sarcasm cutting through her words. "Because honestly? I'd rather die than stay here any longer waiting for you"
She crossed her arms, her posture sharp, her tone outright rude.
Cifer could only blink, taken aback by her bluntness.
"Oh. You can, though" his voice carried genuine surprise. "It's not like I'm forcing people to stay"
"Really? Because Julie said something about you keeping guests in check and not letting them leave"
Her words came out defensive at first, but her voice softened as she went on. Though she kept her guard up, there was a small shift… like she was starting to relax, just a little.
"Ah… don't misunderstand" Cifer replied quickly, rubbing the back of his neck, embarrassed. "I just do it to organize people we know—and to notice if someone shows up who we never invited. Julie doesn't really do that whole 'plus one' bs"
"I see…" Ramona muttered, almost sounding disappointed in herself for assuming the worst. Then, straightening her shoulder, she spoke more decisively. "Well, if that's the case, then I'm just gonna go"
"Sure" Cifer nodded. His tone was sincere. "Take care of yourself"
"Yeah, sure. Good luck with… whatever it is you're doing"
With a gesture of farewell, Cifer turned toward the front door.
At the coat hanger, he retrieved his jacket, slipping it on in one fluid motion. A practiced pat of his pockets followed—wallet, keys, his usual essentials. Satisfied, he reached for the doorknob.
But before he could turn it, he felt a slight tug at the hem of his jacket.
He paused, glancing down in surprise. Slowly, he turned his head.
There she was—Ramona—her fingers lightly clutching the fabric, her pink hair catching the dim glow of the entryway light. For the first time all night, she didn't look annoyed. She looked… hesitant.
Cifer blinked, his tone curious. "...You have something else to say?"
Ramona's fingers twitched slightly against his jacket before she let go. She looked nervous, uncharacteristically so, and kept her eyes fixed anywhere but on his face.
After a long pause, she took a deep breath, gathering herself, and finally glanced up at him.
"Look, dude…" she muttered, voice softer than before. "I just want to say I'm sorry for being such a bitch earlier. You just… caught me at a bad time"
Cifer's brow lifted. The apology was so unexpected it left him momentarily speechless.
"Oh… it's no worries" he said at last, scratching his cheek. "It probably felt uncomfortable, me suddenly walking up to you out of nowhere"
Ramona let out an awkward little laugh, more embarrassed than amused. "Haha… yeah. Honestly, I thought you were hitting on me for a sec there. Not gonna lie"
Cifer froze, eyes widening slightly. Then he quickly shook his head.
"Oh, no. Definitely not" his voice was firm, desperate to shut down the misunderstanding. "Damn, so that's what it looked like? I must've seemed like a total weirdo to you"
His ears reddened as embarrassment crept in, and for once, it was his turn to look away.
"Guess I should be the one apologizing… for making you uncomfortable"
Ramona blinked at him, then hurriedly waved her hands. "Oh no, no, no—it's alright. We just… got off the wrong foot, that's all"
She chuckled again, but this time it was lighter, less strained. The tension between them had thinned.
"Well…" Cifer started, his voice careful but not pushy. "I do hope you stay a little while longer. The party's still going. Could be a chance to make some new friends. Get closer to people. Start with my sister, at least"
Ramona pressed her fingers against her chin in thought, humming softly. "Hm…"
She stole a quick glance at him, intending only to weigh his sincerity.
But then she caught his eyes again. That silver shimmer snared her for a moment longer than she intended.
Realizing it, she quickly turned away, breaking the gaze before she betrayed anything on her face. With a faint sigh, she crossed her arms again and muttered, half to herself.
"...Ha… fine"
She gave in, though not without conditions.
"But if you take too long" she added with a pointed look. "I'm leaving"
Cifer smirked lightly, nodding as he reached for the front door.
she sighs and just goes with it. But not without a compromise. "Looks like I should hurry on then"
The door creaked open, letting a rush of cool night air slip inside.
"I'll see you in a bit" he said over his shoulder.
Ramona raised a hand in a half-hearted wave. "See you"
The door clicked shut behind him. A moment later, a low rumble of an engine stirred outside, followed by the fading sound of tires rolling away into the night.
For the first time that evening, Ramona let out a long, quiet breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. Relief washed over her, like the tide pulling back from the shore. A weight she hadn't noticed had lifted from her chest.
"Glad that's over" she muttered.
The party, however, was not.
As she wove through the throng of strangers—faces she didn't recognize, voices blending into meaningless chatter—her earlier determination faltered. Maybe she should try talking to someone new, but the idea made her stomach tighten. Anxiety crept in, whispering excuses.
In the end, her feet carried her to the one person she knew.
Julie was standing with a small group, laughing at something someone had said. Ramona lingered a short distance away, waiting patiently until the conversation fizzled and the strangers drifted off. Then, taking her chance, she reached out and lightly tapped Julie on the shoulder.
Julie startled, then turned to face her. "Oh—Ramona. What's up?"
"Hey, Jules…" Ramona hesitated for a second before speaking again. "Can I talk to you privately?"
Julie blinked, a little curious, then nodded.
"Uh, yeah. Sure. Something wrong?"
"Not really a problem…" Ramona trailed off, her thoughts tangling.
She chewed on her lip, debating whether to speak at all. The memory of being interrupted earlier still lingered, but now that she had a chance, she wasn't sure she could go through with it.
After a long pause, she exhaled slowly. No—she should say it. At least try.
"...I just want to continue where we left off a while ago. Before your brother showed up"
Julie tilted her head but said nothing, waiting.
Ramona tightened her grip on her own arm, forcing herself to continue. That brief talk with Cifer kept echoing in her head.
'Make friends, start with my sister'
Maybe he was right. Maybe letting something out, even just a little was better than keeping it bottled up.
"Sure" Julie said gently. "I'm fine with that. Just… I hope it's nothing too heavy"
Ramona gave a short laugh, though there was no humor in it. "It just feels like something I need to let out. Even if just a bit"
She drew in a deep breath, bracing herself. The knot of anxiety in her chest loosened slightly, the tiniest bit of relief trickling in. Whether Julie cared or not didn't really matter—Ramona needed this.
—————————————————————————————
An hour slipped by almost unnoticed.
Ramona and Julie had tucked themselves into a quiet corner, their conversations easily against the backdrop of pulsing music and chatter. Whatever the topic—petty jokes, half-serious complaints, or idle stories—it didn't matter. Their laughter blended with the rhythm of the party, and for once, Ramona wasn't counting the minutes.
The tension that had weighed her earlier was gone. In its place lingered a strange but welcome ease, as though part of her burden had finally lifted. She found herself softening with every passing moment, her guard slowly melting in Julie's presence.
Meanwhile, outside the house, the night hummed with the arrival of a car. A bright pink vehicle rolled up to the sidewalk, its glossy surface catching the streetlights.
Passerby cast curious glances, but the tinted windows kept its passengers a mystery.
The engine quieted, the driver's side door opening. A familiar figure stepped out, stretching his arms high overhead before letting the drop with a weary sigh.
"Finally… fucking back" Cifer grumbled, sounding more drained than relieved.
The passenger's side door swung open in response.
"Can you just take the bus next time, Kim?" he groaned, rubbing the back of his neck.
Another figure stepped out—a fair-skinned young woman, freckles dotting both cheeks, her red bob-cut hair stopping neatly at her shoulder. She wore a green-stripped tracksuit jacket over a black skirt.
KIMBERLY PINE
23 YEARS OLD
STATUS: QUITE HAPPY
"I don't think I ever will" Kim replied with a smirk, shutting the door behind her. She mirrored his stretch, arching her back and raising her arms as if mocking his weariness. "Why would I waste money when I can get a free ride whenever I call?"
Cifer let out an exasperated groan, pressing two fingers to his temple. "Just… tone it down, please? Gas isn't exactly cheap these days"
Kim rolled her eyes, grinning as she shot back without missing a beat. "Not my fault you're the only one with a car"
Her tone was teasing, confident, because she already knew how this dance played out. Whether he liked it or not, Cifer always showed up when called.
"You—" he started, only to cut himself off with a frustrated sigh.
The mock tension hung in the air, though neither of them seemed the least bit bothered. Their bickering was less argument and more routine.
But before the playful exchange could continue, the rear doors of the car opened, and three more figures stepped out into the cool night air.
—————————————————————————————
Meanwhile, inside the house, the party carried on in full swing. Laughter and chatter rose above the thrum of music, filling every corner with noise. Ramona weaved her way through the crowd, a fresh drink in hand, scanning faces as she returned to the corner she and Julie had claimed earlier.
But Julie was gone.
Ramona frowned, craning her neck before spotting her friends mingling with another group. With a quiet sigh, she shrugged it off.
'Figures'
Julie was sociable enough to blend in anywhere. Ramona, on the other hand… not so much.
She lingered at the edge of the room, her resolve faltering. Talking to strangers still felt like stepping off a cliff blindfolded. But then, her eyes caught on a familiar figure—someone moving toward the kitchen, jacket slung loosely over his shoulders.
A small, unbidden smile tugged at her lips. Against her usual instincts, she felt just enough courage spark within her to follow.
The kitchen was bustling, though not as crowded as the main room. Music muffled behind the walls, and the glow of the fridge cut through the air as she entered.
There he was. Cifer.
Leaning slightly, rummaging through the fridge with a look of half-focus, half-fatigue. Ramona's steps slowed, her nerves briefly tying a knot in her chest. But she busted through, reaching out to pat his back gently.
Cifer straightened abruptly, clearly caught off guard, then turned to face her. Recognition softened his expression.
"Oh… It's you" he let the fridge door rest open a moment longer. "Enjoying yourself?"
Ramona gave a little shrug, laughing sheepishly.
"Doing okay, at least. But… aside from Julie, I don't really feel comfy striking up conversations with strangers, you know? Haha…"
Her laugh carried a hint of embarrassment.
"Mm?" Cifer, almost amused, tilted his head. "You're talking to me fine, though. Aren't you?"
Ramona blinked, surprised by the observation.
"...Not that I think about it…" after a pause, she smiled faintly. "Yeah, I guess I am" Her smile softened further, more genuine this time. "Must be 'cause you're Julie's brother or something"
Cifer chuckled, closing the fridge door with a soft thud. "Well, there's no need to rush. The night's still young"
He reached into his pockets, pulling out his wallet and flipping it open briefly. His brow furrowed, as if already calculating.
"Though… I actually need to head out again. Quick errand"
"Why? You just got back" Ramona's brows drew together, her tone dipping slightly.
"Running low on drinks" he explained matter-of-factly. "Food too, I think. I'll make it quick"
Ramona's chest sank a little, though she masked it with a neutral look.
She didn't want to admit it out loud—but she wanted him to stay, even for just a moment longer. Everyone else in this place felt like a wall she couldn't break through. With Cifer, at least, the silence wasn't too awkward.
She crossed her arms, leaning slightly against the counter.
"...Can't stay for just a moment? Take a break before you go?" Her voice came out casual, but the edge of her pride barely concealed the truth.
"Feeling lonely 'cause my sister left you alone?" Cifer smirked almost immediately.
Her face flushed, and she shot him a glare. "Shut up…"
The embarrassment made her bite her lip, but then—almost against her own will—she let her pride slip. She puffed out her cheeks, then exhaled.
"Just stay a bit, c'mon~" her voice softened at the end, almost pleading.
Cifer raised a brow at her sudden honesty, then sighed, leaning back against the counter with his arms crossed.
"Fine. What do you even want to talk about, then?"
Ramona blinked, taken aback. She hadn't expected him to actually agree.
'Oh crap, now what?'
Her hand instinctively went to her chin as she scrambled for a topic.
Seconds ticked by before something Julie said earlier popped into her head. A mischievous spark flickered in her eyes.
"Oh, right" she leaned a little closer. "I heard from your sister…"
Cifer narrowed his eyes slightly, already sensing trouble. "...Heard what?"
"She told me you're quite the heartbreaker" Ramona smirked. "Care to enlighten me what she meant?"
Cifer groaned, rubbing his temple.
"Definitely a misunderstanding" his tone was flat, dismissive. "Haven't even hooked up with anyone before"
"Really?"
Ramona tilted her head, clearly intrigued now. The disbelief in her voice made Cifer shift uncomfortably.
"Never dated?" she pressed.
"Never tried" he admitted without hesitation.
Her eyes widened, lips curving into a grin as if she'd just stumbled on something fascinating.
"I'd say you're missing out a lot if that's the case"
"Probably…"
Cifer raised a hand to his chin, pretending to mull it over with a thoughtful hum.
"Yeah, probably not" but after a moment, he shrugged, brushing the thought aside. "It's not like it didn't cross my mind before, though"
Ramona studied him carefully, her curiosity only deepening. There was something about his blunt honesty that caught her off guard—refreshing in a way. Unlike most people she knew, he wasn't trying to impress anyone.
"Well~" she tilted her head, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Starting from your looks, I'd say you'd have an easy time getting a date"
"Hahahaha" Cifer chuckled, shaking his head as if she'd just told a joke. "Nah~" he waved her off, still laughing. "Firstly, I'm quite aware I look pretty tired. Also, I think I'm pretty dull to be around"
Ramona crossed her arms, feigning a frown.
"I don't know about anyone else, but I don't think you're dull. Granted, we got off on the wrong foot, but it wasn't boring at the very least"
Her tone softened near the end, almost like she was trying to reassure him.
Cifer froze for a moment. The sudden complaint caught him off guard, and the warmth crept up his face before he quickly looked away.
It was simple praise, nothing big… and yet it made his chest feel strangely light.
"I don't know, really" he scratched the back of his neck and shrugged, unsure how else to respond. "Guess it depends on the person"
Ramona puffed her cheeks and leaned forward with mock frustration. "You should really learn to take a compliment"
Her joking tone only made his blush deepen. Cifer's only way of defence was deflecting to keep the conversation alive.
"Dating, huh… how about you then? Ever dated anyone?"
He asked casually, but the question made Ramona's expression falter. Her gaze dropped toward the floor, and silence hung between them for a few seconds before she looked back up.
"...I have, actually" she admitted, her voice quieter than before. "But I'd rather not talk about it"
Cifer's eyes widened. "Oh… um… I'm sorry"
He hadn't expected a serious answer, much less one that carried weight. Guilt twisted in his stomach.
The air thickened, shadows of old memories lurking between them. Neither spoke, until Ramona—quicker to recover—offered him a small smile.
"You don't have to worry about it, dude. It isn't really a big deal, honest"
Her words were light, but Cifer could tell she appreciated that he didn't press her further.
Even so, the guilt lingered.
He pushed off the counter, straightening his posture with a sigh. "Well, I think I should go now, huh…"
The abrupt shift startled Ramona. She wanted to tell him to stay, but the thought of clinging only made her hesitate.
"Oh. sure…" instead, she forced a calm nod. "Take care then"
"Yeah. I'll catch you around"
Cifer made his way toward the doorway, then paused.
"...Also" turning slightly, he glanced back over his shoulder. A faint warmth dusted his cheeks. "Thanks for the compliment earlier"
The words came low, almost mumbled, before he slipped out of sight.
Ramona blinked, a little stunned by the rare honesty. As he disappeared into the crowd, she let out a small laugh to herself.
'He's quite simple'
Yet as she leaned back against the counter, a faint stir of fascination sparked within her chest. It was a fleeting feeling, one she quickly pushed aside. After all, there was still a party to enjoy—and a friend she needed to find again.
—————————————————————————————
A couple of hours later, the party still showed no signs of slowing down. Laughter and chatter spilled through the walls, drifting outside into the cool night air. It wasn't deafening, more of an ambient buzz that painted the neighborhood in restless energy.
Some guests had migrated to the front yard—smoking, drinking, or simply cooling off beneath the starless sky.
Through the crowd, Cifer trudged up the walkway from his car, arms full of bags and boxes. His expression caught somewhere between the familiar fatigue and irritation, as though each step required more willpower than strength.
Beside him, a sturdily built Asian man carried a couple of cases as if they weighed nothing. His long hair tied neatly into a ponytail, not a single strand out of place despite his size.
BUTCHER CHAU
26 YEARS OLD
STATUS: QUITE STRONG
"Thanks for the help, Butch" Cifer muttered, carefully balancing the load as he stepped onto the porch.
He eyes the steps like they were plotting his downfall.
"Hahahahaha! I just saw you wobbling back there" Butcher replied with a grin so wide it nearly split his face. His laughter boomed, startling a couple of smokers nearby. "Figured you needed a hand before you dropped everything"
Cifer shot him a look, but Butcher only shrugged, still grinning.
"Besides, it's still not enough to pay you back for helping out at the shop a few times"
The smile on his face softened into something more thoughtful. He studied Cifer's back as the other man grumbled, fumbling with the doorknob while his hands were full.
After a brief hesitation, Butcher asked in a quieter tone. "You're… still overworking yourself, huh?"
Cifer stilled, the metallic rattle of the knob falling silent. From Butcher's perspective, it almost looked like the question had stopped him mid-breath. But instead of turning, Cifer leaned his shoulder against the door, shifting his weight, and replied in a voice too casual to be careless.
"I'm doing fine. I just think… as long as there's something I can do, I should do it" the door clocked open. He glanced over his shoulder with a crooked smile, masking the exhaustion with a touch of bravado. "Plus, I get to make a shit ton of money"
Butcher blinked, then barked out another laugh. "Hah! Rich bastard, huh?"
Cifer smiled but didn't argue. Together, they stepped inside, weaving through the crowd until the walls of sound pressed against them again.
"Speaking of" Cifer said, adjusting the weight in his arms as they made for the kitchen. "How're things with your sister? Heard she's been seeing Scott lately"
"Still pissed about it" Butcher's easy grin vanished in an instant, replaced by a scowl. "Not at her, but that Scott guy" he shoved past a drunk stumbling in their way. "I mean, come on. Who in their right mind dates a high schooler at his age? Total creep"
His words carried enough weight that a couple of partygoers nearby gave them quick glances before turning back to their drinks.
Cifer nodded, lips pressed together, but Butcher shifted gears quickly, perhaps to keep himself from spewing too much.
"Speaking of dating—what about you? Got anyone you're seeing?"
Cifer snorted at the question before answering.
"No time. Still got debts to clear. Also—" he gave Butcher a sidelong look. "You still owe me fifty bucks"
Butcher winced, rubbing the back of his neck. "Oh right. I'll get you next paycheck. Totally blanked my wallet this week, not gonna lie"
By the time he said it, they'd reached the kitchen. Cifer dropped his bags onto the counter with a heavy sigh, stretching out his sore shoulders, while Butcher slid the cases to the ground by the fridge like he was unloading feathers.
"Shit" Cifer muttered, rifling through the bags. Chips, candy, pastries, a ridiculous assortment of dips—everything but what mattered. "I forgot to order pizza…"
"Just hit up Sophie. I'm sure she'll whip something up quick if you call her now" Butcher leaned against the counter, opening a bottle with his hands, his smile never fading.
Cifer groaned, already fishing his phone from his pocket. "Damn it… guess I shoud. How many should I even buy?"
"With a party this big?" Butcher gestured vaguely toward the muffled chaos bleeding through the kitchen door. "I'd say twenty boxes. Minimum"
"You act like I'm rich" Cifer gave him a flat look as he flipped his phone open.
Butcher chuckled before his lips touched the bottle. "And yet, you're still the one willing to pay"
Cifer didn't bother talking back—it wasn't wrong anyway.
He pressed the phone to his ear, only to have his attempt at ordering drowned out by the pounding bass echoing through the walls. Whoever answered was reduced to a garbled buzz. He winced, covering his other ear with his palm.
"Yeah, no way I'll hear her in here" he glanced at the bags on the counter. "Mind unloading the rest while I step out?"
Butcher waved a hand. "Don't mention it. Just tell Sophie I said hi"
"Sure. Back in a few"
Phone in hand, Cifer slipped out of the kitchen, weaving through the press of bodies and noise. The crowded living room swallowed him, laughter and shouts merging into an indistinct roar as he pushed past.
He barely noticed someone, half-hidden in the crowd, turned their head to follow his path. Their eyes lingered on him until he vanished through the front door into the night.
—————————————————————————————
On the opposite side of the bustling house, Ramona caught a glimpse of Cifer slipping out through the front door, phone pressed to his ear.
For a moment, she considered calling out to him. But the urgency in his stride made her hesitate. With a small sigh, she let the thought go.
Another time, maybe.
Left to her own devices, she drifted through the crowd, eyes wandering as if searching for someone—anyone—worth talking to. Minutes passed, conversations rose and fell around her, and then… that feeling. The weight of a gaze.
She glanced over her shoulder, but all she saw was a sea of faces. It was impossible to pick out who it was.
She gave a soft 'hmph' and dismissed it, deciding it wasn't worth the effort.
Eventually, she found a quiet spot against the wall, a little pocket of calm away from the surge of noise.
Leaning back, she let out a weary sigh. The night felt exhausting, and she hadn't even done much.
Still, a nagging sense of obligation tugged at her. If she was going to leave soon, she should at least say goodbye—maybe catch Julie, maybe even one last word with Cifer. But Julie was nowhere to be seen, and Cifer… well, clearly too caught up in something else.
As those thoughts weighed on her, she sensed movement at her side. Turning slightly, she found a young man standing a few feet away. Fair-skinned, tawny hair, thick black brows. He clutched a crushed plastic cup in his hand, the faintest smile tugging at his lips as his gaze lingered on the crowded room.
UNKNOWN
AGE UNKNOWN
STATUS: NERVOUS
Ramona blinked. For a second, she debated whether to strike up a conversation—but quickly brushed off the thought. He probably just wanted a breather like she did.
She looked away, pretending to focus on the crowd.
Then, the man shifted. A step closer. Close enough that she noticed.
She ignored it… until he spoke.
"Hey…"
The voice carried a nervous friendliness, though the man's sense of personal space left much to be desired.
Ramona blinked at him, feeling a little awkward, but returning the greeting. "...Hey"
It was strange, honestly—having someone approach her like this. Aside from the Powers siblings, no one at this party had made the effort. Maybe this could be a nice change of pace.
She waited, curious where he'd take. Already preparing all the answers she needed for small talk in her mind.
Then he opened his mouth. "Do you know Super Mario?"
Ramona's mind stalled. That was not… the direction she'd expected.
Before she could form a response, he barreled forward, words tumbling out in rapid-fire.
"Did you know his last name is also Mario? Which is insane, right? Cause that makes his full name Mario Mario. Two of the same name as different parts of his name. Can you believe that?"
Ramona blinked again. She hadn't even gotten the chance to answer.
"And get this, his brother? Luigi? His last name's Mario too. So that makes him Luigi Mario. Can you imagine that? Living your whole life as just Mario's brother. Luigi Mario. Hahaha…"
Finally, he glanced at her. Ramona hadn't said a word, only stared at him in silence. He seemed to notice, slowing down, though not actually stopping yet.
"Ha… or maybe you're… not into games… haha…"
The sudden pause left her with an opening. She figured she might as well throw something in, especially since the subject wasn't completely foreign to her.
"I am" Ramona said, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "But I'm into more older stuff. Pac-Land, Miner, Space Panic. That kind of thing"
His eyes lit up with interest. "Cool. Got it…"
But it was obvious he didn't know a single one of those.
Her shoulder slumped a little. So much for that. Just when she thought the conversation has died, he blindsided her with something else.
"Are you real?"
Ramona froze.
"...Did you just ask me if I was real?" she stared at him, wondering if she'd heard right.
Panic flickered across his face. "Ah! Nope! I was talking to someone else. Bye!"
And just like that, he turned and disappeared into the crowd, leaving her standing there with her cup in hand.
Ramona exhaled slowly, somewhere between confused and amused.
'What the hell was that?'
She took a sip of her drink, letting the brief, bizarre encounter fade into the party noise.
Her gaze wandered again—lazy at first, but on closer look, there was intent behind it. She wasn't just scanning the room at random. She was searching.
Searching for someone in particular.
—————————————————————————————
Outside the roaring house, Cifer finally found a pocket of silence. The muffled thrum of bass still leaked through the walls, but out here—beneath the cool night air and a dim streetlight—he could breathe.
Leaning against the railing, he had his phone flipped open and pressed against his ear.
On the other end came the bright, sing-song voice of a young woman, laced with mock irritation.
—I hope you know how frustrating it is for us when someone drops a huge order ten minutes before closing.
"I know, I know" Cifer winced, guilt pricking at him. "Believe me, I feel awful. I'll make it up to you, I promise"
Her sigh carried more amusement than actual anger.
—Ah, it's not a big deal. I'll swing by after my shift ends. I need to join the party too!
"Perfect. I'll be waiting" that tugged a smile out of him.
—Give me about 20 minutes or so. I'll text you when I'm there
"Got it. Oh—Butch says hi, by the way"
—Tell him to kiss my ass! I'm still pissed about him ditching me at the beach last month!
The response was instant and explosive. Cifer jerked the phone away from his ear at the sudden outburst, chucking despite himself.
"I'll, uh… relay the message" he said, lips twitching.
—Yeah, you better. Anyway, see you soon!
"See you when I see you"
The call clicked off, leaving Cifer staring at the darkened street. He snapped his phone shut with a soft click and slipped it into his pocket.
For a moment, he simply stood there, letting the quiet soak in. The world beyond the house was still—crickets chirped in the grass, a breeze rattled through the trees, and overhead, the stars were faint but visible.
It was a perfect contrast to the storm of music, laughter, and drunken shouting just behind him.
It almost felt like he was standing at the edge of two worlds…
And he wasn't sure which side he preferred.
Cifer leaned against the fence, its rough wood grounding him with its stubborn solidity. He pulled out a small, battered carton from his pocket. The pale glow of the streetlamp washed over it, as if reluctant to intrude.
He tapped the box against his palm—an old ritual, it was automatic, almost comforting.
A cigarette slid free, finding its way to his lips with ease. The carton disappeared back into his jacket, replaced by the faint metallic click of a lighter. Flame bloomed in the darkness for a heartbeat, gold and fleeting, before bending to kiss the cigarette's tip.
A tiny ember glowed alive, breathing red in the dark.
He drew in deeply, the smoke filling his lungs with a familiar sting. Slowly, he exhaled, letting the gray tendrils curl into the night sky, vanishing as quickly as they were born.
Again, he repeated the process—inhale, exhale, the cycle was steady. For a moment, it felt less like a habit and more like trying to exist, one breath at a time, in the narrow space in his mind.
Then came the sound of soft footsteps approaching from his side. Not the stumbling shuffle of a drunk, but deliberate, almost careful. His head turned, curiosity sharpening his otherwise languid posture.
And there she was.
A girl stepping out of the shadows of the street, her hair and unmistakable, vibrant pike—a streak of rebellion painted against the muted canvas of the night. The neon hue caught the light and seemed to shimmer, a sharp contrast to the stillness around her.
She walked without noticing him, her gaze drifting as though she were caught in her own private orbit, wandering the quiet streets as if the party behind them didn't exist.
Cifer let the ember flare again with a drag, watching her though the thin veil of smoke.
—————————————————————————————
A while ago, after that bizarre encounter with the rambling stranger, Ramona decided she had enough. The party, the noise, the useless chatter—it was all beginning to weigh on her. She needed out. Still, it felt wrong to vanish without a word, so she resolved to at least let Julie know before leaving.
She drifted through the house, first upstairs, then down, weaving past groups of partygoers who barely even noticed her passing. The constant hum of voices pressed in on her, fraying what little patience she had left.
Yet every so often, as she moved, she felt it—the prickle of eyes on her back, there was only a blur of faces lost in conversation. She brushed it off, chalking it up to another curious onlooker.
At last, she spotted Julie. Even in the sea of people, Julie was impossible to miss—effortlessly radiant, laughing, chatting, drifting from one circle to another as if the entire party existed for her. While Ramona's energy was drained, Julie looked untouched, as if she could keep going all night.
Pushing her way through, Ramona reached out and tapped Julie's shoulder. Julie spun around, her face lighting up the moment she saw her.
"Hey" Ramona mumbled, voice weighted with fatigue. "I-I'm gonna get going now"
Julie's smile softened the moment she saw her expression.
"Oh? Already? Okay. Take care of yourself, alright?" she said it kindly, but curiosity flickered in her eyes. "You won't wait for Cifer?"
Ramona hesitated. The thought tugged at her, but the memory of seeing him earlier, wrapped up in something that didn't involve her, dulled the urge.
"I would" she admitted with a sigh. "But he looked occupied with something. I figured I'd just leave"
The disappointment in her tone was obvious.
Still, she managed a small smile as she added. "Can you at least tell him I already left?"
"Of course, I'll let him know when I see him" Julie said without hesitation.
"Thanks. Really"
"Don't mention it. Get home safe, okay?"
Ramona gave a small nod and waved before turning away. Julie, as though nothing had changed, flowed seamlessly back into her orbit of guests, laughter already spilling from her again.
Ramona, meanwhile, pressed through the sea of people one last time, her eyes fixed on the front door. The hum of chatter and music pressed against her from all sides, but underneath it all, that feeling crept back—the sensation of unseen eyes following her, just out of reach.
Her steps quickened. And the very moment her hand pushed the door open and the cool night air touched her skin, the weight of the gaze evaporated, as if it had never been there at all.
—————————————————————————————
Emerging from the vibrant chaos of the party, Ramona stepped into the calm embrace of the night. The air was cool, crisp, and far more welcoming than the cramped heat of the house.
With her hands buried in her jacket pockets, she descended the porch steps, letting the laughter and chatter from the front yard fade into the background. Each step on the sidewalk echoed softly in the quiet, her boots striking a steady rhythm against the pavement.
Under the pale light of the moon, her gaze drifted downward. The fatigue she had kept at bay inside the house now settled heavily on her shoulder, tugging at her like lead weights.
'I should probably crash the second I get home' she thought with a weary sigh. The silence of the night only deepened her exhaustion.
Several minutes passed in solitude, her thoughts meandering aimlessly… until movement flickered at the edge of her vision.
She lifted her eyes.
There, beneath the amber glow of a streetlight, a figure leaned casually against a weathered fence. A cigarette rested between his fingers, its ember glowing faintly with each drag. Smoke curled lazily upward, blending with the night air. His posture was unhurried, his expression was calm, as though he belonged more here than the house behind her.
Cifer.
And at that moment, it seems he noticed her too. Their eyes met. A small knowing smile tugged at his lips as she approached.
"I waited ages for you inside" Ramona said, crossing her arms with a raised brow. "And here you are lazing around"
Her tone carried mock irritation, but the relief at finding him softened the edge.
"Sorry about that Haha…" Cifer replied with a sheepish laugh, scratching the back of his neck. "I just… needed a break"
He looked almost like a student caught skipping class.
"Heading home?" he asked, even though the answer was quite obvious.
"Yeah" Ramona nodded, shifting her weight onto one foot. "I've stayed long enough already"
"Was the party fun? Meet anyone new?" he took a slow drag of his cigarette, his gaze steady as he breathed out smoke into the cool air.
Ramona tilted her head slightly. "It was… a nice change of pace, I guess. But aside from you, Julie, and one awkward guy, I didn't really talk to anyone"
"I see…" Cifer murmured, slipping the cigarette back between his lips. The same pattern of the ember glowing as he inhaled.
Ramona watched him, her brow furrowing just a little before she broke the silence.
"You smoke? Didn't peg you for the type"
Before answering, Cifer exhaled slowly, a plume of smoke unfurling from both his mouth and nostrils before dissolving. Then, with an easy flick, he dropped the cigarette and ground it beneath his heel.
"Yeah…" he answered casually, brushing off the habit. "But only sometimes. When I feel like it"
Ramona smirked. "Very often, I assume"
Her playful tone earned a quiet laugh from him. "Haha… yeah, something like that. Just… don't tell Julie, okay?"
Pushing himself off the fence, he gave his jeans a quick pat, knocking off dust that wasn't even there. His gaze drifted back toward the distant glow of the party.
"Anyway… I should head back. Music's still going"
"Huh? Oh… yeah, sure" Ramona's reply came softer than she intended.
She shifted on her feet, her hands sinking deeper in her pockets. A trace of disappointment lingers in her voice, though she forced a small smile.
Cifer stepped toward her, then past her, his footsteps crunching faintly against the pavement. Ramona's eyes followed his back as he walked away, something tugging at her chest before the words slipped out.
"I'll… see you around?"
Cifer paused mid-step.
Slowly, he turned to face her again, a warm smile easing onto his lips.
His eyes caught the light just enough to make them glint. "Sure. You'll see me when you see me"
The answer was like a riddle, but the reassurance behind it made Ramona's heart feel lighter. She exhaled softly, almost like she'd been holding her breath.
With a nod, they parted—one heading back toward the pulse of music and chatter, the other into the quiet stretch of the city night.
As Cifer neared the house, the faint rhythm of laughter and bass carried on the breeze. A sense of calm settled in his chest, content with how the night had turned out despite its rocky start.
Ramona, meanwhile, walked the opposite way, her steps steady against the empty street. The further she went, the fainter the party became, until only silence and the whisper of winter wind remained. And though exhaustion tugged at her, there was a small, undeniable spark of joy within her.
—————————————————————————————
An encounter, though short and born from a bitter start, ended on a surprisingly gentle note.
Cifer returned to the party, dealing with its chaos and the cleanup that would inevitably follow, while Ramona simply longed for sleep. Neither of them could predict when their paths might cross again, yet there was an unspoken assurance between them… that they would.
Back in her home, Ramona shed the weight of the night and collapsed onto her mattress. The silence of the room was comforting, but her thoughts refused to settle. They circled back, again and again, to that fleeting moment outside.
'His eyes…'
She hadn't expected it. Behind the exhaustion etched into his expression, there was something else—eyes of molten silver, sharp yet strangely gentle. A stark contrast to the garish, shifting colors of the party lights.
Even now, in the dark of her room, she could still see them when she closed her own.
Meanwhile, Cifer worked his way through the aftermath of the gathering, pulling down strands of party lights with a quiet sigh.
His thoughts, too, betrayed him.
'She was… quite pretty'
The image of her pink-and-purple hair burned into his mind, vibrant and impossible to ignore. When he had first noticed her across the crowd earlier that night, it wasn't her tired expression or even her presence that caught him—it was that cascade of color, like a flame flickering against the dull backdrop of the party.
Now, as he coiled the lights in his hands, he couldn't help but compare them. The neon glow around him felt like a pale imitation of the vivid hues she carries so effortlessly.
By the time Ramona had shifted beneath her blankets, chasing the perfect position to fall asleep, Cifer had finished his cleanup and bid his sister goodnight before heading home himself.
Two different nights unfolding, yet both colored by the same lingering memory.
Silver eyes. Pink hair.
The contrast between them left an impression neither could quite shake. And though they didn't know when, they both understood one thing:
The next time they met, they would recognize each other instantly.