holdonunreal

[holdonunreal]

Chapter 15: Hidden Agenda

It continues - your first day at Playtime Co. begins.

Life seems to be going well at the moment: CatNap is showing interest in you, DogDay is still on your mind, and you have friends who really want to be by your side.

But how long will this peace last? (Spoiler, it ends now)

---

And here I am again - with a new chapter on the story I missed writing the most.

Yes, I know it took a while. I hope no one thought I had suddenly disappeared or simply abandoned you - it's not like that, I promise.

However, there will probably only be one update in the next two weeks, as my final exams are coming up and I really need to concentrate on studying now.

I got through the whole year amazingly well without studying - but I didn't get this far just to get this far.

I have now decided on a few central plot points. Playtime Co. will also be more closely linked to the games in this story - so it's going to be really exciting.

Enjoy reading - and feel free to leave support!

wc: 7.2k

---

Normally, you hate Mondays.

And why not?

Your weekend, which you spent sleeping, doing nothing, a bit of gaming, lots of music, maybe a few fanfiction chapters and other pointless but somehow also important stuff, comes to a far too abrupt end.

And for what? So that you find yourself back in those bare classrooms, sitting stupidly in class or in the lecture hall, half-submerged in the noise of pencil scratching and indifference, while you understand nothing and nobody has the idea of explaining anything to you.

So that you stare at the floor in the cafeteria just so you don't have to look anyone in the face because you know fully well that no one is looking for you there anyway.

But now everything is different. Now you won't be sitting in class with all the others.

While the others are struggling with math, history or some outdated PowerPoint presentation, you'll be spending time with the elite, with the damn scientists from Playtime Co. - the most important, biggest, most feared company in the world.

You will gain valuable, real, tangible work experience in a field that interests you.

And although that sounds like a dream, like something that should actually straighten your back, this feeling - this brutal, all-pervading nervousness - ruined your entire weekend.

You couldn't even sit on your bed normally, with your headphones and music, which usually pulled you out of reality a little.

You couldn't really write, not even with CatNap, let alone with Karasu, even though you picked up your cell phone several times, only to put it down again after two minutes.

No matter what you were doing, your hands were shaking, slightly but noticeably, every single time even the thought of Playtime Co. or the internship popped into your head.

And it didn't help - not one bit - that it felt like every other damn product in your fridge or on the kitchen table had that smiling, overly colorful Playtime sticker on it, reminding you over and over again that you're not just going to school tomorrow.

So you'll go, of course - but while everyone else is looking for their classrooms or lecture halls, you're looking for a lab.

God, you're nervous.

You absolutely couldn't sleep, really, not for a second. Every time you even tried to close one eye, that job interview crept back into your head, like a scene from a movie you can't turn off.

Every word, every movement, everything replays as if on a continuous loop. And one sentence in particular, as if burned into your memory, with a voice you can almost feel in your bones:

"No matter how much a person changes, pretends or tries - in the end you can always assign them to one of these groups."

Then there's the fact that everyone probably already knows that you've been accepted. You - from all the people here.

You, who were greeted on the first day of this semester with a red warning on the screen because you had too many missed classes, were in danger of failing and weren't even sure if you should dare to continue at all.

And now? Now you're the one who's been taken. Not Karasu. Not Bubba. Not some student with perfect grades or rich parents.

God, you're nervous.

You're almost shaking as you get ready, running from home, jacket on, bag over your shoulder, and your head feels like a foggy memory bank full of memories, uncertainty, images of what has happened and what will happen.

Everything happens at the same time, every moment of the last few days, every message from CatNap, every look from DogDay, Karasu's grin, Boogie's serious voice, Boxy's comments - and again and again the faces of Pierre and Sawyer, who look at you as if you were living in an experiment that has long since begun.

Just before you wanted to go to bed last night - or at least tried to - this email arrived. No great preparation, no continuous text, no addendum. Just a single, formal sentence telling you what to do:

"Please report to the Research Department registration desk again at 08:00."

And now you're here. The bus you're on is almost empty. The standard school bus that doesn't even stop that far from your home, but today feels like a shuttle to another reality.

Only a few isolated people are sitting far back, probably students with free periods or pupils who don't have lessons until later today.

None of them pay any attention to you. You look out of the window, the world passes you by, everything looks the same - and yet feels completely different.

But you're ready, you think - even repeating it inwardly like a mantra, as if you need to convince yourself. But what you don't know, what no one could tell you, is that deep in the Playtime Co. labs, things are happening that can't be explained in words.

Things that are somewhere between science, ethics and something that might be better not to accept as real. And that's exactly the kind of thing you'll encounter today, directly, without warning, without preparation.

---

You enter the lower floor of the research building again, the glass corridors seem as sterile as last time, only this time you're not here for a conversation - but because now you really belong.

This is no longer a test run. This is not a job interview. This is the beginning.

You walk down the corridor, your gaze wanders over the light panels on the ceiling, which are so dazzlingly white that you have the feeling they are burning little memories from your mind. Everything is quiet. Even your footsteps sound more muffled than usual as you slowly approach the registration desk.

This time it's not the same employee behind the counter as last time, you notice that straight away. She looks younger, her hair neatly tied into a plait, a Playtime logo shimmering discreetly on the chest of her white shirt. She looks up, briefly scans you with a look that is half curious, half professional.

"You're the lucky intern, right?" she asks, her fingers still typing on the tablet in front of her.

You hesitate only briefly before nodding slightly. "Yes," you say - nervous, tense, and you notice how you immediately start clasping your hands together to do something to counteract the shaky nervousness creeping through your body.

"No need to panic," she says with a smile, without looking up. "I've reported you, you don't even have to sit down. I'll take you straight there."

You take a quick breath, nod, say nothing - your voice probably wouldn't follow you anyway - and then follow her through another of those almost clinically clean corridors.

You walk past glass chambers, some filled with food, others with machines whose purpose you can't even guess. Everything looks expensive. Highly sophisticated. You feel small, strange and at the same time as if you belong right here - a feeling you can't yet interpret.

She finally stops, turns to you briefly and opens a plain, white door with the number 18. Behind it is a small changing room, no bigger than a typical bathroom - bright, clean, a bench, a locker door with your name on it, a small table.

"Wait in here, someone will be here soon," she says, then the door closes behind you.

You stop, take a deep breath, then breathe out again. You put your bag down, your gaze wanders around the room, not really lingering on anything because you are far too busy with your inner chaos.

You sit down, run your fingers through your hair and automatically reach for your cell phone. Somehow you have to bring yourself down, organize your thoughts. Something.

When you activate the screen, a new message lights up immediately.

CatNap.

Her name alone on the screen - the small round profile picture of a cat looking at the camera with a neutral expression - makes your heart beat a little faster. Your fingers freeze over the display for a moment before you open the message.

"I hope everything turns out the way you want it to today

"I'm happy for you."

You read it again. And once more. And then again. It's not a big message. Not a monologue. No excessive motivation. It's just... real. Warm. Honest. And that's exactly what takes you out of your head for a moment.

She doesn't expect anything from you. She doesn't want you for playtime, or for your powers, or because you're getting attention. She's just there. And that means more to you than you want to admit to yourself.

Slowly, with a small smile that you can't stop, you type a reply.

"Thank you."

Just this one word. That's all you need. Because that's enough for now.

And right at that moment, as a little bit of calm spreads through your chest, you hear a shrill, high-pitched beep - so loud and sudden that you almost jump up as if someone had given you electroshock therapy.

Your heart immediately starts to pound, and as you half pull yourself up from the chair, your eyes turn jerkily to the door.

A man is standing there. Just like that. As if he had appeared out of nowhere.

He has a serious, almost impenetrable face, wears a lab jacket, his hair is neat but slightly disheveled, and his posture reveals that he is either not in the mood for small talk - or simply has no talent for interpersonal friendliness.

He doesn't introduce himself, doesn't say "Hello", no "Welcome to Playtime", not even a "How are you?" - nothing. Just this dry, slightly choppy sentence:

"I'm your guardian for today."

You immediately put your cell phone down on the small table, reach for your backpack, which is standing next to you, and are about to get up out of reflex and follow him, but before you can take a single step, his voice stops you.

"What are you doing?"

You freeze. Not because he spoke to you, but because of the way he said it. This matter-of-fact, almost bored observation - like a researcher who catches an animal doing the wrong thing.

Your voice fails you, so you don't answer at all, but just look at him, searching. He doesn't say anything else, just raises his hand and points to the locker on the wall.

You turn around, open it, and what's hanging there takes your breath away for a moment.

A white coat.

But not just any old one. It's a Playtime Co. scientist coat - and it looks better than anything you've ever worn. Smooth fabric, heavy cut, with a discreet, but visible embroidered logo on the chest. And underneath: a name tag. Not a cheap sticker, not handwriting. A real plastic badge. It says in clear, black lettering: "Y/N L/N - Intern".

You look at it as if you were dreaming. As if the thing were too precious, as if you weren't allowed to touch it. You think back to your old life, to your room where the dust was your only company.

You think about the first time you felt your strength, how a bottle of water stood in the air as if reality had been briefly halted. You think about the feeling afterwards - that mixture of fear, loneliness and the certainty that you would never be "normal" again from now on.

And now? Now you're wearing that damn smock. Now you're an intern at Playtime Co.

Your fingers grasp the fabric, your throat is dry, your vision blurs for a moment until a voice pulls you out of your memory.

"So, done with the sleepers in memories? We should get going."

You flinch slightly, turn around - and this time you see that the man is wearing a name tag. It says, clearly and matter-of-factly: Vincent

No title, no surname. Just Vincent. And although you already know him, you sense that this man is not just anyone.

You take a deep breath, shoulder your backpack and put on your smock. The fabric glides cool over your arms. And something about it feels right.

---

"Okay, out of the whole cohort..."

Boxy's gaze remains on his paper while the professor speaks at the front, quickly, without point or comma, with a slight, almost arrogant mumble in his voice that makes everything he says sound like a mixture of technical lecture and machine gun.

Voices drone in the background, quiet coughing, the sound of bags being pushed on the floor and the monotonous beat of a fan on the ceiling.

"You've asked that question far too often," mumbles Boxy, without even turning her head.

He sits on the far right of the row, Karasu to his left, and pretends that he doesn't exist.

Karasu is talking too much again today, far too much - it's one of those days when Boxy wonders how it can be that a person has so much energy that they can spend it on nothing but nonsense.

The professor in front continues talking without taking a breath.

"So if we want to calculate the momentum of the rotating object on the given force field, we have to do the multiplication of the derivative with respect to the rotational speed - not the radius, as some of you still mistakenly believe. There is a correlation between the momentum and the external number of moments, but-"

Boxy tries to memorize the sentences halfway, but at the same time he writes like a madman.

His writing is a chaos of hastily drawn lines, almost as illegible as the runes of an enchanted Minecraft book. He knows that. Karasu knows that too. And of course Karasu can't just shut up.

"You write like you're an Enchantment Table in Minecraft."

Boxy pretends he hasn't heard it, as if the lack of oxygen in his head from listening has increased to such an extent that acoustic stimuli are blocked out. It's better this way. Reacting is useless. It only feeds Karasu.

But Karasu is particularly creative today - and merciless.

"I'm sure you would anyway..." He pauses meaningfully, turns his head slightly, looks over the many heads of the packed auditorium, then lowers his voice. "...want to fuck Crafty."

The pen in Boxy's hand stops. Just for a moment, barely visible, but it's there - that little tension in the air. Boxy can literally feel Karasu's grin on the side of his face.

"And you Bobby," Boxy then says curtly and without any emotion. "So don't be annoying before you get another 0.7 in the next exam."

Karasu does not laugh. The grin just widens, exaggeratedly relaxed, like someone who has just watched a house that isn't his burn.

"Unlike you, I at least have a taste in women."

Boxy takes a deep breath. The professor continues to talk as if nothing is wrong. The murmur of the room masks everything, but between them it is a duel, silent, hard, and unspoken.

Then suddenly, almost too calmly for Karasu's usual manner, his voice softens again. No provocation. Not a casual remark. Just a half-sentence that weighs heavier than Boxy would have expected.

"I just hope he gets lucky... and that it's really what he wants."

Boxy does not react immediately, continues writing, but his gaze becomes blank for a moment, thoughtful. Only when Karasu starts again, this time in a more serious voice, does Boxy look to the side.

"Do you know how shitty he was back then? I mean really shitty." Karasu lowers her voice further, even leaning slightly over the small row of tables they're both sitting at. "The guy had completely shut himself off. Hardly talked, hardly ate. Just in his room, music, broken sleep rhythm. It was really... dark with him, dude."

Boxy turns his head slightly, not completely, just enough so that he can watch Karasu out of the corner of his eye. Karasu's gaze is serious. No grin, no mask. For a moment, there is only this one expression - a quiet, raw regret.

"And now? Now he's at fucking Playtime Co. The only one on the whole campus that got taken. The guy's got powers, man. He really does. But not just that... Telekinesis shit or whatever. I mean internally."

Boxy raises a brow slightly, remains silent, but his look says it all. That he sees it. That he understands it somewhere.

"I'm really happy for him," Karasu finally says, quietly, almost as if he's reassuring himself.

"More than I can say or would ever admit."

---

You walk silently behind Vincent, step by step through the heart of the Playtime Co. scientific complex, and as sterile and monotonous as the walls here look, you still sense that something lies behind them that you won't understand for a long time yet.

Not a word is said between you - no trivial small talk, no forced "So, nervous?" - Nothing. And maybe, just maybe, you're grateful for that. Because as strange as it sounds, you prefer this silence to any well-intentioned phrase.

You can't do anything with conversations like that anyway. And he seems to sense that.

The corridors are long, all painted in the same icy pale white, interrupted time and again by glass walls through which you can see more laboratories - some empty, some with individual scientists, some full of equipment whose purpose you can't even guess.

It feels like your body is running while your head is still lagging behind. You don't know exactly where you are, but every step takes you further into something that feels too big, too important, too complex for someone like you.

Finally, Vincent stops in front of one of these doors, scans a keycard through a metal reader that beeps softly without another word, and says casually, almost as if it were unimportant: "You'll get one in a minute."

The door opens, whirring to the side, and you step inside. You are overwhelmed. The lab is huge. Much bigger than you ever imagined. Perhaps three times the size of what you've usually seen in documentaries.

Rows of equipment, glass cylinders with faintly glowing liquids, neatly sealed samples, refrigerators, monitors, a whole wall full of displays showing current processes. But no one is there. Not a sound. Just the occasional hum of the machines.

"I need to get on the phone for a minute," says Vincent, just when you think you might finally be able to ask something. "In the meantime, you can go in there and start organizing."

He points to a second door leading into an adjoining room and disappears without another word, while you place your hand on the handle, take a deep breath and open the door.

The room behind it? Stuffed full.

Medication. Everywhere. Shelves up to the ceiling. Dozens, hundreds of small boxes, vials, ampoules, capsules, pipette tubes. All mixed up. Nothing is organized. And you don't even know how.

The only thing you can recognize are the labels - some in code, some with names you've never heard of. Some of them seem medicinal, others... not. And you immediately realize that something is wrong here.

You will recognize a few things, at least from the name. Antibiotics. Painkillers. Standard stuff - you think. But then you pick up a small box that's not on the list you're supposed to use to put things away.

The name? "Vescalyne Syrupin: Type 4 Serum". No code, no numbering, just this strange, smoothly printed name with the Playtime logo above it, like a seal of quality.

What is that supposed to be? I've never heard of it.

You hesitate. Your fingers hold the small box, which is barely bigger than a lighter, while your gaze slowly wanders to the open door.

Vincent is standing outside, on the phone, his back half turned to you. He gestures with his hand as if he's complaining about something, speaking quietly but energetically. You don't recognize individual words, only hear the sound of his voice through the metal frame opening.

You quickly pull your cell phone out of your pocket, type the name of the medicine into Google as fast as you can, expect nothing - and get everything.

"Vescalyne-Syrupin": a medical complex to support organ transplants, not only regulating but also actively supporting the integration of artificial organs into biological bodies.

In the footnote of one article there is even a reference to a series of experiments in which the drug was used to functionally couple foreign body parts to human nervous systems.

You swallow.

What the hell are they doing here?

Your head suddenly plays through scenarios, half from memories, half from games you once played. You think of Five Nights at Freddy's, of the feeling of human consciousness in a non-human shell, of souls trapped in machines.

You think of body parts, artificial, biological, joined together. Of transplantation. Of replacement.

At that moment, the door bangs. Not loudly, but suddenly. Your heart slips into your shoes.

You move around, the box still in your hand, your cell phone half open, and Vincent is standing in the room. He looks at you. Not angry. Not surprised. But calm. Too calm.

His gaze wanders to the box in your hand, then back to you, and you feel every cell in your body tense up, like an animal realizing that something is wrong - that the forest is silent when it should be loud.

No one says anything for a few seconds. Then, as if nothing were wrong, Vincent just mumbles:

"You don't need to put them away."

He turns around, takes two steps towards the door and says: "It's lunchtime."

That is all.

You put the box back, almost as carefully as if it were about to explode, pick up your bag, nod, even if he doesn't see it, and leave. The hallway feels narrower than you previously realized.

You just want to go, just want to get out, just want to get away from this room, the medication, this view.

As soon as you leave - not even quite around the corner - you hear a muffled click behind the door. Then Vincent's voice, quieter this time, as if he's no longer on the phone but talking to himself.

"They were still here? ...Damn. This could be dangerous."

---

You only realize it when it's already too late.

You come out of the labs, breathe in the college air, but somehow it feels heavier than before. Maybe it's the room with the drugs, maybe it's Vincent's gaze, or maybe it's the sentence you can't get out of your head.

You walk faster, you just want to get back into the building, close to normality, even if you know that this word has long since lost its meaning for you.

You can already hear the first voices in the corridor. Not loud, but clear enough to make your pulse quicken. You don't look, keeping your gaze fixed on the tiles as if they could offer you protection against the many pairs of eyes on you.

You feel them as if they are touching you - on your arms, your neck, your back - curious, judgmental, whispering.

You quicken your pace, walk through the wide glass door of the cafeteria without looking left or right. Voices, plates, the humming of the vending machines, laughter that sounds like mockery to your ears.

You don't want to eat anything. You don't want anything to drink. You just want to go to this one place where you can maybe take a deep breath - your friends' table. Karasu. Boxy. Boogie.

You can see them from afar. Karasu is lounging in his chair as usual, half leaning over the table, talking to Boxy, who is holding his cell phone in his hand but somehow still listening. Boogie is sitting up straight, almost too straight, as usual, while his green streak hangs slightly over his eyes.

And then you're there. Almost. Just a few more steps.

"Yo!" Karasu raises his hand in greeting when he sees you. "Here comes our superstar!"

Boxy raises his eyes and nods at you. Boogie eyes you once, and then... then his eyebrows twitch slightly.

And that's when you realize it. Not through their reactions, not through anything obvious - but because you finally feel what all those looks that have been following you since the lab mean.

You're still wearing it. The smock. The white Playtime smock with your name, perfectly visible on the chest label, sewn on in clear black lettering.

You stop for a moment. Your eyes wander down to your body. The smock. Of course.

How could I have forgotten that?

Karasu stares at you, then grins and tilts his head slightly. "Bro... you do realize you look like you're making fun of everyone who has to take biology right now, right?"

He laughs, half mockingly, half amused, but not maliciously. "It's cheeky."

Boogie says nothing. He just takes a sip from his bottle while Boxy looks back at his cell phone, unimpressed, but you see the corner of his mouth twitch.

You are too late. There's nothing you can do about it now. Everyone who saw you - and there were a lot of them - will be talking about it tonight in the class chat. You, in the white coat.

You, standing there as if you belonged to those who really matter.

You sit down, slowly, take a deep breath, try to ignore the heat in your face. You didn't want attention - not like this. But now you're in the middle of it. And you can only hope that you don't end up in a meme tomorrow.

And right now your damn cell phone has to vibrate.

"Well, what's going on?" asks Karasu immediately, pushing himself halfway across the table as if he could penetrate the screen with his eyes. "DogDay at the start again? Are you already arranging the next fuck date?"

He grins as always, that half-ironic, half-serious smile where you never quite know how much truth there is in it.

You don't answer. Your fingers glide mechanically across the screen, pulling down the notification bar.

Instagram.

Your heart immediately starts beating faster, you don't know whether it's fear or mere anticipation. Maybe even hope. You don't want to press it. You just want there to be another reality in which you are not completely thrown off course by a simple push message. And yet you do it.

But it's not DogDay.

You see the picture. Blonde hair perfectly styled. A self-absorbed look, as if he had fallen out of a commercial. For a moment, you don't understand. Until you read the name.

Kickin.

A single knot tightens in your chest. You remember him. How could you not? The big, loud guy. The clown from the Smiling Critters. The one who humiliated you in front of the whole group at the Fun Fair.

Who thinks you're nothing more than the small, shy shadow of Karasu. Who looked at you with his gaze as if you were dirt under his shoes. Who had a way of staring at CatNap like she was a possession he could claim at any time.

You remember every single one of these details as if they were burned into your skin.

And then you read the message.

Simple. Direct. Cold.

Fucking faggot.

That's all it says. Just that. As if this one word had enough weight to bring you to your knees.

You feel your body freeze. Your hand becomes cold, your throat dry. Boxy and Boogie don't say anything, but you know they can sense that something is wrong.

Maybe they hear you holding your breath a moment too long. How your hand tenses slightly. How your eyes no longer move away from the screen.

You want to scream. You want to ask why. You want to tear something apart, break something, scream back. But all you do is breathe. Hard. Slowly. Controlled. You take your free hand, put it to your chin, support your head as if you're just tired. And a storm is raging inside you that no one can see.

"Fans already, or what?" Karasu asks again, taking a big bite of his sandwich, so casual, so distant. And you nod. Quietly. Barely noticeable. Your eyes remain fixed on the table.

"Yeah." Your voice doesn't break, but it sounds hollow. "Today is... really nice."

No one seems to notice that you're trying not to cry. No one sees you clenching your teeth while at the same time pressing your lips so that no trembling comes out.

No one hears how loudly your thoughts are screaming.

---

"I think Miss Delight has it in for me," Hoppy says before taking a big swig from her sports water bottle.

The table is long enough for a small group, but in reality, they sit there like an army, eight personalities, eight different hair colors, eight voices, eight thoughts - the Smiling Critters.

"Oh no..." Bobby rolls his eyes slightly and reaches for a piece of melon from her bowl. "Miss Delight is really nice."

"But even she has a limit," says Picky as she shoves an overly full spoonful of noodles into her mouth, paying little attention to whether anyone notices her bad table manners. "So does everyone."

For a moment, a strange silence descends over the table. No laughter, no chatter, no discussion. Everyone eats. For a tiny fraction of the day, everyone is simply preoccupied with themselves.

Kickin scrolls on his cell phone, bored as always. Hoppy does the same, her eyes half on the display, half on the food.

Picky chews and looks in the direction of the dessert counter, as if she is mentally reserving the last remaining piece of cake for herself.

Bobby scans the room with her eyes, like an attentive predator, and when her gaze falls on a boy with raven-black, slicked-back hair, she smiles slightly - as if someone is playing a romantic anime in her head.

Crafty, reserved as ever, withdraws slightly. While no one is looking, she stealthily slips a small piece of her sandwich into her mouth with the delicate caution of someone who doesn't want to attract attention even while chewing.

CatNap observes. She doesn't talk much, but she thinks all the more. As the quietest member of this group, she's already used to it - analyzing, reading between the lines, deciphering the looks that no one notices. She sees it immediately.

Something is wrong.

Bubba - that analytical, rational, almost soulless head - doesn't say a word. No writing down statistics, no correction of some absurd statement by Kickin, no disparaging comment. His gaze is open, but empty.

And DogDay - she of all people - the center of this group, the sun in the system, the face that everyone wants to see - says nothing either. No comments about Bobby's new outfit. No smiles. No "Did you hear that?" interjections. No gleam in the eye. Just silence.

And there is something between them. Not visible, but tangible. Not an argument. No obvious drama. But something else. Something deeper. Something that runs between them like an invisible line.

CatNap notices. Of course she notices. She has observed her friends long enough to distinguish between genuine silence and meaningful glances.

Bubba looks at DogDay from time to time, quickly, barely noticeably. And she looks back, just as quickly. Both open their lips slightly, as if they want to say something - and then leave it again. Repeatedly. Incessantly.

CatNap thinks. Her thoughts wander from theory to theory, as only someone who feeds on mental movies can.

Perhaps they had a one-night stand that now connects them like an unspoken scar

Perhaps something has happened that must not be named, feelings that must not be expressed

Maybe... and this is the thought that makes their hearts beat a little faster... maybe they have learnedsomething. Something that none of them want to say out loud. Something bigger than the group. Something that has to do with you.

She briefly brushes a strand of her black hair, which falls to her shoulder, behind her ear, looks away, then looks again. And when she realizes that no one is paying attention to her, she allows herself a moment of honesty. Just for herself.

I wonder how he's feeling right now.

---

Funnily enough, you're not really feeling good.

Your first day at Playtime Co., the place that presents itself to the outside world as the futuristic center of humanity, is nothing more than a constant succession of too much movement, too many stimuli and too much pressure.

You're not physically made for so much exercise. Small, slim, without any athletic ability. Karasu always says that you look like you need to call every girl "Mommy".

You think about it as you walk through the aisles, organizing medication, putting vials on shelves with codes, names, symbols, many of which you don't understand and don't want to understand. The labels all look the same and somehow not at all.

As always, Vincent is taciturn. He watches you out of the corner of his eye but says nothing until you've finished. Then he says curtly that you should go to test lab H now, presses a keycard into your hand and nods slightly, as if you should know what that means.

You look at the card. Your name. Underneath: INTERN - PLAYTIME CO. And for a tiny moment, you're even proud. Proud that you didn't collapse. That you didn't just turn around and leave. That you're here.

You set off. The path to the test lab leads you through another part of the building. Brighter, colder, more sterile. The walls are white, but not a pleasant white - that hospital white that screams that there is nothing human here.

You remember your telekinesis.

How long has it actually been since I've used it?

Sure, you needed it at the Fun Fair, at the shooting range. Little tricks, a few gimmicks for Karasu and CatNap. But otherwise? You used to get excited when you could control it.

Today, you sometimes think you have to use it more often just so you don't unlearn it. Karasu would laugh at you for that anyway. He'd use it to get chips from the kitchen or steal something because he thinks it's power.

But you? You are afraid. You still are. Even though you can now use it freely. Without eyes closed, without concentration. The thought is enough.

And then you're standing in front of the door.

TESTLABOR H

The letters are large, silver and engraved on the plate. You swipe the keycard through the scanner. A soft beep. Green. The door unlocks with a mechanical click. But you don't push it open immediately. You stand still. And suddenly there's this feeling.

Not nervousness.

Not excitement.

But fear.

Cold, metallic fear that pierces through your stomach like a narrow blade. Your body tenses as if it wants to hold you back, as if it instinctively knows that there is something behind that door that you shouldn't see.

Your heart beats too fast, your mouth goes dry, and for a moment you remember nothing - no Karasu, no Smiling Critters, no college, no CatNap.

Just you, in front of this door, with a power you don't understand, in a building that looks too perfect not to be broken.

And then, just then, you fucking see it.

The door slides open quietly, and what you expect - what you imagined - are perhaps machines, test stands, maybe even a few people in white coats telling you that you are out of place here.

But what you see is the horror.

One table. A chair. And a body.

Leaning backwards, as if he had just sat down, as if he were simply resting. For a tiny moment, it almost seems like a normal scene.

But then the image hits you like a wrecking ball - the skull, or what's left of it, an open nightmare of blood, flesh and splinters. The entire lower jaw is missing, the tongue hangs like a lifeless piece of flesh from what used to be a mouth.

The upper face has simply disappeared, torn open, shredded. The remains of the head remind you of an open piranha plant from a video game, only this isn't a game.

The shotgun is still in his lap. Loosely leaning against it, as if it had merely been a tool. His arm hangs limply, one finger almost touching the trigger. And although his body sits calmly, almost peacefully, everything about this picture screams that nothing here is human anymore.

Your brain tries to defend itself, tries to rationalize, tries to convince you that this is a dummy, a test, a macabre joke perhaps. But you know better. You can smell it. The metallic, iron-hard smell of blood, the smell of burnt powder, of death.

You can't shout. Your voice doesn't exist right now. Your whole body is one rigid plane of fear. Not a muscle is moving, your hands are cold, your stomach is churning, and yet you can't take your eyes off it.

Why?

Why me of all people?

Why the hell didn't anyone stop him?

Why is there a dead body lying here, in an official Playtime Co. laboratory, so openly, so obviously, so real - as if it were the most normal thing in the world?

You try to blink. Nothing changes. You are awake. You are here. And you are alone with death.

It feels like your head is screaming, but no sound is coming out of you. Your lungs are tight, you can barely breathe, your heart is hammering against your ribs and you don't know if you're going to pass out or if your mind is going to go.

I should run.

I should run away, scream, get someone.

But you can't.

You can only stand. Stare. And slowly realize that this internship, this company, this "world-changing" thing, is not what you thought it was.

Because at that moment you realize:

Something is very wrong here. And you're right in the middle of it.

You are still transfixed by the sight that divides your life into two halves - before and after.

You try to breathe, to somehow get a clear thought, to distract yourself, to play down the death in front of you, to make it smaller, less important, to use some mental trick that prevents you from going completely crazy.

You think of Karasu, of Boogie, of Boxy, of CatNap - desperately searching for an emotional anchor, some shred of humanity inside you that will stop you from breaking down. But nothing helps. Nothing at all. Because deep inside you, another feeling has been gnawing away for a long time.

Not simple fear, not disgust, but certainty. The kind of certainty that is heavy and slowly spreads through your chest: The reason this man killed himself is right here - in this lab, in this building, behind these perfect white walls.

The reason is Playtime Co.

Your legs slowly carry you to the table. Your mind runs as if in absorbent cotton, as if you weren't really here, as if you were just watching yourself. The dead body still sits there, silent, like a final warning, and something inside you forces you to look.

But not on the blood, not on the shredded skull - but on what lies next to it.

A small, beige envelope. Inconspicuous. And yet, in your perception, it suddenly feels bigger than everything else in the room.

You don't want to take it. You want to turn around, run away, call someone, police, security, hand over responsibility - anything is better than that. But something moves your hand.

You pick it up and feel its weight - heavier than it should be. No paper. Not an empty letter. There is something inside. Maybe a key. Maybe... something completely different. You know you should leave it. But you don't. Instead, it slides into your coat pocket, as if automatically.

You're about to turn around, maybe look away again, say something - but you freeze.

Because there stands Vincent. Motionless in the doorway, like a shadow that has been there for far too long. You flinch, startled, your heart skips a beat that almost knocks the floor out from under your feet, but Vincent doesn't react.

He says nothing about the body.

He doesn't say anything to you.

"You can go home. That's it for today."

No explanation. No emotion. Not a trace of surprise or consternation on his face, as if he had known what to expect.

As if all this were... everyday life.

You want to say something. Maybe ask what's happening here. But you don't. Because something in his look tells you that you'd better not.

Instead, you just nod weakly and walk slowly past him - your steps heavy, your heart racing, your stomach empty and your head feeling like it's about to implode. You understand nothing. Nothing at all. And yet you know you'd better not ask.

You leave. Not a word. Not a backward glance.

As you walk through the corridors towards the locker room, past all the sterile walls, the perfect white doors, the shiny floors, you think about the others from the college. I wonder how they would react if they were in your shoes. Loudly. Hysterical. Crying. Screaming. Maybe running.

But you?

You just go back to your cabin.

Maybe that's why you're here. And theyre not.

---

You don't know how you made it home.

The bus was empty, as was the house. Your feet carried you, but your head was somewhere completely different. You weren't responsive, not even to yourself. And when you stepped through the door, everything fell away from you.

The façade, the posture, every second of self-control. You go into your room, take off your backpack and throw it carelessly into the corner, and sit down on your bed.

Your thoughts crash over you like waves of dark oil, viscous and dirty. You see him again and again. The man. The blank look. The missing face.

The silence afterwards.

The way everything was so quiet, even though nothing could be quiet. And while you stare at your cell phone, at your desk, at the floor, at nothing, the questions come.

Why? What has to happen for a person to end up like this?

And why does all this suddenly remind you... of yourself?

You think back to when you discovered your powers. When you stood alone in the room, when nobody understood you, when even the teachers only saw the quiet, funny one in you.

When you had nothing - no goal, no drive, no direction. Just this new ability, this one thing that suddenly made you no longer feel like a human being, but like something else. Something that was being watched.

You think about the nights when you thought you wouldn't get up again. The mornings when you wondered why you were getting up at all.

The mirror you walked past without looking at yourself because you couldn't bear the thought of looking at yourself.

Maybe you would have done it back then if there had been someone to put a gun in your hand and say, "You don't have to."

But now... now you've got something, haven't you?

You think of Karasu, who is sometimes the biggest idiot you know, but who never let you down. You think of Boxy and Boogie, of their quiet support, which is never big, never loud, but always there.

You think of DogDay - and then of CatNap. How she looks at you, how she understands you without you having to talk. How she stays with you even though she could leave. Even though she's done it often enough - with everyone else.

Tears come to your eyes. First one. Then two. You want to stop them, but you can't. Your hands are shaking. You close your eyes, breathe in, breathe out.

And as the tears run down your cheeks, you use your ability. Not much. Just a little. You lift them, let them float in the air. Three, four drops. Almost beautiful. Almost peaceful.

But your condition is not enough to stop them all. Some fall anyway.

You cry quietly, your whole-body contracts, your head leans against your knees. And then you feel it.

The letter.

Heavy. Cold. Foreign.

It's still in your pocket. You haven't forgotten it. It was never really gone. And as you carefully pull it out and look at it in your hand, something flares up inside you. Fear. Curiosity. Maybe both. Maybe more.

And that was your first day.

Your. First. Day.

And it gets much worse.

Because Playtime Co. has many secrets.

---

And that's it again - what can I say ...

Quite an interesting chapter. It started almost cheerfully - and then, bang: a suicide on the first day of your internship.

I can only tell you that this story still has some tragic twists and turns in store - especially now that the jealousy of the other students is slowly starting to flare up. Bullying, depression ... maybe even love. It's definitely going to get intense.

As I mentioned before, there probably won't be an update for the next two weeks as I have to concentrate fully on my final exams (yes, I really have to study).

Thanks for reading - and as always, please leave some support!

[holdonunreal]

Chapter 14: The Interview

The most important moment of your life has arrived: the interview for your internship in the scientific department of Playtime Co.

Driven by nervousness, adrenaline and the pressure to deliver perfectly, you rise to the challenge - a moment that could both save and destroy your future.

At the same time, we take a look at the Smiling Critters in class as well as Karasu and Boxy, who all talk about you for completely different reasons. But from which perspective are they really looking at you?

---

And here I am again - this time with a real banger chapter!

I'm sorry it took me a little while, but I had my final Test-exams this week. Yes, I, who am normally absolutely lazy and fat, actually sat down and studied! And lo and behold - it was worth it:

📚 Math: A | German: B+ | Computer Science: A+ | English: A-

Besides writing, I also have other things going on. A social life? No. But Valorant, Rainbow Six Siege and Rocket League count too, don't they? I'm pretty much wasting my life, wait a minute, what am I actually writing here?

Okay, that's enough babbling - enjoy this divine chapter and leave some support!

wc: 7.8k

---

DogDay has never been so confused.

Why would she?

She always had excellent grades, a perfect group of friends, wealthy parents - no stress, no insecurities. Everything in her life was in order. Perfect.

Just like her appearance.

DogDay was the kind of girl who made people poke others in the ribs in the school hallway and whisper "that's her". Bobby, one of her friends, often told her to find someone who was right for her - because otherwise she would be wasted on "a goddess like her".

And as if that wasn't enough, her character was always praised. She was open, friendly, could talk to anyone and was perfect in any social situation. Whether in group work, with new acquaintances or even strangers - DogDay was always the center that held everything together.

This was especially true for her group of friends, the Smiling Critters. She had so often settled arguments, organized plans and always tried to ensure that no one felt left out.

Even CatNap, the "weird" girl from the group, had always included her - even though CatNap never wanted to. DogDay had shown her so often: Life could be fun if you stopped worrying about everything and just let go.

And yet...

So why doesshe feel like this right now?

Third lesson: Art.

A subject she chose herself - not entirely by choice, more because of her friends - but still interesting enough not to complain about it.

As always, she sits at the front. That was her habit in regular classrooms. Unlike in the large lecture halls, where she always had to follow her friends and somehow try to fit eight of them in a row.

But today?

Today she is not listening.

Miss Delight talks about photography and perspectives, but DogDay barely gets a word in. Her thoughts are revolving around something else.

"And he really didn't answer you?"

DogDay turns his head to the right.

Bobby.

One of her closest childhood friends and probably one of the most present people in her life. A little girl with bright red hair, always perfectly styled, made up and with charisma that filled the room.

Next to DogDay herself, Bobby was probably the most extroverted person she knew. Loud, but not unpleasant. She liked to talk about boys, trends and anything to do with aesthetics. She was one of the few who always insisted that every detail in her life had to be perfect - from her outfit to her Instagram feed.

Today was no exception.

DogDay's gaze flits unconsciously over Bobby's appearance. An elegant but casual outfit, coordinated down to the smallest detail. Discreet jewelry, a freshly manicured hand drumming on the table, lost in thought.

"And He still hasn't answered you?"

DogDay hesitates.

She should have known. Bobby wouldn't stop probing so easily.

"No..." she finally mumbles, feeling a slight tinge of frustration that she can't quite place herself.

"What?!" Bobby's voice literally shoots up. "Are you serious?"

Miss Delight interrupts her explanation of perspective in photography and turns around with a stern look. "Bobby, would you like to share something with the class?"

Bobby winces briefly, clears his throat and shakes his head quickly. "No, ma'am, sorry."

DogDay can't help but smile softly as Miss Delight continues her lesson. But before she can dwell on her thoughts, Bobby leans over to her again.

"Tell me... are you jealous of CatNap?"

DogDay blinks. "Huh?"

Bobby raises an eyebrow and leans closer. "Oh, come on. I know she's taken a liking to him, too."

DogDay opens her mouth to protest - but nothing comes out.

Jealous? Of CatNap?

That doesn't make any sense... does it?

Her gaze blurs for a moment as she loses herself in thought.

Y/N.

You had never really been present in her life. Just a quiet face in the crowd at first. But now that Bobby brings it up...

She remembers the bus at the very beginning of the second semester.

The first time she really noticed you. The small, inconspicuous boy sitting alone by the window, as if he had already resigned himself to the fact that no one would sit next to him. She hadn't given it much thought, had simply asked you if the seat was still free.

"Ehm... Is the seat next to you free?"

That was all it had been. A brief moment, a simple gesture.

But then came the chemistry exam.

You were completely lost, a mess that had dragged itself through the room. As if you were out of place. She had shown you your place without giving it much thought.

But what if that was the first moment, she really noticed you?

And then... the talent show.

She had thought her group was good. No, not just good - they had been the best. Bubba had organized everything; everyone had played their part. It should have been perfect.

And then came you and Karasu.

And you had surpassed them.

DogDay didn't know how until today.

Nobody knew.

Even Bubba hadn't been able to say anything about it. He had been embarrassed.

And then...

The class trip.

She had seen you more often than she had realized before. In the mall. Out on the street. And of course... at the Fun Fair.

She had felt it there. For the first time.

That... strange feeling that had tightened in her stomach when she had seen you next to CatNap. As if she had lost you in that moment without ever really having had you.

And then there's the internship.

You, the only one on campus who seemed to have gotten a personal invitation to Playtime Co.

DogDay was sure that she had already seen hundreds of extraordinary students in her time at school. Geniuses, sporting talents, people who had a bright future ahead of them.

But no one had managed to impress Playtime Co.

Nobody but you.

DogDay suddenly feels unwell.

"You know, Karasu would actually suit you much better."

DogDay blinks and slowly turns her head to Bobby. "What?"

Bobby shrugs her shoulders as she checks her lipstick with the hand mirror. "Well, think about it. You're popular, Karasu is popular. You're pretty, Karasu looks good too. You both have strong charisma. It just fits."

DogDay frowns. "That's no reason."

"Yes, it is." Bobby closes her case and leans on the table with a grin. "Don't you think Y/N and Karasu are complete opposites? Take a look at him. That weird little boy and then Karasu who bursts into every damn conversation like he's the main character."

DogDay says nothing, but she listens.

"According to Bubba, Karasu has superpowers, you heard that, right?" Bobby laughs softly. "Imagine that the guy really does have superhuman powers. Then he'd fit in even better with you. The year's representative and the superhero."

DogDay rolls his eyes. "What a load of crap."

Bobby leans even closer. "So, tell me... what exactly do you like about Y/N?"

DogDay opens its mouth, but...

Nothing.

"He's not even particularly good-looking, if we're being honest." Bobby snaps his fingers. "Not ugly, but not... well, you know."

DogDay looks stubbornly ahead.

"And then his character - you don't really know him, do you? You've never really talked to him. He's totally closed off, always in his own world, just like CatNap."

DogDay remains silent.

"I mean, come on... you only messaged him because he got that invite for that Playtime thing, didn't you?" Bobby grins at her. "Or just because you thought he was really interesting, or just because you didn't like seeing a guy who obviously liked you but is now hanging out with CatNap. Admit it."

DogDay feels her face getting hot. "No! Of course not."

Bobby giggles. "Oh, please. But hey, you know what? I can imagine it by now."

DogDay frowns. "What?"

"Well, him." Bobby leans back, relaxed, and looks at DogDay. "With shorter hair, wearing a soccer jersey, all sweaty after a tough game, his hair sticking to his forehead..." She pauses theatrically. "I bet I'd think he looks hot then, too."

DogDay's eyes widen and a hot burn spreads across her cheeks. "Bobby!"

Bobby laughs softly and raises his hands in defense. "Hey, I'm just saying! It's funny to imagine something like that, isn't it?"

DogDay looks to the side, her face glowing.

And suddenly she hates herself for creating exactly this image in her head.

What exactly did she feel for you?

---

Third lesson: Mathematics.

As always, Bubba sits in the second row, his back straight and his elbows propped up on the table. His notebook is neatly organized, formulas neatly written down - a perfect example of academic discipline. Next to him? Kickin, who embodies the exact opposite.

Kickin bluntly copies from Bubba's sheet as if it were the most natural thing in the world. It doesn't bother Bubba - not because he approves of it, but because he doesn't care anymore. Kickin would never bother to teach himself the material anyway.

"Yo, did you hear that?" Kickin leans over to him and grins. "Karasu leased a car."

Bubba only gives a barely noticeable twitch of his eyebrows but says nothing.

"He's riding around with a few people at the weekend, he said earlier. I've already said I want to go. Maybe I can pick up a few more girls." Kickin laughs briefly, as if it's already a done deal.

But Bubba is only half listening. Karasu.

This name draws him back into his thoughts - back to the talent show.

Bubba squints his eyes slightly and thinks about the evening, about the inexplicable tricks that just don't make sense.

Kickin notices Bubba's absence and glances briefly at the teacher, who is writing an equation on the blackboard, before turning back to him.

"Dude, you're thinking about that shit again, aren't you?"

Bubba blinks once, shakes his head almost imperceptibly. "What do you mean?"

Kickin snorts softly. "Come on. You're still convinced that Karasu has... Teleki-something."

Bubba keeps a straight face. "Telekinesis."

"Yeah yeah, superpowers or some bullshit." Kickin leans back a little, as if he's just running the thought through his head for fun. "Tell me, what exactly is your reasoning?"

Bubba takes a deep breath before he speaks.

"The talent show was the first thing. We all saw the tricks. I watched the recording several times. Several times. None of it is logically explainable."

Kickin rolls his eyes. "Could all be a trick."

"Maybe." Bubba continues to look ahead, as if he doesn't want to let on how much this topic is bothering him. "But then came the cup game."

Kickin grimaces. "That was just a silly drinking game."

"No. Not only have I lost money..." Bubba's voice becomes a little more serious. "I've done the math."

Kickin stops. He hadn't expected that.

"With whom?" he asks suspiciously.

"Another student from the physics class helped me." Bubba now turns slightly towards him as he speaks quietly so as not to attract attention. "We calculated the angles, the speed, the timing. Karasu should never have hit. Not like that. Not that often. It wasn't just luck - it was impossible."

Kickin looks at him for a moment, then snorts.

"Okay, okay. And now what? So, you really believe that Karasu has superpowers?"

Bubba remains silent.

He has no answer - or perhaps he doesn't want to say it out loud.

Kickin leans back again, shaking his head slightly. "You nerds really worry too much about shit that doesn't matter."

Bubba says nothing. Instead, he watches Kickin for a moment.

"Tell me..." he begins slowly. "What exactly is your problem with him?"

"With whom?"

"With Y/N."

Kickin blinks, his expression changing for a split second - a hint of unease that is immediately covered by an arrogant grin.

"Problem?" He shrugs his shoulders. "I don't have a problem with him. I just find him... laughable."

Bubba raises an eyebrow.

"He's a nobody. A pale guy who nobody knew before and who is now suddenly the talk of the town. I don't even know where he came from." Kickin sighs dramatically. "And then he's supposed to have gotten an invitation to Playtime Co. Sorry, but that's a joke."

Bubba remains silent, continues to watch him.

Kickin clicks his tongue as if a new thought occurs to him. Then he grins coldly.

"Honestly? If I had the chance..." He leans forward slightly so that only Bubba can hear him.

"I'd beat him fucking retarded."

---

And there you were.

With an application folder in your hand containing your most important documents - certificates, CV, letters of recommendation. Dressed in a light blue shirt - the first time in your life that you've worn anything other than your standard hoodies. With normal jeans, nothing special, but at least it looks more professional than your usual attire.

You've styled your hair with a brush, slightly to one side. It feels unusual. As if you were looking at someone else in the mirror.

You are not yourself.

And apparently, you're not the only one who notices this.

As you walk through the corridors of the college, you feel the stares. Only a few at first. Then more and more.

Whispering and whispering are added.

"Is that him?"

"Is that this Y/N?"

"Didn't you think he was all emo? He doesn't look that bad."

"Why is he dressed so smartly?"

"Dude, he doesn't have a safe interview at Playtime Co."

You try to ignore it. Just keep walking. Don't look nervous. But it gets harder with every step you take through the building.

Because they have all tried.

Every student here has sent off their application. Tried to apply to big companies. But was rejected by the companies or ultimately by the college.

And now they see you - the guy who was absent for six months, who didn't apply for a single internship, but got an invitation anyway.

Some envy you; others smile at you. And then there are those who simply don't understand you.

You're afraid to understand that.

Your gaze falls on a few familiar faces. The Smiling Critters.

Kickin leans against a wall, his gaze meeting yours for a moment. Then he grins crookedly and says something to Bubba, who looks at you with narrow eyes. Picky looks at you with half-raised eyebrows, while Hoppy whispers a mocking comment in Bobby's ear.

And then there's DogDay.

She stands a little apart. Looks at you. Longer than the others. Her gaze is not mocking, not curious. Rather thoughtful.

You can't interpret it.

So, you lower your head and keep walking.

At the end of the corridor begins the research section - an area where no students are allowed. From here on, only scientists, professors and now you are allowed to enter this section.

And there, at the transition between the two worlds, you see them.

Karasu, Boogie and Boxy.

They're standing against the wall as if they've been waiting just for you. Boxy has his hands in his pockets, his chewing gum clicking between his teeth. Boogie leans against the wall with his arms crossed, looks at you briefly but says nothing.

And Karasu?

He's grinning. Wide. As if he has to stifle his laughter.

"Damn, bro." Karasu whistles softly through his teeth. "You look like you're about to get married."

You take a deep breath and try to swallow your nervousness. Your hands are clammy, your heart is pounding in your throat, and you feel like an actor in a role that doesn't suit you.

"Hey." Your greeting is little more than a croak. Karasu eyes you with an amused grin, while Boxy just glances up from his phone. Boogie raises an eyebrow but says nothing.

"You need to come down, man." Karasu pats you on the shoulder as if that's the solution to everything. "You look like you're going to keel over any minute."

"I'll... I'll try, okay?" You run your hand through your hair, even though you know you've just styled it perfectly. "But it's not that easy either, with all the stares."

The others turn around at the same time - and immediately you see it too.

A formal mass of students fills the corridor. Some are walking around, others are leaning against the walls, some are sitting on the stairs or are probably still waiting for their professors. And they all have one topic of conversation: you.

"God, it's annoying." Boxy clicks his tongue in annoyance as his gaze wanders over the crowd.

"You'll have to get used to it." Boogie crosses his arms. "If you ever want to get far in life, you have to get used to these looks."

Get far in life.

Your head is rattling. You think back - to the last few weeks, to the talent show, to the Smiling Critters, to the Fun Fair, to CatNap, to DogDay, to the night on the bench, to the internship. Everything has come thick and fast.

And now? Now you're standing here - in a shirt and jeans, in front of the door to a laboratory where your life could change forever.

"I don't know why me." Your voice is quiet, almost lost. "Of all the thousands of students... why me?"

Boxy looks at you briefly. Then he shrugs his shoulders. "Sometimes there's no reason for things." His voice is calm but firm. "You just have to accept them.”

You swallow hard.

"It makes you stronger to go in there now." Boogie nods towards the door. "Everyone out there looks down on you, but if you go in there now, you'll prove that you have just as much right to live as they do."

Something inside you tightens. A part of you wants to turn around, just disappear. But another part...

Another part wants to prove it.

"Wow, okay." Karasu laughs dryly. "Now I'm starting to get nervous myself, Dude. Boogie and Boxy are talking like philosophers here right now."

"There is no need to hesitate to trample down other people." Boogie looks at you, his eyes twinkling slightly. "If you can walk, then you'll end up crushing some ants, right? Strength is that kind of thing."

Silence.

Karasu blinks. "Where... where did you dig that up from now?"

"Tokyo Ghoul." Boogie says it completely seriously.

"Dude." Boxy grins. "You can't drop an anime quote in the middle of a conversation like that."

But the quote sticks in your head. It hits. Hard.

You take a deep breath and move slowly towards the laboratory door.

"Wait a minute."

Karasu grabs your shoulder, holding you back for a moment. His grin is a little softer, no longer so playful. "Seriously, man. You look pretty damn good. So don't worry about it, okay?"

Then he adds: "If I were a girl, I'd fuck you right now."

"Oh my God." You groan and pull out of his grip.

In the background, you can see Boogie and Boxy moving away. Karasu leans over to you once more.

"You're taking this thing apart, right?" His voice is quieter, more serious. "Remember - you're the only person on this damn planet with superpowers. So, show them what you're worth."

You stop for a moment. Your gaze follows Karasu as he catches up with Boxy and Boogie while their silhouettes slowly disappear into the wide corridors of the college.

"You're the only person with superpowers."

His words echo in your head.

You take a deep breath. Then you turn around and enter the area where your life may change forever.

---

The inside is... huge.

Glass-fronted laboratories are everywhere, behind which scientists in white coats work intently. Machines whir quietly, holographic screens flicker with data, and the sterile white of the walls, floors and furniture reinforces the feeling that you have entered a completely different world.

You go to reception. A middle-aged woman with her hair tied back tightly and a tablet in her hand looks at you.

"Can I help you?"

"Uh, yeah." You clear your throat briefly. "I... I have an interview for a scientific internship."

She looks at her tablet for a moment, then gives you a scrutinizing look.

"You seem nervous."

"Yeah, uh... I am too."

Her lips twitch briefly, almost as if she's smiling. "Don't worry, most people here feel that way. Just take it a little easier."

Take it easy.

How many times have you heard that today? Karasu, Boogie, even Boxy with his laconic manner. Everyone told you to take it easy.

But how can you take it easy when this could be the most important moment of your life?

"Just sit down for a moment and we'll call you up."

You nod gratefully and turn around.

The waiting room looks like something out of a sci-fi movie.

White walls, perfectly clean floors, soft, indirect light. At the side, there is a long glass wall with a view into a laboratory where researchers are bent over screens in concentration.

You sit down on one of the luxurious chairs - soft, yet perfectly shaped, as if it were holding you in an ideal sitting position.

In front of you is a small, elegant table with glossy magazines covering new scientific breakthroughs. "Quantum mechanics and its future", "The next generation of biotechnology", "How AI is revolutionizing medicine" - topics that you never really paid attention to at school, but which suddenly take on a completely different meaning here.

Then you feel it.

A gentle vibration in your pocket.

You hesitate briefly before taking out your phone. Three messages.

The first is from Karasu:

"You do that, bro. Show them you're the shit."

Typical Karasu. You can picture him grinning somewhere and being sure that you'll get it right.

The second one is from DogDay.

You swallow.

"So, how's it going?"

A lump forms in your throat. Your finger hovers over the message, but you don't open it.

Why is she writing to me? Why the hell now?

And then there is the third message.

From CatNap.

You tap on it immediately.

"You'll make it. Good luck."

So simple. No "How's it going?", no "Are you nervous?" - Just a fact. She believes in you.

You notice how your shoulders unconsciously relax. A small smile creeps onto your face, almost automatically. It feels... good.

"Thank you."

That's all you need to write.

Your thumb hovers over the screen for a moment, as if you want to add something else, but then you lock your phone and put it in your pocket.

You are ready.

"Mr. L/N?"

The voice is deep, almost mechanical, and echoes through the sterile room. You raise your head.

A man stands in front of you. Tall, blond, with sharply cut features and an eerie presence that immediately sets your alarm bells ringing. He is wearing an immaculate white lab coat; his gaze is analytical - as if he has you figured out long before you even stand up.

"Please come with me."

You follow him.

The corridors he leads you through are even cooler and more futuristic than the waiting room. Smooth, white walls, hardly any noise apart from the quiet whirring of the ventilation systems. You look through glass windows into various laboratories where researchers are bent over screens or working with machines whose purpose you can't even imagine.

But the most unpleasant thing is the man himself.

He doesn't speak much. Just his name.

"Dr. Harley Sawyer. But just call me Doctor."

As you shake hands, a slight shiver runs through you. His grip is firm, almost mechanical - as if something other than muscle is hiding under his skin.

He looks at you out of the corner of his eye as you walk away. You can feel it.

Why is he watching me like that?

You reach a door that opens silently. Behind it is a large, minimalist room.

On one side is a long table with two chairs. A man with dark hair and also wearing a lab coat is already sitting there. Sawyer takes the seat next to him, while you sit down on the opposite side.

There is an almost uncomfortable distance between you.

Two against one.

You see a bottle of water on your table in front of you. But not just any water.

The bottle is made of clear, thick glass, decorated with a classy black label. The Playtime logo is engraved in silver letters - simple, elegant, luxurious. The water in it seems almost too perfect, too pure.

Boogie's words echo in your head:

"If they offer you something, take it. It shows that you're prepared."

You slowly reach for it and twist open the metal clasp. It slides off silently, as if it had been specially designed to open effortlessly.

You can feel the eyes of the two men on you.

Just as you are about to put your document folder on the table, the second man raises a hand.

"That's not necessary." His voice is calm but firm. "We already have a complete file on you."

A lump forms in your throat.

They already have a file of me.

Your fingers linger briefly over the folder before you slowly put it back again.

The door behind you closes with a soft click.

The interview begins.

The room suddenly feels even bigger. The cool air, the sterile white of the walls - everything seems to expand to make the moment seem even more important.

Dr. Sawyer leans forward slightly, his hands folded on the table. His gaze is calm, analytical - like a predator examining its prey.

"L/N... Are you wondering why you're sitting here?"

You open your mouth, about to formulate an answer, but he raises his hand slightly.

"Of course you're wondering why you're sitting here."

A cold shiver runs down your spine.

His tone of voice is precise, every word is spot on, as if he's had this conversation a thousand times before. Your adrenaline level rises, your heartbeat accelerates. Somewhere in your head, a voice is screaming that this could be the most important moment of your life.

The other man - Leith Pierre, Head of Innovation, as he had just introduced himself - watches you with his arms folded. Then, Sawyer continues speaking.

"The reason you're sitting here is simple: you impressed John Elliot."

John Elliot?

For a moment you don't understand. But then you do.

The man after the chemistry exam.

Suddenly the memory comes back. You were the only one to pass the test. When you were the only one to pass and a crowd had literally formed around you, there he was. He had looked at you as if he was memorizing your every move.

"John Elliot," Pierre continues, "is not only the brother of the founder of Playtime Co. He's the brightest mind behind everything we do here. And you... you've done something that no one has done before you."

You swallow.

"So, L/N..." Sawyer slowly interlaces his fingers. "What kind of person are you?"

The question hits you unexpectedly.

What kind of person am I?

Your head is rattling. You can feel your pulse pounding in your ears. What is the right answer? Should you be honest? Should you sell yourself?

You look back and forth between the two men. Then you pause.

A small smile slowly forms on your lips.

Sawyer blinks, and for a split second... he smiles too.

"A good answer," he finally mumbles. "Because someone who manages to impress John Elliot is not someone you can summarize in a few words."

What he doesn't know is that you didn't say anything because you simply had no idea what to say.

Sawyer leans back; his gaze sharpens again.

"There are three types of people," he begins, his voice remaining calm, almost masterful.

"The first kind is stupid. Quite simply. People who don't think. People who expect information to be chewed up into bite-sized pieces so they can process it."

"The second type is more complicated. They believe they don't belong to the first group. They see themselves as something better. They look down on the stupid and feel superior - as if that alone would make them stand out from the crowd."

Sawyer pauses for a moment; his gaze remains fixed on you.

"The third kind, however..."

An imperceptible smile plays around his lips.

"The third kind are those who know their true worth. The really smart ones. Those who have no illusions about themselves. But they all have one thing in common: they suffer from some fundamental complexity."

"No matter how much a person changes, pretends or tries - in the end you can always assign them to one of these groups."

He leans forward slightly, his eyes fixed on you.

"And do you know what's interesting about you?"

Your mouth is dry.

"You managed to get from the first group... to the third."

What?

Your brain needs a moment to process the words.

"How exactly... did I do that?" you finally ask.

Boogie's words echo in your head:

"If you don't understand something, ask. Show that you're thinking and paying attention. If you're asked later and then don't have an answer, it looks even worse."

Sawyer and Pierre exchange a look.

And then... they smile.

"Good question," says Pierre with satisfaction.

"Very good question," adds Sawyer.

---

Fifth lesson: PE.

"Do you think he'll get it?"

Karasu raises the water bottle to his lips, takes a deep sip and then wipes his forehead with the back of his hand. His normally perfectly gelled black hair sticks slightly to his skin, but somehow it still holds its shape.

"Huh?" He blinks in confusion. The question came out of nowhere.

He turns to his left, takes the bottle even further away from his mouth to see who has spoken to him - although he has known the voice for a long time.

Boxy.

"A job interview at a company like this, and then in the science department too..." Boxy speaks calmly, composed, his breathing controlled. "Do you really think he'll make it?"

Karasu grimaces slightly before thinking.

His gaze flits around the gym. Some idiots still haven't realized that the soccer round is long over and continue to run around with the ball.

The PE teacher barely pays attention, typing away on a tablet instead. Girls giggle on the bench, their voices mingling with the echoing noises, and Karasu has to consciously force himself not to let his eyes be distracted by their outfits.

Then he turns back to Boxy.

He takes a closer look at him for a moment: tall, lanky, dyed red hair, a bored look. It's rare that he sees him without his phone. But in PE class, where the teacher has a special eye on him, Boxy can't afford to just chill out.

Boxy is sweating slightly, but it doesn't bother him. While he waits for Karasu's answer, he casually raises his water bottle to his lips. A few drops land on his soccer shirt, but he hardly seems to notice.

Karasu snorts softly, then says:

"You do know he has superpowers?" His voice is quiet, at least he's making sure no one hears him.

Boxy raises an eyebrow. "And you do realize he's probably so nervous he can't get a word out?" His tone is not patronizing but genuinely interested.

Karasu falls silent for a moment.

Boxy has a point.

"And you also know that he's probably not just thinking about the conversation, but also about DogDay and CatNap?"

Karasu frowns.

"Huh?"

"Come on, as if you don't realize what's going on." Boxy sighs and shakes her head slightly. "He's completely stuck between the two of them, and you know it."

Karasu pulls the water bottle from his lips and looks at him. "Dude, CatNap and him are just friends."

Boxy falls silent. Then...

He slowly turns his head towards Karasu, narrows his eyes slightly and simply stares at him.

For ten seconds.

Without a word.

"What?" Karasu finally asks, annoyed. "Why are you looking like someone invisible is blowing you right now?"

Boxy blinks slowly, as if he needs to collect himself, then shakes his head again. "Sometimes I can't believe you know more about this subject than I do."

"Huh?" Karasu frowns. "What are you talking about?"

Boxy takes another swig from his bottle, then points his chin in the air as if he's noting something obvious.

"The two don't just get on well. They are literally the same person."

Karasu looks at him, says nothing.

"Every time I see CatNap, I think of Y/N," Boxy continues. "And when I see Y/N, I think of CatNap."

Karasu opens his mouth, but not a word comes out.

He... never thought of it that way.

He knew that Y/N liked DogDay - that was clear from the start. But... had DogDay ever really noticed him? Really seen him.

Is CatNap perhaps the better person for him after all?

He slowly realizes that he doesn't know himself.

And then comes the next thought.

Had he been a bad friend?

Karasu swallows slowly, while something in his chest tightens uncomfortably.

---

The light in the room is bright, almost too bright. The sterile, clinical atmosphere intensifies the oppressive feeling in your chest as Doctor Sawyer leafs through your file.

"So, Y/N L/N..." he begins, his deep, almost mechanical voice echoing in the room. "Absent for almost a whole semester. School performance consistently below average. Labeled by several teachers as..." - he glances briefly at the sheet in front of him - "'socially isolated'. And yet..."

He raises his head, his gaze boring through you.

"You werethe only one to pass the chemistry exam."

You feel your pulse skyrocket.

Your fingers clutch at your pants under the table while your stomach clenches uncomfortably.

Shit...that's it.

The moment you've been waiting for all this time - or rather, the moment you've been dreading all this time.

"How do you explain that?"

Sawyer leans back and looks at you with undisguised curiosity. Leith Pierre, who had been sitting quietly the whole time, folds his hands and raises an eyebrow slightly.

It is as if time stands still.

A familiar feeling.

You see your old room in front of you.

It was late. The light was out. Only the pale moonlight fell through your window, casting long shadows on the wall.

You didn't think you didn't act consciously.

[ I kicked my bedside table. I didn't see that there was a water bottle on it.... An open water bottle ]

The memory flows in your mind as if it happened only yesterday.

[ It was suddenly like slow motion. The bottle was about to crash to the floor while the water was already running out. I don't know what it was at that moment, but that's exactly what I was thinking. That the bottle could just stay in the air. That I could just hold it there ].

Your heart was racing.

[ And that's exactly what happened ].

The image burns itself into your consciousness.

The bottle just hung there. In the air. As if gravity had never existed. The water, which was already running out, floated with it as if it had frozen.

You were completely frozen.

[ I thought I was dreaming for a moment. But when I leaned forward and tapped the water with one finger... it felt real ].

The cold, floating water that ran along your skin before it paused in the air again.

You took a step back. Your breathing was irregular, your heartbeat loud in your ears.

And then you tried it.

Slowly you moved your head - and the bottle followed you.

[ I could move it without touching it. Simply because I thought about it ].

Then came the moment of shock.

[ "Y/N! COME EAT NOW!" ]

Your mother.

The panic was immediate. She was right outside your door.

If only she had put her hand on the handle and opened it...

She would have seen it.

Your heart was racing.

You quickly turned to the door to react.

[ Then I heard it, a soft plop ].

When you looked back, the bottle was just lying on the floor again. The water had already spread out in a small stain on the carpet.

As if nothing had happened.

As if it had never floated in the air.

"Mr. L/N?"

You blink, tear yourself away from the memory.

Shit.

You've been silent for almost too long.

Sawyer and Pierre stare at you expectantly.

Think about it. Quickly.

You can't tell them the truth. That you have superhuman powers. That you can move things with a single thought, as if you could bend the laws of physics at will.

That would be insane!

Your thoughts are racing, your heart is beating like a jackhammer. Then -

It occurs to you.

"I..." You swallow. Think about it. "I've been studying all night."

Sawyer raises an eyebrow.

"All night?"

You nod. "Yes. I knew it was my last chance. That if I messed up, I could forget all about my studies. So... I gave it my all."

Pierre continues to look at you motionlessly.

"Interesting."

Sawyer says nothing for a moment, then leans forward slightly.

"If that's the case, then tell me..." He pushes his glasses up on his nose. "What exactly have you learned?"

Shit

Your pulse races again.

Think! Think! Think!

"If you're sitting there tomorrow and say 'Uhm...' and don't have an answer, you're straight out!"

You force yourself to smile slightly.

"I... focused on organic chemistry. Especially on... reaction mechanisms and the properties of carbon compounds."

Pierre raises an eyebrow. "A specific example?"

"The SN2 reaction," it shoots out of you.

A brief moment of silence.

Then...

Sawyer smiles.

"Interesting," he repeats.

Your body is tense to the breaking point, but you can feel that you have survived this one moment.

But it's not over yet.

"L/N."

The voice comes from Pierre.

Up to now, he has tended to stay in the background, observing and analyzing. Now he straightens up a little, interlaces his fingers and fixes you with his calm, penetrating gaze.

"What do you think of Playtime Co?"

You blink. The question doesn't come out of nowhere, but it still hits you unexpectedly.

Your mouth opens slightly as you search for words.

Think about it. Do not pause. No uncertainty.

"Um, well... I'm not really familiar with the political aspects."

Pierre raises an eyebrow, waits.

You continue immediately, so as not to give the impression that you're rushing around:

"But as for the company itself... Playtime Co. is one of the largest companies in the world. It makes just about everything - from toys to medical devices to advanced machines for research. The production facilities are spread around the world and there is hardly an industry in which they don't play at least some role."

Pierre tilts his head slightly. He doesn't seem dissatisfied with the answer - but not impressed either.

So, you follow up.

"The bar is high. Playtime Co. is an institution, a name that is synonymous with innovation. Anyone who works here belongs to the absolute top. And yet..."

A short breath.

"... I'm sitting here."

A calculated rate.

You don't want to come across as arrogant, but you want to show that you understand what this means.

Pierre looks at you for a moment, then leans back slowly.

"Interesting perspective."

Sawyer takes a quick look at him, then flips through his files.

The conversation continues.

Question after question.

Sometimes technical, sometimes general, sometimes almost personal. It's about your way of thinking, your ability to solve problems.

About ethics.

What you would do in a crisis situation. How you react under pressure.

And you?

You hold yourself.

There are moments when your heart rate rises again, when you hesitate briefly - but you save yourself every time.

The conversation slowly ebbs away, but before it ends completely, it takes a deeper turn.

Sawyer, who has so far spoken with a mixture of analytical interest and subliminal enthusiasm, now leans forward slightly.

"You're fascinating."

He says it with such matter-of-factness, as if it were a long-proven fact, not a compliment. His eyes continue to scrutinize you with that penetrating gaze.

"Now I'm beginning to understand why John Elliot was impressed by you."

The name echoes in your head.

John Elliot. The brother of the founder. The genius behind the scenes. A man who supposedly no one has ever really been able to impress.

And yet here you sit.

You answer, trying to stay calm, even if your heart is thundering against your chest.

Then Pierre takes the floor.

"But I ask myself the question..."

He pauses briefly, as if to make sure you're really listening.

"Are you really ready to start a scientific internship at Playtime Co."

He lets the words hang in the air for a moment, then continues:

"The world's largest company. The only one in your entire college who doesn't attend class. Do you think that's something you can really hold your own in?"

He leans back and looks at you.

You swallow.

Of course, it doesn't officially count as missed hours - Playtime Co. owns the college itself, after all. But still.

It still feels surreal.

You take a deep breath.

"I would love to be in class with my friends."

An honest beginning.

Then, a little firmer:

"But if I get the chance to accept this internship... then there's no decision left to make. I will do it."

It is quiet for a moment.

Then Sawyer smiles slightly.

"In choosing both, you're losing both."

His voice is calm, almost thoughtful - as if he is not saying this sentence for the first time.

And then comes the thing that makes your heart skip a beat:

"But you can be happy. Because you can tell your parents and friends that you are the only one who has been accepted for the scientific internship."

Your head rushes.

You have made it.

Slowly everyone gets up.

It feels almost surreal when you shake their hand as you talk briefly about the internship.

It starts next Monday.

Just the weekend left. Then you'll officially be part of Playtime Co.

Pierre, who had remained serious to the end, lifts his chin slightly to say goodbye and looks at you one last time.

"You can smile a little."

He raises the corners of his mouth slightly, an expression that almost contains a hint of pride.

"You are now part of something world changing."

---

Bubba is sitting at his desk. The screen of his PC lights up in front of him, but his gaze is blank. His fingers are resting on the keyboard, but he isn't typing anything. His head is full. Too full.

He can't stop thinking about the conversation with Kickin. About the internship. About him.

The only one who seemed to have a chance.

It was supposed to be him. Bubba. All his life, people have called him a genius, admired him, told him that he would one day achieve great things. And now? Now it's this little, antisocial boy, this nobody who was the only one who got a chance. And he, Bubba, wasn't even considered.

He rests his head on his hands and stares at the screen. His mind races, his heart beats faster.

To calm himself down, he tries to concentrate on something else. He calls up his files and opens a folder: Smiling Critters.

DogDay. Kickin. Hoppy. Picky. Bobby. Crafty. CatNap.

One by one, he goes through them in his mind, analyzes them, sorts out his thoughts, as he always does when his head is threatening to overflow. It usually helps him to keep a cool head. But not today.

Because today there is someone else who needs to think about. Karasu.

He leans back slowly, his eyes narrowing slightly. A thought forms in his head, a plan.

He reaches for his phone, navigates through his saved files and sends himself the video from the talent show. Seconds later, he opens it on his PC and clicks on "Play".

His eyes follow Karasu.

The trick looks impossible. It looks fucking impossible. Karasu glides through the air towards the jury as if gravity had simply ceased to exist. Bubba stares at the screen, trying to imagine how he would explain to the others how Karasu did this trick.

But the problem is - he can't do it.

His jaw tightens, frustration rises within him.

He wants to know.

He quickly loads the video into an AI scaling program, has it resolved frame by frame and sharpened. Maybe there's a rope somewhere, a thread, something that made this damn trick possible.

He leans forward, staring intently at the screen.

Second by second, he watches the video again, looking for the slightest clue. But Karasu? Karasu looks completely normal. No thread. No rope. No false bottom. Nothing.

Bubba frowns and bites his lip.

He rewinds. Again.

But this time - for no real reason - his gaze does not remain on Karasu.

This time he sees you.

The way you stand on stage in that ridiculous magician costume. Out of place. As if you don't belong.

And then... he sees it.

Blood flows from your nose.

As Karasu glides through the air, you inconspicuously wipe away the blood with your coat, again and again, just so that no one notices.

Bubba holds his breath.

His heart beats faster.

No.

He rewinds. Pauses the video. Looks at the still screen. Your face. The blood. Your hand on your nose.

It wasn't Karasu. The one with the superpowers...

The one who can move objects with his mind...

The one who made Karasu float through the air...

...was you.

Bubba pulls himself up from the chair with a jerk, his legs trembling slightly, his head throbbing as if his own brain is trying to scream at him from the inside.

He stares at the screen, at the still image, at your face, the pale, tense face with your hand on your nose, with the dark spot under your nostril. That couldn't be . It couldn't be. But it was there, right in front of him, proof that he could no longer talk away.

His mind rattles, jumping from one explanation to the next, desperately searching for any logical conclusion that doesn't boil down to the fact that he has just discovered the most absurd, incomprehensible truth of his life.

His entire belief in science, in biology, in chemistry, in physics - everything that has driven him all his life, on which he has built his entire identity - is just on the edge of a precipice. And all that is keeping him from falling is a thin thread of denial.

But then comes the memory.

Stranger Things.

Bubba blinks, his thoughts flying back to all the nights he spent binge-watching the series, season after season.

The main character. Eleven. Her nosebleed, whenever she used her powers. Telekinesis. Moving things with thought alone. He feels his stomach tighten uncomfortably, his hands clench into fists.

It's a stupid comparison. A ridiculous comparison. But the problem is: it fits. It fits too well.

A dry lump sticks in his throat as he bends down to the screen again. His eyes jump back and forth between the individual images as if he could still force out some logical explanation, but the only truth that remains is this:

It was never Karasu.

It was you.

The chemistry exam that everyone failed - except you. Everyone had labeled it unsolvable, but you? You passed it. Somehow.

Somewhere in his mind, the puzzle is slowly coming together, and Bubba can't help but imagine you standing, desperate, at your workstation, the panic in your eyes, the knowledge that you were going to fail - until you couldn't anymore. Until you saved yourself somehow with your Power.

The talent show. That damn talent show. The cards that jumped from the floor into your hand as if by magic. The balls that just stayed in the air. Karasu, who suddenly glided across the room to the jury without any visible ropes or tricks. It looked like magic, like a perfectly rehearsed illusion - but it wasn't an illusion, was it?

The party afterwards, where Karasu stood like a god at the Beerpong table. Every ball flew perfectly into the cups. Every throw was a hit. Coincidence? Maybe. But now that Bubba has put all the pieces of the puzzle together, he finally sees it clearly: it was never Karasu who scored. It was you.

The mall. The cups from the Smiling Critters that suddenly exploded, one after the other, without anyone touching them. Everyone’s - except DogDays.

The damn year class trip. The Fun Fair, the shooting game where you shoot that ridiculous plastic gun in an impossible run every. Single. Cup. until you won that giant, cheesy stuffed bear for CatNap. He laughed about it then, wondering how someone who couldn't hit a target in gym class was suddenly so good. But now? Now he knows.

A shiver runs down his spine.

His breathing is faster, shallower.

He can no longer think clearly, can no longer stand still, and before he even realizes what he is doing, his fingers are already reaching for his phone.

This was the moment when Bubba made the worst decision of his life.

Without thinking, without even pausing for a second, he presses the phone app, scrolls through his contacts, his thumb trembles slightly as he finally dials the number. The dial tone sounds, his heart pounds in his chest.

A click. A voice at the other end.

"Hello?"

Bubba swallows hard, his mouth is dry, but he still manages to get the words out.

"DogDay, I really need to tell you something."

---

Oh fuck.

Right now, I'm ending the chapter - nasty, isn't it? The most exciting moment! But hey, you've got the internship!

And so, it finally begins: the first people have found out that you have superpowers - as if your life wasn't complicated enough already. The fact that Bubba is now calling DogDay doesn't make things any better. Your relationship with her is already strained, and the current circumstances only make it worse.

So next up is the internship arc! A few weeks of first insights into the science department of the world's leading company for ... well, everything really. But is Playtime Co really what it seems on the outside? We'll have to wait and see.

Spoiler: This is where the story really begins. It gets mentally tougher, topics such as bullying, death and other serious content will play a bigger role. That's why trigger warnings are now increasingly appearing in the tags.

But where there is darkness, there is also light! CatNap will play a central role in the coming chapters. And that means at least one thing: the reader will no longer be completely alone - finally there is someone who really understands him.

What do you think of this chapter? Especially now that things are really getting going.

Thanks for reading - and leave support!

[holdonunreal]

Chapter 13: Departure

The story finally continues! After being invited to a job interview at the world-famous Playtime Co. you return home - the year’s class trip is over, as is the will to live for some of the students.

A long journey lies ahead, an exhausting week at school until Friday - because that's when the job interview is. But as if that wasn't enough, there are complications: The Smiling Critters know about it. CatNap sends you a few screenshots from their group chat - and people talk about you like you're shit.

There's a lot to come - get ready.

---

And on we go! The next chapter of what is probably my most realistic fanfiction.

Slowly, more and more pieces of the puzzle come together, and the story moves closer to the real core issue: Playtime Co. What is really behind this company? What do they do for a living - and why do they have so much of it? Not only do they own a huge range of products that can be found in any supermarket, but they also own a school, an elementary school and even a college. The question is: can you really make it in there?

Okay, enough talk - I hope you like the chapter! Feel free to leave support!

You straighten up with a jolt before your mind can properly sort itself out. Three things hit you like a blow at the same time:

Firstly - you are the last one to wake up. The large alarm clock on the wooden table in the room shows a time that is far too late, and the lack of any voices or movement confirms it - the others have already left.

Secondly, you are unbearably hot. Not just a light sweat after getting up, but a burning heat that runs through your entire body. Your shirt sticks to your skin, your breathing is labored and sweat collects on your forehead. You feel disgusted with yourself.

Third - your phone vibrates. Messages. The familiar buzzing abruptly brings you out of your stupor. With a deep breath, you push yourself up, lean against the cool wall and feel under your pillow. Your phone feels cool to touch, a strong contrast to your overheated skin.

You unlock the screen - and there it is. The last message you saw.

"Invitation to an interview for a scientific internship at Playtime Co."

The sentence shines out at you as if nothing has changed overnight. But you know that it has changed everything.

A heavy feeling settles in your chest. Slowly, reality sinks in: Playtime Co. has really invited you.

You blink, trying to collect yourself. Your body still feels strange, as if your system has overheated, but your mind is already racing.

What does that mean for me?

An internship at one of the most advanced scientific companies in the world. A place you've only heard about in articles, documentaries and urban legends.

And they want you. Maybe they do.

Your fingers hover over the screen. More news. Maybe from Playtime Co. Maybe from Karasu or the others?

You open it with a pounding heart.

And again, several things happen at the same time - chaos, even though you've only just woken up.

18 new messages.

14 from Karasu. Everyone from your group chat. Probably nonsense or something that gets him overly excited.

2 from a number that has not yet been saved. Strange. Your stomach tightens slightly.

2 from DogDay.

Your breath catches. Not just briefly - but for a long time.

Your thumb hovers over her name, but you don't open it right away. Instead, your mind races back to last night.

The Fun Fair.

You remember the light of the vending machines, the crowd, the feeling of not really belonging. But then there was CatNap. You remember how you chose her - the only one who felt as out of place as you did. How you stood up for her.

And DogDay?

The look on her face when you gave CatNap the stuffed animal. It was only a brief moment, barely tangible - but now that you think about it, was there perhaps... jealousy?

No, you're just imagining it. She ignored you on Instagram. She was never really interested. Or was she?

You force yourself to push the thoughts away and open the group chat instead.

Karasu:

"Dude, wake up!!!" "We're about to leave, have you packed yet?" "Please tell me you didn't oversleep..." "Y/N?" "Bro, I swear, if you're still in bed-"

The news goes on like this, getting more and more panicky, until the last one:

"Meet me downstairs in 40 minutes. Move your ass!"

Return journey. That's right. The class trip is over.

You run your hand over your face and feel that heat in your body again. Never mind. You'll deal with that later. Now you have to get ready.

But before you get up, your eyes linger on the two messages from DogDay.

You hesitate. Your finger slowly moves towards the screen.

Should you read it?

You stare at the news. Two short words that weigh more heavily than they should.

DogDay: "Hey." "How are you?"

That is all.

But what makes it so strange is the fact that this is the first message in your entire Instagram chat. You followed her, waited for a reply - and nothing came back. But now? Now she writes just like that.

A strange feeling spreads through you. Doubt, confusion, but also this absurd hope, which you immediately suppress again.

You put your phone aside, swing your legs out of bed and get up slowly. Your body feels heavy, your head is still sluggish from sleep, but you force yourself to move.

Suitcase.

You go to your luggage, open the lid and start organizing your things. You'd never really unpacked most of it anyway. Just a few items of clothing that now need to be neatly folded again.

It feels almost mechanical, as if you're not really acting yourself, but just following a practiced routine.

Shower.

You grab some fresh clothes and a towel and go into the bathroom. The hot water hits your skin and for a moment you just stand there, your hands against the cold tiles.

Your gaze falls on your reflection as you step out of the shower later. Drops run down your cheeks, your hair sticks to your forehead.

A few days ago, I was still thinking about taking my own life.

The memories come back unbidden. The darkness. The constant exhaustion. The conviction that it no longer makes sense. That you are worth nothing.

But now?

Now there's CatNap.

Now there might even be an internship at Playtime Co.

Now there's even DogDay, who's suddenly showing interest after all.

A quiet, bitter laugh escapes you. It feels as if your world has turned upside down in just a few days. As if you suddenly have a future, even though you were convinced for so long that there was none.

You slowly get dressed, but your mind wanders again, this time to something else.

The sleeping pills.

Your eyes fall on the small box in your toiletry bag. The one you took with you in case you need it. In case one night you just... don't want to wake up.

"They are placebos."

CatNap's words echo in your head. The way she said it, so calm, so knowing.

Did you really believe that back then? Is that exactly why you didn't take it?

A shiver runs down your spine. You shake off the thought, pack the last of your things in your suitcase and put on a fresh jacket.

As you close the zippers and slowly get ready, one thought persists in your mind.

CatNap is more like you than you ever thought.

Just as introverted.

Just as tired of the world.

Just as lost.

And just like you... she's looking for something to make life more bearable.

You take a deep breath, grab your phone and take one last look at DogDay's message before grabbing your suitcase and heading for the door.

Time for the return journey.

---

The bus station in front of the castle is a mess. Hundreds of students crowd the waiting buses, voices mingle into a single incomprehensible murmur. Staff heave suitcases into the holds while the first arguments over seats break out.

You simply move with the crowd without really thinking about it. Everything feels mechanical - step by step, without a plan, without emotion.

As you enter the bus, you notice that Karasu and the others have already taken their seats. Of course they have. You're the last one again.

The walk feels endless as you walk slowly backwards. With every step you take, you have the feeling that someone is looking at you - maybe you're imagining it, maybe not. It doesn't matter. You just want to sit.

Off to the window seat.

As soon as you sit down, you let your head sink against the cool glass. The world outside blurs slightly before your tired eyes.

Next to you, Karasu leans back and relaxes, his legs stretched out casually as if he owns half the bus. A member of staff comes by and asks about the group allocation.

"All clear here, boss!" replies Karasu in an unnecessarily loud voice, raising his hand in salute with a grin.

You cringe inside.

As the employee walks on, you pull your hood lower over your face and close your eyes for a moment. The conversations around you blur into meaningless background noise.

And that is the start of the journey.

The bus slowly starts to move, jolting slightly as it rolls out of the yard. You exhale quietly and feel the exhaustion catching up with you.

The sky outside is gray, clouds drift lazily by. The streets blur into a monotonous pattern of asphalt, trees and passing lights.

"So, do you want to know now?" Karasu's voice cuts through your thoughts.

You open one eye and mumble: "What?"

He grins. "What DogDay wanted."

You freeze. Of course. The news.

"You didn't answer, did you?" he asks, and you can hear the amusement in his voice.

You slowly turn your head towards him and see him looking at you with that typical "I know exactly what you're thinking" look.

"I thought so." He leans back. "But this is your last chance, Brochacho. If you don't answer it, I'll do it for you."

You roll your eyes and reluctantly take out your phone.

The message is still waiting. Unanswered.

Your thumb hovers over it. A small part of you just wants to carry on, put the phone away, pretend that nothing ever happened.

But you open it, again.

DogDay:

"Hey."

"How are you?"

You stare at the screen. Two simple messages. No explanation, no reaction to your long wait.

It feels like she just wants to test whether you're still there.

And you have no idea how to respond.

Before you can decide, you feel a slight bump against your shoulder.

"Stop thinking like that, ya' loser." Karasu grins. "Just answer. Or don't. But don't sit there and get depressed again."

You sigh and put your phone away.

The rest of the journey passes slowly. Conversations fill the bus, laughter, quiet murmuring. You concentrate on the window, on your music, on the passing world, on the slight pressure in your chest.

As the first lights of the city appear, as the big gate of Playtime College comes into view, you know:

You're back. But something has changed.

---

At home, everything is the same as always.

Your room is in semi-darkness, a fine sheen of dust has collected on the furniture. It smells familiar, like you, like loneliness.

You feel wrung out, empty, too exhausted from the day's social interactions to have a clear thought. Without giving it much thought, you throw your suitcase carelessly into the corner, put on your headphones and flop onto your bed.

The mattress gives way easily. The blanket is cold. Your head sinks into the pillow.

("Gone a little far, Gone a little far this time with something..." )

The melody seeps into your mind, the gentle voice of Tame Impala penetrates the fog of your thoughts. Borderline. One of your favorite songs.

You know every beat, every word - but this time the lyrics feel different.

"Something."

This one word sticks.

Something. Your telekinesis.

Have you really "gone a little far"?

Passed an impossible chemistry test.

Winning an impossible talent show.

An impossible trick - a person simply running through the air in the middle of the stage.

You stare at the ceiling. Your eyelids become heavy, but your head stays awake. Thoughts spin, pulling you back into memories.

("How was I to know? How was I to know this high came rushing?" )

Karasu.

You were always friends, but it was different. You saw each other often, but rarely outside of school - except when he wanted to.

But since you have your powers, he is always there.

He kept pushing you to use them. For pranks, for advantages, for attention. He wanted you to do things for him, to give him an advantage.

The talent show? Did he get the fame for it? Yes.

The party? Without you, he would have lost to Kickin and Hoppy. And Bubba would have kept his hundred dollars.

Was he your friend - or were you just his advantage?

("We're on the borderline, Dangerously fine and unforgiving." )

You've become too obvious.

The exams, the show, the game at the party, the happenings at the mall, your ridiculous luck at the Fun Fair machines - eventually someone will notice.

And then?

Karasu would just laugh, give you an uncomfortably hard punch on the shoulder and shrug it off like it was nothing. But it's not nothing to you.

A sharp pain spreads behind your eyes - a headache.

You were hoping to switch off for a while, but your own mind won't give you a break.

Someone like you probably never really gets any rest.

A soft vibration breaks through the silence.

You ignore it at first. Your body is too heavy, your head too full to deal with anything right now. Your phone is lying somewhere next to you, probably on the edge of the bed.

But it vibrates again.

Hesitantly, you turn to the side, your arm reaches for the device, your fingers clasp it. Two new messages.

WhatsApp...

One from DogDay.

One from a number that has not been saved.

You blink. CatNap.

You hadn't even thought about saving her number. Maybe you were just too tired yesterday. Maybe you didn't want to do it right away because it would have felt too surreal.

Nevertheless, you open DogDay's message first.

"So, home from the trip yet?"

You stare at the screen.

What... does she want?

The way she writes - loosely, casually - doesn't feel genuine. Almost mechanical. And then you notice it.

That's exactly the way Karasu writes when he's trying to get some girls.

This half-interested, but somewhere still desperate questioning, because you hope to get a conversation going.

Your stomach contracts.

Did that really just happen? Is DogDay desperate enough to write to you?

You can't believe it.

Your mind wanders back. The first moment you saw her - the bus, back then.

She was different from everyone else. Perfect. Almost unattainable. She was the focal point of every room she was in. Long, blonde hair that fell perfectly, as if it was styled especially for every moment. Big, bright eyes, always open to the world. An attitude that radiated self-confidence but never came across as arrogant.

And then there was CatNap.

Dark hair, like shadows, played around her face. Pale skin, almost too pale, as if she were deliberately avoiding the sunlight. Obsidian eyes, hard to read, but always with a spark of understanding, as if she saw you. Really see you.

She was the exact opposite of DogDay. Quiet, withdrawn, a figure who tended to push herself into the background, while DogDay naturally took every stage for herself.

And yet... they were both in your head.

DogDay, the ideal that you can never achieve.

CatNap, the reflection you'll never get rid of.

Your head is buzzing. But one thought sticks.

How did DogDay get my number?

You can't imagine someone like her scrolling through the entire year's WhatsApp chat just to find someone as unimportant as you.

Before you can think about it any further, you switch to the other message.

CatNap.

You open the chat - and what awaits you is no "Hey", no "How are you?".

It is a screenshot.

The screenshot of a group.

"Smiling Critters?"

Your heart beats faster.

What the hell is that?

You zoom in slightly, skim the names, look for context. And then you see it.

A new message. A discussion.

And your name is right in the middle of it.

Something in your stomach tightens.

That can't mean anything good.

This will show you the group chat

"Smiling Critters."

And there it is. A WhatsApp group chat. Your name pops up in a discussion that has been going on for hours. You read, your eyes dart over the messages, but your brain needs a moment to process everything.

Kickin: "Guys, you won't believe it. The funny helper from Karasu has a fucking chance of an internship at Playtime Co."

Hoppy: "Huh? Who?"

Bobby: "You mean that short guy? Y/N?"

Bubba: "Don't try to fool us, nobody who hasn't been in college for six months gets an internship there."

Picky: "Wait, he's not serious, is he? Kickin, you're lying again."

Hoppy: "If that's true, that's fuckin' crazy. I thought Playtime Co. only takes the absolute best."

You stare at the words. A lump forms in your throat.

They don't believe it, of course they don't believe it. I don't believe it myself.

Bubba doesn't let up.

Bubba: "It just doesn't make sense. No professor or teacher would recommend him, no company would take him. The guy has absolutely no qualifications. He's just this weird outsider who hangs out with Karasu."

Your fingers clench around your phone.

"Weird outsider."

"Helpers of Karasu."

Is that really everything you are to them?

The next message appears in the corner of your eye.

Hoppy: "So... who exactly is he again?"

Kickin: "Karasu's funny little helper."

Boom.

Your heart sinks.

You are not you. You're just an appendix. A footnote in Karasu's shadow.

You feel sick.

Your body suddenly feels too tight, your skin tingles uncomfortably, your stomach tightens. You have to swallow, breathe deeply, try to stay calm, but you can't.

You read on.

Bobby: "Where did you even get that?"

Picky: "Yes, Kickin, tell me, how do you know that?"

You know it before you read it.

Kickin: "Karasu."

It hits you harder than expected.

Karasu told them.

Not intentionally, maybe just casually, maybe it wasn't even important enough for him to think about it. But he did it anyway.

He knew you didn't want word to get out. That you could hardly believe that Playtime Co. would even consider you.

He knew it made you nervous.

And he said it anyway.

Your hands are shaking slightly.

You trusted Karasu.

With almost everything.

Well, not with your depression, but with everything else. And he just blurted it out.

You can't forget that. You'll remember that.

Then comes the next message.

One that breaks you for good.

DogDay: "Kickin, are you sure?"

Your heart stops.

Kickin: "Safe. Now you finally have a reason to make a move on this midget."

No.

Your stomach turns.

The headache hits with full force.

It feels like you're suffocating.

Your vision blurs slightly and you notice that your breathing is irregular.

That's it.

DogDay didn't write to you because she wanted to talk to you.

DogDay didn't write to you because she's suddenly interested in you.

No.

She doesn't want CatNap to be happy.

And she wants what you have.

Not you.

Only what you could have.

You get hot, your heart races, your chest feels like it's contracting.

You have to breathe.

But before you can put your phone away, a new message appears.

Above, right at the top.

DogDay.

A fourth, new message.

Your fingers detach from your phone. It slips out of your hand and lands thudding on the bed.

You grab your hair with both hands and pull it gently as your breathing quickens.

Gasping for breath.

You feel sick.

It feels as if your whole body is working against you, as if the air in your room is suddenly no longer enough.

Tears burn in your eyes.

It's not just anger.

It is disappointment.

It's the moment when you finally understand that DogDay didn't want you.

She wanted the attention. The confirmation.

And now that Kickin has confirmed it, now she's suddenly interested.

You can't do it anymore.

The world blurs before your eyes.

You press your face into your hands, your shoulders shake.

And soaked in self-pity, weakness, sadness, the formal pressure of the last few days, you fall asleep.

The next few days were a disaster.

College felt like a nightmare - one you couldn't wake up from.

At least you were "lucky", if you could call it that. Your interview was only on Friday, and if you were accepted, you would theoretically start your internship next week.

But that was the big topic at the entire college: internships.

Thank God, not just yours, but in general.

Because everyone who has been offered an internship has to submit their documents to Playtime Co. Only then does the company decide whether it is a suitable internship - or not.

And what can you say?

So far, absolutely no one has been accepted.

Even students who got jobs at large technology companies through family contacts or outstanding performance were rejected by Playtime Co.

Every single one.

Those without an internship - i.e. almost all students - would simply have to sit out the weeks at school.

But the biggest surprise? Normal lessons will take place.

Boogie was the one who sent you - you, Karasu and Boxy - the information. The teachers and professors had already prepared to fill the weeks with regular lessons as if it were a normal semester.

And of course there were complaints.

From pupils. From parents. From companies.

Many parents who wanted to bring their children into their own companies for an internship bombarded the college with questions.

"Why exactly was the internship rejected?"

At first, everyone - including you - thought that Playtime Co. wouldn't even reply.

Why would a global company go to the trouble of explaining to a college why it doesn't take anyone?

But then it came.

An official statement.

And she was... freezing cold.

Just fifty words.

In which they explained with terrifying precision that to achieve "perfect qualifications" you had to aim higher than just any company. That you had to be at the top.

The college was divided.

Some felt offended, others took it as motivation.

Boogie and Boxy explained to you - and Karasu, who didn't really get it - that it was a psychological trick.

Playtime Co. wanted more people to apply directly to them.

And that's exactly what happened.

Within two days, dozens of students had applied there - including even some of the Smiling Critters, as you learned through CatNap.

But fun fact?

Every. Single. One. Got. Rejected.

Within minutes.

Of course you were nervous.

Friday was not far away. Your interview would decide whether you had a future or not. You're the only one who has one with them.

And that's exactly what took up all your thoughts.

You forgot the college.

The reality around you fades out.

And you felt it.

Surprise tests.

Without warning. And you fucked up.

21/100.

9/50.

Numbers that suddenly frightened you.

Your school performance was never special, especially not in math or economics.

But now that you had a chance, now that Playtime Co. maybe believed in you - you had to prove it.

You had to work just as hard to prove yourself here as you would in a job interview.

Otherwise it was all for nothing.

"You just have to pretend!"

It takes a few seconds before you realize where you actually are.

The cafeteria.

Thursday.

The guys sat down especially to talk to you about the interview.

But your head is somewhere else.

Maybe it's because your food is tasting like you've lost your head again. Or because there are so many different cakes today that you wonder why you had a main meal at all.

But maybe you're also thinking of DogDay.

Or to CatNap.

Or that you could ruin your life tomorrow in the worst case scenario.

"You'd best not pretend to be so... so mentally absent." Karasu raises an eyebrow. "And sit up straight, Dude. With an attitude like that, you'll be labeled 'rejected' right away."

You blink, look down at your food and stab it listlessly with your fork.

Your hunger is still there, but your appetite? Completely gone.

Next to you, you can hear Boxy typing frantically on his phone. Probably Clash Royale again or some other game where he shows more emotion than in real conversations.

"But you shouldn't pretend that much." Boogie blows away his green streak and fixes you with a serious look. "You won't just be sitting in front of one person. They'll see right through you if you try to be someone you're not. And they also know you from your documents. So don't overdo it like the people who claim to be 'fluent in ten languages' on their CV."

You swallow.

He is right.

You're already bad at talking to people. But what if it's a serious situation? When your future depends on it?

What if I stutter?

What if I find the wrong words?

Will they then simply escort you out of the room with a "We'll get back to you"?

"And wear something else, please, bro." Karasu leans back and sips loudly from his drink. "These black, depressing clothes won't make a good image. Something professional is best - but not too professional."

Professional, but not too professional? What is that supposed to be?

You're about to ask what Karasu means when Boogie clears his throat.

"Listen," he begins in his usual calm voice. "The people at Playtime Co. are not normal employers. You're not a person to them - you're a resource, an object. A variable in their perfect little equation."

He pauses for a moment, looks at Boxy, and then grins slightly nervously. "Object-oriented programming, if you like."

Silence.

You blink. Karasu just looks at him questioningly. Boxy doesn't even make a face.

Boogie sighs, "Okay. That was a bad joke. Forget it."

"Already happened." Karasu mumbles and takes another sip from his drink.

Boogie shakes his head and leans back. "Anyway. The people there don't give a damn if you're nervous or not. They don't see you as a person with feelings. If you're useful to them, they'll take you - if not, you're just another item on their waiting list."

"Well, it makes sense," Boxy mumbles without looking up from his phone. "But let's be honest - how does it actually work tomorrow? Do you have to come to school first? Or are you going straight to the interview? Did they send you a schedule?"

Your mouth opens... but no words come out.

You have no answer.

And everyone notices that.

"Oh my god, Y/N!" Karasu slaps his hands over his head. "If you say 'Uhm...' like that tomorrow and no answer, you're straight out!"

You want to defend yourself, but instead you wordlessly pull out your phone to look up the email.

But before you can even unlock the screen -

Snatch!

Karasu snatches your phone out of your hand.

"Hey!"

You gasp as Karasu simply snatches your  phone out of your hand and unlocks it as if it were his own.

"Why the hell do you know his pin?" Boogie asks dryly, without lifting his head.

You want to know why yourself. But before you can find an answer, Karasu just raises an eyebrow and says: "Lil bro, it's obvious."

"Oh yeah?" Boogie leans back, skeptical.

"Of course. I'm his best friend." He shrugs his shoulders. "I know everything. I mean, I've seen DogDay's nudes on his phone, too."

"WHAT?!"

Your whole-body freezes. Your brain stops. Your nerves burn.

And only then do you see his grin.

"Dude, chill. Just kidding." Karasu waves it off, but it doesn't help.

Because for one damn second - just one - you could imagine it.

And with the introduction comes a wave of memories of the group chat. The comments. Kickin's words. The disgust that had spread through you.

And then you feel it.

The pressure.

The lump in your throat that slowly forms.

Maybe it's a stupid impulse. Maybe it's because Karasu has just unconsciously crossed your boundary. Maybe it's because everything has built up inside you.

But you pack up your courage - and ask directly:

"Did you really tell Kickin?"

Karasu says nothing for a moment.

You see how Boogie slowly raises his head. How Boxy finally lowers his phone. How they both understood that this wasn't just a stupid line.

And then Karasu answers - with hesitation that you've never seen from him before:

"Slipped out." He says, with a cat-like smile.

Something inside you breaks.

It's not loud. No bangs. No thunder.

It is quiet. Unstoppable.

Like a crack in a disk that creeps further and further until it breaks.

You are not angry. Not sad. Not really disappointed.

It's worse.

Empty.

But before she can swallow you whole, Karasu leans forward, grinning slightly - but this time... differently.

"You may have already told everyone at college." His voice is calm. Almost casual. "So you know what you need to do."

Your head is rattling.

Boogie and Boxy are beginning to understand.

"What...?"

Karasu leans even further forward.

And then he says it.

"Just like in the chemistry exam." - Boogie, in a calm voice.

"Like at the talent show." - Boxy, mumbling almost thoughtfully.

"Like at the Fun Fair." - Karasu, with an expression that is more serious than usual.

Then, almost like an inescapable mantra:

"You have to perform."

Every time you thought you could hide in the shadows, life has dragged you into the spotlight.

Now it's that time again.

And this time...

This time it's about your future.

But what you don't know - what neither of you know - is that this interview won't just be an interview.

It will change everything.

---

And that's it for another new chapter!

This time there were a lot of scene changes instead of focusing on just one throughout - apart from the beginning and end at least. At this very moment, I'd say this is my favorite story (though that's theoretically true of all my stories). I love looking back at the previous chapters before the next update to see exactly where I've got to.

The next story to get an update (at least I think so) is the Rat story - and I'm really excited about it because we're slowly approaching the last three chapters. My Arcane story should also get an update, especially now that I've finally reached season 2.

Soon I will also post the chapter titles of the Rat Story on Wattpad/Tumblr (depending on where you are reading this - not on Ao3 then).

But before I stop babbling: What's actually going on with the relationship between the reader and DogDay? He liked her at first, but then CatNap kind of stole the spotlight - even though she definitely doesn't want it, after all, she's just as introverted as the reader. The dynamic between the three of them is definitely going to be exciting.

Thanks for reading - feel free to leave support!

[holdonunreal]

Chapter 12: At the Fun Fair

These are now all chapters of my story from Ao3, I have now properly (before that it was really a cramp) uploaded all of them here

Summary:

Another day on the class trip - but this time something finally happens. You and Karasu are invited by the Smiling Critters to visit a fun fair nearby. Since Karasu really wants to go and you feel you owe him something, you let yourself be persuaded and go along. This even gives you the opportunity to get closer to DogDay. But at the end of the day, you find yourself back with the girl from the previous night - the one you got on so unexpectedly well with alone in the rain. Just when you think the day couldn't get any more confusing, you suddenly receive an email. And suddenly everything becomes more serious than you ever expected.

Notes:

Well, who's back? That's right, me! And this time even with an update for the story that I can currently identify with the most (apart from the telekinesis, of course). This chapter is full of small but significant details that will play a big role later on. These include moments with DogDay, Bubba and CatNap - so keep your eyes peeled! But don't worry, I won't be assigning any homework here. Instead, I'll just let you enjoy the chapter. Enjoy reading, and I look forward to your support! ❤️ wc: 9

"Hello, this is the pizza service. Your order please!"

Karasu's voice echoes loudly through your room as he sits on the floor and leans towards the phone with a cheeky grin. Boxy holds the cell phone in his hand, quickly types in a number and then looks at Boogie, who is working on his laptop with a concentrated look on his face as he sits at the small wooden table.

The room is literally filled with empty cans of energy drinks and crumpled bags of potato chips. The bright light above them intensifies the chaotic atmosphere, which is only interrupted by Karasu's constant giggling and laughter.

That's because Karasu is sitting on the floor making prank calls while Boxy slips him numbers from your year group. Sometimes he pretends to be a pizza delivery service, sometimes a lost prostitute desperately looking for the way to Ludwig Castle, and in between he invents ever more absurd roles just to provoke the next reaction.

But while the laughter of the others echoes through the room, your thoughts are somewhere else entirely.

CatNap.

The girl from last night - or rather from this morning. Her silhouette, which looked like a shadow in the dim light. Her voice, calm and yet full of substance, as if she knew exactly how difficult words can sometimes be. She was there, in the darkness, and yet so present, so tangible. It was as if she had found a place in a world in which you often feel lost. And she shared this place with you.

But as her face appears again and again in your mind's eye, another feeling creeps in. A hint of guilt, a faint whisper that tells you it's wrong to think about her like this.

Because it's still DogDay.

DogDay, who has always fascinated you from afar. With her radiant smile that brightens up even the dullest day. She has been the center of your life since you first saw her. An idea, a dream, a vision of something you've always wanted to achieve, even if it feels unattainable.

CatNap and DogDay - they couldn't be more different.

CatNap is like a mirror. She understands you without you having to explain yourself. You don't feel alone or strange around her. She sees you as you are, without expectations, without judgment.

DogDay, on the other hand, is like a ray of light in the distance. She symbolizes the life you sometimes wish for, a life full of confidence, joy and possibilities. But it is also so far away that you wonder if you will ever have the courage to get close to it.

So, what is the right thing to do?

Do you stay in the shadows, with someone like CatNap who understands you and accepts you for who you are? Or do you dare to step into the limelight, to DogDay, into the world that you sometimes dream of, even though it seems so foreign to you?

It feels like your head is spinning endlessly in circles. But deep down, you know that you have to make a decision at some point - and that this decision could change everything.

And then it happened.

"Dude! What hooker is texting me right now?"

Despite your headphones and the far too loud music, his voice comes through to you, cracked and full of drama. You raise an eyebrow, a little irritated, and try to ignore him, but his next sentence makes you sit up and take notice:

"What the! Kickin?"

Your curiosity is piqued. You stop the music and look at your phone as you lean against the wall by your bed. The room around you suddenly feels more awake. Boogie, who was deep in his laptop a moment ago, now looks up too. Even Boxy lifts the head of his cell phone, while Karasu continues to talk angrily.

"Fun Fair?" Karasu sounds almost incredulous, but a wide grin spreads across his face. "I think I've just been invited by the cool kids!"

Huh?

The word forms in your mind, but before you can say it, Karasu turns around with a flourish. His eyes fix on you and you feel his gaze glide over your entire appearance. That wide, cheeky grin you know so well widens a little more.

"And look at that! It's not just me!" he shouts almost triumphantly. "I'm also supposed to bring my helper from the talent show!"

Helpers? Talent show? Bring them where? Your mind races, trying to make sense of his words, while Karasu is already straightening up with an overly important expression.

"But this is a really good opportunity..." he mumbles, as if thinking to himself. But then he looks directly at you and raises a hand as if giving you an order. "Come on, Y/N, we have a mission!"

Mission? What is he talking about?

You look at Boogie, who is looking in Karasu's direction with a half-amused, half-confused expression. Boxy just shrugs his shoulders, as if this is completely normal.

Karasu is suddenly standing in front of your bed, grinning down at you and shoving his cell phone in your face. You look at it and see a message.

You only see the message fleetingly, the words almost blur before your eyes:

"Yeah, we'll all meet at the Fun Fair next to the mall in an hour or so."

But instead of really processing the content, your eyes get stuck on something else. The background image. A car, shiny and black, with a light reflection on the hood. And the name underneath: "Feathered son of a bitch".

You frown, blink once to make sure you haven't misread.

What the hell kind of name is that?

You can't help but let out a soft, irritated snort. It's so typical of Karasu that it's almost unsurprising - and yet it gives you pause.

Karasu, unimpressed by your skeptical look, pulls back his phone and grins like a little boy who just said something particularly clever. "Cool name, isn't it? It's just Kickin. It's a wanker, isn't it?"

You don't reply. Your thoughts are still stuck on the message.

One hour... Fun Fair... Who is 'we'?

"Who is 'all of us'?" you finally utter, your voice no more than a whisper. It's as if you already know the answer, but you ask anyway - perhaps out of a desperate hope that it might be wrong.

Karasu slowly pulls back, his grin widening, almost triumphant. "Makes sense..." His voice has that confident undertone you know so well as he detaches himself from the bed frame and looks you in the eye.

"The Smiling Critters!"

Your heart stops.

The Smiling Critters. The group you beat at the talent show. Only through your telekinesis - and no one knows the truth except Karasu, Boxy and you - but that doesn't make it any less explosive. You're not just any clique. You are the clique. DogDay's group of friends.

Suddenly the air in the room feels heavy, almost suffocating. Your thoughts are racing. The Smiling Critters - and therefore also DogDay - want to meet you? Why? Why now? You look for a way to wriggle out of the situation, but Karasu's determined grin tells you that you don't really have a choice.

"So, Dude," Karasu says as he slaps you on the shoulder in a chummy manner. His grin is wider than ever, and his eyes sparkle with excitement. "Put on something fresh, don't you dare wear your standard hoodie again. We've got an hour. And until then, practise how to talk to a girl like DogDay!"

Part of you wants to disagree, maybe mumble a simple "No" or at least a half-hearted "No fancy, I'll stay here with Boxy and Boogie". It would be so easy not to go. To crawl into your bed, headphones in, thoughts out.

But then a thought flashes up and you notice how it takes hold.

DogDay will be there.

DogDay, who 'ignores' you on Instagram, who seems so important to you in your quiet moments that it hurts. Maybe this is your opportunity to step away, to reach out to them, to find out if that bright smile could be there for you too.

And then...CatNap.

The memory of last night flares up, the conversations, the familiarity. What if she's there too? What if this moment from yesterday is somehow repeating itself?

A nervous tingle spreads through you, a mixture of uncertainty and curiosity. Before you know it, you're nodding at Karasu, almost imperceptibly, but it's enough for him.

"You can do it! I knew you'd be there!" He triumphs, raises his fist in the air and turns to Boxy, who only applauds silently.

You are there.

It's bitterly cold outside, and you can't shake that thought as you stand at the bus that's supposed to take you from Ludwig Castle to the Fun Fair. You hunch your shoulders, hands buried deep in the pockets of your jacket, and try to ignore the cold. But it's as if it's seeping through every layer, just like the thoughts you can't shake off.

Your cell phone lights up in front of you, the Instagram chat with DogDay open. You scroll up and down it, reading the same words over and over again, looking for answers that you can't find.

Have I done something wrong?

Did I perhaps write it wrong?

Should I have spoken to her personally?

Every question increases the nervousness that is already sitting like a knot in your stomach. In a few minutes, you'll be facing the Smiling Critters group. DogDay will be there - no hood to hide behind, no Karasu to do all the talking for you. It will be all or nothing.

"So, excited yet?" Karasu's voice breaks through your thoughts. You look up and see him looking down at you, his trademark smile on his face. It's not mocking, but it's still so Karasu that you know what's coming.

"I hope you finally talk to your girlfriend," he says, leaning casually on a post. "It would be a real shame if you didn't take this chance."

Oh man. He never leaves me alone.

The cold of the evening seems to get sharper, passing you by as if to remind you how thin the air is right now. You think about everything that has happened in the last few weeks.

Your six-month absence from college - the reasons you could never really explain to anyone. Coming back and being thrown straight into the talent show. The party afterwards where Karasu won a little game against Kickin, Bubba and Hoppy with your "help" - or rather your telekinesis.

And now? Now you're here. The money from the talent show landed you on this class trip, where events have come thick and fast. The thing at the mall, your meeting with CatNap in the rain... Everything has settled on your psyche, layer by layer, heavier than the cold that surrounds you right now.

The bus stops with a soft hiss and you and Karasu get on. The warm, stuffy air of the empty vehicle hits you, a contrast to the icy cold outside. You take a quick look down the aisle - not a single passenger, just the rows of empty, worn seats and the dim light that bathes everything in a pale yellow.

Karasu immediately heads for the back row. "Back seats or nothing," he mutters with a grin, and you follow him, more out of habit than conviction.

You settle down, Karasu half lurching against the side of the window as you sit down at the other end of the bench. He shakes his head, mumbles something about "luxury travel in a tin can", but then falls silent. For the first time in hours, silence falls between you.

The bus slowly starts to move, the quiet rumble of the wheels on the asphalt penetrating the silence. You lean against the cold window, which is slightly fogged up, and stare out. The rhythm of the music in your ears is the only thing that really keeps you upright.

("I wanted you to know, that I am ready to go, heartbeat, my heartbeat")

You deliberately turn up the volume, almost painfully loud, just to block out the rest of the world. Karasu's voice, which keeps tugging at you, the diffuse tension in your head - everything is swallowed up by the driving beats and voices of the song.

Outside, the landscape passes by. Streets blurring in the darkness, lanterns whose cones of light dance in small, circular patterns on the ground. People walking along the roadside, wrapped in coats and scarves, like shadows in the night. Kerbs that accompany the movement of the bus like small, even markings.

("Whenever you are around, can't speak, I can't speak" )

And then the view opens up.

The silhouette of the castle stretches out before you, imposing and mighty, almost as if from another time. The stone towers rise into the sky, over which heavy, dark clouds gather. A flash of lightning cuts through the night and casts a brief, harsh light on the building that towers in the background. The huge garden stretches out in front of it, criss-crossed by narrow paths that disappear into the distance. Everything looks like a painting, unreal and surreal.

"Wow, that looks like Hogwarts!"

Karasu's voice penetrates everything, even your headphones. You hear him loud and clear, his tone full of enthusiasm and childlike joy. You involuntarily grimace, shake your head slightly and pull your hood tighter over your head as you continue to look out of the window.

("That I am ready to go, heartbeat, my heartbeat")

The music pulsates in your ears, giving you a rhythm to cling to while your thoughts jump around. You try to prepare yourself somehow - for socializing, for talking, for the possibility that they might ask questions. How do I not come across as weird? The question drills into your head as you obsessively remember how it went last time.

Bubba comes to mind. That big chemistry test you passed back then, even though no one knew why - except you, of course. You remember the look on his face when he came to your seat right after the results were announced. A brief, intense moment: jealousy. It wasn't open hostility, but you could sense that he didn't understand. And probably still doesn't.

Now, on the way to the Fun Fair, you can already imagine how many of the Smiling Critters are even interested in talking to you. But then a question creeps back into your mind, one that you have always pushed aside: Why did they ask about you of all people?

("Whenever you are around, can't speak, I can't speak")

Karasu's voice cuts through the music and pulls you out of your thoughts. "Dude, what are you pulling that face for?"

You turn to him slowly and look at him. His tall, casual figure fills the seat, his slicked-back hair sits perfectly as always, and even his clothes - simple but striking - look effortlessly well thought out.

You, on the other hand? You feel smaller, more inconspicuous. An outsider who only got into this situation thanks to Karasu.

"Hey, if you want..." Karasu suddenly starts, and his voice is soft, almost a whisper. "We can just go back."

Huh?

His words surprise you so much that you blink. But then you realize: his gaze is not like usual. He seems soft, almost serious, a side of him you've never seen before. Normally he's full of energy, always loud, always with a grin on his face and a silly remark on his lips. But now? There's something different now.

For a moment, you think about whether you should accept the offer. You think about how you could explain to him that you really don't like being around so many people. That the very idea of being in a place full of strangers with the Smiling Critters takes your breath away. You're looking for a way to say it without spoiling his fun.

But before you can open your mouth, Karasu has already averted his gaze. He looks at his cell phone, its light gently illuminating his face. Something in his expression changes - slight astonishment, then a smile.

"Look," he finally says and holds the cell phone out to you.

There is a picture on the screen. You only need a quick glance to recognize who is on it: DogDay.

She stands in front of a large gate that looks like the entrance to the Fun Fair. Her outfit is perfect, as always, and her smile - light, effortless, charming - immediately captivates you. It's almost as if you can feel the warmth she radiates through the picture.

But then your eyes move on.

You.

Behind DogDay, almost hidden, stands CatNap. Her thin black jacket envelops her like a shadow. Her posture, the way she turns away from the camera - everything about her screams to remain invisible. But you know immediately that it's her.

Your heart beats faster.

Both of them. Both are there.

"Let's go!"

So there you are: right at the entrance to the Fun Fair, without the Smilling Critters.

Lights everywhere, shining like stars in the night. The smell of candy floss, fried food and light dust is in the air, mixed with the dull drone of music and the excited babble of voices from the crowds. You can feel the cold seeping through your jacket, but it is masked by the chaotic atmosphere around you.

Karasu stands next to you, leaning slightly forward as he holds up his cell phone and stares at it. "What a fucking bastard," he mutters, then points a dramatic finger at the crowd in front of you. "They're already at the grab machines!"

They just left without us?

You want to say something, perhaps express your own confusion, but Karasu is already raising his hand as if he doesn't want to give you time to complain.

"Okay, Y/N, come with me! The vending machines are probably not far from here."

And with that, he sets off without waiting for an answer.

You follow him, or rather, you try to. The crowd is dense, and almost everyone seems to be at least a head taller than you. Your vision is limited to people's backs, shimmering jackets and the occasional elbow that gets too close. Karasu, with his long stride and upright posture, effortlessly makes his way through the people. You, on the other hand, have to make a constant effort not to lose sight of him.

The music is loud, drowned out by the sounds of the carousels and the cheerful shouts of people pushing their way through the various attractions. You can feel your nervousness mounting. Soon you'll be facing the Smiling Critters - and there's no way you can hide behind Karasu.

You remember everything that has happened in the last few weeks: the chemistry test, Bubba's jealous look, the talent show where you won thanks to your telekinesis, and the party afterwards.

It feels like everything is leading up to this moment.

"Y/N, move faster!" Karasu calls over his shoulder as he pushes his way through a group of teenagers laughing too loudly at something. "We don't have time to stand around here like a lost puppy."

You swallow your answer, ignore the slight burning sensation in your cheeks and continue on your way.

After a few more minutes, the crowd closes up a little and your gaze falls on a row of vending machines. The blue and pink lights of the machines flash frantically, casting reflections on the faces of the people gathered in front of them. You can hear the buzzing and beeping of the vending machines as the grabbing arms reach for soft toys again and again and come back empty.

Karasu stops abruptly and points at the machines with a broad grin. "There they are! Perfect. Now I'm going to get a fat rabbit or something."

You nod mechanically, the nervousness in your stomach grows stronger. Your gaze wanders to the people in front of the vending machines. They look relaxed, laughing, talking - exactly the opposite of you.

Your stomach tightens as you slowly approach the vending machines. It's impossible to ignore the group already standing there - all eight of them. Every single person attracts your attention, like figures from a painting come to life.

Blonde hair, blue hair, red hair, black hair - the colors and contrasts confuse you for a moment as you try to process it all. Their clothes, their poses, the way they move and talk to each other - it's a chaos of personality and energy.

There stands Kickin. The tall blond with his mocking grin, his hands casually on the machine levers. He turns slightly to answer Karasu's call, and immediately there is that arrogant glint in his eyes.

"Well, look who's here!" he shouts, his voice loud and confident. "Didn't think you'd find your way here on your own!"

You feel all the eyes of the group suddenly turn towards you. It feels as if someone has turned a huge spotlight on you, even though you would prefer to make yourself invisible.

Your gaze continues to wander through the group. Picky is standing a little to one side, a candied apple in her hand, which she nibbles on carefully as she looks over at you curiously. Her pink hair is loosely tied up and she seems a little distracted, as if she's more interested in her apple than the vending machine.

Crafty, with her ever-so-slightly shy smile, draws with a small notebook on her hands. Her turquoise hair falls in her face as she moves the pen almost nervously, and she only looks up occasionally to observe the situation.

Next to her stands Hoppy, with green hair and a confident stance that seems almost a little defiant. She has her arms crossed in front of her chest, and her eyes are scanning you and Karasu as if she's already sizing you up.

Bobby, whose red hair looks like a brilliant contrast in the bright lighting of the vending machines. She is wearing an elegant dress that looks almost out of place at the Fun Fair, but it suits her. Her make-up is perfect, as if she had planned the evening carefully, and her attitude exudes a mixture of self-confidence and ease that is hard to miss.

And then there's DogDay. Her blonde hair almost glows in the light of the vending machines as she watches the action with a slight smile. She exudes that effortless elegance that throws you off balance every time.

But your eyes linger on CatNap. She's standing a little further back, almost hidden behind Bubba, her black jacket pulled tightly around her. She has her arms crossed and seems to be the only one in the group who is really holding back. Her eyes, dark and hard to read, glide over you only briefly before looking elsewhere.

"You could have waited for us..." Karasu finally says, breaking the silence that has lasted far too long for you. He walks over to Kickin, shakes his hand and grins as usual. "But I guess you want your second defeat fast!"

Second defeat? What does he mean?

You hear a voice from the right. "But this time to this machine." Bubba, still with that analytical look as he slightly adjusts his glasses and eyes the machine in front of him. "Let's see how your luck plays out here."

You swallow and realize that you are still standing a little way away from the group. Almost like an outsider, watching but not really part of it. With a deep breath, you take a step forward, the nervousness in your stomach spilling over, but you know you can't stay on the sidelines forever.

"Huh? Hey, you there."

You freeze for a moment and your head slowly lifts, only to see eight pairs of eyes suddenly fix on you. Your stomach tightens, and you know full well that this isn't a dream - it's your worst expectations becoming reality.

"Why don't you shake my hand? Am I not human?"

It's Kickin, who looks at you with a mocking smile. His posture is casual, almost defiant, as he holds out his hand as if it were a royal command.

You give Karasu a quick glance, and he nods at you, a look of "Go on, it's nothing," on his face. Your heart beats faster, but you force yourself to walk over.

You hold out your hand and Kickin grabs it immediately. The handshake is firm - far too firm. His fingers grip your hand like a vice, and you can feel him deliberately increasing the pressure.

A soft hiss escapes you and you flinch slightly, but try not to let it show. Your face burns with embarrassment as Kickin eyes you with a wry grin. "Not bad. But maybe a little more power next time?"

Karasu laughs briefly as you rub your hand inconspicuously.

What the hell was that? What is that? Why is this guy pushing extra hard?

Even Karasu doesn't squeeze so hard, and that's saying something.

"So, now that that's settled, we can move on." Kickin turns back to the machine as if nothing had happened, and you wonder if this was a test - or if he just wanted to show that he was in control.

Asshole.

And so the glorious game night began. Apparently, unbeknownst to you, Karasu was being put to the test here. His goal? To get Pokémons out of the grappling machines while the Smiling Critters watched and presumably hoped for his failure.

It continued in turns, and before you know it, twenty minutes had passed. Twenty long minutes of Kickin and Hoppy trying their hand at the machine - and getting absolutely nothing out of it.

"It's rigged anyway!" complains Kickin, banging lightly on the machine as if that would change anything.

"Give me another coin!" interjects Hoppy, annoyed, as she pierces the mechanism with a sharp look, as if she could solve the mystery of the machine by willpower alone.

The comments got louder and quieter, depending on the nervousness of those involved, and slowly the mood in the group began to change. Thirty minutes of trials, discussions and pure frustration - and not a single stuffed Pokémon had left the vending machine.

Then it was Karasu's turn.

"Dude..." he suddenly whispers and pulls you a few meters away from the group. His voice is low, almost conspiratorial, while your eyes remain glued to the glare of the machines. You turn to him and he looks at you with a mixture of desperation and determination.

"You have to help me."

You frown, unsure what he means. But then he adds: "Well, it's not that I'm bad at this shit, but even the dumbest person knows that it's not fair."

Huh? What does he mean by help?

You barely have time to think about it before he says it.

"You know... your superpower, Dude."

Your breath hitches. For a moment, it feels as if he has pulled the rug out from under your feet. Your gaze remains fixed on him as your mind races. He wants me to use my telekinesis? Here, right in front of the Smiling Critters?

The idea alone makes you nervous. Isn't that noticeable? If everyone else hasn't gotten anything out of the vending machine for half an hour and Karasu suddenly magically catches a Pokémon, that's suspicious.

You open your mouth to protest, but a voice from the group interrupts you.

"Are you scared or what, Karasu?" Kickin grins challengingly, and you see Karasu's face change. His grin doesn't disappear, but you recognize the fine line between his usual nonchalance and his fear of embarrassing himself in front of everyone.

Without another word, Karasu walks off, but gives you a wink. A clear signal: help me, otherwise I'll make a fool of myself.

Your heart is beating faster and you are fighting with yourself inside. Can I even do that?

Of course you have developed yourself and your telekinesis. At the very beginning, you remember very well, you had to close your eyes to use it at all. It was laborious, uncontrolled, almost random.

But then came the talent show. Boxy and Karasu had helped you by forcing you to build a stupid Lego tower with your eyes open. And suddenly everything became easier.

Now you can move small things almost casually, as if it were second nature. The weight you can lift has also increased. You remember how you held Karasu - at least its lower half - in the air for a few seconds.

This shouldn't be a problem. Shouldn't it?

You swallow while Karasu is already standing at the vending machine. The others are watching him, some amused, others skeptical. It feels like the whole world is waiting for this moment - and you know you have to decide.

Karasu leans dramatically against the vending machine, one hand on the lever, the other resting on his hip with exaggerated self-confidence. "If I pull out a Pikachu right now, surely I can get your number?"

His words hang in the air for a moment and it takes a second for the meaning to sink in. You look at him in confusion, your eyes wander to the vending machine, and then you follow his gaze.

He looks at Bobby, who also seems surprised for a moment. Her red hair shines in the light of the vending machines and she unconsciously straightens her dress before answering him with a small smile:

"Uhm... I don't know." She hesitates, but then looks at Karasu and adds, "Do I get the stuffed animal, then?"

What the hell is going on here right now?

Karasu pushes the coin into the machine with an overly dramatic flourish and turns to face you again. His grin is wider than ever, almost smug. "Watch out, losers, the boss will show you how it's done."

The reactions are varied: an eye roll here, a quiet giggle there. But everyone seems excited to see how this moment unfolds.

"You won't make it anyway, give up, Dude!" shouts Kickin, crossing his arms in front of his chest as he leans slightly against the vending machine.

Karasu ignores him, turns back and puts her hand on the lever. You can feel your heart beating faster. Your eyes stay on him, but you know what you have to do. Inwardly, you are already concentrating your strength on the stuffed animal in the vending machine - the Pikachu lying in the middle of other stuffed animals.

"The vending machines are rigged anyway," mumbles Hoppy as she shakes her head. "There's a magnet or something on them."

Karasu moves the lever carefully, his eyes fixed on the Pikachu. Your gaze alternates between him and the gripping arm, which is slowly being moved into position. You can literally feel the tension in the air as an invisible bond forms between you, Karasu and the automaton.

You take a deep breath and feel your telekinesis move through your body like a gentle current. Your focus is now only on the gripping arm. You feel yourself influencing it with your will, holding it steady as it moves downwards.

"Bet he misses?" says Bubba as he pushes his glasses up a little.

But the arm does not miss. It closes right around the Pikachu, lifting it carefully as you continue to concentrate.

Come on! Now pull that damn stuffed animal out! I can do it!

You hear Karasu mumbling something - perhaps a prayer, perhaps just a mixture of cursing and hoping.

"He can really do it...?" says Crafty, quietly, as if she doesn't believe it herself.

The Pikachu moves upwards, hovers for a moment, and your focus becomes stronger. You can't screw it up. Not now. With one last precise movement, you guide your arm over the ejection hatch and the stuffed animal falls in.

"YES!" Karasu jumps up, throws his arms in the air and turns around triumphantly. "Didn't I tell you? The boss always delivers!"

The group is silent, partly surprised, partly amused.

I've never made it that far, let alone right next to people. Plus, I couldn't even see the vending machine that well...Did I just go to the next level?

As you concentrate on calming your breathing and releasing the pressure from your telekinesis, you suddenly hear a soft voice next to you.

"Didn't expect to see you here."

You turn your head slightly and realize that DogDay has come closer. She is standing right next to you, her voice calm but curious. Her blonde hair shines in the light of the vending machines and she looks at you with a slight smile.

"Oh... yes, I..." You search for words, feel your heart beating faster again.

"Are you good at the vending machines too?" she asks, without making it sound like an accusation, more like a casual question inviting you to say something about yourself.

"Not really," you mumble, shrugging your shoulders slightly as you try to sound normal. "But I guess Karasu's motivated enough for both of us."

She laughs softly, a gentle, pleasant laugh that puts you at ease for a moment. "He's already... unique, isn't he?"

You nod, but you're not sure if you should say anything.

While the others in the group discuss Karasu's "victory" and Kickin shouts mocking comments at him, you notice that DogDay continues to pay attention to you. It feels strange, but also somehow... good.

DogDay takes one last look at Karasu, who proudly holds up the Pikachu like a peacock and collects the group's reactions with a broad grin. She sighs softly, then speaks with a mixture of amusement and determination:

"I think they'll be here until tomorrow."

Everyone falls silent for a moment and turns to her. "Guys, let's move on."

Her words seem like an invisible command. It's almost comical how naturally the others start moving, as if she were some kind of deity - which she definitely is for you, at least at this moment.

Karasu puts the Pikachu in his pocket with an arrogance that is almost too much, while Kickin still mutters, shaking his head, "I swear the vending machines are rigged."

"Manipulated or not, you still lost," Bubba interjects dryly as he plays with his glasses.

The group slowly breaks away from the vending machine and begins to move through the crowd. The conversation still revolves around Karasu's "victory", while Hoppy laughs out loud, half mocking, half praising him.

"Ey, that was really cool!" says Crafty, her voice quiet but impressed.

"He was just lucky," mumbles Kickin, barely concealing his frustration.

You lag a little behind the group as DogDay turns to you briefly and smiles. "Well, are you coming?" she asks, and your heart skips a beat before you nod and follow her.

The shooting range

The group finally stops in front of a shooting range, whose bright lights bathe the square in a neon glow. Guns hang neatly in a row, while rows of tin cans are lined up behind the counter. The owner of the stand, a man with a moustache and a worn cap, smiles in a friendly manner.

"So, who dares?" asks Hoppy as she rubs her hands together and lets her gaze wander over the group.

Kickin is the first to step forward. "Easy," he says and grabs one of the rifles. "I can do that with my left hand."

The others watch while he concentrates. But as he pulls the trigger, the first bullets fly just past the cans. He grits his teeth and shoots again - but once more no can falls.

"Hey, what's this shit?" he shouts and turns briefly to the stall owner, who just shrugs his shoulders.

"I think you're just bad," says Hoppy mockingly and steps forward herself. She grabs a gun, checks it briefly and points it at the cans. With a steady breath, she pulls the trigger - and three cans fall over immediately.

"Yes!" she shouts, turning to Kickin and grinning triumphantly. "That's called precision, Dude."

Kickin grimaces and mumbles: "It was just luck."

"Sure, that's what they always say," Hoppy replies dryly and puts the rifle back. "But honestly, I think everyone here could shoot better than you."

Kickin snorts, his frustration becoming clearer. He looks around, his gaze lingers briefly on you, and before you can react, he says aloud:

"The guy could suck me off standing up."

The group falls silent for a moment and the air becomes tense. You feel your cheeks grow hot as Hoppy suddenly laughs out loud.

"Oh my God, Kickin, that was pathetic!" she says as she holds her stomach. The others giggle, and even DogDay can't help but smile softly.

You stand there, your hands trembling slightly, while the eyes of others pierce you like needles. Your heart beats so loudly that it seems to drown out everything else. And then you see it - the laughter. They really are all laughing.

Even DogDay.

The smile, which is usually warm and reassuring, now feels like a knife being slowly pushed into your chest. It's not even a loud laugh, more of an amused, almost quiet smile. But it's enough. It's enough to bring everything inside you crashing down.

Why am I here at all?

Your mind is spinning in endless circles. First she talked to you, then she didn't reply to you on Instagram, and now this. She wanted you to be here, didn't she? Why else would she have agreed for you to come? Or was it just pity?

Your throat gets dry, your eyes burn. I don't belong here.

But then your eyes wander a little further and you see her.

CatNap.

Her black, obsidian eyes meet yours, just for a moment. She stands slightly apart from the group, just as you feel: on the outside. Her black hair falls into her face, her stance is defensive, almost like a mirror of your own. But what's most striking is this: she's not laughing.

No amusement, no mockery, no pity. Just a silent understanding. She is like you. She's not here because she wants to be, but because the others have pushed her. She doesn't belong either.

For them.

This thought flashes through your head. I'm doing this for her. Not for Karasu, not for Kickin, not for DogDay. For yourself. And for her.

Without another word, you push your way through the group, ignoring the curious and amused looks, until you are standing in front of the shooting range counter.

"So young man, you have three attempts and-"

You don't even listen. You raise your gun, the anger and frustration inside you taking over. Your hands are steady because your anger is stronger than your nervousness. You take aim and pull the trigger.

Bang!

With the first shot, all three cans in your position fall over at the same time. The stall owner remains standing with his mouth open while the group behind you falls silent.

I don't care. I'm not finished yet.

You turn the rifle, aiming at the places next to you - the other cans being used by other shooters. You feel your telekinesis flowing through you, sharpening your senses, stabilizing the barrel of the rifle.

Bang! Three more cans fall.

Bang! And three more.

The people around you murmur in disbelief. "How does he do that?" you hear someone whisper.

You feel the weight of your telekinesis in every shot. It guides the bullets, making sure they hit exactly the right angle. It's like a dance, an instinctive rhythm that only you can control.

But deep inside you are fighting against other thoughts.

Why am I here?

I don't fit in with them.

DogDay doesn't like me. Not really.

You remember how you always felt like an outsider. How you thought you might feel different with DogDay - but now you're not sure. Maybe it was all just a delusion, a wish that was never real.

But then another thought comes. A loud, clear thought that drowns everything out:

I'm doing this to show that I'm not weak. To prove that I belong. Even if only for this one moment.

With one last, well-aimed shot, you hit the last cans on the stand. Every single one has fallen, every bullet has reached its target.

You lower your rifle and take a deep breath. It's quiet for a moment. The group's eyes burn into your back, but you don't turn around.

That was for me. And for them.

You slowly lower the rifle, your hands tremble slightly as the adrenaline rush subsides. Your breathing is heavy but controlled. For a moment, it's as if the world stands still. The sounds of the Fun Fair - the humming of the lights, the laughter in the distance, the music - everything seems muted, almost non-existent.

It is dead quiet.

Everyone stares at you. The group, the stall owner, even the passing strangers who just happened to stop. The Smiling Critters, who usually always have something to say, are completely speechless.

Then the stand owner breaks the silence, his voice loud and full of enthusiasm:

"Unbelievable! Boy, those were the best goals I've ever seen!"

You turn to him slowly, still half lost in thought. He points with a grand gesture to the prizes on display, huge stuffed animals hanging at the front of the stand.

"Take your pick! It doesn't matter which one, you've earned it!"

The words bring you back to reality and suddenly you realize that all eyes are still on you. The group stands motionless, some with their mouths open.

"What...?" mumbles Kickin, as if he can't believe what has just happened.

"How... did he do that?" Hoppy asks quietly, her arms no longer crossed but loose at her sides.

Karasu, who is usually the loudest, stands still, but you can see the wheels turning in his head. The others turn to him questioningly, as if he has an answer.

"What... was that?" Bubba finally asks, pushing up his glasses.

Karasu shrugs, his grin slowly returning as if he had made a decision. "Y/N? Well, guys, what can I say? This guy is just... special."

You feel your heart beating faster, but not with nervousness. You feel something else - something that sounds like pride. But before you can get any further lost in your thoughts, the stall owner raises an eyebrow.

"Well, boy, what's it going to be? Make up your mind before I change my mind!"

You turn back to the prizes and see the giant stuffed animals: a huge teddy bear, a giant Pikachu, a giant polar bear. But your gaze doesn't wander for long, it automatically slides to the side.

About CatNap.

Her obsidian eyes look at you, surprised, almost incredulous. She stands frozen, her arms crossed in front of her chest, but her stance is less defensive than usual. For a moment, you see not only surprise on her face, but also a hint of... uncertainty?

You take a step towards them, the group is still silent.

"Which one would you like?"

The words leave your mouth and you see her eyes widen. Time seems to stand still for a moment.

"What?!" says Hoppy loudly, her voice full of disbelief.

"Huh?!" mumbles Kickin as he alternates glances between you and CatNap.

You risk a quick glance around. DogDay looks at you - and this time her expression is not the usual gentle smile. She is... shocked. Almost as if she had expected anything but this moment.

Next to you, you hear Karasu murmur softly: "You're playing with fire, Dude..."

CatNap takes a moment before she even reacts. Her lips open, but no words come out. Finally she mumbles, almost too quietly to hear:

"The polar bear... maybe?"

You nod curtly, turn to the stall owner and point to the huge white polar bear that fills almost the entire top row of the stall.

"That one."

The stall owner laughs loudly, lifts the big polar bear down with both hands and hands it to you. "Good choice! Have fun with it, boy."

You pick up the soft toy, it's bigger than you expected and you feel the weight - but not just that of the cuddly toy. You also feel the stares.

When you turn back to CatNap and press the stuffed animal into her hands, it's as if the world is holding its breath. "Here."

She takes it slowly, her fingers trembling slightly, and she looks at you with an expression you can't quite interpret. Gratitude? Surprise? Maybe something else.

There is absolute silence in the group. No chatter, no laughter. And for the first time in a long time, you feel... better.

The silence after your unexpected move hangs heavy in the air as the group slowly starts moving again. You hear Karasu mutter softly, "Holy shit..." It sounds half-amused, half-disbelieving, as if even he doesn't know exactly how to classify that right now.

Kickin snorts loudly, mumbles something like, "I don't believe it," and turns away, shaking her head. Hoppy, on the other hand, gives you a curious look, almost as if she's trying to reassess you.

DogDay says nothing. She walks on, slightly in front of the group, her posture still graceful but without the usual swing. For a moment you see her head turn slightly, but she doesn't say a word.

And then you realize that you're running behind. Next to CatNap.

Her huge plush dragon fills almost half the space between you, and she holds it with both hands in front of her chest as if it were the most precious thing she has ever owned. Her steps are quiet, almost shy, and she says nothing.

You think about whether you should say something. Finally, you break the silence. "I... don't really like places like this."

She lifts her head slightly, her obsidian eyes meeting yours before quickly looking forward again. "Me neither."

For a moment, you just keep walking, with only the sounds of the Fun Fair around you. Voices, laughter, the sounds of rides - everything seems to stand in strange contrast to the silence between you.

"Too many people," she finally says, her voice low, almost a whisper.

You nod. "And too loud."

She gives you a quick glance and you feel something like approval. It's not much of a conversation, but it feels... right.

"It's better in the castle," she murmurs as she lightly strokes the plush dragon with her finger.

"Yes," you agree, your voice just as calm as hers, "It's... easier there."

She nods slightly, and for a moment your footsteps run in unison. The group in front of you is a little further on, their voices mingling with the sounds of the Fun Fair. But back here, between you and CatNap, the world seems to move a little slower.

It's the first time in a long time that you don't feel out of place.

So the evening went on, and you feel... different. Not necessarily changed, but somehow lighter, as if something inside you had loosened.

You didn't exchange a single word with DogDay, absolutely nothing. She stayed up front with the others, her voice lost in the general hubbub, and it almost felt like she never really existed. Instead... there was CatNap.

The conversation with her was different. No pressure, no expectations. You talked about anything that came to mind - music, favorite books, why crowds are so awful. You realized how similar you were. It was almost scary how well she seemed to understand you without you having to explain anything.

The evening passed like a dream that slowly drifts by. Karasu stayed with the others, either because he wanted to give you some space or because he thought you didn't need him. But his comments, as annoying as they sometimes are, echo in the back of your mind.

"She's in your league, isn't she? This is your world, man!"

In between, you tested your luck at other stands, often at Karasu's request.

"Come on, Dude, get me that one! You just have the flow."

It was almost ridiculous how easy it was for you to win - because you cheated a little, of course. Your telekinesis gave you the perfect advantage. Whether it was stabilizing the gripper arm or steering the key on a vending machine right into the hole, you managed everything with a precision that was simply inexplicable to the others.

At the end of the evening, you'll go home with new headphones, an impressive collection of stuffed animals - from Pikachu to a giant dragon - and perhaps the best prize of all: a connection that feels real.

Later, when the Smiling Critters are distracted at a booth, you manage to talk without being disturbed. CatNap takes out her cell phone, you exchange numbers, and she sends you her playlist.

"These are my favorites," she says softly, and you feel your cheeks grow hot.

"I'll listen to it," you mumble back, almost choking on the words because the situation is so unfamiliar.

Before you part, she pauses for a moment.

"I hope to see you around."

Her voice is calm, almost shy, and you see a slight blush spreading across her cheeks. You just nod because you can't get any more out. But inside you feel something you haven't felt for a long time: Hope.

On the way back to the castle, you're on the bus with Karasu. You can't block him out, no matter how loud your music is.

"Hey, no joke, I'm proud of you, man!" he says loudly, slapping you on the shoulder. "You really got her number? It's like Christmas and a birthday together."

He doesn't stop talking.

"Do you know what that means? You're officially no longer an outsider! I don't know how you did it, but that was damn impressive. Ya' dumbass!"

You can't help but smile, even as you roll your eyes. Karasu is Karasu, and somehow... you're grateful that he's here.

The stars are shining over the castle when you arrive, and you feel like you've won something that isn't in a vending machine after a long time.

You walk through the corridors, the walls throwing back the echoing sound of Karasu's footsteps as you run up the stairs of the tower. The walk to your room takes longer than usual, or maybe it just seems that way because your thoughts keep wandering to the last few hours.

When you finally open the door to the room, Karasu rushes in, arms outstretched:

"We're back!" he shouts, as if he has to tell the whole world.

But it remains silent. You follow him into the room and realize that no one is there. The small wooden table where Boogie always sits is empty. Boxy's bed, where he usually hangs out with his cell phone, is untouched.

Karasu stops, looks around exaggeratedly dramatically, and then walks around the room in circles. "Where are they? I hope they didn't go to the club to fuck without me."

You barely react to his comment. Instead, you put your cell phone on the table, take off your jacket and go to your suitcase. Tiredness suddenly hits you like a wave - not just physically, but mentally too. The evening's social interactions have taken more out of you than you'd like to admit. And then there was the constant use of your telekinesis.

"Dude!" Karasu turns to you, his voice full of energy. "I have to say, as many times as you used your superpower today, you must have broken your personal record!"

He grins broadly, leans against the bed frame and counts off on his fingers: "I mean... you've easily ripped off everything at ten stands! Soft toys, even those headphones! How did you manage all that?"

You hesitate briefly as you bend over your suitcase and search through your things. Then you answer calmly: "Why and I don't know myself."

But inside you know that this is only half the truth. The "how" remains a mystery - sometimes it seems to you as if telekinesis has a life of its own, as if it reacts to your emotions. But the "why"? That is perfectly clear to you.

You did it for them.

CatNap.

The invitation to this evening was addressed to Karasu by the group, you knew that from the start. You were just there, as always. An appendage. But when you realized that CatNap seemed just as lost as you did, you stopped doing it all for the others. Not for Kickin, not for DogDay, not even for Karasu.

For them.

You slowly straighten up, close the suitcase and lean against the bed. Karasu has stopped talking by now, sitting on his own bed and scrolling through his cell phone as if nothing had happened.

But it's not quiet in your head. The memories of the evening - of her voice, her look, the quiet "I hope we meet again" - all of this echoes in your mind.

"Well, well, well." Karasu's voice brings you out of your thoughts. You see him turn his head towards the door, so you follow his gaze.

Boogie and Boxy come in, both wrapped up in thick jackets, their faces slightly flushed from the cold air outside.

"Where have you been? When did you start going out anyway?" Karasu leans forward, his tone half curious, half mocking. "Don't tell me you've been in a girls' room of some of our level. Boxy would rather play Clash of Clans than... well, find the hole."

Boxy snorts as he takes off his jacket. "No. We were at Burger King."

However, the answer comes from Boogie, with his typically stoic, monotone voice that keeps every situation sober. Without another word, he pulls out a bag, the large Burger King logo clearly visible on it. The warm, greasy smell of cheeseburgers immediately fills the room.

"We brought you some cheeseburgers," Boxy says casually as he places the bag on the small table. "Hope you like the Burger King ones."

Karasu raises an eyebrow and leans back. "I would have preferred McDonald's, but if anything..."

He is already reaching for the bag, but then he stops. "How many are there in there anyway?" he asks, looking back and forth between the two of them. "I'm already slightly hungry, and I really hope that you-"

"14." Boogie interrupts him dryly, making no face.

Karasu blinks and stares at him for a moment before dramatically putting a hand to his face. "Dude..."

He pretends to be in tears and wipes imaginary drops from his eyes with exaggerated gestures. "You two really are the best."

He sits down at the small wooden table, enthusiastically reaches into the bag and pulls out a cheeseburger. But before he can unwrap it, your cell phone suddenly vibrates on the table.

Your heart leaps as you look at the screen.

An e-mail.

The words that follow are short and matter-of-fact, but they seem to take up the whole room. Almost imperceptibly, everyone in the room moves closer to the table without saying a single word. Their eyes wander to your cell phone, tense, curious - as if they instinctively sense that something big is about to happen.

You swallow, pick up your cell phone and read aloud slowly:

"Invitation to an interview for a scientific internship at Playtime Co."

Notes:

And that's the end of this chapter! Of course, once again interrupted at the most exciting and interesting point - how mean! Wow, what a chapter! The class trip finally picks up speed, the Smiling Critters show up, and you show everyone what you're capable of - just great. There was also your attempt to get closer to DogDay, which backfired spectacularly. Instead, it led to getting closer to CatNap, who is a much better match for you anyway. In case anyone asks: no, I don't yet know who the reader will end up with. But don't worry - I have exciting ideas for both options, which also tie in with the end of this chapter. As mentioned in a previous update (on another story), the updates for the Poppy Playtime stories will be a bit slower. I will now concentrate fully on the Arcane story and try to make as much progress as possible there. Thanks for reading - please leave some support!

[holdonunreal]

Chapter 11: 🎄 Christmas Special: Christmas Party 🎉

Summary:

Unaware that the college has organized a big Christmas party, you reluctantly let Karasu drag you along. To you, it doesn't feel like a real party or a real Christmas. But you soon realize that this was all part of Karasu's plan. After all, the organizer of the entire event is none other than your Crush DogDay.

"A college Christmas party?"

The words leave your mouth, half in disbelief, half reluctantly. As soon as you say them, you feel an unpleasant tug in your stomach - the familiar nervousness that always comes over you when it comes to crowds or social engagements.

You're sitting on your warm, soft bed, wrapped up in your blanket while your headphones play soft music. It's one of those moments when just getting up and doing anything seems like an insurmountable task. The darkness of your room, the muffled sounds of the music - everything feels like a cocoon that you are reluctant to leave.

Karasu's message appears on your phone again. "So? Are you coming with me? Christmas party, Dude!" He's already texted you five times, and each time you've briefly considered just putting the phone on silent and ignoring him. He usually asks Boxy things like that, and it usually ends in a curt "lick my balls" that settles it for both of you.

But this time it's different. Karasu seems to mean business. You can almost see his annoying grin in front of you as he continues to print on your screen with a mixture of tenacity and persuasion.

What could possibly go wrong?

After a lot of thinking back and forth - and because you know he won't stop otherwise - you finally give in to your curiosity. You slowly type out an answer, even though you're already struggling with the decision inside.

'When do you want to show up there? It's already dark outside.

You send him the message and not a second later the blue ticks appear. Of course he reads them immediately - Karasu is quicker than you would like. As you return to the music, select a new song and ponder, lost in thought, who will all be at this party, your phone vibrates again in your hand.

'Be with you in eight minutes, stop wanking and get ready.

You stare at the message before letting the phone drop with a soft sigh. Typical Karasu. The nervousness in your stomach grows, but somehow his directness forces you to slowly get out of bed.

Eight minutes. That's great.

You slowly get up from your bed, the feeling of heaviness running through your whole body. It's almost like a typical morning of getting ready for college - the warm blanket you reluctantly leave behind and that thought in the back of your mind that you're about to go into a situation you don't feel like going into.

But this time it's not for lectures or seminars, but for a party. A bloody Christmas party.

With little motivation, you start to get ready. You reach for your standard hoodie and the long trousers you almost always wear. Practical, comfortable, inconspicuous - just your style. You don't have time to think about other options anyway. Seven minutes to go and Karasu will be at the door.

Besides, who are you dressing up for? It's not like you're really getting into conversation with anyone. You're not a social butterfly, and that's not in your nature. Your role is to stand in the background, listen and somehow get through the night without attracting attention.

You take a quick look in the mirror. No special changes, no styling - just you, as always.

That will have to do.

But before you leave the bathroom, you stop for a moment. Your gaze wanders around the room, almost absent-mindedly, until it lingers on one thing: the toothbrush.

She's still lying where you left her last night - on the edge of the sink, half-slid over the edge as if she'd given up on herself. You sigh softly and reach out your hand. But before you reach it, you pause.

I almost forgot.

You're not like everyone else. You have something that no one else on this planet has: superpowers.

You breathe in slowly and then breathe out again. A tingling sensation starts in the palm of your hand and spreads down your arm, like a gentle electric wave that you can barely feel, but is there nonetheless. Your gaze fixes on the toothbrush lying so inconspicuously in front of you.

Nothing happens at first, but then, with a barely noticeable movement of your finger, it lifts slightly off the edge of the pool.

The movements in the air are completely under your mental control. The toothbrush floats slowly upwards, turning slightly on its own axis as if it were weightless. The light from the bathroom catches in the drops still clinging to it, making it almost shimmer for a moment.

You concentrate, trying to ignore the gentle pressure in your head that always accompanies the use of your powers. With a calm, flowing movement, you let the toothbrush float to the cabinet hanging slightly open above the sink.

The toothbrush glides through the air and when it reaches the edge of the cupboard, you turn it carefully so that it falls perfectly into the cup. No noise, no unnecessary movement - it sits exactly in place as if it had never been anywhere else.

You lower your hand and exhale, spared the familiar feeling of exhaustion this time. You stop for a moment and stare at the cupboard. It's nothing big, nothing earth-shattering, but still - it's yours.

You stand in front of the cupboard for a moment, your gaze fixed on the toothbrush, which is now sitting calmly and perfectly tucked away in its cup. The thought of how effortlessly you have just done this slowly creeps into your head. Superpowers. It sounds like something out of a movie, something that anyone else would see as a gift. But for you?

For you, they feel more like a curse.

As you look at the room, thoughts that you so often try to suppress emerge. Who would put up with someone like you if they knew what you can do? Even now, you often feel like an outsider who doesn't really belong. But if people knew that you... that you can make things float, that you can manipulate the world around you with your thoughts - how would they react?

Fear. Skepticism. Perhaps even disgust.

You feel the familiar weight on your shoulders getting heavier. Telekinesis was supposed to make you special, to give you something that would make you stand out from the crowd. But all it has done so far is drive you even further away from the others. To make you even more isolated.

You swallow hard and rub your temples. Why me? You keep asking yourself this question, but it remains unanswered.

For a moment, you think about what it would be like if Karasu, Boxy or Boogie knew about this. Would they still look at you as if you were normal? Or would you then finally be the "freak" who is even further out than you are now?

Not now. Just don't think about it Y/N.

The ringing of the phone finally pulls you out of your thoughts, and with a soft sigh you make your way into the living room. As soon as you enter the room, you see Karasu heading for the door before you can even react.

"I've already got it!" he shouts, almost too forcefully, and opens the door before you even have a chance to stop him.

Did he really just use the key from outside?

There he stands - with his trademark wide grin that immediately makes him look like an intruder, even if he feels completely justified. "Well, I thought you needed help with your outfit choice, Dude." he says as he pushes past you with a brazen matter-of-factness.

"Karasu..." you start, but he ignores you completely.

"Oh, what a cozy setup," he murmurs with feigned interest as he flops down on the couch, spreads his arms and really spreads out. "Ya' really do live like retired folks, ya' know that?"

You roll your eyes, cross your arms and wait for him to get to his point - if he has one at all. But instead, he starts filling the room with his usual commentary style.

"Nice and tidy here... kind of creepy. You're sure there's not a secret messy cupboard in here somewhere? Just a thought."

Before you can answer, he sits up straighter, taps his hand on the couch and grins: "There you go. I've got it all figured out! A nice outfit for DogDay!"

You are about to interrupt him when he continues directly: "Although..." He leans back with a theatrical expression on his face. "It won't do you much good if you take each other's clothes off after the party and -"

WHAT?!

You turn away hastily, the sound of his words hitting you like a blow. Your thoughts stop and you feel the blush shoot up your face, hot and burning.

Nevertheless, you can't prevent exactly what he has hinted at from suddenly popping into your head like a glaring image. DogDay, the party, you - and the rest, which you shouldn't allow yourself to imagine any further.

"Shut up!" you shout back, perhaps a little too loudly, hoping that it will be enough to shut him up. But you know that this is exactly what Karasu wanted to achieve: to upset you.

"I get it, Dude." His voice is calm, almost too calm, which is rare for him. "But that aside, we need to get going now! You don't want to be late for the Christmas party your girlfriend is throwing."

The word "girlfriend" sticks in your head, but you decide to simply ignore it. Instead, you think about the rest of his statement and suddenly the realization hits you.

DogDay hosts college Christmas party?

"Wait, wait, wait." You look directly at him, your eyes searching his face for any sign that he might be pulling your leg. But all you find is his usual impudent grin. "DogDay's organizing the Christmas party? For the whole college?"

"Who else but the year representative?" he replies casually, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

And with that, you set off.

At first glance, the college looks the same as always - the same imposing, huge buildings that stretch endlessly across the grounds. But there is one difference, one big, very big point that changes everything: It's Christmas.

The various buildings, normally cold and sober, are suddenly bathed in a sea of decorations. Strings of lights hang everywhere in a warm, golden glow, chasing away the cold of the night. Windows are painted with snowflakes, and in the courtyards there are huge, magnificently decorated Christmas trees whose stars seem to reach up into the sky.

The streets that run between the buildings are lined with lanterns glowing in red and green. Groups of schoolchildren walk around laughing and chatting, wrapped up thickly in coats and scarves, while the snow crunches under their feet. The whole atmosphere is so different - lively, warm, almost magical.

You feel the cold of the night on your cheeks as you walk along the main street with Karasu. His steps are energetic, almost like a march, and you struggle to keep up with him. But your thoughts are elsewhere.

The decorations are impressive, but they don't manage to displace the nervousness rumbling in your stomach.

The thought is stuck in your head, while you can hardly be distracted by the festive atmosphere around you. It's as if every string of lights, every decorated tree and every laugh from the other students reminds you of the distance between the two of you.

You. The little, antisocial loser that nobody really knows.

And DogDay.

The most beautiful girl in the whole college. The class president who organizes everything, has everything under control and is also the heart of the Smiling Critters - the most famous, lively and popular group at college. She is someone who is admired by everyone, someone who always has a smile on her face that lights up every room she enters.

You swallow hard and this thought slowly creeps back to the surface: it doesn't feel right to like her. At least not justifiably.

But the more you think about it, the harder the question becomes in your mind:

Does someone like me really have the right to like someone like her?

It's not just insecurity - it's a kind of guilt. Part of you believes it's wrong. Wrong to admire someone so unattainable, someone who brings so much light into the world, while you often feel like a shadow.

Karasu's voice snaps you out of your thoughts. "Hey, come on, don't look so serious! We're going to a party, not a funeral!" He pats you on the shoulder, his grin unconcerned as ever.

But it doesn't feel right.

As he continues to push his way through the crowd in front of you, you feel your body boiling with inner tension. The cold of the night, which feels like tiny needles on your skin, should actually help to calm you down. Instead, it seems to trap you even more in your own thoughts.

Maybe you should have put on a scarf. Or a hat. Something that would at least keep you a little physically warm. But as usual, you just put on your hoodie - a half-hearted attempt to hide from the world that could just as easily backfire.

The hood is tight, pressing against your head, and it feels as if it's just gripping your thoughts even tighter. They make it hard for you to see clearly, hard to concentrate. Everything about you is tense, every movement feels mechanical, as if you have to fight against the weight in your head.

You take a deep breath, see your breath rising in the cold air and try to calm yourself down. But it doesn't really work. Instead, the doubts, the insecurities and the question of why you're going at all pull you deeper into your own mental carousel.

Maybe I should just not go

The thought flickers briefly, but you shake it off immediately. Karasu wouldn't stop bugging you. Besides - you're already on your way. Going back would be cowardly, and you know it.

"Hey!" Karasu's voice echoes back to you as he turns briefly to your left. "Bet you're the first one at the party who needs a drink."

You snort softly, but don't really give an answer. Your thoughts are already one step ahead - or rather, your eyes are.

The building rises up in front of you and the sight gives you pause for a moment. The large Playtime Co logo is emblazoned above the entrance, framed by countless fairy lights that shimmer in a warm gold. The windows, huge and continuous like walls of glass, are also decorated, and through them you can already see the party inside.

Hundreds of people move around the room, their silhouettes dancing to the rhythm of the muted music outside. The play of light inside is vibrant, a mixture of red, green and blue that flickers through the room, adding to the festive atmosphere. It seems almost surreal, like a scene from a movie, and yet you are certain: this is real.

You stop for a moment, your feet feel heavy, as if they don't want to take the next step. The weight of the crowd you see behind the windows presses down on your chest. So many people. So much noise.

"Hurry up!" Karasu calls back without slowing down. "You don't want me to take your place with the ladies, do you?"

A soft sigh escapes you and you force yourself to keep walking, even though everything inside you is resisting. With every step, the building gets closer and the sounds of laughter and music get louder. You know that there's no turning back now - even if you secretly wish you could do just that.

I could still go...

The thought flickers in your mind, pushes itself to the fore and becomes heavier with every step you take.

Just turn around and walk home.  No one would notice me, and even if they did, what difference would it make?

You continue to look ahead, trying to concentrate on the huge building with the glowing windows. But your thoughts pull you in a different direction. Karasu, who is walking a few steps ahead of you, suddenly slows his pace. He half turns and his eyes meet yours.

This look challenges you, almost provocatively. Karasu knows exactly what kind of person you are. He knows that you're struggling with yourself right now, with the urge to just turn around and disappear. And that's exactly why he's waiting - not because he wants to rush you, but because he won't give you an excuse to pull yourself out of the situation.

I could listen to music on the way home.

The thought is tempting. Just put your headphones in, block out the world and walk, no matter how long it takes. The cold of the night would soothe you, and the darkness would envelop you like a cocoon, away from everything. It sounds so much easier than walking through the doors of that building and throwing yourself into a crowd that won't even notice you.

Karasu raises his eyebrows as if to say, "Well, what is it? Show me you're not as predictable as you think you are."

You take a deep breath, feel your shoulders rise and then fall again.

I should just go...

But your feet remain still. Your gaze remains on Karasu, on his challenging grin, which simultaneously annoys you and somehow draws you onwards.

Just a few more steps, you finally think and hesitantly put one foot in front of the other.

You walk on, this time next to Karasu, who finally looks like someone who is proud of you - or at least pretends to be. As he takes out his phone and apparently texts someone inside, your gaze remains fixed on the glass door in front of you. Just a few more meters and you'll be there.

Suddenly, the large glass door opens and two people step out - a boy and a girl.

The boy has blond hair that falls somewhat chaotically into his forehead. His green eyes glow faintly in the light of the decorations and his pale skin shows red spots from the cold. He is wearing a thick winter jacket that looks almost oversized, as if he had deliberately chosen it one or two sizes larger.

The girl next to him is almost the complete opposite. She has long, brown hair that falls perfectly around her shoulders and wears a bright white coat that looks almost too clean for the slush on the paths. Her hazel eyes barely stand out, but her smile and the way she tilts her head slightly to the side make up for it.

Your eyes linger on the two of them.

The boy bends down a little towards her, his movements slow, almost hesitant, as he ties her scarf tighter around her neck. It is a small, intimate gesture, so casual that it almost seems routine. Both of them have red cheeks, probably from the cold - or maybe not just from it.

You feel something tightening in your stomach. Not necessarily jealousy, but a strange feeling somewhere between envy and insecurity. Part of you wishes you were in a situation like this - to be so close to someone, so effortlessly, so naturally. But instead you're standing here, one step away from a party that feels just as unattainable as this snapshot in front of you.

"Don't look like that, Dude." Karasu's voice snaps you out of your thoughts as he grins and waves his phone slightly. "Your time will come."

You don't answer, just pull your hood down slightly and look at the door that opens in front of you.

As you enter the huge cafeteria, you are momentarily overwhelmed. The room is almost unrecognizable - a sea of decorations stretches across the entire hall. The high windows that let in the light during the day are adorned with sparkling fairy lights that glow in warm gold and make you forget the darkness of the night outside.

The tables, which otherwise appear sober and functional, are covered with red and green tablecloths with small, shiny snow globes and candles on them. Garlands of fir branches decorated with shiny baubles and bows hang on the walls. In the middle of the room stands a huge Christmas tree, the top of which almost touches the ceiling. Its branches are covered with ornaments, twinkling stars and glittering tinsel, and it shines so brightly that it almost seems like the heart of the celebration.

It smells of Christmas - of cinnamon, roasted almonds and fresh pine greenery, mixed with the sweetness of cookies and the hint of hot cocoa steaming from a table at the edge of the room.

There are people everywhere. Hundreds, maybe even thousands. They are sitting at the tables, laughing, talking, and some are standing together in groups, holding glasses in their hands and casting glowing glances at each other. The background noise is overwhelming - a jumble of voices, laughter and the muffled music coming from the loudspeakers.

Karasu stops for a moment and turns slowly around his own axis, his gaze gliding over the crowd. "I think Boxy's back there..." he finally mumbles, before scanning the heads again. "And Boogie's already here too!"

You follow his gaze, trying to find your way through the crowd, but the sheer number of faces makes it difficult. Karasu seems to have a clear plan, however, and pulls you further into the room as you still try to comprehend the size and energy of this moment. It's almost too much, and yet you feel a tiny spark of curiosity stirring underneath all the nervousness.

Just before you reach the table where Boxy and Boogie are already sitting, you feel the nervousness in your stomach grow stronger again. Your steps feel heavy, almost mechanical, as you run after Karasu, who seems unconcerned.

But just when you think you've made it, Karasu is suddenly recognized.

"Well, look who's here," a confident voice echoes from the right.

Your body stiffens instantly, and you take a quick glance in the direction the voice came from. The moment couldn't get any more awkward... but of course it can.

It says Kickin.

His blonde hair sits perfectly, as if he had just straightened it in the mirror. The typical cool-boy look is in his eyes, accompanied by that imperturbable grin that somehow always strikes just the right balance between self-confidence and arrogance. His attitude radiates as if he not only owns this room, but the whole party.

He leans casually against one of the tables, one hand in his pants pocket as he sets his sights on Karasu and you. "What are you doing here, Crow-boy?" he asks with a mocking smile, clearly intent on getting the upper hand in the conversation.

Karasu stops, turns with exaggerated slowness in Kickin's direction and puts on a grin that is just as confident. "Kickin. Well, you can be seen anywhere that smells of attention."

The tension between the two fills the room like an invisible net. You stop a few steps behind Karasu, unsure whether you should interfere or just be invisible.

Kickin. Naturally.

His name is enough to make you feel even smaller inside. You haven't met him often, but every time you do, it's impossible not to feel like an extra in his personal movie. The way he takes over every room makes you seem even more inconspicuous than you already are.

"It's cool that you made it to a party, Dude," Kickin says with a mixture of mockery and nonchalance as he eyes Karasu. Then his gaze shifts to you and his grin widens. "And who's that little shadow behind you?"

You feel your shoulders automatically tense up. His gaze, so penetrating and dismissive, makes you feel even more uncomfortable than you already do.

But before you can even begin to say anything, Karasu jumps in. "It doesn't matter," he says, his voice sounding almost annoyed, as if he doesn't even want to get into the subject. "How many people are actually here? Well, you know... girls and stuff."

There is silence for a moment. Kickin looks at Karasu, then runs a hand through his perfectly styled hair. His grin widens, and you notice how it takes on a dirtier, more self-satisfied note.

Your disgust for him increases immeasurably.

"Depends on how many you want to fuck..." Kickin finally replies in a tone that makes you shudder. "You know, a few have boyfriends."

His manner of speaking hits you like a ton of bricks, and you can hardly believe that someone can speak so cavalierly. It's disgusting, but what bothers you even more is the thought that this guy is one of DogDay's best friends.

How?

How can someone like her be friends with someone like him? This discrepancy, this abyss between his disrespectful manner and her warm, sincere demeanor - it just doesn't fit together. It's as if part of your image of her has suddenly cracked and you don't know how to deal with it.

Karasu, on the other hand, seems unimpressed. "Yes, great, Kickin. Thanks for the wisdom." He rolls his eyes and pulls you further towards the table where Boxy and Boogie are sitting.

You walk right along, keeping your eyes forward and not turning back to Kickin. Part of you hopes he'll just ignore you and not stare at your back as you keep walking.

Once at the table, you sit down immediately, as if the chair offers some kind of protection. Karasu, on the other hand, remains standing, his eyes wandering around the room as if he were looking for something - or someone.

Boogie is already sitting at the table, his posture relaxed as usual as he scrolls through TikTok on his phone. An occasional soft snort shows that he is fully focused on the videos.

Boxy, on the other hand, has his head bent over his phone, his fingers racing across the screen. The sound of Clash Royale - attacks and small cheering noises - mixes with the loud background noise of the party.

And you? You just sit there. Your hands rest on your knees, your eyes wander restlessly around the room before they land back on your friends.

What an atmosphere.

It's almost ironic. Here you are, in the middle of one of the college's biggest and liveliest Christmas parties, and yet it feels like you're in a bubble, isolated from all the energy around you. Your thoughts are loud, the voices in the room even louder, and yet you're sure that no one here is really talking to you or even noticing you.

Karasu gives you a quick glance, raises an eyebrow and seems to briefly consider whether he should say something. But he turns away again and continues to scan the crowd.

You follow his example, albeit more slowly and shyly. Your gaze wanders through the huge room, lingering on the various stalls that are set up everywhere. Roasted almonds, candied apples, cookies and all sorts of other treats - everything you could possibly want, and all for free.

Your stomach growls softly, barely audible, but it's enough to make your face flush. It's almost as if your own body is betraying you, and you feel uncomfortably exposed for a moment, even if no one is paying attention.

"Do any of you want anything? I'm planning on getting something anyway," Karasu says suddenly, his voice breaking through the silence in your head. You look up at him and immediately realize that he's not really asking it for himself - he's asking for you.

"R-Roasted almonds..." you stutter, the words stumbling out of your mouth before you can form them properly. You hear your own voice and immediately wish you could take it back. It sounds strange, almost foreign, and in the presence of your friends you are only more aware of it. "Please."

Karasu raises his hand as if to say something, but then he stops abruptly. His eyes widen and he looks over at the stalls before a slight, almost mischievous smile appears on his face. He directs that smile straight at you, and there's something about it that reminds you of a cat playing with its prey.

"You'd better get it yourself!" he finally says, the tone in his voice full of innuendo.

Huh

You don't understand what he means. Your gaze wanders back and forth between him and the stalls, but you can't see anything that would explain his reaction. Unsure, but also a little curious, you get up and slowly make your way.

Fortunately, the stalls are self-service, which means you don't have to talk to anyone - a small consolation. You reach for a small bag and fill it with the roasted almonds that smell of cinnamon. The warm, sweet smell immediately hits your nose and for a brief moment, everything else around you is forgotten.

You stop for a moment, the bag in your hand, and the smell awakens a memory in you - of the time when you went to the Christmas market with your parents. They always bought you those almonds back then, and for a few minutes, everything in the world seemed simple and right.

A small, almost unnoticed smile spreads across your face. It's rare, almost unusual, but at this moment it feels... right.

"Having fun?"

If you weren't so lost in thought, you would probably have been startled or even cried out loud. But instead you just wince slightly, your hand clutching the bag of roasted almonds a little tighter.

Slowly you turn to the right - and there she is. Right next to you.

DogDay.

Her smile is light, almost playful, but it has that unmistakable warmth that makes her so unique. She wears white ear warmers that fit perfectly around her head and highlight her blonde hair, which falls loosely over her shoulders. The tips of her hair ruffle slightly, as if the humidity of the night has touched them, but it looks as if it was intentional.

Her coat is a bright white winter dream that reaches just above her knees and emphasizes her slim figure. The buttons shine discreetly in the light of the Christmas decorations, and there is a delicate fur trim at the ends of the sleeves that frames her hands, which are wrapped in light gray gloves. A scarf made of soft knitted fabric, also in light gray, is loosely wrapped around her neck and blends in perfectly with her outfit.

On her feet, she wears simple but stylish winter boots in a warm shade of brown, standing firmly and confidently on the floor of the cafeteria. Her whole appearance looks effortless, as if she didn't need a second to look this perfect - a sight to take your breath away.

"DogDay..." You say her name almost automatically before you even realize that your voice is shaking. Your heart beats faster and you don't know whether it's surprise, nervousness or just the fact that she's standing next to you.

"I didn't expect to see you here, you know?" says DogDay with a smile so friendly and radiant that it almost leaves you speechless. She leans slightly to the side, her hands loosely playing with her scarf. "But I'm guessing Karasu dragged you along, right?"

You swallow hard, feeling your cheeks grow even hotter with nervousness. Her closeness, her voice - everything about it makes you incredibly nervous and you desperately search for the right words.

"Y-yes... he... he said I should go out," you finally stutter, your voice quiet and shaky. Your eyes wander briefly to the bag of almonds in your hand, as if it could somehow give you support, before you lift them back to it.

FUCK! What are you saying?! You fucking idiot!

DogDay laughs softly, a bright, melodic sound that simultaneously warms and tightens your chest. "That sounds just like Karasu," she says as she eyes you with a look that shows no mockery, only genuine curiosity. "He's really persistent when he sets his mind to something."

Her voice is so beautiful.

You nod hastily, almost too vigorously, feeling like you're only digging yourself deeper into your nervousness. "Yeah, t-that's him," you mumble, your voice barely more than a whisper.

DogDay takes a small step closer, not threateningly, but rather as if she is unconsciously closing the distance between you. "So, are you enjoying the party so far?" she asks, raising her shoulders a little so that the ear warmers shake briefly.

You search feverishly for an answer, feeling the words getting stuck in your throat. "I, uh... I mean, it's... quite nice," you finally say, and your cheeks feel like they're glowing. "T-the decorations are really... impressive."

Her smile widens a little more, her eyes literally light up. "Thank you! I helped plan everything. It was a lot of work, but it makes me happy to see people having fun."

She looks at you so honestly that you almost lose yourself in her gaze. You want to say something, anything that sounds clever or charming, but all you can get out is: "Y-you really... nicely."

She pauses for a moment, as if she hadn't expected such a comment. Then she smiles gently, her cheeks taking on a slight rosy glow - whether from the cold or your answer, you can't tell. "That means a lot to me, thank you."

The silence that follows doesn't feel uncomfortable, but strangely peaceful. But your heart is still beating like crazy and you don't know if you can stand near her any longer without completely losing your composure.

And whether you can believe it or not - you are unconsciously checking each other out.

Your gaze lingers on her face, so beautiful and almost snow-colored that it reminds you of the weather and the stillness of the snowy world. Her eyes seem to sparkle in the light of the Christmas decorations and her smile has something innocent yet overwhelming about it that makes your heart beat even faster. Her outfit, so perfectly coordinated and elegant, burns itself into your mind as if to tell you that you will never forget this moment.

At the same time, you feel her gaze settling on you. It's not a judgmental or condescending look, but it still makes you cringe inside. Suddenly you're even more aware of yourself - your simple hoodie, the old long pants and the fact that you look like a total outsider next to her. You really should have listened to Karasu when he told you to try a little harder. What good would it have done? Still, you feel like you're standing next to a goddess, and the contrast is impossible to ignore.

"I'm going back to my friends..." she finally says, her voice warm but with a hint of regret. She points in the direction of a table where a large group is sitting: the Smiling Critters.

"It was nice talking to you," she adds, before slowly turning and disappearing into the crowd, her coat flapping slightly in the wind.

You stand rooted to the spot for a moment, still overwhelmed by the encounter. Your heart is beating wildly and your thoughts are racing, but before you can take even a second to think, another voice pulls you out of your head.

"Do you have a hard-on, or why are you still standing here?"

Karasu.

His words hit you like a bolt from the blue and you actually jump slightly in shock, almost spilling the roasted almonds in your hand. He's standing behind you, arms crossed, with that smirk on his face that always suggests he knows exactly how to upset you.

"Dude, you have zero chill," he mumbles, shaking his head and stepping closer. "You talked to her and you're still alive? Respect, dude. But you're really lucky I covered your wingman break."

You try to say something, but your thoughts are whirling and all you can manage is a quiet, almost pleading "Leave me alone."

Karasu just grins wider, but says nothing more. Instead, he turns away and you make your way back to the table in silence.

You sit down with the others and, surprisingly, the evening actually passes in peace - at least on the surface.

Boxy is sitting at his phone as usual, deeply engrossed in a game and barely reacting to what's going on around him. Boogie occasionally talks about some computer-related topic, but nobody really seems to listen to him, except perhaps Karasu, who occasionally throws in a few sarcastic comments.

But the real problem is Karasu himself.

He keeps giving you sidelong glances, accompanied by that grinning expression that you are all too familiar with. In between, he makes hints that no one at the table really understands - except you.

"Hey, Dude, you know who really has a knack for decorating?" he suddenly says, intentionally putting a meaning into the sentence that you immediately realize.

You don't answer, just stare at the table in front of you and hope he'll stop. But he doesn't give up.

"I mean, that's impressive, isn't it? Organizing an event like that and then finding time to chat to people?" He emphasizes the last word and winks at you.

Boogie raises an eyebrow, looks back and forth between you, but says nothing. Boxy remains completely uninvolved, focused on his game.

You feel your cheeks getting hot again and try desperately to ignore Karasu's teasing.

Why can't he just stop?

The evening continues quietly, at least relatively quietly. The hum of conversation, the clinking of glasses and the soft music in the background fill the huge room as the crowd gradually relaxes.

Later, an announcement is made, a moment in which the conversations slowly fall silent and attention turns to the front. A small stage, which previously stood rather inconspicuously in the corner, suddenly comes into focus.

Its DogDay.

Her presence is effortless. She's still wearing her perfect winter outfit, the ear warmers are off and her hair falls freely over her shoulders. Microphone in hand, she looks like someone who knows exactly how to command a room.

"I would like to thank everyone who has come today," she begins, her voice clear and warm. The room is silent, everyone is listening to her. "And of course a huge thank you to everyone who helped make this celebration possible. Without you, none of this would have happened."

A round of applause breaks out, loud and hearty, and you feel your gaze turn almost magnetically towards them. It is impossible to look away. Her words are simple, but they carry an honesty that makes them so special.

"I hope you enjoy the evening and the last few weeks of this year. Celebrate, have fun and don't forget to relax - you deserve it."

Another smile from her, one that literally lights up the room, and a final round of applause accompanies her as she puts the microphone aside and leaves the stage.

Karasu leans over to you and whispers with a wink: "Your girlfriend really put on a show."

You don't answer, too busy ignoring the quiet fluttering in your chest as you try to inconspicuously avert your gaze from DogDay.

Later, as the party slowly draws to a close and the crowd thins out, Karasu tries to urge you to make one last move. "Come on, Dude," he says with a grin that won't let you talk your way out of it. "It's now or never. Talk to her."

Reluctantly, you get up, gather all your courage and search the hall for DogDay. But before you even have a chance to say anything, you realize that she's already gone. The place where the Smiling Critters used to sit is empty, their voices and laughter just an echo in the distance.

The evening ends quietly for you. The smells of cinnamon, cookies and the sweet warmth of the Christmas party are still with you as you make your way home alone. Every step through the cold night takes you deeper into your thoughts, into fake scenarios in which things are different - in which you would have said more, done more.

And so the college Christmas party ends for you. Not as a glamorous night full of memories, but as another quiet moment in your life - the life of an introverted teenager with superpowers that still take him a little further away from the world he would so much like to belong in.

Notes:

So that's it again, what a great Christmas special that didn't go anywhere. Actually, this special was supposed to take place at a Christmas market, you know, with different booths and hot chocolate and stuff like that. But then I decided to do it this way, after all, the next chapter in the Canon story is at a fun fair, and I don't want to double everything. I am happy about everyone who leaves love on this chapter, maybe also his opinion or something else. Merry Christmas to everyone.

[holdonunreal]

Chapter 10: On That Rainy Night

Summary:

The second part of the class trip! While the others are fast asleep, you lie awake, caught in a maelstrom of thoughts, memories and feelings. To calm yourself down and clear your head, you decide to go for a walk in the middle of the night. At the same time, the Smiling Critters gather in one of the rooms and do what they always do. Bubba tries in vain to convince the others of his theory that what happened in the mall was supernatural. But his friends react with rejection and ridicule. Outside, in the cold and silent night, you finally meet a girl who seems strangely familiar - a girl who is just like you.

Notes:

Finally another update for this story! No, I wasn't away for long, but rather focused on the Sorceres Apprentice story, as it was going through the roof at the moment. Not that I want to ride the hype or anything, just had more fun at the moment. But I like this story indifferently. Unlike the others, it's quite close to reality and I like that a lot, especially with the school/college setting. Have fun reading, leave kudos and a comment! wc: 7.6 k (Longest Chapter YET!)

It was quiet in your room.

The calm wind blowing through the open window. The small wooden table underneath, overflowing with sweets, powerbanks, wallets, alcohol and other normal things.

And you were awake, as always.

The memory of the incident at the mall nags at you. You keep seeing Karasu and you cowering behind the billboard, frustration overwhelming you. Your telekinesis, normally a secret, broke out uncontrollably. In front of everyone's eyes, the Smilling Critters' movie drinks burst - a mess of sticky liquid, surprised, shocked faces and silent confusion. Everyone stood there, completely baffled, except DogDay.

You left her behind without an explanation, and the more you think about it, the heavier the feeling becomes. It wasn't just a spontaneous action. It felt like crossing a line, almost like bullying - only with forces that no one could understand.

What was I thinking? It was so unnecessary, so wrong. I'm almost behaving like Karasu, who always tells me I "have to use these powers".

You continue to stare at the white mattress above you, as you have been doing for hours. Your thoughts are constantly revolving around today - or rather yesterday. Especially the use of your superpowers won't let you go.

I've become stronger... I would never have been able to do it from this distance before. I also didn't get headaches like I usually do.

It's a strange thought to imagine that your telekinesis is actually getting stronger. You remember Karasu's explanation: it's like a muscle that grows with training. Even though this idea is difficult for you, it makes sense in a strange way. Of course, no one would believe you if you told them that you can move things with your thoughts - but so what?

Your blanket is so warm, your body so heavy and you just wish you could sleep right now. Enjoy some peace and quiet, since the others are finally neither talking nor doing anything, you don't often get a chance like this, especially with Karasu.

Although Karasu was probably the only person you could begin to understand - and that's putting it generously - you still felt isolated. You're not a computer genius like Boogie, a gamer like Boxy and certainly not a social person like Karasu, who is constantly invited to parties and socializes effortlessly.

You are just...nothing.

You've always kind of stood between everything without really belonging. And although you were not completely indifferent, you had long since stopped getting your hopes up.

At least you have your telekinesis now - but instead of making you feel special, it just makes you an outsider. A freak who fits into this world even less than before.

Not that you ever wanted to be the star of the school. You just wanted peace and quiet. You'd prefer not to go at all.

It was a bad thought and you know very well that you shouldn't think along those lines - otherwise it will end badly again. These feelings, this nagging feeling of not belonging anywhere, of not really being noticed by anyone... you're no stranger to them. You've had them before. And Karasu, who always insisted that it was "just a phase", couldn't understand it. At some point, you stopped arguing against it - it was no use after all.

Depression.

You never liked using the word, but it seemed to be the only logical explanation. To you, it felt almost inevitable. Anyone else who suddenly had superpowers would perhaps dream of heroic adventures or of exploiting their abilities. But you?

You just thought about how they were isolating you even further.

You never had very many friends.

I want to go home.

This thought keeps coming to the fore as the memories of the day come flooding back to you. Everything hits you like a slap in the face, but most of all that one moment in the mall. Why did you do that? Why did you pay so much attention to DogDay of all people?

After the talent show and later at the party, she suddenly seemed to like you. She congratulated you, even gave you her Instagram - a moment that meant more to you than you would ever have admitted. But then?

Absolutely nothing.

No message. No likes. No sign that she thought of you even once. It was as if you were invisible, as if you'd imagined the whole thing.

Although she showed interest back then, she is now completely ignoring you.

And why did it hurt you so much?

I need to change my mind, fast.

The darkness of the room lies heavy on you, like a blanket that holds you down. The quiet breaths of your roommates are the only thing that breaks the silence. Occasionally there is a snore from Karasu or the squeaking of the slatted frame. The thin curtains allow the pale light from the large luxurious streetlamps to enter only dimly, casting distorted shadows on the walls. It smells of detergent, musty suitcases and a trace of cheap alcohol that Karasu has probably opened.

A walk at night.

The thought returns like an old friend who brings you to your senses. You did it back then - for other reasons, yes, but it always helped. The view of empty streets, the cold air, the feeling of being invisible in the dark.

You carefully push the comforter aside. The weight of your body on the mattress gives way slightly and you hold your breath as the frame creaks softly. The sleepers don't react. You slowly get up, hoping that the thin walls of the room will swallow your step.

Your gaze falls on the backpack lying open next to your bed. The mess inside mirrors your head. You quickly reach for your jacket, feel the rough surface of the fabric under your fingers and pull it on. Your phone and headphones lie under your pillow, next to the charging cable that you didn't even roll up properly earlier. The keycard is halfway out of your trouser pocket - always on the verge of getting lost, like so many things.

You hesitate for a moment. Your gaze wanders to the other beds. The even breaths, the shadows of their faces on the pillows. It would be easier to just get back into bed, close your eyes and forget the day.

But you can't. Your thoughts are too loud, the air here is too stuffy.

You pull the door open slowly, so quietly that even the soft click of the mechanism feels like a bang. A cold draught greets you as you enter the hallway. Your heart beats faster, not from fear, but from this strange, fleeting feeling of freedom.

You raise your tired arms to the height of your head. The headphones slide over your ears, the music starts to play, and with every step you take, you feel your thoughts coming into order.

You don't know yet that this walk will give you more than just a little peace and quiet.

Little do you know that you are about to meet someone who will change everything.

"I still can't believe it."

Bubba pushed his glasses higher on his nose with one finger as he stared at the cards in his hand. The light from the lamp above him cast a warm glow on his light blue, slightly disheveled hair, which the wind had moved through the half-open window. His brow was slightly furrowed, as if he was going over the words in his head again.

"Can you finally stop talking about it?"

Kickin sat opposite him on the floor, cards held casually in one hand while he slicked back his blond hair with the other. It stood up straight as always, a trademark that had earned him the nickname "Chicken". His black jogging bottoms were loose-fitting, the tight white T-shirt emphasizing his athletic build. An AirPod was stuck in his left ear, playing soft music - a contrast to his annoyed look.

The other Smiling Critters turned their attention to the circle in the center of the large room. Conversations fell silent as they watched the heated, semi-humorous discussion between the two. Some leaned back in their chairs, others sat scattered on the beds, all of which made a slightly chaotic picture.

The room was filled to the brim with the Smiling Critters. Originally it had been a room for four, assigned to the girls Crafty, Bobby, Picky and Hoppy. But gradually the others gathered here - as they always did. They were an inseparable group of friends, and somehow this room seemed to be the natural meeting place.

Of course, the whole thing was not in accordance with the rules. According to the rules of the school trip, no one was supposed to be in another room, and certainly not in such a large group. But as long as they were quiet and withdrew before midnight, the teachers often turned a blind eye.

The beds were neatly lined up against the walls, but the floor was a different story. Bags, pillows and blankets were spread out as if an improvised camp had been set up here. In the corner stood a small, portable Speaker from which soft music was playing. The light from the ceiling lamp bathed the scene in a warm, golden glow that made the room seem larger than it actually is.

It was one of those nights that felt strangely calming despite the noise and confinement. Here, among friends, it didn't matter how many rules they broke. All that mattered was the moment.

"I'm serious, guys..." Bubba said, his voice muffled but serious as he placed a card on the small pile in the center. His light blue hair bobbed slightly as he tilted his head to rearrange his cards. Then his gaze wandered to Kickin, his counterpart, and back to his hand. A soft, thoughtful sound escaped him as he weighed his strategy. "Something like this can't just happen."

Hoppy's voice came from one of the corners of the room, calm but with a hint of impatience. "Can you explain it?" She was sitting on top of one of the double bunk beds, her legs stretched out and one hand buried in her green hair. Her eyes wandered to the two in the middle of the room. "If not, there were probably some idiots who wanted to take the piss out of us. And apparently they totally succeeded."

Bubba sighed and placed the cards in front of him. His glasses reflected the warm light of the ceiling lamp as he closed his eyes briefly and then looked back at Kickin. "So..." he began, but Kickin just shook his head.

Kickin, the cool one of the group, sat casually on the carpet with his legs drawn up. His blonde hair, perfectly styled as always, stuck up like a cockscomb, and the single AirPod in his ear flashed faintly. With a wry grin, he looked up at Hoppy. "Those weren't idiots trying to screw with us. That was too..." He hesitated, searching for the right word. "...Perfect. Too weird. Whoever it was, they knew what they were doing."

"I see..." says Hoppy after a few seconds and takes her hand out of her green hair. She reaches for her phone, looks at it briefly and casts a quick glance around the room. Her eyes meet those of the other girls before she smiles sheepishly and turns back to the boys in the middle. "Are you just saying that to mess with Bubba's head so you can win?"

"That's not nice, Kickin," Bobby adds in her slightly squeaky voice. She sits on the lower bunk and fixes her bright red hair. Her outfit - a dress, high heels and carefully applied make-up - leaves no doubt that she cares about her appearance, but her posture remains relaxed.

Bubba and Kickin barely listen to them. They take turns playing cards, draw new ones from the deck and mumble numbers and strategies to themselves. The small circle they have formed seems like a closed-off world for the two of them, into which the voices of the others barely penetrate.

However, the attention of the Smiling Critters is focused on someone whose words always carry weight. A calm, gentle voice rises and cuts through the quiet murmuring. "But what could it have been?" DogDay asks, her words like a soothing melody.

DogDay stands behind Bubba, leaning casually against the wall. Her gaze wanders slowly around the room while her long blonde hair falls loosely over her shoulders. There is a relaxed authority in her posture that is unobtrusive but palpable. When she speaks, the conversations fall silent for a moment and even Bubba and Kickin raise their heads briefly.

Hoppy turns abruptly around the room, her eyes darting around nervously and almost panicked, before finally settling on Bubba. She crosses her arms in front of her chest and puts on an annoyed, slightly nervous smile. "If one of you even dares to say superpowers for the ten thousandth time-"

"Superpowers?" Bubba interrupts her abruptly, without even a second's hesitation. His voice cuts through the tension in the room like a knife.

All heads turn towards him, the conversations fall silent instantly. Bubba dramatically raises his last card, which he holds between his fingers, and lets his gaze wander slowly around the room. A mischievous smile creeps onto his face, as if he knows for sure that he has won the full attention of the group.

"W-Well... Maybe Bubba-" Crafty begins cautiously, her voice hesitant, as if she doesn't want to speak the thought aloud.

"Forget it." Kickin interrupts her without a moment's hesitation. His voice is determined and almost annoyed. Without looking up, he puts his cards upside down behind him for a moment, pulls his AirPod out of his ear and turns his full concentration to the game. "We don't live in one of Bubba's anime-supernatural worlds, okay? There are no people with superpowers."

Bubba's gaze darkens slightly, a hint of anger mingling with his previously amused expression. But before he can say anything back, Kickin slaps his next card onto the pile.

"Uno. Asshole." he says dryly, without looking up, with a wry grin that is almost a challenge.

"Tsk!" Bubba hisses and turns abruptly towards the window. His thoughts are going crazy, a state that is alien to him. Normally, his head is a well-oiled clockwork mechanism - every cog is in its place.

His whole life follows a strict order. He gets up at exactly the same time every morning, eats the same breakfast, takes the same bus and talks to the same people. Routine is his foundation, and he loves it that way. But since the beginning of this semester, it feels like his perfectly planned life is falling apart at the seams.

Okay, maybe he's exaggerating. His grades are still excellent, his friends are the same as always, and objectively speaking, not much has changed.

But then there's you.

You, who appeared out of nowhere. The little boy he had never seen or noticed before. The boy who was the only one to pass the college chemistry exam. The boy who took away his chance of a recommendation for the coveted internship. The boy who won the talent show together with that idiot Karasu - with tricks that even he, the so-called genius, couldn't explain.

He has his eye on you.

In Bubba's world, everything revolves around data, facts and calculations. You don't fit into this world. You're an anomaly, a flaw in the system. You just showed up, took center stage and proved twice that you could outdo him. Once with the chemistry test, and then with the talent show. The talent show especially gnaws at him - the embarrassing moments when classmates asked him, the all-knowing Bubba, to explain your tricks and he had no answer.

It bothers him. You bother him.

"Do you want to lay?" Kickin suddenly asks, his eyes fixed on Bubba with a mixture of annoyance and amused mockery. He chews his teeth impatiently and turns to the side as if he wants to involve the other Smiling Critters in an imaginary talk show. "Or are you about to connect virtually to Pornhub?"

"Dude..." groans Hoppy from the top of the bunk bed, her voice dragging through the room with an annoyed undertone. She glances down to where Kickin is sitting and rolls her eyes demonstratively. "Just let the poor boy play."

Kickin shrugs his shoulders but is not deterred. With an exaggerated sigh, he throws another card onto the pile. "I'm just helping him, Hoppy. Maybe he needs inspiration to finally lay a card."

Bubba snorts softly and turns the card in his hand between his fingers, but his gaze remains fixed on Kickin. A muscle in his jaw twitches - the remark has hit home, but he doesn't let it show.

The others in the group exchange glances, some smiling with amusement, while others just sigh in annoyance. DogDay, on the other hand, turns her gaze away from the action and looks out of the window. She didn't like it when her friends teased each other, even if it was only harmless teasing. Her face is calm, her posture relaxed, but her thoughts seem to be elsewhere.

The silvery light of the night falls through the curtains and makes her long, blonde hair glow like a soft veil. Her bright eyes catch the shimmer and look almost ethereal as she gazes out into the darkness.

Then she pauses. Her gaze lingers on a figure moving across the castle courtyard.

You.

With your hood pulled low over your face and headphones in your ears, you creep through the night, a shadow that almost seems to disappear in the silence. DogDay watches you for a moment, her eyes following your movements as you walk into the distance.

"DogDay?" One of the voices in the room asks, snapping her back to reality. But her eyes stay on you for a moment longer. Something about you - the solitude with which you walk, the stillness of your silhouette - draws her attention in a way she doesn't quite understand herself.

It was quite obvious to her that you liked her. The way you looked at her - shy, insecure, but also admiring. But the "why" remained a mystery to her. She didn't understand what exactly held you to her, and not knowing made her hesitate. Because although she knew that something was hovering between you, she had never made the effort to find out more about you. Who you are and what's bothering you - all that remained unknown to her.

In the first few nights after the talent show, she had often thought about writing to you. Just a simple ‘hey’ or ‘how are you?’ - something to bridge the silence that prevailed between you. But every time she opened the message screen, she lacked the courage. She had no idea what to say, and maybe she was afraid of what your answer might be - or whether it would come at all.

And now, while she sees you out there all alone, she feels a little bit bad. She knows that she could have taken the first step long ago, maybe even should have. But as is so often the case, she stays calm and watches you walk.

The atmosphere in the room remains tense, but the momentum is unmistakable. While Bubba triumphantly places his penultimate card on the pile and quietly, almost reverently, murmurs "Uno", Hoppy and Bobby simultaneously give him annoyed looks.

"It was just like in Stranger Things," Bubba begins, his voice full of conviction. "In the third season, remember? That episode in the mall where the girl with telekinesis... she did exactly what happened to us today!"

Hoppy lets out a theatrical groan and throws his head back. "Seriously, Bubba? Are you trying to sell us Stranger Things as proof of your theories now? That’s soooo weird."

Kickin raises an eyebrow and turns to Hoppy with a lousy grin. "You know what else is Weird? CatNap," he interjects dryly, not hiding his sarcasm.

His comment elicits another synchronized sigh, this time even from Hoppy, who looks up from the game for a moment. "Oh no. Please don't tell me you're dragging CatNap into this now."

DogDay, however, remains silent, continuing to look at you with a half-absent gaze. You have almost disappeared from her field of vision, but something about your presence echoes in her mind. The rhythm of your steps, the way you move - it's hard to say exactly what it is that captivates her.

In the room, however, the discussion continues. Bubba frowns, his hands resting on his cards for a moment as he looks Kickin straight in the eye. "What about CatNap? Do you think she has something to do with this?"

"Where is she anyway?" Crafty suddenly asks, drawing attention to herself and turning away quickly. She sits in her corner, her drawing pad on her knees, and scribbles something, lost in thought.

"Who cares," mumbles Kickin dryly, without taking his eyes off his map.

"Kickin!" shouts Hoppy indignantly, and all heads turn towards him in the middle.

"What?!" he asks, annoyed, and gives her a cursory glance. "She doesn't want to be part of the group, anyway, does she?"

"What... are ya’ talking about?" Hoppy sounds surprised, almost indignant. Her eyebrows draw together as she stares at him as if he's just said something completely absurd.

"She's a total introvert," Kickin continues, his tone unchanged and casual. "Almost never talks, and the only person who really gets along with her is DogDay."

A brief silence spreads. The remark strikes an uncomfortable chord and the group seems to pause for a moment, as if they are weighing up the words.

DogDay takes her eyes off the window, turns around slowly, and her calm, gentle voice breaks the silence: "Maybe it's because no one has really tried to get to know her."

And that's where you come in.

( " Distant flickering’s, greener scenery. This weather's bringing it all back again " )

The streets are shrouded in darkness, cold and alien, like an unknown world that belongs only to you. The fog clings to the streetlights, which look like pale candle flames, and lends the scenery a touch of surreal horror - just like in the games you like so much. But instead of fear, you feel a strange sense of security.

The biting cold cuts through the air, sharpening your senses, and each breath leaves behind a fleeting cloud that fades into nothingness. Your headphones muffle the world around you until it's just you and the music. The beat permeates through your body, giving rhythm to your step, and the melody wraps everything in a bittersweet cloak of nostalgia.

( " Great adventures, faces and condensation. I'm going outside to take it all in " )

The castle garden seems endless, a labyrinth of winding paths, cold stone and empty spaces that blur in the darkness. You've been walking for ten minutes, and you still haven't reached the edge of the grounds. The streetlights cast a dull, orange light that gets lost in the fog. Benches and scattered statues appear, looking like ghosts of times gone by, but there is no sign of people.

( " You say too late to start, got your heart in a headlock " )

And that's exactly what you like.

You've never been a fan of crowds, of the chaos they bring - the voices, the jostling, the expectation to fit in. It feels like the world around you is getting louder and more crowded. In moments like these, you want nothing more than to be at home, wrapped up in your warm blanket, with your phone in your hand and soothing music in your ears.

(" I don't believe any of it ")

Out here, surrounded by silence and darkness, it's different. It feels like a little getaway, a place where you can finally just be. You take a deep breath, the cold air burns in your lungs, but it's a good burn. A burn that makes you feel alive.

With heavy legs and the feelings of the last few days, you take one step in front of the other. Your thoughts are a jumble that seems to clear with each passing minute in the cold fog.

And then you pause.

In front of you, at the edge of the path, is a bench. A simple wooden structure covered like a bus stop, marked by the weather, under one of the old streetlamps. Its orange light makes the fine veils of mist glow.

( " You say too late to start, with your heart in a headlock " )

But it's not the bench that gives you pause.

It is the person sitting on it.

Who is that?

You get closer, the footsteps on the ground seem louder than they should be, almost like a heartbeat pounding in your ears. Your nervousness grows with every step, a strange tingling sensation spreads through your body. It's not just the darkness or the fact that you can't quite make her out - it's that she's sitting there, in the middle of the night, like a shadow that has dropped out of your thoughts.

The hood covers almost everything, leaving only part of your face visible in the dim light of the lamp. But this posture - the slightly hunched shoulders, the relaxed grip on the phone - seems so strangely familiar.

( " You know you're better than this " )

You try to delve deeper into your memory as you slow down. Maybe you saw her somewhere on campus? Or at an event? No, that doesn't fit. It's not just the face you can't recognize - there's something about her entire presence that seems familiar.

You ask yourself that as you get closer. And as you get within a few steps, you realize that you're holding your breath. Your gaze lingers on her and your mind works feverishly, but you can't get any further.

Then she moves. A little twitch, a nod, as if she has noticed you. But she doesn't say anything, doesn't make a sound. Just this quiet, almost imperceptible twitch that heightens the tension between you even more.

( " Wear a different pair, do something out of step ")

You walk past but look in the direction of the bench. The person is sitting there, on the right-hand edge of the bench, their body leaning slightly forward. Ludwig's mighty castle rises up behind him, its towers and walls looking like a fairy tale in the pale moonlight - or like a dark dream. The sky above is streaked with black clouds, with the moon only occasionally breaking through and casting silver streaks across the scene.

You keep walking, but your steps become heavier. The air around you seems to condense, as if the moment stops time for a moment. Your gaze lingers on her, even though you try to look as inconspicuous as possible. You don't want to stop, you don't want to attract attention, but your heart is beating so loudly that it almost betrays you.

Then it happens.

She raises her head for a split second. The hood shifts a little, just enough for her eyes to catch the light. Black, deep obsidian eyes that hit you in a way that no words can describe. It feels like they're looking through you, like they can see everything you are - or what you're trying not to be.

( " Afraid to start, got your heart in a headlock " )

Your breath hitches, your steps slow down and your thoughts race back. Those eyes... you know them. You know it, even if you're not sure where. And then the images flash through your mind like lightning on a stormy night:

The girl behind the curtain at the talent show, just as hidden as you, her presence almost invisible, but noticeable, nonetheless. Her face appeared for a fleeting moment in the crowd of the party, just as you had used your power to help Karasu. And now she sits here, under the moonlight, with that impossibly pale skin that almost glows in the night, and a silhouette that blends perfectly into the darkness.

( " Throw a stranger an unexpected smile ")

Everything about her seems to mirror you - the same loneliness, the same inconspicuousness, the same way of moving in the shadows and yet being aware of everything around you.

You want to say something, want to stop, but your legs carry you on. You walk past, turn your head slightly in her direction, and part of you hopes that she will say something, that she will speak to you, stop you.

But she doesn't.

Instead, she sits there, like a ghost in the night, and the moment passes so quickly that you almost wonder if you imagined it. But the memory of her eyes remains. They burn themselves into your memory, stronger than any other memory of that day.

So, you keep walking, your eyes firmly fixed on the ground. Your heart beats incredibly fast, an uncontrolled rhythm that almost takes your breath away. A hot blush rises to your face, burning into your pale skin, as if your cheeks can't hide the chaos inside you.

A strange feeling spreads inside you, difficult to describe. It's a mixture of nervousness, curiosity and something you can't put your finger on. It feels as if this fleeting eye contact has triggered more in you than it should - or was allowed to.

You are less than ten meters away from the covered bench and the girl sitting there when you feel the first drops. They are cold, surprisingly cold, and hit the ground in front of you with a fine 'plink'. A few heartbeats later, the scattered drops turn into a steady rain that suddenly brings you back to reality.

The sky opens up above you, the sound of the rain swallows up the silence of the night. The darkness around you seems to grow thicker due to the wetness, and the moon disappears behind the dense clouds.

Does it have to rain right now?

You stand still. Your breathing, which was so frantic a moment ago, falters briefly while the raindrops roll off your hood and turn the world around you into a diffuse, blurred painting. Something about this moment feels meaningful - maybe the rain, maybe the bench behind you, maybe those eyes you can't get out of your head.

As the rain gets heavier and heavier, you feel the cold slowly creeping through your jacket. The drops are pelting down on you, faster and heavier, and you realize that there is no way to stay dry if you keep going like this. A frustrated breath escapes you as you look for somewhere to shelter from the rain.

But the streetlights only illuminate empty paths, bare trees and the wet asphalt. No canopy, no corner, nothing that could save you from the weather.

Except ...

The bench.

Your gaze glides back over your shoulder to where the covered bench stands - and the girl. Your heart skips a beat. The idea of going back makes the blush shoot back into your face. But there's no other choice. If you get completely soaked now, you can forget the jacket for tomorrow, and you know how cold it will be once it's wet.

If I get completely hit by rain now, my jacket won't be dry by tomorrow. I'll have to stand down somewhere...

I have no other choice.

( " With big intention, still posted at your station " )

With a slight sigh, almost inaudible in the increasingly loud rain, you turn around. Your steps are hesitant, almost creeping, as you walk back towards the bench. Every meter brings new nervousness, and you frantically try to find a reason why this isn't a bad idea.

You just stand there for a moment, unsure whether you should really sit down. The rain pours down steadily and the cold in your jacket leaves you little choice. Slowly and almost mechanically, you move to the left-hand corner of the bench, the cleanest spot, and finally sit down.

The cold of the seat shoots through your trousers and you automatically cross your arms as if that would help keep the heat in. Your gaze wanders forward - the ground, just a meter away, is already dark and shiny with wetness. Drops splatter in all directions, and the monotonous sound of the rain fills the silence between you.

( " You say too late to start, got your heart in a headlock " )

It's unpleasant. Not the cold or the wet, but the strange tension that hovers between you and the girl in the right-hand corner. She sits there rigidly, her hood pulled low over her face and doesn't even seem to notice you. But you somehow feel her silent shadow anyway.

( " I'm walking, you've been hiding " )

To avoid being completely overwhelmed by the situation, you reach for your phone in your pocket. Your music is still playing, but you turn it down, almost to a whisper. Just in case, in case she says something... or in case you decide to say something.

But for now, it remains silent. Only the rain speaks.

You pull your phone out of your jacket pocket, your fingers slightly clammy from the cold, and unlock it almost mechanically. The playlist flickers in front of you, but no song really seems to fit at the moment. You scroll through the tracks, sliding your thumb back and forth indecisively.

Tame Impala? The hypnotic beat and echoing vocals could be just the thing to capture the mood. But perhaps something darker would suit better, something to accompany this strange, surreal night? Silent Hill? The oppressive sounds of the game have always fascinated you. Or maybe something by Arctic Monkeys - a song that captures the rain and the mood of the streets, like a scene from a movie.

You haven't made up your mind yet, just clicking haphazardly through the songs. But the moment brings back a memory so clear and vivid that you can almost feel the smell of your parents' old car.

The wet streets that shimmered like glowing snakes in the light of the headlights. The familiar sound of the radio, quiet and a little scratchy, like a distant companion in the darkness. The steady drumming of the rain against the windows, so soothing and yet melancholy. You remember the feeling of security that filled you back then, although you couldn't say why.

You tap the screen of your phone to play the next song. The melancholy rhythm and the voices fill your ears while the rain swallows up the rest of the world. But before the first verse starts, your gaze glides over the home screen again.

No messages.

The background is empty, just a plain standard screen. No images to remind you of anyone or anything - it was easier that way. And yet you stare at the time up in the corner, far too late to be awake, let alone sitting outside in the cold.

Involuntarily, you wander over to Instagram. It's almost a reflex. Your finger hovers over the icon before you open it. The list of chats appears, speaking of a desperate attempt to maintain some semblance of social ties. But your message is missing.

DogDay.

The hope that something might finally come from her flickers. Just a short message. A "hey" - something that proves you're not completely invisible. That she's thinking about you, just like you're thinking about her.

But the chat remains empty. No new dot next to her name. No heart, no reaction.

You lock your phone and put it away, trying not to think too much about how stupid and hurtful this little void in your life seems. The rain continues to patter, the song reaches its chorus, and you wonder if DogDay is now sitting in a warm room somewhere, surrounded by friends, without a thought for you.

And the rain stops - suddenly, almost unreal. The world around you seems to stand still for a moment, only the soft dripping of water from the leaves and roofs reminds you that it has just been pouring down like a bucket.

You hesitate before you move, as if you are afraid of destroying this magical feeling. Finally, you get up slowly, the stiff cold of the wet night still in your bones.

Your gaze involuntarily glides to her out of the corner of your eye. She's still sitting there, motionless, her hood pulled low over her face, but something about her posture seems less closed off than before - or maybe you're just imagining it.

As you stretch, you hear a muffled clacking on the floor next to you. Your eyes automatically wander downwards and your heart stops for a moment as you realize what it is:

You've just dropped your sleeping pills, you're pretty sure.

The small white pills have rolled out of the opened packaging, scattered across the wet ground, shimmering in the faint light of the street lamp. It feels as if time has stood still. Everything else fades out - the rain that has stopped, the cool night air, even the girl next to you.

But you can feel her gaze.

Although you don't look directly at her, you're sure she's seen it. The pills, the packet that fell out of your jacket pocket so suddenly - everything is now lying open in front of her.

Your stomach tightens as your thoughts swirl wildly. It's as if your mind is banging against the walls of your head, a desperate shouting with no destination. Your throat feels tight, as if someone has placed an invisible grip on it, and your hands go numb with nervousness.

If she spreads the word... I'm finished. It's not just me, people will think that Karasu is taking something like that too, or worse, drugs directly. That's it...

You stare at the pills as if they could disappear by themselves if you just wait long enough. Your heart is pounding so loudly that it seems to drown out everything else. A dark shadow spreads through you: Shame, fear, the cold knowledge that this could be the end of you.

Your fingers twitch slightly, as if they want to move, but your muscles don't obey. You feel frozen, a stupid mistake on a night that has already demanded too much of you. The cold sweat on your forehead adds to the uncomfortable feeling of being exposed, as if the night itself has betrayed you.

You are paralyzed. Every thought lurches wildly, pulling you in a different direction, but no one can lead you out of this moment. Your face is burning, but it feels as if your blood is freezing in your veins. Your breathing is shallow, every fiber of your body refuses to move.

That's it... Karasu's reputation is ruined. Boogie and Boxy will think I'm a junkie. Or worse, they'll think I'm suicidal. It'll be the first thing DogDay ever hears about me. And the last.

A cold shiver runs down your spine. Your gaze remains fixed on the floor, as if you could stop time if only you didn't move. Maybe if you just sit here, nothing else will happen. But the silence grows, the seconds drag on, and the weight of the situation pushes you further and further down.

Can't I just drop dead?

"Placebos."

Huh?

The voice to your right is barely more than a whisper, but it hits you like an electric shock. Your head jerks to the side, your gaze fixes on her. Her hood is deep in shadow, but you can see the hint of an expression - not a grin, not pity, but something strangely calm, perhaps even knowing.

Her face is beautiful.

The obsidian-colored eyes, deep and mysterious, meet yours, and for a moment you feel like you're sinking into a vortex of darkness. It's as if she's looking right through you, as if she can see what's going on inside you, all the thoughts you're trying so desperately to hide.

Her pale skin, almost unnaturally soft, shimmers in the soft light of the moon breaking through the clouds. She looks so fragile, and yet somehow strong, almost unreal. Like a work of art.

You can't move. Not because you're still panicking, but because you just can't stop looking at her. It's as if this moment has frozen everything - the rain, the cold, your fear. Everything except her.

"Wh-what?" escapes you before you can hold it back. Your voice trembles slightly, like a leaf in the wind, and your mouth feels dry, as if there's sand there.

She doesn't react immediately, letting the silence hang for a moment, as if giving you time to collect yourself. Her eyes remain on the scattered tablets before she slowly looks up at you again.

"If your doctor prescribed these for you..." she finally says, calmly and quietly, her voice little more than a whisper cutting through the night, "...switch to another."

Her tone is serious, but not condescending. It sounds more like gentle advice, as if she is speaking from experience.

"They won't help you," she adds and leans back a little, pulling her hood even lower over her face as the wind moves her hair slightly. "Trust me."

You swallow hard, very hard. Your chest tightens. The cold of the rain, which you had forgotten in the darkness, creeps back under your skin and the silence is suddenly unbearable. Yet somehow it feels as if the darkness of this night has just brought you a small spark of hope.

Who is she and how does she know?

Your gaze sinks to the ground beneath you again, the white pills.

Are they really placebos?

The question burns itself into your mind as you look at the small white tablets that now lie like a warning on the wet ground. The rain hasn't wiped them away; they are silent proof, telling you and her how close you are to the edge of despair.

No one talks anymore and the moment drags on endlessly. You look into her eyes, she looks into yours, and the rest is blind. Her hair is just there, smooth along her face and falling to her shoulders, a dark curtain framing her features. The sight of her black hair intensifies the sense of closeness you feel at this moment, and for a moment it's as if the world around you has ceased to exist.

She slowly raises her hand and brushes a strand of hair out of her face that has fallen into her eyes due to the wind. The gesture is so gentle that it takes your breath away. Her lips form a smile, a sad smile that says more than words ever could.

But then you had to think about DogDay for a moment.

"W-Who..." You say, calm but still stuttering and trembling. "Are you?"

"Who am I?" Her voice is quiet, almost like a secret she keeps to herself. "I'm no one, no one you should know. But I'm here because I know what it means to feel lost."

The lump in your throat gets bigger and you feel your shoulders tighten. The thought of DogDay, the warmth of her closeness and her shining eyes, flashes through your mind. Why are you thinking about her now? Why here, at this moment, with this strange, mysterious girl sitting in front of you?

She is just like me.

The thought hits you like a bolt of lightning. She is just like you. The way she retreats, the way she embraces the darkness of the night, the way she prefers silence - it's as if you both share the same world that exists only in the shadows.

She seems to be just as introverted as you are, only dragged around by the Smiling Critters, just like you are by Karasu. Maybe that's why she seems so familiar - she's the opposite of the loud, pushy world around you. This realization feels strangely comforting, almost like a silent understanding between the two of you.

For a moment, you look into each other's eyes again, red spots on both your cheeks and a curious look that fluctuates between confusion and understanding. The silence between the two of you is strangely oppressive, but also somehow comforting.

And then, almost as if by magic, you start talking. Carefully, you turn towards each other, as if respecting the distance between you and the words that are still unspoken. The voices remain quiet, almost whispering, like two strangers building a fragile bridge to each other in the dark. Each sentence is carefully chosen, tentative, so as not to cross the boundaries of the other.

They are not big words, not meaningful statements, but small fragments - about the weather, about the rain, perhaps about the moon that still shines above you. And yet it feels as if you are saying more than just what is actually being said.

And that's how you get to know her, CatNap.

Notes:

Wow, here it is at last, CatNap. The girl who previously only appeared in your thoughts because of her eyes is now here. What will it be like when you, CatNap and DogDay meet? Which one do you like more, or rather, which one likes you more? This story will be a bit more complicated, however, as I have written out the plot further (internship, slow mental breakdown and worse) and will soon be implementing it. I used to think, when I read a good fanfiction, why do chapters come so rarely. And guys, believe me when I say this: it takes a long time to write something like this. The next story to get an update is the Rat story, and I can only recommend you to check it out if you like it. Generally all of mine, except the first chapters, because I was still quite new and they are pretty shit, at least in terms of writing style. I'll stop talking unnecessarily: I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Leave kudos and a comment!

[holdonunreal]

Chapter 9: At the Mall

Summary:

The first day of the year group trip begins! While the other people are checking out their rooms, looking for partners or whatever, your group heads to the City Mall. Your group, consisting of Karasu, Boogie, Boxy and you, split up with the aim of buying things like groceries so that you can have everything you want in your room. 𝘏𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳, you and Karasu encounter the Smilling Critters. Whereby you finally use your telekinesis to have some fun.

Notes:

Here I am again, hope you all missed me. Yes, I was away for a long time, and yes, I was busy. I think the problem that not so many people see is how long a chapter takes: You don't just sit down at the computer and start writing, it has to be clear what it's about, how it's going to work logically and a thousand other things have to be planned. Okay basically a yap fest. What I will say, though, is that this fan fiction is probably the one I'm most excited to keep writing right now. The college feel, the slow character relationships and the direction into the depressive side of the story is really fun for me. But of course I don't want to keep you waiting, have fun reading and leave a comment + Kudos! wc: 5.1 K (𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝐌𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐄𝐋𝐘 𝐁𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐎𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐑𝐎𝐖! This is simply because I will upload it tomorrow in a double update, so with my Arcane story. I wanted to upload both directly, but because I have no fucking time I have to finish writing the Arcane chapter first. Actually both should be short, but one is at 5K words and the other one is already at 4K and it's not even finished yet.)

"Dibs on the upper bed!"

Normally, one imagines a room in a huge castle, from a huge college, which is internationally recognized, better.

Something like a small apartment, you know, with a small kitchen, a large bathroom and lots of space for beds. For 600 dollars you could even have underfloor heating, or your own house for the week.

But it looks like a youth hostel.

You didn't really expect huge luxuries, no TV or anything, but for 600 dollars? You went to school every day this year, impressed the head of the Playtime Co lab and came first in the talent show with almost 3000 viewers. And all for this?

"Then I'll take the other top one."

While Boxy and Karasu are already fighting over the beds, you and Boogie are still standing in the middle of the doorway. Your suitcase in one hand, your Phone in the other, your backpack on your back, which is somehow getting heavier and heavier. You had a headache, your feet hurt from all the walking, but now you're finally here, in your room for the next week.

It looked like a normal youth hostel, like from elementary school. Two double beds, with top and bottom, white walls, a door leading to the bathroom, and huge windows. Under the windows, there was a big brown table with four chairs, perfect in case other people came into your room.

Of course that wasn't all, you came out of your room into a huge corridor that led directly into the common room. The castle had a few of these, depending on the compartment, each of which contained around 20 people. As you've noticed, you're in compartment 19, which is way up in the castle with a pretty, as Karasu said, "fucking amazing" view.

But back in reality, you move forward next to Karasu and place your suitcase on the lower bunk. Next to his stature, you look like a child next to his parents, but you don't pay attention to that because, first of all, he didn't make any unnecessary comments about your appearance and you don't have enough strength to do anything anyway.

You grab the essentials from your suitcase: a toothbrush and clothes for bed. You immediately turn around, walk past Boogie and Boxy and enter the bathroom. As soon as you enter, there's a shower with a curtain on the left, a mirror directly in front of you and the toilet on the right.

While no one is watching, which you ensure by looking behind you, you let your toothbrush float gently through the air in front of you and drop it into a small cup with a plop. Unlike usual, using your telekinesis didn't really feel strenuous, but rather strange. It's probably due to the headache, the sleeplessness and the feeling that you're somewhere else mentally.

"Hey Y/N! Get out of the bathroom! I need to take a hard shit!"

Oh man.

You go out and the tall man, now in a jogging suit, Karasu, is already standing at the door. He looks down at you with a broad grin, his hair slicked back and his eyes half-closed. You move out of the way, let him through and go back to your suitcase. Next to it is your backpack, from which you take out important things like your Phone charging cable, a bottle of water and a chocolate bar.

You sit down on the bed for a moment, feel the soft blanket and enjoy the moment. Mentally, you go over everything you had to do to end up here and not drop out of college. The thought of suicide, which was very present when you skipped school for half the year, briefly comes back to your mind. But you throw it away, look around the room at the others, and have a completely different feeling in your stomach again.

Then you look in your backpack to take out things like your wallet. You look down at something you hadn't thought about.

The sleeping pills.

Often used back then because of the insomnia and the thousand thoughts that superpowers brought with them. The sleepless nights spent with music and fake scenarios in the hope that reality wasn't the damned reality after all. You never wanted these powers, but you couldn't really choose.

I just want to be normal... Can't I even have that?

You look up quickly, feeling like you've almost fallen asleep in your cozy, soft sitting position. Your gaze falls on Boogie, who has sat down against the wall at the top of the bed with a laptop on his legs. Boxy is playing on his Phone, has his suitcase next to him and his backpack on the other side of the room.

"Guys! There's no toilet paper here!" Karasu yells from the restroom as you put on a confused face and look down at your Phone.

"There must be some." Says Boogie, so quietly that you hear it. He doesn't say anything else, just types away on his laptop and doesn't look anywhere.

"Ah! There it is!" You hear from the toilet. This is followed by a noise that sounds as if he is fanatically pulling on the toilet roll and needs more and more. "It was just covered by my huge cock! Thank you Boogie!"

"What an idiot."

All of this is the perfect start for a class trip.

It was about an hour later, time flew past you and you didn't even notice. How could you? You were busy unpacking your suitcase, sorting your clothes and then putting them away in the wardrobes with a hanger. Plus the things you needed for a short time: snacks and drinks. On the side of your bed you have a pair of small sweets, a bottle of water and your headphones.

All in all, it was quite relaxing. You're slowly getting used to Boogie, which is hard enough for you with your anti-social nature, at least with normal people. But Boogie was really a person in his own right; he's quiet, always very calm and takes a calculated approach to everything. Karasu says he's "chatgpt as a person" and you can start to understand the reference.

He is a living search engine for numbers and data: He keeps them and guards them like damn gold coins. His specialties were computer science, mathematics and history; according to Karasu, he is undoubtedly one of the smartest students in the Complete Level and the college. But he only really shows it when he is asked about it, and then very calmly, as if all the knowledge he could show on each individual subject was self-evident.

While Boogie had to go to the toilet once, which Karasu apparently found incredibly strange, and makes a comment along the lines of "Fuck! Don't let him analyze the toilet!", Karasu apparently has to take it even further. You, downstairs in bed, half lying down with headphones in your ear and a glance at your Phone, are startled. After all, in the corner of your eye, you suddenly notice Karasu's creepy grimace staring at you like an analog horror character.

"Do you think Boogie belongs to the government?" He says, with his head completely turned and a big smile from one side of his face to the other. He lets his tongue hang out for a second and makes a weird Queitsch noise, then the grimace widens and he keeps talking. "Ya' know, like the pigeons?"

What did he say? The music is too loud.

You slowly take off your headphones, feel the unpleasant imprint behind your ears that you are so used to, and try to put Karasu's words together somehow. At that moment, you have already made two mistakes: 1. you, first of all you, have paid attention to Karasu. 2. paying attention to a topic where he's probably making up jokes all the time.

"Boogie always reminds me of an old man, probably because he's so thin and walks with such a stoop, and his hair starts way too far above his forehead..." He continues to talk, his speech becoming quieter and quieter and turning into a kind of mumbling. He quickly looks back at Boxy and then back at you. "I just had a funny thought, just when you were probably thinking about a sweet time with DogDay."

Asshole.

"So, what if Boogie is secretly... secretly a pensioner?" He asks it honestly, in a normal voice like students ask a question to the teacher in class, of course not the kind of shit Karasu is spouting right now. "I didn't realize it at first, but now it all makes sense! Pensioners are cheaper, and they're the only ones who have time for this!"

He just won't stop talking, can't someone say something?

"But I just thought of something more important!" He says, and pulls his head away, leaving you with a clear view of the room. Boogie comes out of the toilet, but you didn't even hear him flush, and Karasu continues his speech.

"We have to go shopping today! And explore the area! You know, check out girls and stuff!"

He really has far too much energy.

"Karasu, it's the First Day, you know that, right?" Says Boogie, calm and collected as ever. He takes his laptop off the bed and stands at the edge of his and Boxy's bed.

"Yes, that's why. We're shopping for things we need! Water, snacks and maybe alcohol!" He shouts, far too loudly. You can see Boxy and Boogie's expressions from your low position at the last word listed, if you had to describe it you would use the word 'offended'. "And for the best of us, a pair of condoms."

That fucking...

You know exactly who the statement was meant for, who else. But it throws you back into the thoughts you were just having while listening to music.

DogDay.

You follow her on Instagram, she follows you on Instagram. But so far there's been absolute silence, even though she seemed so enthusiastic about you at the party and the talent show. But what should you do? You could write her something that can't come across as cheesy, weird or in any way false, because otherwise you'll have her friends on your back, those smiling critters.

You'll have to figure it out for yourself, after all Karasu wasn't much help with such things. He always says things like "Trust me, character is really important!" But with him it's clear why he writes with a different girl every week, his looks fit. He's tall, a bit muscular and somehow manages to get on with everyone straight away.

And then there was you. Small, not a bit muscular and probably the least known person at the whole college, and not just because you didn't go for six months. You're antisocial and introverted, but what can you do about it, absolutely nothing.

But that reminded you of DogDay again, because there she was the complete opposite of you. Everyone knows her and her group of friends, she's beautiful, nice and just perfect. How could someone like you try to ask someone like her if they could get to know each other? Were you even worth it, or better yet, do you even have the right to fall in love with someone who is worth so much more as a person than you are?

And at this point, your brain always stopped. There was always a desperate attempt to boost your ego with thoughts like "But you have superpowers! As the only person in this world!" but with that came the ulterior motive of "You have superpowers, as the only person in this world, so you're an absolute freak who will end up in a lab one day."

But would you even tell DogDay about your telekinesis? The next dilemma that comes with the whole damn situation. After all, you're trying to keep the circle as small as possible, of people who know. Karasu and Boxy were the only ones in the whole world who knew that you, Y/N, had superpowers.

"Helllooooo? Earth to Y/N?"

Huh?

You look up in panic, Karasu is hanging there with her head again. But when you look to your left, you notice that Boogie and Boxy were already putting on their shoes and putting some things in their pockets.

What are they doing? Are we going or what? Where are we going anyway? And what are we going to get?

"Was someone thinking of a very specific person?" Karasu mumbles out, as if he had read your mind or learned of a secret. "Don't worry, I won't say anything, but you know what I told you at the party!"

What Karasu had said to you at the party consisted of sentences like: "Dude, nowadays you have sex before you hold hands, so do your best!" or "DogDay? You have to hurry, otherwise one of the hundred other guys at the college will grab her and you'll get to watch..." but also "Talk to her again, ask her directly for her number, then you'll stay in her memory...And maybe in her dreams too!"

"Come on Y/N, how are you supposed to score if you don't hit? Now get up and get ready quickly, Boxy has no patience, you know that."

You look around, literally drowning in thoughts and self-pity, but the others are already leaving. Boogie and Boxy have gone out the door and are apparently already walking, while Karasu quickly stands up and puts on his shoes within a few seconds.

"Hey, wait!" Your voice was broken, quite a strong voice crack and then at such an embarrassing moment. But you don't pay any more attention to it, get up quickly, which was quite a mistake because you suddenly feel dizzy. You stretch out one arm and take your jacket off your bed, then squat down and put your shoes on.

And so you make your way to the mall to buy things there.

Of course, you never thought you'd meet your crush and her entire group of friends there.

The landscape is green, lush and not dominated by any large buildings. You were now all on the bus, your seat was at the very back with the others, but in front of their larger seats, one in front leaning directly against a window, cut off from the others. You didn't know about the existence of the bus beforehand, but you were educated. On the way out of the huge castle, Boogie gave something of a lecture on all the bus and sidewalk connections near Castle Ludwig.

There is a bus that runs nearby, it goes directly to the town and leaves every hour. There are also lots of paths to walk to town and apparently there are benches near the castle to sit on. I think I'll go out tonight if I can't sleep and sit on one of the benches.

You wouldn't be able to sleep at night anyway, you couldn't despite being incredibly tired and weak. That's why you always liked to go for walks at home, but at night. It was really bad in broad daylight: lots of people outside, maybe even people you knew from somewhere. Then you might be sweating because of the heat or cold, and you'd have to take a shower at home. At night it was a vibe you loved from horror video games, and maybe you tried to bring the whole calm feeling into reality.

"Yes, but it's Taco Tuesday!" You hear as you slowly get away from your thoughts and back to the here and now. After all, the four of you are sitting in the back of the bus that is taking you to the mall.

"It's Monday." You hear quietly in front of you, Boogie and Boxy sat across from Karasu and seem to be having some sort of conversation the whole time, you decide to maybe listen in a little.

('I'm always gone, out on the go, I'm on the run and you're home alone')

"It's the same thing!" Karasu shouts, a little too loudly, but that's how he is. While Boogie puts one leg on top of the other as a sign that he's tired of Karasu's stupid jokes, Karasu spreads his legs wide. He spreads his legs wide and pushes his head in your direction. "I hope there are some hot girls in the mall, too."

('I'm too consumed with my own life')

"How is it that your Phone battery isn't dead, Boxy?" Karasu asks, leaning forward slightly and resting his chin on the palm of his hand, leaning his arm against his stomach. "I mean, you're really ALWAYS on your Phone?"

"I have to fight in the clan war, in Clash of Clans." Boxy says nothing more, doesn't even look over at Karasu, who is sitting opposite him, and continues typing on his Phone. Karasu doesn't seem to be satisfied with the answer, he looks around the bus, sees no one, and starts talking again.

"Yo...Which girl do you think has the biggest ass out of our grade?"

With that, you turn away from them again, pick up your Phone and turn up the volume on your headphones. You need to mentally prepare yourself to see lots of people at the same time as not paying too much attention to anyone.

But a quiet, slowly building feeling in your stomach lets you know that you might be doing more than just ignoring people.

"Here we are at last!" Karasu shouts, very loudly. He gets off the bus with a big smile on his face, walking straight and stretching out his arms. You follow, with your hoodie pulled up and quickly grabbing your ears to put your headphones in your jacket pocket.

"It was only twenty minutes away, Karasu." Boogie's voice just reaches your ears, hands touching his green streak and Phone in hand, he continues walking ahead of you with Boxy, who, as usual, is playing on his Phone.

"Dude! I wonder if we see any other people from our level..." You turn to your left, to Karasu's side, as he speaks. He's turned to the front, his sharp chin and gelled hair barely standing out in the large crowd of people walking around.

Directly to your right are the busy streets with lots of traffic lights, traffic signs and people. On the left-hand side, where Karasu is walking, there is already a kind of large wall with pillars pointing to the mall. You'll be there soon.

And that was exactly the moment, just outside the huge glass entrance to the City Mall, that you saw her from afar. Long blonde hair, straight and tall, and at that very moment you felt your heart beat faster. You would meet her, the Smilling Critters, and of course your crush: DogDay.

"I'd like a cheese burger once... No, wait... Two cheeseburgers!"

This is definitely the most embarrassing moment of the day when you don't count your life. You and Karasu at the checkout at Five Guys. An incredibly expensive burger joint that Karasu insisted on eating at, in the middle of the huge mall. When you arrived at the white and red store, you realized that it was going to be expensive. And not because of the price list hanging above the cash register, where a burger costs over ten dollars, but because of the fresh fried food smell that invades your nose.

But now that you have to order, you get a bad feeling: firstly, you're sure you saw DogDay and her group of friends at the entrance earlier, and secondly, this place is so damn expensive.

"Yo, you gotta order." The voice hits your ears, and you go out of your deep rootedness from your thoughts. You've lost yourself as usual, and now you have to make sense of the situation as quickly as possible in the cold water to avoid looking like the biggest idiot.

Fuck, what am I supposed to order? A burger for 12 dollars?! I don't have that much money with me, and we haven't even been shopping yet. But a French fry also costs 7 dollars, it's not worth buying anything here... And I don't want Karasu to buy me one either.

You are starting to get nervous, it was always such a cramp in your unsocial life when you had to talk to someone, like now, with the woman at the checkout who is already looking at you funny. You can feel your body getting warm, as if someone has poured hot water on your face and your heart is beating faster and faster.

GOD DAMN IT SAY SOMETHING! ORDER SOMETHING!

On the other hand, there was the other side of your mind fighting for the dominance to decide your actions.

Just say you don't want anything, nobody can force you to order anything. Besides, it costs far too much and you're not really hungry anyway. How many times have you just not eaten, it won't kill you not to eat a fancy 12 dollar burger.

"Don't worry Dude, we still have 400 dollars left from the talent show, just pick anything..." Karasu's whisper reassures you, which was really funny. His normally class clown-like demeanor was annoying, but your heart is barely pounding and you're already feeling better somehow.

Okay...you can do this Y/N, just say you want a cheeseburger and everything will be fine and this awkward moment will finally end.

You take a deep breath. You stand up a little straighter, push the hood off your head and look at the cashier, who is already looking at you like an alien, but never mind.

"I-I would like..." You keep your eyes on the price board hanging above, the red and white color combination giving you a slight headache like you get when you use your telekinesis too often, but you suck it up.

"Can I get a please burger cheese?"

The last thing you hear before your mind switches off for good is Karasu's loud laughter echoing through the entire mall.

"A 'please burger cheese' ?"

You were already done eating and are now just wandering around the mall. While Boogie and Boxy went into an electronics store, neither you nor Karasu really had any interest in that sort of thing. And what better time to make fun of your slip of the tongue than when you're alone.

"I mean: Howdcha' come up with something like that?" He says between laughs and quick gasps, because even he's running out of breath after laughing so much. You try not to let it show, but it's getting on your nerves and you're bottling up all your feelings. "That's not even a normal slip of the tongue, it's the worst ever."

You walk up the large metal rolling staircase in the middle of the mall, one step forward and you're on a step that automatically moves upwards while Karasu stands in front of you and looks behind. The view is actually quite good, with all the large stores you can see into through the glass walls and the freshly cleaned, slightly light-reflecting floors.

And then, just as you reach the top, your heart immediately sinks. You don't understand, your eyes land on a group of people who somehow look familiar to you. But it wasn't Boogie and Boxy, as you thought, the hair colors were wrong, and too different anyway.

Oh shit.

It was the Smilling Critters.

You don't know exactly what's happening at this moment, your body reacts automatically and your mind won't be present again for a few seconds. You seem to have placed yourself behind a store, or rather behind a billboard that conceals you and Karasu.

"Dude! Whatcha' doing?" Karasu's voice doesn't even reach your cognitive memory, the only thing you can hear is your heart beating loudly and it just won't stop. Your legs suddenly feel like spaghetti and you just want to get out of here quickly, you didn't expect a situation like this, and you weren't prepared for DogDay either.

Shit! Where do they come from?

You look straight ahead, your vision is slightly blurred, but after a few seconds and a sinking heartbeat it gets better:

They are all standing in a small square with something in the middle of two paths in the mall. But not all of them are standing, two of them are sitting, the girl with the pink hair and the girl with the turquoise hair. A couple of them, the ones standing, are wearing 3D glasses colored red and blue, as if they had just been to the movies.

Which is probably the case, as all of them are either holding a drink or a large bucket of popcorn. The group stands out a hell of a lot, the different hair colors, the different outfits and body sizes, and maybe it's just for you because you're watching them as they stand there like a stalker.

This is incredibly awkward.

"Wow, I didn't think people would go to the movies on the first day of the year class trip," comes from Karasu as you continue to ignore it, which seems to happen automatically as you watch the critters from afar like a damn stalker.

And then your eyes meet them:

DogDay.

Her perfect long blonde hair, which lay flawlessly over her shoulder. Her wonderful blue blouse, which showed off her straight and tall figure. Her jeans that fit her perfect body like a dream. And her white shoes, which reflected the light and completed the outfit perfectly.

You could feel it, the way blood was flowing towards your brain and another part of your body. Your throat and mouth are getting dry and blood is going to places that it shouldn't. You had never seen her wear that blouse or those jeans before. Oh shit, you were staring, you were staring a lot-you drunk in the site of her, as much as you could before switching your eyes to the advertising sign or into Karasu's face, which was only a few centimeters away from yours.

"Ah...now I understand why you have such a crush on her." As soon as his statement reaches your brain and it understands the meaning, you grit your teeth.

"Shut up."

"I hope ya' already wrote her on Instagram...I mean that would be a real shame forya', how else are ya' supposed to..." He turns his head away from you, and like in a cartoon, you turn together in the direction of the Smilling Critters. Karasu raises his index finger, forming a circle around the group. "Get close to her."

Your brain stops for a moment, no, for two moments. The first moment is the adrenaline affecting your senses, blurring everyone but the group of friends in front of you. Her outfit was unbelievably perfect, and you just couldn't take your eyes off her divine form. It was making things extremely hard for You. Literally.

But the second moment was the story of getting to know her after the talent show and at the party. She had praised you, and later at the party you got her Instagram name, although you idiot could have just searched. She asked you back immediately, and you accepted, but that was it. No messages, no private story or anything, everything.

And, even if you wouldn't admit it in 100 years, it has embarrassed you immensely. You thought that would be a good start, even if you don't know anything about such things, which Karasu does, you really hadn't made any more progress than when you first met on the bus on the first day of school.

And it is precisely this feeling that goes straight to your head.

And so you are doing something that you will bitterly regret in the future.

"Wait...What are you-!

You block out everything, Karasu's voice, the people staring at you because there are two teenagers crouched behind a billboard pretending to be secret agents, and concentrate completely on the here and now. The eight silhouettes standing in the middle of the mall with their drinks cups still have no idea.

The familiar feeling of a tingling sensation appears in the back of your mind, but you are now stronger and better armed with your telekinesis. You no longer have to close your eyes, and now that you can leave them open, it is no problem to imagine the group of eight friends in front of your mind's eye.

And then, just as they were about to move on, the two girls got up from the couch -

BANG!

The huge plastic cup of this 'kickin' guy bursts all at once. Without warning or anything, it just bursts in his hand and the whole cola flies around and colors everything in its reach black...Except for DogDay, you paid attention to that.

People are looking from everywhere, as if someone had thrown themselves off the bridge, staring at the group of people who were now all dressed in the sugary liquid.

The moment the drink burst, the moment you let it burst, there was a short scream, a girl's voice. But now there was absolute silence, they stood there, not moving a bit, and nobody seemed to understand what had happened.

The first person to react, slowly and shocked, is this boy with blue hair and glasses. He pulls, painfully slowly, a pack of tissues out of his pocket and passes them around the group. Everyone grabs one and he is the first to use it to clean his glasses.

But the others are still in absolute shock, like a deer in headlights. But what doesn't make the whole situation any better are all the people who walk past and just stare, without shame or offering any help.

The tall green-haired girl standing next to Kickin looks around. You could swear her gaze hits your direction like a flashlight in the dark, but she doesn't seem to have been looking for that reason. She squeezes both hands into fists, pushes them down towards her legs and shouts:

"WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT?!"

You're immediately pulled away, your eyes barely able to cope with the whole damn situation. Karasu, holding your wrist, quickly descends the escalator and you try to keep up with his pace.

You can hardly stop yourself from laughing, and neither can Karasu. It just felt so good to be able to do something that nobody understands. And even if good assumptions and theories were put forward, no one would be able to prove it. But a little pang of guilt spreads through your stomach, and rightly so: it was DogDay's friend group and you just did something really bad.

Finally at the bottom, and with Boogie and Boxy in sight, waving at you from afar, you are mentally somewhere else again. But Karasu, no, he really likes what you've just done, you've proven yourself.

"I knew you had it in you Dude!"

Notes:

That's it again with a chapter of my favorite story of the moment. The next chapter, whose name I already told you, is called: On That Rainy Night. Don't worry, CatNap finally makes her appearance and brings the story back to the darker, more depressive side. As I said before, this chapter will probably be uploaded again, due to bug fixes and the double update for this and My Arcane Story (check it out!") Thanks for reading, leave kudos and comments!

[holdonunreal]

Chapter 8: Castle Ludwig

Summary:

It. starts. now. The long-awaited Playtime Co College year class trip. Everyone up to here, was extra for this, the talent show for the money, the chemistry test to stay in college and so on. A new person also appears in the group: The genius; Boogie.

Notes:

The next three chapters will be event chapters of the class trip, here are the names: 1. at the mall! 2 On That Rainy Night! (CatNap show up) 3. at the funfair. Have fun reading!

"So, excited yet?" Karasu's words ring in your ears. Your thoughts go back over the last few days: the conversation with Karasu about superpowers, the party, the talent show and the chemistry test that you were the only one to pass.

And now you are here: On the huge campus square of Playtime Co. College in front of the huge buses that are now taking you students on your journey. To your right is a small suitcase, dark gray in color and not necessarily large in size. You don't need that many clothes, even if, as Karasu always says, "All your clothes always look the same".

On your left is only Karasu, with his tall stature and a suitcase that is almost as big as you are, but a light shade of blue. His hair is slicked back, making him look partly like a Crow, as always. He wears branded clothes, it looks like a kind of tracksuit with white shoes, are we going to sports class?

"Yeah...Totally" The sarcasm in your voice is hard to miss, along with the heavy tiredness and a voice that sounds even more crassly depressed, it is early morning after all. Your throat feels slightly scratchy, you haven't had breakfast, nor have you mentally prepared yourself to stand among several hundred people.

Boxy arrives with his red hair all sticking out, pajama pants and a black t-shirt. You can't see his shoes, but you guess that he's wearing the same shoes he always wears, his standard white sneakers.

He looks like he's just got out of bed. Although, I probably look the same.

"Yo Boxy, how was the wet dream?"

It's early in the morning and he's already starting with his funny jokes.

"I pulled an all-nighter." Boxy finally replies. The tiredness in his voice can't be ignored, even if it's hard to hear with hundreds of people talking loudly around you. He only really stands out because of his height and his red hair, which sticks out so damn much.

You look around a bit, there are far too many people in this square. Of course the square was big, it's right in front of the college, the Noble College, which has huge squares everywhere and doesn't really give the impression of being a normal college. But now, when you see all the students gathered here like this, all dressed as if you were going on vacation.

"Karasu, where exactly are we going?" A good question from you. One that hasn't actually been answered yet. Sometimes Karasu said we were going to another country, or another city, or even Antarctica, where he said that the students had to keep each other warm, what a joker.

"Well, Castle Ludwig, isn't it?" With that, he turns to Boxy, who, by the way, has his phone out and is looking down at it like a zombie. He doesn't type, but just looks at the screen like a dead man with a pair of hairs covering his forehead and his neck becoming more and more prominent.

"Earth to Boxy? Don't tell me you're watching porn this early in the morning?" Karasu shouts, a little too loudly for your liking in the huge crowd you're in. Out of the corner of your eye you see a few people turn towards you as you curse Karasu inwardly for his comments and jokes, Boxy finally replies.

"Nah...It's where everyone goes." Boxy answers, takes one hand off his phone and pushes some hair away from his eyes. With that, he starts typing on his phone and puts on a slightly more serious look.

How can he be gaming on his phone so early? Or did he really pull an all-nighter?

"So, we'll be driving about...three hours, probably with a break" He stands up straight, averting his eyes through the crowd and holding a hand to his forehead as if blocking out sun rays. Then he puts a hand on the suitcase at his side and suddenly looks much more excited.

"Come on, people are already getting in, and I don't wanna' shitty seat! We still have to find Boogie!"

So here we go.

So there you are. In a huge bus that feels like it stretches for miles and could hardly be more luxurious. Blue interior design like in first class, large tables with seats for four, soft foam cushions and a long dark blue curtain, plus led lights above you. You are now sitting relatively far in the middle, Karasu wanted to go to the back, but there were many other students in front of you who were already running to the back.

It's one of many buses, but the amount of people around you makes you panic. The bus was really huge and at first Karasu doubted that such a thing was even allowed on the streets. But it was completely full, with four people sitting at each table, of which there were a hell of a lot. That's a crowd that feels like a bad nightmare where you accidentally wake up at school in just your underwear.

But Karasu noticed how your hair slowly stuck to your forehead and your eyes trembled around the surroundings, as if you were feeling watched It wasn t the first time he had seen something like this, an antisocial person like you. He himself knows many from Playtime College who are similar to you, after all, the college is damn huge and it's normal that the nervousness slowly turned into a kind of panic.

That's why he was so nice, which is pretty rare because he usually takes every chance to insult someone, and gave you a seat by the window. Across from you was Boxy's tall stature, but not as tall as usual, as he was hunched over, staring at his phone and continuing to play. Although Karasu had already told him at least three times in the last two minutes that he could lean the phone against the table, or against something on the table, and use it in a much more relaxed way.

You're tired, still exhausted from the last few days and your social battery is completely flat. You're lucky, with the window seat you didn't have to talk to anyone who came by, maybe to put their hand luggage in the top of those luggage things or who asked you "Aren't you the one from the talent show".

But then someone stands out from the crowd pushing their way out of the bus entrances, desperately looking for a seat. With an excited smile, Karasu suddenly stares at a guy who then stops in front of our table and well...

So that was him: Boogie.

He looked relatively normal, as far as you can tell, as a person with supernatural powers...What irony.

Taller than you, but slightly shorter than Karasu and Boxy. Short, flat white hair with a strand of hair in the middle that is dark green, underneath his slim face with a chiseled chin and thin low-lidded eyes that you could barely see. This is probably due to the strong dark circles under his eyes, overall from the look you can only imagine that the guy is interested in computers, the strand of hair and the dark circles are actually the main indication of this.

"Yo"

Yo? Is that all he's saying?

"Well look who's here, our favorite person Boogie." Karasu says, resting his broad arms on the backrest and striking a pose as if he owns the bus. He runs a hand over his hair and stares at Boogie as if he's a bouncer and Boogie is about to go in but doesn't have the right outfit. "Took ya' Long enough, had to say bye to your Girlfriend?"

"Negative." That's all Boogie answers, standing still like a robot in the middle of the aisle of the bus. He doesn't move, the only thing about him that does is his eyes, which scan your table like a robot scans a new planet.

Did it just say "negative" instead of "no"? Is that Guy an artificial intelligence? ChatGPT?

"Come on, don't stand there like a bot...boogie bot, haha." Karasu's laughter sounds forced, but it's because none of you show any reaction at all. "Oh, guys! Now laugh a little! After all, we're going to Castle Ludwig now!"

Boogie sits down, his green streak bounces in the air for a brief moment as he goes down, and you can see his dark circles again, which are hard to miss anyway. In general, he looks kind of...thrown together. He's tall, but his movements don't make him look a bit athletic, more like a robot that has to send individual signals to its muscles.

"So Boogie, I know none of you want to do this... But..." Karasu starts talking again, a little more calmly this time, and he even sounds serious, unlike usual. He turns sideways to you and Boxy, even though Boxy is still staring at his phone as usual. "We'll have to do it in the end anyway, so introduce yourselves!"

This is far too awkward. How do they even know each other? It doesn't fit together at all, Karasu the guy who's always partying and a guy who looks like he'd rather talk to a computer than a human person.

"Let's start with the best person in the group, Y/N!" He shouts it through the whole bus as if you were a superstar. You hide by the window, not wanting to attract attention and just trying to listen to music, and the bus ride hasn't even started. "He's a bit quiet, but actually quite okay. You two are actually quite similar, even if you don't believe it yet."

I just pretend I didn't hear him, then I don't have to embarrass myself.

"This is Boxy and he...ehhhhh..." Karasu falters, not because he has nothing to say for once, but nothing to respond to. With his arms on the backrest as if he owns the bus, an incredibly bored face with low corners on his mouth, he looks at the form of Boxy, who is no longer playing on his phone but lying with his head completely on the table, apparently asleep. "Yeah...Never mind."

"Interesting."

"And that's Boogie, Y/N..." He points a finger at you, letting it float quickly through the air and land on Boogie. "Boogie. Also number three in the ranking of the top students in our semester!" With that, he stands up briefly, grabs a small backpack from the luggage holder above you and sits down just as quickly as he got out. "So! Who's up for snacks and a round of Uno!"

Number three in the ranking of all? The guy? So he's better than all the students when it comes to studying. So even he failed the chemistry exam, damn! Then I stood out way too much.

No one answers. While you don't answer, for the reason that you can't hear him well since you have your headphones on and have turned back to the window, Boogies is another. He thinks Karasu is talking so loudly because he wants to play with others on the bus, but he doesn't seem to know that Karasu simply doesn't have a social filter like you and Boxy do.

Looking out of the window, where you can slowly see the other buses leaving and loud music in your ears, you close your eyes. You don't normally even do that on the school bus, but somehow it's even quiet, Karasu isn't shouting, Boxy is doing exactly what he always does on his phone and that Boogie guy is just looking at the ceiling.

But then you have to think about her again: DogDay. Is she on another bus? Will she even come along? Maybe she's caught a cold and can't even get out of bed? No, these were all just theories that played into your hands, after all, you're far too scared to even speak to her, especially with someone like Karasu around.

You didn't even really message her on Instagram. You just followed her, and as if by magic, she followed you back after a few minutes. A thousand thoughts in your head all the time, but the result remains the same: is she even interested? Especially in an antisocial outsider like you? Her friends from her Smilling Critters group were a much better match, surely they get along with everyone?

You feel a tap on your right shoulder that pulls you out of your thoughts.

"Someone seems to be thinking about something." Karasu says, looking at you like a dog that has just been given something to drink, and with every second you don't answer, his grin widens. He opens his mouth, puts his tongue between his front teeth and continues speaking. "I hope a couple of...things happen on this class trip."

Did he just read my mind or what? Is it that easy to tell when I think about DogDay?

"Oh Dude! This trip is going to be so much fun!"

"So, what do you want to be in the future?"

You've already been on the bus for an hour, and the break at the gas station that has already been announced is coming soon, but apparently Karasu still wants to use enough time to talk. You laboriously pick up your phone, which has been lying on the table and playing music through your headphones the whole time and stop the music. For the first time, Boxy doesn't seem completely absent; he continues to look at his phone, but occasionally glances over at Karasu.

The new guy: Boogie, is a little different. He reaches into a bag that you can't see, but you know it probably looks weird because Karasu starts giggling girlishly. But then it happens, he takes out a calculator, stares Karasu in the eye as if it were a job interview but doesn't answer. On the contrary, he starts typing in numbers frantically, staring at the calculator with a passion.

Boxy and you just watch, confused and mildly interested in the situation. You both don't know this boogie, and not everyone can keep up with Karasu's comic humor and manner.

"I've just calculated the date of our graduation." That's all he says, a stoic expression and no movement seem to be enough.

"On a calculator" Karasu's sarcasm is hard to miss, it sounds like he's about to mimic Boogie's statement in a nerd voice and laugh so loud your ears will do away.

"Yes." That's all that comes back in reply, no goddamn movement and the bags under his eyes make Boogie look like a zombie.

"It doesn't matter," says Karasu, a little confused on his part, as he would have been interested in your answers. But he still has an ace up his sleeve that will keep you all talking until you get to the gas station for the break. "What's your opinion on superpowers, Boogie?"

You asshole! He's not going to make fun of me like he did yesterday at my house, is he? Shit! Why would he ask that now of all times?

"The fictional ones?" Boogie asks, putting the calculator down on the table and staring deadpan into the aisles of the bus.

"Well, what else?" Karasu starts to grin, why is clear. He turns to you briefly, stares at you from the side and immediately turns back to Boogie. He puts one hand in his jacket pocket, takes out a small red NicNac's packet and starts opening it fanatically in his big hands. As soon as he has done this, he throws one of the small peanuts into his mouth and stares at Boogie. "You don't think these fictional powers are real, do you?"

This guy is really bad.

"No. Did my voice make you think that?" Says Boogie coolly, unruffled and with complete seriousness in his voice.

And this one is even worse.

"And what would be..." Karasu leans back, takes his broad arms from the armrest and sits up straight like a thinking statue. He crosses one leg and places his hands on the large table standing in the middle of you all. "If there was someone... hypothetically of course... with supernatural powers?"

You turn away hastily, towards the window, anything to quickly distract yourself. Your fingers tap quickly on your phone as you feel the warm fabric of the couch against your legs, through the fabric of your pants. Your mind pulls you in from two directions: Either you keep listening, try not to get nervous, and then you know what that Smart Boogie Guy will think. Or you just listen to music, pretend you didn't hear the question and live in peace with the silence.

You decide not to turn on the music straight away and listen first.

"In that case...it would actually be pretty sad."

Huh?

"Huh? How am I supposed to understand that now, Boogie-Boo?"

"Well, imagine you live in a world full of idiots, not so different from ours." He takes a break from talking, you continue to look out of the window as the streets pass you by and the bus stops briefly at a set of traffic lights. "But you're a genius. Then your life wouldn't just be boring, it would be relatively unnecessary."

What does he mean?

"So you're saying that depression would be normal for the person, with the superpowers of course?" Karasu asks, this time deadly serious and without the usual grimace on his face.

"Yes, knowing that you are special but can't change anything in the world is already a reason and an indication of your conclusion."

This guy...

You turn to him. He is not sitting seriously like Karasu, a little indented and sleepy, his green streak covers most of his face, but you can already imagine the circles under his eyes as if they had always been there. But you hardly think about that, about his appearance, his statements have hit you.

He talks as if he's speaking from experience, even if he seemed a bit strange at first, you now have a different image of him, and that's after an hour's bus ride in which you haven't exchanged a word with him.

Maybe Boogie isn't as bad as you thought.

"Are we there now?"

"No."

"And now what?"

"No."

"And what is -

Boxy interrupts Karasu's repetitive statement with a loud sob. He's probably lost a round of his phone game or something. Boogie looks slowly unsettled, perhaps wondering if joining our room was really the right choice.

Maybe he also wonders if Karasu has ADHD, after all, he's been acting like this the whole bus ride. He talks far too loudly, even about private matters. Boxy ignores him all the time, just like always, whereas it's not so easy with you. Karasu pokes you in the ribs, tells Boogie about the two of you and sometimes mentions and nags you with the name "DogDay" while giving you a bad side-eye.

"Guys! I have so many snacks! Take Some!" Shouts Karasu through the whole, damn, bus. He sits halfway on the seat of the bus and at the same time reaches up to the luggage section and pulls down another bag.

"We'll be there in ten minutes and sixteen seconds."

"Wow... Did you just do the math in your head or what?" Karasu says, standing still in the middle of the bus as if it's not moving.

"No, I've been counting since the start of the journey."

You block out the noises and try to come to your senses once more. You fought for this moment, overcoming your previous insecurity and even using your telekinesis in front of thousands of people, unknowing to them but not to you.

Before you were a nobody, now you're just known for being the only one who passed the chemistry test and the one who won the talent show with Karasu, but that was something. Before that, you were almost drowning in self-pity and depression, but now you have something like a second chance. Add to that your crush on DogDay, everything is slowly building up and the path is becoming clearer.

But if what Boogie said is true, that "your life would not only be boring, but relatively unnecessary"

"Yo, Dude, get up." Suddenly Karasu is standing in front of you, and right now, your music stops.

Are we there yet?

"Huh?"

"We're here."

"Really?"

"Really."

You get up slowly, not liking the numb feeling in your legs up to your bottom. The strange tingling remains as you pick up your backpack and walk out of the bus with the others to collect your suitcase. The bus outside smells incredibly strongly of oil, plus the cold and the loud noises of all the students around you, a disgusting feeling.

"Students! Come with me." That's all the teacher in front of you says, and the statement almost goes past your ears. You see his relatively bald head, with fine light brown hair only on the sides and nothing in the middle. A small angled moustache and a blue shirt, with a white tablet in his hand. That's all you recognize, he turns and walks abruptly in one direction.

"Dude, here we go!" You hear the voice from your left, turn around and meet the wide grin of Karasu. He gives you a light punch on the shoulder, which slowly makes you feel your nerves in your body again.

With that, you put your backpack on your back, pick up your bags and follow the large crowd with Karasu, Boxy and Boogie. While Boxy and Boogie walk ahead of you, Boxy with his  phone in his hand and a neck that really doesn't look healthy. Boogie is staring at the sky, has his hands in his trouser pockets and looks quite interested in his surroundings.

You walk along a bridge, over a lake by the looks of it. Bright blue water like you've only seen on the internet before, white stones that make the bridge and shine as you walk across it. The cold wind that passes over your exposed skin, over the water of the lake and then towards you suggests that whatever this 'Castle Ludwig' is, it's pretty luxurious.

"And here we are, that..."

Your eyes sharpen your vision, but it doesn't help much, because you have to look up again. A huge garden, variously shaped plants that remind you of the video game Sims. But the thing behind it, which is much more prominent in your vision, is more important.

A Gigantic Castle. A huge, rambling, quite scary-looking castle, with a jumble of towers and battlements which somehow looked like -

"Dude, this is just Fucking Hogwarts." Karasu shouts, again too loudly.

The first time he's been right.

The teacher clears his throat, you can't take your eyes off the lock, no wonder this whole ride costs 600 dollars. Playtime really seems to be a company that deserves its high reputation.

"This is...Castle Ludwig."

And it was also the beginning of countless moments that would shape your life in a way you could never have imagined.

Notes:

What an interesting and important chapter! I procastinated a bit too much again and really took my time for this chapter. This is not only due to my own laziness, but also because I wanted to keep this chapter as realistic as possible. A normal group of teenage boys at the table of a Bus that takes them to a year class trip. Well, not quite normal, after all, you have telekinesis. As I said at the beginning, the next three chapters will be shorter event chapters. Since nothing happens all the time, I want to write out the most important parts, especially the ones where CatNap or DogDay appear (maybe even both of them). Here are the names again: 1. at the mall! 2 On That Rainy Night! 3. invitation to the funfair!

[holdonunreal]

Chapter 7: Crow

Summary:

It's time to pack your bags for the year group trip, good thing Karasu is helping you pack. At the same time, however, he starts a few topics of conversation that you would rather leave out.

Notes:

That took a long time again. Why? Well, it's actually a bit more complicated this time: I'm currently doing an internship (commercial/computer science), and I had to take care of a few things at the same company: They offered me a full-time job. I put this matter before my fanfictions and took care of it, which was a lot of work. Even if that was the main reason, the heat is really unbearable. It's just so goddamn hot that as soon as I sit down at the computer I want to leave again. This chapter was written over many days in small chunks, sometimes just a few hundred words and then sometimes a thousand. I also had to rewrite this chapter COMPLETELY once. This time it wasn't because of Word, but because of my incompetence. In some places I didn't like the environment description, in others I didn't like the monologue between you and Karasu and then somehow everything was shit. So I rewrote everything and finally posted it. This chapter was important for me because of the friendship between you and Karasu. More about this in the end notes. Have fun reading!

If it wasn't for the ringing of your alarm clock waking you up every day, you'd probably stay in bed. The world really is a funny place, people who care more about other people's opinions than their own, of which you are one. Still others don't give a shit about other opinions, think they are better than the others and live in the moment, like Karasu.

And exactly every possible person, no matter how they look, think or feel, will be on this god damn year group trip in some way. You don't even know where it's going.

Were you nervous? Yes.

It would already be bad to be unknown, just a nobody, but then at least you would have peace of mind. Since you had to get the money for the trip, you had no real choice but to join the talent show and win it. Which you did, with a bit of cheating. But so what? The others don't believe in the supernatural anyway, anyone who thinks they're special these days is looked at like a madman.

You get up, unfortunately. Your bed is far too cozy to just get up and do something, especially at the weekend.

How is it that the bed is always the most comfortable just before getting up?

You sit upright, the blanket ruffles beneath you and your gaze goes to your little bedside cabinet. Your cell phone lights up, a message. You reach for your cell phone and first see your background picture, a cat. Then your eyes wander to the center and see the WhatsApp message from Karasu.

Yo, are you finally awake Dude?

I'll be right there so prepare your suitcase and shit.

That reminds you again: Today is Sunday. Not only did you sleep until the afternoon, but tomorrow is the year group trip. If you remember correctly, Karasu said something yesterday about "we're going to pack your suitcase for the year group trip tomorrow".

You finally get up, take your headphones and put them on your ears with a pleasant feeling. Your fingers swipe the display, deep in thought you try to decide which song to listen to while you get ready.  In the end, you end up with: Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana. Whether you listen to it because it's a good song or because of the performance by the Smiling Critters and DogDay. It was definitely the latter.

You look around your room, apart from the mess it's not too bad. With one look in the closet you can already imagine what Karasu will say when he arrives here, after all, almost every piece of clothing is black or has a very dark tone.

You go on to the bathroom. A look in the mirror, your hair looks like you haven't taken care of it for days and you have dark circles under your eyes. Showing up at the trip tomorrow like this would probably be the worst thing you could do. The cold water washes over your face as you look in the mirror again, feeling refreshed. You look better, a few hairs are sticking to your forehead and your skin actually looks clear.

I don't look as bad as Karasu always says.

Was that a confidence boost?

Certainly not.

You look at the mirror and concentrate slightly, the mirror door slowly begins to open as if by magic. Yes, you are using your telekinesis, after all Karasu always says "If I had your powers, then...". Thanks to the lesson from Karasu and Boxy, you can now use it freely without having to close your eyes, and that's a huge advantage. It's like looking at a leaf on the ground and imagining it slowly gliding up into the air. As long as you imagine it in front of your mind's eye, it becomes a Reality. Your toothbrush slowly slides out of the cupboard and rests in the palm of your right hand, as if it were completely normal, the toothpaste tube also floats over the brush and deposits a little of its contents.

("And I forget just why I taste, Oh yeah, I guess it makes me smile")

You continue brushing your teeth while your mind wanders a little.

Where is this year group trip going anyway? Are we going to another city? Another country? Do we even drive, do we fly? After all, it cost 600 dollars. That's a lot of money for a week with the college.

("I found it hard, it's hard to find, Oh well, whatever, never mind")

You rinse your mouth and go into the kitchen. It's empty, you forgot to buy things, you were at the party after all. When you think about everything that happened there, you feel sick, especially with Karasu. It's unfair that he brags to everyone and makes bets while you watch in the background and make sure he wins the bets.

I'm nothing more than Karasu's sidekick.

But when your Mind goes back to the party, you remember it, it being the Moment, you saw them.

Purple, obsidian-colored eyes. In the middle of the crowd of people standing there...

Who was that?

Do I know her? No way, I don't know anyone at fucking college.

You kill a bit of time, but at the same time you hurry. You tidy up your room, stuff your things somewhere and continue listening to music. The song from earlier is already over, now it's just going down your playlist. You can't remember the last time you used that weird silver case, but when you put it on the bed, it leaves a hell of a lot of dust.

It's empty and totally clean on the inside, which is funny when you think about how dirty it is on the outside. It's the only suitcase you have available and it's not that bad, enough space for everything you need. 

Now all that's missing is Karasu...

Your half-opened eyes land on your phone, the song stops and you just look at the display. Your thumb hastily swipes over it and you open Instagram, go to your account and look up your followers. Her name is there: DogDay. When you asked her name at the party, she just laughed and told you to look up her name. That was the first thing you did when you got home, she was the first person displayed, a public account with several thousand followers.

But now? Nothing. You followed her and within a few minutes she followed you back. That's also the reason why you barely slept, you spent the night thinking and listening to music, a few fake scenarios and half-sleeping. One thing is still missing, you've probably stalked her entire posts hundreds of times, liked and analyzed them all. Her friend group, those smiling critters were everywhere. At this point, you could probably give an hour-long presentation about the group.

Bobby, Bubba, Crafty, Hoppy, Kickin, Picky.

Their names are burned into your mind, every time you think you've forgotten one, the name pops back out of the back of your head. You've thought about following them all and acting like Best Buddy, but none of them know you and you don't know any of them. After all, you've only seen them once on the podium during their performance, putting the names to the faces seems hard enough, then you're supposed to pretend you know them? Impossible for someone like you.

I'm sure they all know Karasu, but he's also the kind of person who appeals to people.

That's not who you are. You're lucky to have two 'colleagues' at all, Karasu and Boxy. If it were only up to you, you probably still wouldn't have spoken to anyone at college.

Knock-knock

There he is

You walk to the door, one leg in front of the other and look up. Your neck is pulling so hard, you've definitely been on your cell phone too late at night, there's no denying it. You're standing right in front of the door and hear his voice outside.

"Don't open with your hand, use your powers Dude"

You Groan, he's asking you to use them more and more often. Using it alone isn't bad, after all nobody can see you, but using it with other people is something else. You don't even have to concentrate, you hold your right hand out like a magician and with a little click of the lock the door swings open.

"Nah look at you, you've become a real pro" Your eyes go from the door to him, he actually looks the same as always. His black hair is combed up, making him look like a Crow. He's wearing a tracksuit, in black with a huge Adidas logo on the side, giving the impression that he walked here.

"Are you a girl I have to ask to come in? Come on, we don't have all day, let's go." With that he storms past you, even if he isn't or hasn't been to your house often, he knows his way around. He walks along the corridor and straight into your room. You follow him, of course, taking off your headphones and holding them in your hand.

"And how are things going with DogDay?"

Does he have to ask me directly?

He is standing in front of your wardrobe, not looking at you, but at your clothes which are neatly hung up on hangers. While you are still thinking about how exactly you should answer his question, he pulls a few things out of your wardrobe. You stand at the door, but now you start to answer him.

"I wrote her"

You have to say that, otherwise he would pester you with questions and give you that disappointed and perverted look.

"A complete lie" He doesn't even turn to you, still head deep in your closet. You don't know what he really means until seconds later, after he's said it.

Shit.

"Sigh...look Y/N, I understand that you weren't made for this. Really! But you have to finally take the initiative, you know? First letter shows courage and interest" He turns to you, wearing long pants and a hoodie in his hand. You notice his sturdy body again, "How could you always forget that?

If I looked like you, I would have no problem writing to someone first.

That's what you think, but of course you don't say it. Someone like him has no problem approaching girls, even if they were to reject him, he would probably just get on with his business.

"This is your chance!" He holds both arms together, forming an outfit out of his trousers and hoodie, which he proudly presents to you. He looks at me with a smug expression, probably expecting an answer, but doesn't move. He turns around and places the clothes on your bed. "You need to stand out, best to start with this, a good look to appeal to DogDay on the year group trip."

Talk to her? Is he Fucking Crazy?

You actually managed to talk to her. Even twice, after the talent show and then at the party. Even though the conversations were completely led by her and you stuttered and gave the shortest answer, it was a conversation.

"Besides, you have superpowers Dude! You can just do whatever you want, you know? You can...levitate people, objects man! Anything you want!" He turns from the bed back to you, his hands wildly in the air as if he's trying to convince you to sign a contract. He stands up straight "You know, I've watched a hell of a lot of series and anime since you told me about your superpowers... Really almost everything that has anything to do with superpowers!"

Please don't compare me to any superheroes.

"So in 'Stranger Things', for example, there's a girl who's named after a number... It doesn't matter, she has similar powers, you know? Or 'The Boys', for example, it's about superheroes in society, there are also some with your ability." You sit down on the bed and try to take something important from his statements, apart from a comparison with some girl and some superheroes, he hasn't gotten very far yet. He stands by your wardrobe again, squats down and rummages through the rows like crazy. "All that matters is that you know how to use them ya' know?"

Why does he sometimes speak normally and sometimes with an accent?

"Well, but when I think of all the superpowers, yours is actually a bit of a dud." He doesn't turn to you, but looks at you out of the corner of his eye with his right eye.

what please?

"Well, when I compare all sorts of things... invisibility, flying, super strength and so on is somehow better than telekinesis." You look down at your legs and a shirt hits you in the face. He just threw it at you while your mind was elsewhere. You slowly take it down and your eyes land on the shirt, it has no pattern and is simply colored a shade of grey.

As if I had chosen that.

"But I think it depends on how you use your superpower, after all, you can just avoid fights." He pauses to speak, runs a hand through his gelled hair and looks at you quizzically. "There is...at least I don't think...anyone else with such powers. Sooo you would actually win every fight... Only if you wanted to, of course."

Should I just throw people through the air on the street or what?

"Dude!"

Hmm?

You look at him, he has stood up and is standing right in front of you. One arm is bent like a butler, and on it are heaps of things from your wardrobe. On his other arm is a bed sheet, white and as good as transparent.

"You may not be a superhero, but there will be a lot of people on this trip..." He swings the bed sheet slightly in the air as he walks over to you and stuffs the clothes into your suitcase. "Besides, it's Halloween soon anyway ya' know?"

Why does he have one of my sheets in his hand?

"So?"

"Well look!" He holds the sheet right in front of your eyes, so close that you can see small specks of dust on the white surface. "On a trip like this, you always have a time in the evening when everyone has to sleep, no more loud noises and so on...a good night's sleep! Of course, most of them sneak out to fuck, of course, it's a college trip after all."

What the hell is that supposed to mean?

"Dude, you don't even react when I talk about fucking and stuff, haven't you been sleeping again?" He's very close to your face, so close that all you can see are his blue eyes. His skin is clean, no beard, no pimples, completely clear.  Your eyes move to the corner of his mouth, which moves slowly. "I think I know what's going on."

Oh, please no.

He stands further away from you, next to the cupboard and directly in the middle of the room. First he looks around once, turns and scans your entire room with his eyes. He raises his hands and points at you with one hand, then puts his other hand in front of his eyes and raises his index finger.

"So now there are three possibilities! Number one would be: you've been up all night and have no energy to react to what I've said!" He raises his hand even higher, like a father who has just seen his newborn. His face has that shit-eating grin that he always has on when he's talking to a girl or making fun of you.

I don't feel like replying to all your stupid comments.

"Number two!" He raises his middle finger as well as his index finger, as if making a peace sign. "You spend the whole time thinking about DogDay instead of listening to me."

"Wh-What?"

"Aha!" He interrupts you, puts his middle finger down and points at you with both hands. "So it's number two! Man, Y/N, it's really not bad thinking about her all the time, ya' know?" He stops talking again for a moment, takes a deep breath and steps closer to you. The look in his eyes reminds you of one of those motivational trainers from the internet. "But you're special, I mean you have god damn superpowers! So don't always think so badly of yourself with your emo shit! Believe in yourself like I believed in you during the talent show!"

You may have believed in me, but you're the only one Karasu. The others don't pay any attention to me, at most they saw me when you tripped me and laughed. Even yesterday at the party, I wasn't really recognized by anyone, at most as "Karasu's sidekick". I don't have a life of my own, I exist somewhere in the background for everyone else, and you know what? I hate it. I hate it so damn much that I can't even put it into words, and that's not even the worst part. Even you didn't pay much attention to me before, it's only since I got these powers that we talk a lot, before that you were always out with your "cool" friends and didn't give a shit about me.

Should you say it out loud instead of just holding it in your mind?

Oh, when has anyone ever asked for your opinion?

"Yeah"

"All right, it doesn't matter, I didn't want to be that 'SeNtImEnTaL' now."  He has calmed down again, pulls his cell phone out of his pocket and taps furiously on it. You take a quick look around your bed, the suitcase was already full, apparently you didn't even notice that Karasu had already put everything he could find in the suitcase. There were plenty of underwear, pants and T-shirts inside and you wonder inwardly whether you'll even be able to close the suitcase.

"I've forgotten something else."

What now?

"We have a quad room, there are only quads..."

You know exactly what that means: a stranger. Apart from you, Karasu and Boxy, you need one more person to fill the room. And if you don't have anyone, you get someone who doesn't want to be in any other room and is shoved somewhere like garbage.

"This guy is cool, really. And he's also really clever! I think he got 100% in the last exam, really a genius!" He's still typing on his cell phone, but he's walking around in circles. Every few seconds he lifts his head to look over at you, at your slouched form on the bed.

"And who is it?" The stuttering has stopped, at least for now. Maybe it's because your heart isn't beating and pounding as fast as when you talk to DogDay.

"His name's Boogie, I know him from my math class, he'll be a good person to fill the fourth spot...Besides, he's an outsider."

No one else wanted to go into our room anyway.

Suddenly he comes closer to you again, putting the cell phone back in his pocket but leaving his hand inside. While you look at the cupboard, in front of which some of your things have simply been placed on the floor, Karasu moves. He takes something out of his pocket and quickly places it on your hoodies.

Your eyes wander from the area in front of your wardrobe through your room. And then he catches your eye: Karasu. He stares at you, his blue eyes boring into your mind, and you wonder if he's reading your thoughts with a look like that. You look a little lower, he grins. But not normally, the corners of his mouth are pulled up so far that it looks fake, like some kind of filter, or maybe the Grinch.

And so you look at your suitcase to see what he has put there.

A small circular black pack lay there, right on top of one of your black hoodies. You almost missed it, it camouflaged perfectly on your hoodie, but somehow it felt out of place.

What is that?

"Now don't tell me you don't know what that is!" He's loud, he hasn't really shouted, but he sounds like he's about to laugh out loud. He takes a few steps back and starts waving his hands around in the air. He holds his hands together like claws and presses the index finger of his right hand on top of them the whole time and his mouth lets out a "click" sound.

A camera?

"The logo, Dude! The camera logo!" He also starts jumping around wildly, giggling and looking at you like you're some kind of alien. You feel like you're at the zoo with your parents and you're looking at some kind of stupid monkey.

Camera?

Camera

Camera.

Instagram.

DogDays Instagram Account.

Even if you're deep in thought and haven't noticed, you drift a little from reality back into your imagination. You can literally see her before your eyes, DogDay. The way you are at the party, her glowing, incredibly beautiful silhouette under the wildly flickering party lights. You see the movements of her lips, you can actually barely hear her, but always know exactly what she's saying and what she really means.

But then they pop up in your thoughts again.

This Girl with the Purple Eyes.

"Earth to Y/N?"

Shit.

Karasu had moved, even if you hadn't noticed, as deep in thought as you were. He's standing next to your suitcase again, but this time his hand is outstretched and in the air. After your eyes take a second to focus on the sight in front of you, you see it.

This little black pack, this circular shape...

Are these condoms?

"Wow man, I expected better even from you, you're a real prude." He takes the packet from the hoodie and puts it back in his trouser pocket. "Don't worry, I'll take some for you just in case you make it that far with DogDay."

Fucking asshole

"Well...I have to go right now" He takes his cell phone out of his pocket again, looks at it for a few seconds and doesn't change his expression. Then he pushes it back in and looks at you with a relatively nervous smile. "Tomorrow is the Year Group trip, Dude! I hope you're excited, your suitcase is already packed so you just need to be at campus at 9am tomorrow. As far as I know, the bus is waiting for us there, so you'll see Boogie too."

You just look at him, he's already turned around and walked out of the door. He pretends it's his home, he knows where the door is anyway, there's no point in accompanying him. He's someone who can look after himself anyway, who can defend himself...

Not like you.

Was that perhaps the reason for your blessing?

Was it compassion from a higher power, or maybe some lab that saw your pathetic life?

"Oh yes, I almost forgot."  You'd be lying if you said you weren't scared. You followed him to the front door, automatically. He's still standing there, not turned towards you, with his big and sturdy structure that he liked to show off so much. "I'm not a motivational couch though...Even if I'd like to be. Shit, anyway, I just wanted to tell you..." He turns around, leans down slightly and looks you straight in the eye. "Stop always reading so much into moments. Things happen, and moments only last for a moment. You're always worse in hindsight... Remember that."

Before his statement really reached your brain, he was already gone. The only sign that he had ever been there was the loud noise of an engine from outside, which you were already aware of.

The day slowly came to an end and you packed a few important things in your suitcase. For example, sleeping pills, spare headphones, toothbrush and toiletries. The rest of the things all went into your school bag, it wasn't filled with school things anyway so it's a great piece of hand luggage.     

And you were actually able to sleep that night without any problems. One of a few in your life, no fake scenarios or anything else characterized your sleep this time, it was just...Quiet. However, your mind sometimes drifted to a conscience person in your sleep, DogDay. Even in your dreams, her smile and blonde hair were present, but you never got to touch either of those things.

And just at the moment when you thought you were far away from DogDay... you saw her.

Those Purple Eyes that looked through you, that spotted you right after you used your telekinesis. The only eyes that were like yours, devoid of life and in the background of other people.

This Year Group trip will change everything.

Notes:

Uhhh the endnotes. I apologize for the long wait between chapters, I already mentioned why at the beginning. But let's get away from that, here are some of the things I took away from this chapter: - Why is this morning routine so depressing? - Did Karasu really binge a lot of shows just to be able to say that your ability sucks? - Did the guy seriously just bring a condom just to make a joke??? - Those purple eyes, who do they belong to? So the next update will be for the Arcane Story again, after that there will be another update for “The Genius of Playtime Co.” Leave a comment and Kudos!

[holdonunreal]

Chapter 6: Party Tricks

Summary:

What comes after the big talent show? The party, of course! Filled with other students, some other people and the Smilling Critters! And he maybe even meet someone who acts like him.

Notes:

Uhhh how long have I been away again? Never mind. Have fun reading! wc:5.9K

Karasu Pov:

"Guys, should we stop at McDonalds for a moment? Or Burgerking or something? I'm in the mood for a milkshake or an ice cream"

No answer?

Doesn’t matter.

"So Y/N, here come the Three Rules of a Party. Presented by me: the one and only Karasu!" We were already back in the car, so after our fucking crass performance, my legs still shake when I think about it. He really managed to keep me in the air with his telekinesis, So long too.

Is this how parents feel when they take their children to the prom? No, certainly not. After all, Y/N is already a man and an adult... Yes, well, he's small, very thin and gentle. At the same time quite antisocial and a person of few words, but he's still my friend.

Y/N rots around the room his whole life, I hope now because he has god damn super powers that will change.

"Number one: be social."  I can already see him turning away out of the corner of my eye, looking out of the window, at the street. He did it all the time on the bus too, with headphones in his ears. "Dude, come on! You can't always be alone, can you?"

I hear a grunt, but certainly not from Y/N, but from Boxy. He was sitting at the back, on the right-hand side of my car, behind Y/N. Boxy was as tall as me, so it's understandable that he sits behind the seat that's far forward.

"All right, Y/N. You'll see in a minute, you'll have to socialize, you don't have a choice." I don't like talking to him like that, even if it's not really serious. Feels like I'm putting him in some kind of strait jacket, even though I know he's not a social person. But I don't think he can really help it, there are a couple of people at Playtime College who are quite introverted, but somehow they manage to make friends.

"Never mind, rule two!"

"Karasu"

Did he say anything?

"Yes Y/N?"

"l-look at the road"

Huh? I am, wait a minute. Is he trying to distract from the topic? And why does he sound so pissed off, we won the talent show? I saw exactly how DogDay came to him in the dressing room after the show, what did they talk about? I'll have to ask him right away.

I grab my cell phone with my right arm, my left is on the steering wheel. I think good music will cheer him up now...whatever it is. Actually, I don't know exactly what he's listening to, at least not the mainstream shit, that much I'm sure of. Arctic Monkeys is on my homepage, I'm sure he likes listening to that.

"Rule two: take care of yourself!" All right, I'll have to see how best to say it now. I don't want to panic him, and he panics pretty damn quickly. "Well, there will be people who will offer you something..."

He turns away from the window and looks at the display in front. His gaze remains there for the time being.

I must have hit it well with the music.

( "Do I Wanna Know?" )

"I mean drugs, alcohol or anything else. It's best not to take anything, there'll be enough...after all, PJ is throwing the party"

"PJ?"

Oh yes, I forgot, he doesn't seem to know anyone except me, Boxy and his crush: DogDay.

"PJ Pug-a-Pillar?"

"d-dont k-know him"

"Dude! I know it comes from alone, but when you talk to DogDay, you really can't stutter!" I imagine it, Y/N next to DogDay under the party light. In case he was talking at all and not just standing there stupidly, it would really suck if he stuttered. "What's wrong with you?"

("If this feelin' flows both ways?" )

Wait a minute, the lyrics fit his situation perfectly. THAT'S IT! He's pissed off because he doesn't know if all this has achieved anything! Whether DogDay likes him or not is important to him now! Damn I'm an idiot, how could I not have thought of that?

"u-and what i-is-

"The Third Rule?"  Shit! I shouldn't have interrupted him, he rarely talks anyway.

"Hm, actually it always depends. But with you, I can say for sure"

"a-and?"

"So, keep calm...There will be other guys who have a thing for DogDay" Why does the word thing make me want to vomit all of a sudden? Ah, because I just told him that he might not get a chance to talk to DogDay because other guys will hit on her? Definitely because of that.

"The most important of the three rules, number three! Seize the moment!" I feel like I've just discovered America, maybe I'm just exaggerating. "People don't go to a party just to dance, ya' know? To meet new people, new people for university, maybe a new seat partner."

I don't think Y/N quite understands what I mean. After all, he's looking at me as if I'm speaking in a different language.

"You don't have to be ashamed of never having been to a party before, Y/N. Meeting new people is something important in life, everyone knows that." Somehow I have that bad feeling again "Everyone knows that" Like everyone knows it but him, damn! I have to be really careful how I talk to him. He's not fragile, but he's definitely one of those people who hears one thing and is haunted by that statement for weeks. "DogDay is probably out with her group at the party 99% of the time...The Smilling Critters." Why does the name actually suck so much? Who seriously chose something like that?

"The moment she's not traveling as a group, away from everyone...you absolutely have to strike!"

"b-but-

"No buts! No matter if you're nervous or anything else! This is your chance! Tonight we won the goddamn talent show Y/N! You were on stage in front of 3000 people...AND WE WON DUDE!" Am I yelling at him right now? No, I'm not. "You were at the front, in front of everyone! People were filming and screaming because we did the impossible. You have superpowers! You can do anything you want!"

He stares at me. Have I overdone it? Why do I have the feeling that everything has somehow achieved nothing in terms of his antisociality?

"I hope you changed your underpants, I'm pretty sure you wet your pants out there when I tripped you"

"wha-

"Ah yes, I apologize again for tripping you up."

"ok"

"ok? you can pick on me a bit. Although, actually, I introduced it perfectly!" Yeah, Karasu go ahead and tell yourself that somehow. Seriously Y/N I'm sorry Dude. "It allowed us to catch the attention perfectly, the magic shows before ours really sucked after all."

"a-but e-it's not z-magic, is it?"

He doesn't have a guilty conscience because he used his telekinesis to cheat, does he?

"Man, you're really amazing!" I can at least try to cheer him up somehow. "You made me fly in front of 3000 people, you really are something special Y/N." What's that weird feeling in my stomach?

"Never let anyone else tell you anything else...you are special"

What's that noise? Is he howling?

"Blood"

Oh, he still has nosebleeds from his telekinesis, understandably. He's come a hell of a long way today. He's only been able to interact with things since this afternoon when Boxy and I let him build the Lego tower. Maybe we should do Eleven's training from Stranger Things with him?

So if I were a girl, I would give Y/N a chance. The only problem is that most people don't see beyond his looks and introversion. It's a damn shame that no one sees what a good person he is, this youth is really fucked up.

There is something else.

"There's an extra rule for you Little Y/N!" Little Y/N... How funny. But it fits, maybe I really should drop out of college and become a comedian. How do you actually apply to be a comedian, do you even have to apply? Can't you just perform and build up an audience?

"wh-what?"

Shit, I'm completely lost in my thoughts. Well, it doesn't matter. I stand and stay with Y/N!

"Secret rule number four: Rizz!"

"Huh?" Boxy finally speaks up. It's taken a long time. Is his round over or is his cell phone finally empty, seriously Boxy you're killing the battery. "Look, to talk to DogDay you need... well, a certain charisma. Shortened-

"Rizz" Thanks Boxy, for the clarification.

"Exactly! You have to get her to listen to you, it might be a bit difficult with her. After all, she's one of the most famous girls on the whole campus, you know. I mean - who doesn't know DogDay? Class president and one of the highest scorers in the year?"

"w-what s-should I talk to h-her about?"

Should I perhaps make a bad and perverse joke?

My eyes wander over to Y/N in the driver's seat. As nervous as he looks right now, I'd rather not. It's amazing that he's never been to a party before, I can't imagine just sitting at home all day and wasting my life like this.

I think he needs some good advice from the best friend he has: Me!

"Now, listen to me carefully" He turns towards me, away from the front window of my car. He looks worried, understandably. "There's a first time for everything...And I don't mean that first time"

"When are we there?" damn Boxy, let me say this for a second, it's getting sentimental around here.

"It's best not to talk to her about school...you know why. It's important that you're self-confident, that's almost everything with most girls, and maybe money, I'm not sure about the latter." He looks at me strangely, as if he doesn't understand anything. It's time to make it even easier.

"There are people who party hard, okay?"

Nod

"Maybe you need a sip of alcohol, that's the case with a lot of people. Otherwise they don't dare to talk to new people. There are basically three types of people who drink."

"Are you persuading him to drink Karasu?"

"Boxy, you know I'm right, don't you?"

"I don't itch"

Go back to your cell phone.

"There are basically three types of people who drink, people who get melancholy, so they get all sentimental and start crying and stuff." I think you'd be one of them too Y/N. "Then there are those who get aggressive, who absolutely have to stay away, who want to hit everyone and stuff. Or people like me! Who just want to party."

Yes, I'm pretty sure Y/N would get sentimental, wouldn't be such a bad thing. Talking about his feelings for once would certainly do him good.

"So, where was I again? Oh yes! You could... So just maybe... impress her?"

"l-like the m-magic show?"

"Just like the magic show!"

Dude, if there really is something that can awaken super powers, why didn't you pick me? I would use them 24/7!

"Karasu? Look"

Wait a minute, it doesn't even stutter anymore. Perfect! Then he can talk to DogDay straight away and-

"karasu"

Boxy? Wait a minute-

"K-Karasu, w-we are t-there"

Oh shit.

----------

Y/N Pov:

Blinding lights, people screaming and lots of people. A huge lot, bigger than I've ever seen anything, this PJ must be really rich. Although Karasu has only just parked and we've just got out of the car, I already know it's going to be a dangerous party... And we haven't even been inside the house yet.

"Come on in Y/N! Your fans are waiting!"

I can hardly think when I feel a funny blow on my back, but it still hurts. Karasu pushes me forward and I almost slip on the grass of the huge front garden.

"You are the man of the hour!"

We're walking past lots of people, and by lots I mean I feel like I'm at a funfair. I can barely see the house we are approching, but it will be huge, like the rest of this property. At least I can see something above me, a big gate with lights mounted on it. The lights glow bright yellow and are the only thing I can see through, after all, almost everyone here is taller than me.

I see a pool in the garden. The pool in the middle, and to the left and right were small stone paths with people standing around. A couple of people are swimming in the pool, or sitting on air mattresses and drinking something. They are smiling, shouting and having fun, I think. My shoes are not touching hard ground for the first time today, from the school bus or the platform of the theater...

Shit, I've almost forgotten everything. Our performance, Karasu's flies to the jury and the best thing of all... My conversation with DogDay afterwards.

"Y/N where are you looking? DogDay will not swim with you here"

Asshole

"You'd better look to the left!"

Left?

Then I see it: a huge white house, a villa. What am I doing here? There are even lights on the outside of the huge house, illuminating the whole huge garden.

I don't belong here

There are far too many people here

I want to go home

"Yo Karasu!"

"P-J dude what's up!"

P-J?

I lift my head and see him. P-J was tall, even half a head taller than Karasu and Boxy. I stood next to the three of them like a fucking dwarf. The guy is wearing a suit, dark brown and almost completely black, if it wasn't for the white tie hanging in the middle. He has short, spiky black hair with pink, magenta and pale indigo streaks?

There are so many people behind him. And they're all staring here, at me. Shit!

"May I introduce you, ladies? The man of the hour! Karasu"

This P-J walks out of the crowd and shakes Karasu's hand. He doesn't give it to Boxy because he was on his cell phone again. He doesn't shake my hand because... I don't know. But it's not like I really wanted to shake his hand.

"Dude! An hour ago, you were shoving in the air in the theater! Hey, tell me...how did you actually do that?"

I feel my heart beating faster.

"A magician doesn't reveal his secret tricks!"

"They're all flipping out inside already! You have to come in!"

And so we are dragged in. Boxy in the back, with his cell phone in his hand. Karasu is at the front, shaking hands with people all the time, apparently feeling like a celebrity. I stand behind Boxy, with so many people I don't want everyone to see me. But people don't seem to recognize me anyway...Even though I stood on the platform with Karasu and did the first trick...No...Without me, none of those goddamn tricks would have been possible...

I'm just Karasu's assistant...nothing more.

---------

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck

I'm sitting on a couch right now, far away from everyone else. Nevertheless, I feel like I'm in a circle of people, it's so damn loud here.

People are drinking, dancing and screaming the whole time. Slowly I want to go home again, I didn't think a party would look like this. Constantly changing colors, music that is louder than anything else, faces I have never seen in my life.

"DRINK! DRINK! DRINK! DRINK! DRINK!"

People are no longer shouting, they are screaming. And in the middle of it all: Karasu. He is being celebrated here as if he had won the presidential election. I haven't really counted, but I think it's already his sixth beer he's drinking, but there are always people walking with him and offering him something.

Somehow it's funny, I did the first trick, made Karasu fly...And people don't care a bit. Nothing has changed a bit, I'm still the outsider. I was the only one to pass the test and it didn't do me any good.

"Hey Y/N"

Holy shit!

It's DogDay. She is standing in front of me...here at this couch, which is in the last corner of the whole huge house. She's wearing the same outfit as when she was introduced, the orange sweater with a bright sun on it and her blue jeans...Am I staring?

What is she doing here?

With me, the biggest outsider at this party?

What is she doing here?  Shit!

"h-hey" fuck stop stuttering too fucking idiot!

She doesn't answer, continues to look at me and slowly sits down. She literally floats in the air, her blonde hair glides through the air and her sweater moves slightly. I look ridiculous next to her, not only is she taller. She glows under the party light, and I sit in the shadow of everyone.

She is too close.

I get far too warm

"You know, youth is the most precious time of life!"

She almost sounds like Karasu.

I hardly pay attention to what she says, but rather how she says it. She doesn't take her eyes off me and smiles as she talks, as if I'm the trigger. I really don't think I have a fucking chance, especially not with someone like her, nice, beautiful, well-known and simply perfect.

"You're supposed to be up front, you know?"

Over there?

And looks at her. She raises her right arm and moves it gently in the direction of the big circle with all the people, where Karasu is still standing in the middle, reaching for the next beer. But that's secondary, what I pay attention to is more important, DogDays white and pale skin as her sweater slips slightly down her wrist.

She is beautiful

"After all, you were on stage with him, you even did the first trick on your own!"

She...she's the only one who noticed me?

The only one who paid attention to me?

Why did she pay attention to me and not to Karasu?

Is there a reason for this?

The moment is absurd. DogDay Perfect's face changes color every second because of the party lights. I can barely hear her, but I always know exactly what she's saying and what she really means.

"Is your leg actually okay?"

"w-why?"

Fucking stuttering!

"Well, when Karasu tripped you, it looked really painful, it really banged when you fell?"

Is she worried about me?

About me?

To someone like me?

Why?

So many thoughts, and I don't say a single one of them.

Not even my parents are that worried about me.

My parents...

"Im Sorry DogDay"

"Hm? For what?"

For stealing the show?

For abusing my "super powers" just to get the prize money?

For showing up half a year later and finding myself in your perfect life?

For thinking that I have a chance with someone like you?

"Oh, here he comes!"

What?

"Dude, Y/N!"

Oh no, its Karasu.

He is drunk. He is not standing straight as usual, but even has Boxy standing next to him, holding him by one shoulder. His black hair is in front of his face, sticking slightly to his forehead, is he sweating?

"I made a bet, you know ping pong, do you want to watch?"

He blinks his left eye funny, which is directed at me. At the same time, he opens both eyes wider than before and I can see that his

The message is clear: I need you and your telekinesis to win the bet, just like we won the talent show. Forget it, I don't need you, just your telekinesis.

"Go on Y/N! It'll be fun"

I turn back to the left, to DogDay. She winks at me too, with her perfect eyes and her perfect hair, which sits on her shoulder and lights up my world.

I get up and walk with Karasu through the whole huge house. Tables with chairs where people are sitting. An unbelievable number of doors that seem to be locked, and others where two people just walk in and quickly close the doors. In the background there are huge lights, chains, surfaces and decorative lights everywhere. A little further away is a platform with a bunch of things and a DJ standing on it.

And then we're finally there, a big black table tennis table with cups. And at the same time there are so many people here that I'd like to go back to the couch in the last corner... With DogDay.

"Well look at you, you didn't chicken out"

"A true man doesn't chicken out Kickin! Now explain the rules!"

I try to see better, Boxy and I were standing in the middle of the crowd while Karasu was in the front talking to someone.

It was a guy as tall as Karasu, but completely different. He was blond and had his hair laid back like a chicken, and a lot of gel. But he wasn't as sturdy as Karasu, a bit thinner but he kept sticking his chest out like he was the strongest in the room. Overall, his appearance reminded me of a chicken... What was his name again? Kickin?

Isn't that one of DogDay's group of friends?

But then my eyes landed on the table tennis table, where there were a couple of things. Empty cardboard cups, from which you drink, were constellated in a triangle. The triangle looked like the balls on a pool table,

"Heh Heh, all right! Just throw this little ball into the cardboard cups, we can throw three times and whichever of us hits the most balls into the cups wins!"

It was a table tennis ball, about the size of a marble. He could never do it on his own, I don't think anyone could do it like that. But that's why I'm here, because I have no other use than to help Karasu cheat at some shitty party game.

So I'm supposed to let Karasu's throws go into the cups, and not from this kickin guy.

Karasu stands up straight, even if he still moves slightly to the side. Looks around at the audience standing around the table and the two of them, and starts talking.

"100 dollars"

Everyone turns abruptly to Kickin, the voice that comes from behind him shocks everyone. A tall boy with a turquoise hoodie and glasses, that's all I can see.

No...It's that Bubba guy. The one who looked at me like garbage when I was the only one to pass the chemistry test, who probably hates me because we won the talent show. But why is he betting so heavily against Karasu? Everyone saw Karasu do the impossible, right? Does this Bubba have that much faith in Kickin?

And now he wants to make Karasu look stupid in front of everyone?

I won't allow that.

"The genius is betting against me? I feel honored"

The genius? Wait a minute...could it be that the guy suspects something? He would never suspect something like telekinesis, would he? No, if he's really that smart, he knows that there are no superpowers. But I do have some?

I concentrate on seeing the best, but with all the people standing in front of me, it's damn hard. But suddenly Boxy moves slightly away from me and takes a few steps forward, where he stops for a moment with his cell phone in one hand. But then he turns back and points to the ground next to him, an open space that lets me see the game directly.

From there, I can use my telekinesis for the game

"Come on...let him win" Boxy?

And so the game begins.

-------------------

"That's.... simply fucking impossible"

The voices around me are getting louder and louder. Louder is not quite right, with every throw Karasu has made so far I have the feeling that my ears are about to bleed.

It's 2-0 to Karasu right now, and it should be obvious that I'm the reason for the two throws. Karasu is always good at putting on a show though, even better now that he's drunk. At the beginning he always acts as if he's made the worst throw in history, puts his hands in front of his face and looks around. Until his gaze meets mine and a huge smile cuts across his face.

"KARASU-KARASU- KARASU-KARASU-KARASU-KARASU-"

The cheering is damn loud, but now that Kickin has picked up his last ball, it becomes very quiet. He has the ball in one hand and is running the other through his blond, fully gelled hair. He has already given up his straight stance and pushed-out chest, he stands crooked and like a chicken. Behind him stands this Bubba, with his glasses that he takes off his face every few seconds because of the sweat running down his face. I think anyone would be devastated if they lost 100 dollars on a bet like that.

Kickin carefully raises his arm in the air, and with a small pull through the air he throws it smoothly over the table. The ball is about to go in, then veers slightly to the left and misses.

It has become easier to use my telekinesis, I hardly have to make any effort. Just looking at the situation and imagining it before my eyes is enough, and I can do it really unobtrusively, as if I were gliding through the air and touching the ball with my fingertip.

"Wow Kickin

"Shut up, I bet you 100 dollars extra... THAT YOU DON'T GET THE LAST ONE IN!"

At that moment, a girl comes out of the crowd of people standing behind the three and whispers something in Kickin's ear. I think it's the girl who was sitting at the drum kit during the performance...Is that Kickin's girlfriend?

"Wow, there's even a team meeting!" Karasu turns completely away from the table tennis table and into the audience. He puts a hand up to his forehead as if he wants to block the sun, but I think it's more the party light that's constantly changing colors and making his eyes burn. "What do you guys think, can I hit the third ball too?"

"DUDE YOU'RE DOING THE KARASU!"

 "YES DUDE! YOU'VE ALREADY MADE TWO SO LET'S GO!"

"KARASU-KARASU-KARASU-KARASU-"

Now the cheering starts again. Kickin, Bubba and this girl look into the audience, completely baffled and horrified. You just can't believe that Kickin is being ripped apart by Karasu in front of the entire college, with Karasu completely drunk and not taking anything seriously. Can he even see straight?

"Alright Kickin, I'll take your extra hundred bucks...AND MAKE THE BALL GO IN WITH EYES CLOSED"

"W-WHA

This kickin doesn't get any further, nobody gets any further to say anything. The following happens in a second:

Karasu closes his eyes, takes a deep breath... and throws. He doesn't just throw the little ball, he stands on one leg, bends the other completely in the air and pulls the ball backwards as if he were throwing a bowling ball. And then he does it, with a loud bang from his leg he pulls his arm through the air with such speed that I can almost no longer see him.

But I still manage it. I concentrate on the much too fast, small flying ball, which flies through the air, bounces once on the table and hovers above the cups. It all happens so incredibly fast, the ball tears itself out of the air and flies into the very last damn cup at the very back of the table. The moment the ball hits the cup at this speed

Fuck, it's going to fall out again.

So I react quickly. I let the ball glide along the wall of the cup for a second, a whole round. And then it flies into the cup with a plop.

Shit! That was way too conspicuous! Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

My hands start sweating, my heart starts pounding loudly and I have the feeling that a loud bang is about to come and end everything. No one is talking, no one is fucking breathing. It's so quiet that I forget we're at a party with several hundred people.

I turn away.

And then I see them.

Purple, obsidian colored eyes. In the middle of the crowd of people standing here...

They were aimed at me.

Out of all the people standing here, drinking, shouting or just being...I am seen.

I almost lose myself in the eyes until it clicks.

Does the person know? My powers?

Was I caught?

Who is that?

"Wow...I should really go Profess-

Now it is Karasu who is at a loss for words. He is interrupted by a cheer that is louder than anything I have ever heard. At least twice as loud as the huge cheer we got at the end of our magic show a few hours ago. I'm almost sure I can't hear anything anymore

People come running in from outside, some wet because they've been in the pool, some even half naked, they push their way in and look at the table tennis table with the cups and immediately know what's happened. People are filming, screaming and totally freaking out.

The faces of Bubba, Kickin and the girl next to him are indescribable. Bubba, although he was called a "genius" by Karasu, was totally devastated, he looked as if someone had thrown a sheet of paper in front of his face with an unsolvable math problem. On top of that, he had bet his 100 dollars and lost to Karasu in an impossible way, so he was probably no longer a "genius".

Did I impress DogDay?

No, I hardly think about DogDay anymore...

More like This Girl with the Purple Eyes.

Hidden in the audience...like me.

Those eyes that don't stand out in the crowd...like me.

This look, as if a certain ability was wandering out of all of them...like me.

Those eyes... Like me.

This marginalized look that literally saw through me...like me.

Who is that?

In the background, the screaming and everything stops, and I quickly realize something. I am bleeding slightly from my nose. I already know the warm feeling of blood slowly sliding down the walls of my nose too well, thanks to my telekinesis.

"Here"

Boxy looks at me, he doesn't look down like the people at this party, like the people at the university or anyone else. He holds out a handkerchief to me.

"t-thanks"

As I wipe my nose, I can't stop thinking.

Why is my nose bleeding right now? I held Karasu in the air a few hours ago, the ball weighed almost nothing compared to that. Is it because of how often I use my powers? And why is the blood so much warmer than usual? Damn, I thought I understood all this.

 "Oh, here you are Y/N!"

Right now, at this very moment. In the whole crowd I see her...DogDay. I can clearly hear what she said, "Oh, here you are Y/N". She was looking for me, me. In the whole crowd of people, her friends: Bubba, Kickin and that girl where the impossible just happened, and she was looking for me.

"I was looking for you, I was even out by the pool!"

I don't understand it.

I can barely see the table where Karasu and the others are still standing, but I can see DogDay perfectly. Her long blonde hair, her sweater and her smile stand out in the crowd. The rest of my vision is literally blurred, the only thing I can see, the only thing that matters, is her.

"Karasu really seems to have it in him! I really didn't think Bubba would bet on something like that, and then another 100 dollars. But the bet must have had a reason, Bubba only acts according to logic!"

My surroundings go completely silent, or is it just because my ears are ringing so loudly? But what does she mean by "But there must have been a reason for the bet"... This guy doesn't really think there are supernatural powers involved, does he? Shit, never. Never. Never. Never. Never. Never.

"Ehm Y/N?"

"Yes?" Finally I'm not stuttering anymore!

"Ah nothing! You just looked so deep in thought!"

Deep in thought? Shit, this evening is really getting to me, first the talent show and now everything here.

"No..."

"No?" She moves her head to the side like this, and a hand under her chin. She is so beautiful, I think-

Wait a minute, shit! What was I going to say?

[ "Y/N The moment she's not traveling as a group, away from everyone...you absolutely have to strike! " ]

Is this the chance Karasu talked about in the car? Now or never?

[ "Rule number three! Seize the moment!" ]

Seize the moment...

Seize the moment...

SEIZE THE MOMENT!

"Ehm DogDay?"

"Yes Y/N?"

Come on, now that I manage to talk without stuttering, I have to ask. Otherwise nothing will ever change.

[ "Man, you're really amazing!" ]

I am amazing...

I am amazing...

I can manage that.

"Instagram?"

WHAT?

SHOOT

I JUST SAY ONE FUCKING WORD?

Shit! I have to get out of this shit somehow quickly.

"My...Instagram name?"

"Erm" I feel my teeth grinding together. Why is it suddenly so quiet, and why is she looking at me so confused? GO ANSWER Y/N!

"Yes"

"Oh, I wish you'd said that! Just look for my name and you'll find me right away! After all, Karasu is following me!"

WHAT?

The rest of the evening was something of a dream. I can't remember talking to DogDay or anyone else. Only until we were back at the car right then.

"Karasu, you're dead drunk, don't drive"

"DuDe I can totttttally driveeee"

He can't even stand up for himself.

"I'm driving, sit down properly and fasten your seatbelt"

"Okkkkkayyy Dad!"

Karasu starts laughing loudly, so loudly that I'm sure people who are still inside the party can hear him. He pulls open the door of the car and simply throws himself into the back seat, with me sitting in the front passenger seat.

"W-Well thhhhen drive us to schooooooool you BUM!"

"K-Karasu k-keep it down"

"Huh? You don't normally s-s-stuttter when you say my name, has something h-happened?"

Shit! Even drunk, he can still read people like fucking books.

"Yeah, he got her Insta name" you fucking snitch Boxy!

"WHAT?"

Fuck is the sound. He stops screaming, leans forward towards me from the back seat and looks deep into my eyes, I'm already getting nervous.

"I...

Sniff.

"D-Didn't think that they would grow up so quickly"

Sniff.

IS HE SERIOUSLY CRYING RIGHT NOW?

I turn backwards and it's true, Karasu is crying. Well, not really crying, he's just rubbing his eyes the whole time, like he's allergic or something. Occasionally he tries to sit up straight, but then always slips forward again. His raven-like black hair is now all stuck to his forehead, I think he's had far too much to drink.

"Dude...This is just the beginning, we're going to pack your suitcase for the year group trip tomorrow! THEN IT'S TOTALLY ON!"

Somehow I feel so betrayed, Karasu had her name the whole time, probably the name of all eight people in the friend group, and yet I was supposed to address her.

Notes:

Okay, so let me get this straight: - Bubba suspects that something is wrong, he seems to have tested his thesis on the basis of the game. - CatNap's appearance is really important here in my opinion! (Remember that!) 🌑 - Writing Karasu Drunk was really a lot of fun. 🤠 - DogDay is simply the best - Why is Boxy the best sideman? - Karasus POV is Actually so Cool Wow, so we're slowly getting started with the class trip, that could be something. (Don't worry, from now on it really starts with DogDay and CatNap). Comment your opinion and leave Kudos! (Next Chapter for "The Genius of Playtime Co.")

[holdonunreal]

Chapter 5: Talentshow (Part 2)

Summary:

The Moment has come! The talent show begins and Y/N and Karasu have to make up their minds based on the performances. Then this group of friends enter: 𝗦𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀, not only is it the best performance of all, no, 𝗗𝗼𝗴𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲. And then finally comes the performance of Y/N and Karasu... Can they take first place and save Y/N from being kicked out of college?

Notes:

It took a damn, damn long time to write this chapter. 7K words and finally the story really gets going! Have fun reading!

Y/N Pov:

"Dear ladies and gentlemen"

Shit! So now it's really starting. The trembling in my legs. The sweating on my hands, it's only making things worse. The only light in the whole theater shines on, the upper platform. I don't know if I wasn't paying attention, 'Probably not because of the feeling that my stomach is about to rip apart'. But suddenly Miss Delight is standing at the top, her blonde hair literally poking through the dark auditorium. She stands up straight and runs a hand through her hair, and that's when it all begins.

"I am delighted to welcome you all to this year's Talent Show at our university. Students and parents alike. Tonight we will witness breathtaking talents that our students will present with passion and dedication. There will be a total of 200 students performing: Actors, singers and so much more...Good luck to all!

With that, she went to the left side, and suddenly the lights went out in the entire room.

"Hey, Karasu, when's our turn again?" I have to do something to distract myself from this nervousness.

"Boxy?" Shit, he doesn't even know himself.

"I Think you're at the end, last or something"

"You see Y/N? So we still have time" I can't see him 'Because of the darkness' but I'm sure he's got that dirty grin on his face. Which he always does when he's annoying or embarrassing me in some way.

"You can go ahead and watch your crush perfo-

“Be quiet up there!”   I don't recognize the voice, Karasu turns abruptly backwards, while I start to panic about what's going to happen now.

"Dude Shut the-

The lights come on at the front and the hall is very quiet. There's a group of girls on the platform, I've never seen them before but they all look the same in some way. The complete same uniform, consisting of an orange skirt and a top. I look at one of the girls, or rather the clothes. It says 'Playtime' in big letters on the front. 'weird'

"Wow Y/N Should probably have chosen sports more often after all"

I'm just about to reply to his stupid comment, but suddenly I hear some damn loud music. I honestly have no idea what song it is, 'Even though I always listen to music'. But it sounds like something a sports teacher would turn on in class to motivate the students.

I only get more nervous. 'People put so much work into this and we look like homeless people'. Shit, we still have to take first place. A voice is still talking on stage, but I'm not listening. HOW? We have to perform right away and I'm panicking just watching. I also have to concentrate and use telekinesis so that we don't embarrass ourselves in front of almost 3000 people. We're going to embarrass ourselves so damn much.

"Hey, DogDay?"

"Yes Karasu?"

"Would it be okay if we went to the dressing rooms right now? We still have a little bit to prepare for the show." 

"Of course!"

I feel as if my brain has somehow stopped. I barely notice it as I stand up, bag in hand, and walk through the darkness with Karasu. Until we finally reach a brown door. I turn around briefly before we finally leave this huge hall. You can hardly see the whole hall, it's so damn dark, only the seats are minimally visible. I can't see so well through the darkness, but the bright display of Boxy's phone is always visible. In a way, it takes away my nervousness that he doesn't care. 'I should try that too'

Karasu opens the door and pulls me in by the wrist. Lots of doors on both sides of the long, golden brown corridor. He's already moving on, even though I'm still standing at the now closed door. I can hear the music from the hall myself, 'How loud is it? I try to organize my thoughts in some way and walk quickly after him. My steps feel heavy and I feel like I can't control my eyes out of nervousness. I keep squinting at the right wall, looking at the numbers on the doors.

Suddenly Karasu stops, turns around and looks me straight in the face. I stop abruptly, well, if I can call it that. My legs wobble as if I'm about to fall over. I've been rubbing my hands on my sports bag ever since we left the hall.

"Try to stay relaxed, dude! We have to win right away, you have to have a clear head, so breathe calmly and slowly."   I didn't even know that Karasu could talk without insulting the other person. 'That almost sounded nice'.

He opens the door that was directly in front of him. He looks in my direction again and down the corridor. He goes in and I follow. It looks like one of those stage dressing rooms in the movies, a few cupboards on one side and chairs with mirrors on the other. The room was terribly bright, so I best put my hoodie right over my face.

"Dude! Now have a little self-confidence!"  I can just hear Karasu shouting, and suddenly that bright light shines in my eyes again. 'He knocked my hood off?

"You have to concentrate now Y/N, we have to get first place! So be better than every other person who performs. And it's all based on your strength, so pull yourself together"

Shit! That doesn't make it any better!

I feel tears slowly threatening to leak out of my eyes. Performing in front of 3000 people, using my telekinesis and not being an embarrassment. I don't think I'll even look at the audience.

And if I don't make it...Then that's it. No college, no job...And definitely no will to live.

"Man, come on now! We'll figure it out...somehow. The others won't be so blatant and because of your telekinesis-

"And now the Smilling Critters!"

The voice was loud, so loud that we could hear it in the changing rooms. 'Smilling critters?' Karasu turns abruptly to the door on the other side of the room. He walks quickly there in long strides and holds his hands out in my direction.

"Come here, let's see your girlfriend perform!"

What?

I don't notice that I'm already standing at the cabin door with Karasu and we're looking out together. Why should I? After all, she's standing there...DogDay. With her long blonde hair and perfect smile.

But she is not alone.

There were other people on stage, not only that, there were instruments there too.

A blue-haired boy with glasses and a turquoise-haired girl hiding behind him. The boy is wearing a turquoise hoodie, about the same color as the girl's hair next to him, but it says "Playtime Co. College" in big letters on the front. He's holding a triangle and the girl doesn't have an instrument. She grabs her hair and looks nervously at the floor. 'Is that the boy who looked at me so disgusted in the lab?

Further ahead of them stood a blond boy and a green-haired girl. The boy was standing as straight as I've ever seen him, literally looking down at the audience. Meanwhile, he was holding a yellow guitar in his hand, which he was holding in front of the girl next to him. The girl wasn't really looking at him though, she stuck her tongue out at him once and turned to the audience. She was sitting at a drum kit, well, she was standing and sitting down every second.

The two of them were teased by two other girls who were standing a little to their left. It didn't really look serious, more like a "don't Joke around". The two girls were dressed in happy colors, the smaller of the two was wearing a red dress. I can't see it very well from here, but I think she was dancing in circles like a ballerina the whole time. The other girl had an apple in her hand, stood still next to it and shoved her hands into her jeans pockets with the apple. In front of her, however, was a cymbal, bent against her legs. She had pink hair as far as I could see, and looked skeptically around the group.

And DogDay was standing at the front with a microphone. She really stood out from the group, but not as much as I thought. They were all somehow so different, like a bunch of people thrown together. A pretty colorful bunch, different hair colors, performance styles and instruments.

But when I look again, I notice something.

Someone was standing on the other side of the booths. I could barely see it, but it looked like a girl with black hair. She's literally hiding in the darkness behind the red curtains of the theater...Like me. Who is that?

"First of all, I want to thank everyone who came here today. Parents and students alike, truly fabulous!"

She thanks everyone...including me. Somehow my heart starts beating faster again as she smiles at the audience and people shout.

"The planning of the whole talent show went really perfectly, and I wanted to say a big thank you to all the people from the committee!"

The people cheered, but DogDay's fantastic voice still rose above everything. 'How does she manage to be so perfect?

"Since there are also parents here, we thought we'd play a song that appeals to everyone! So have fun listening to us Smilling Critters!"

The cheering only got louder, but it hadn't even started yet.

With four rhythmic beats on the drums and a long metallic note on the guitar, it started. All of them moved slightly at once. The boy with the glasses stood behind the two "rockers" and hit the triangle once. The turquoise-haired girl behind him followed him quickly, but continued to play nervously with her hair.

'I know this music from somewhere...

Holy shit

Is that?

Nirvana?

I don't know if I'm the last person in the whole theater to recognize the song. After all, Karasu keeps shooting his hands in the air and beating his imaginary drum kit as if he knows the notes by heart.

"Dude! Theyre Playing Smells like Teen Spirit! And as a group too!"

I don't know if I think that's good. The music is really like the real song. I don't know how many times I've heard it, but I think I know it by heart.

But when DogDay starts singing...I can no longer think clearly.

"Load up on guns, bring your friends"

What was that in her voice? It sounded like...like...I don't know...like something happy...something warm...and friendly and familiar...like a secret...or a Christmas present or something. And the eyes...how did she do it? How do you get the eyes to smile?

Stop, what am I doing? Do I really have a crush? Is Karasu right after all?  Shit, what am I doing here?

The metallic tones of the blonde boy's guitar and the beats of the drums of the girl next to him made the perfect instrumental lines for DogDay's perfect voice. The tall pink-haired girl also banged her cymbals together every few seconds, filling in the spaces between the notes. The little red-haired girl continued to stand next to her on the left side and literally danced in circles, hitting each note with a light kick of her high heels on the floor.

'We can't beat that'

The group was perfect, I felt like I was standing in the front row at a concert and could hear everything perfectly. I don't think we have a snowball's chance in hell of getting first place. Although the show has only just started, people are already talking amongst themselves, while me and Karasu are watching everything from the theater booths.

"Our little group it's always been And always will until the end"

This statement was just perfect for this group of people. They are so different, whether in appearance or appearance, but they are still a group.

Who picked out this song?

"Hmm So I see you're dropping out of college now Y/N?"   I'll kill you Karasu.

"Weeeeeelllllll a career as a rapper isn't so bad, you know?"

He turns to me and has this dirty grin on his face.

"Maybe we can rap as a duo?" He puts his hands in front of his face and mimes a scream. "Then we can throw the college together and-

"Shut up Karasu"

Silence. I can barely hear anything except my loud pounding heart and my ringing ears, but I know what to do. I don't know if I'm suddenly brave or just an idiot, beating the Smilling Critters is as good as impossible for the two of us...But...

"We'll get it now, we'll get first place now"

"I've been waiting for this dude! Come on Y/N...

It's showtime"

-----------

Third Perspective:

"Dear ladies and gentlemen, now as our last performance we have another magic show! Consisting of Karasu and-

"What's up guys!"

Whispers fill the theater, a few people even clap, but not even half as loud as during the performance of the Smilling Critters...Will that change?.

Karasu storms out of the left side of the stage, along the curtains and stands in the middle of the platform. He wears a black suit with a white tie and a black magician's top hat and stands straight with his jaw lifted in the direction of the audience. Next to him, on the platform, was a large box covered with a black sheet. On it were three small red balls and an energy drink.

"It really pleases me to welcome you all here to this magic show" Karasu spoke with an obvious tone of sarcasm in his voice, was it just for show? He waves his hands a little, his eyes always focusing on other areas of the audience in the theater. Sometimes his eyes wander to Boxy, who was sitting in the special performer's seat, and actually put down his phone. Then they went behind Boxy to the chairs where DogDay and her group of friends were sitting. Karasu actually knew them all, pretty much everyone knew them on campus, and now they are sort of known as Smilling Critters. Karasu tries to revisit the situation in her mind.

So, do some sick tricks with Y/N's telekinesis and impress his Crush: DogDay. Oh yes, he needs the money for the year class trip. Who knows, maybe he'll make it to DogDay's room and the two of them-

Dude! Karasu, pull yourself together!  You're still standing here in front of almost 3000 students! Many of them are here with their parents! If I embarrass myself and Y/N now, he'll be even more depressed than usual, come on!

He clears his throat and opens his mouth.

"AND PLEASE GIVE AN APLAUS FOR-

It is suddenly quiet. Too quiet. Not even a whisper from the audience as Karasu simply stops talking. He thought that if people heard his name and remembered that he was the only one to pass that chemistry exam, they would all hate him. Envy was a big issue here at the college, and Karasu wants and needs to get first place with Y/N...

"AN APLAUS FOR MY MAGIC ASSISTANT"

It's quiet again. A dark silhouette suddenly moves out of the darkness on the right side of the stage. The person is not as tall as Karasu, but you can recognize him because of the wizard costume with the large black top hat. He approaches a little closer to Karasu and stays a few meters away from him, while the person looks at the ground the whole time and you can barely see his face.

It was Y/N

There was no applause.

The silence was literally pressing on Y/N's lungs, it was like being at a funeral. Before, the theater was so loud, music was constantly playing and the audience was making comments, but now it was so quiet that he felt like the show was over. While it was just beginning

"Hey who's that?"

"I don't know, but I know Karasu!"

"Looks like a girl, Karasu's really got it, doesn't he?"

Then the lights on the stage, which were above Karasu and Y/N, came on, while the lights in the audience area went completely out.

Y/N now had a deck of cards in his hand, he took them out in the dark, and now in the light, he has them all in his hand. He carefully slid one hand over the cards and spread them out in the palm of his hand, forming a half circle. The audience was now expecting a standard magic trick, as from the other magic shows tonight. Y/N took a step forward, towards the audience. He was still standing quite far back, holding his head partially down on the floor.

Now he takes another step forward and turns to Karasu.

In the plan it was agreed that Y/N would give Karasu the cards and he would accidentally drop them.

But when he steps to the right towards Karasu...

Karasu trips him up

Y/N didn't see it and fell on his face in front of almost 3000 people. On the podium. On the stage, where everyone could see it. Everyone saw it. Nobody looked away. Even if hardly a bang appeared due to Y/N's light body. It was pure embarrassment. There's never been anything like it, and there's only one thought going through Y/N's head-

'That wasn't in the script Karasu! You Stupid bastard!'

The reactions were completely speechless. Many people opened their mouths and simply stared at the stage, where Y/N always lay. Cringing and desperate looks stared at his form lying on the floor. DogDay probably had the most worried look in the whole audience. She thought he might be injured, and she was the only one who thought so.

Y/N stood up slowly, almost dying of nervousness. A situation that wasn't supposed to happen, he had completely embarrassed himself in front of so many people, he just fell down in front of everyone. It was still completely silent, but with every second that passed, Y/N's heart beat even faster. His hands were sweating terribly and his eyes didn't even have the strength to look to the left, towards the audience. He could have sworn he heard the click of a camera app.

He is barely standing and Karasu is already standing in front of him. Y/N has tears in his eyes and Karasu wonders whether it was really a good idea to let him stumble.

They acted as if they were talking, Y/N stood there bent over and anxious, while Karasu let his arms wander through the air and made gestures as if they were actually talking.

"Go do it now, the cards!"  Karasu whispered incredibly quietly in the direction of Y/N, who was standing barely a meter in front of him.

Because that was exactly what mattered, the surprise element. Karasu knew he needed a good start to the show to get everyone's attention, and now Y/N's telekinesis must amaze everyone completely.

Y/N suddenly stands up straight and looks at the ground in front of him. The cards weren't really spread out much, he could see them all...and that's what counted, his view.

As if by reflex, Y/N holds out his hand as if Karasu wants to give him something. But what happened was different...

The cards magically float from the ground into the air and slide all together into a pack in Y/N's palm from where he lost them a few seconds ago.

The cheers rang out immediately. It was loud, much louder than either of them had expected. It was only the first trick of three, but the cheering was unbelievable. People screamed, people whistled, people clapped, a bottle of Coke knocked someone off their chair. To say that the applause literally changed Y/N's life was justified. So now the battle of the audience was on: The Smilling Critter vs. the Magic Show.

"WHAT THE HELL?"

"BRO WHAT?"

"RECORD IT! GO GET YOUR PHONE!"

"OH MY GOD"

"HOW DO THEY DO THAT?"

The reactions were perfect, the surprise element of Y/N's telekinesis would probably save everything after all.

Karasu stands at the edge, stands up straight and looks at the audience with his head held high. His eyes wandered along the entire rows of seats in the theater, seeing only impressed people, whether students, parents or teachers. But for him the most important thing was Y/N, well, rather the girl that Y/N can't get out of his head. His eyes focused on the colorful group one row behind Boxy in the attendee seats, who were talking in the group, seemingly impressed.

"W-what the?"  The turquoise-haired girl, who was seemingly always on edge.

"H-Hey, you saw that with the cards too, didn't you?" The blond, tall boy with his hair slicked back was already starting to stutter, but with the seemingly magical trick of the two of them, it was no wonder.

"Of course Kickin, but...Bubba how does this trick work?" The redhead and smallest member of the group, dressed in the red dress. She turned with the others to the tall blue-haired boy standing at the edge of the side row.

"I...I have no idea" 

The group was confused. After all, Bubba was one of the smartest students on campus. He had always grumbled at every performance of a magic show tonight, "That's fake, you can see the thread" or "It's quite simple, the card decks are specially made". But he had no idea how Karasu and Y/N could make the seemingly flying cards fly from the ground into his hand with some kind of trick.

His hands tightened, the memory from a few days ago came flooding back. Bubba had a good memory, he remembered well the little one of the two boys at the front of the stage. He was the one who took away his chance for an internship at Playtime Co. college.

And now the performance should continue

Karasu was still in front, only a few seconds had passed. He dramatically points his index finger in the air, signaling This was our first trick. He turns around and the cheering behind his back becomes quieter, so it should continue now. Y/N is still standing there, and hasn't moved a bit. Even the deck of cards was still in his hand, he sees Karasu's movements and quickly puts it in his pocket.

Karasu stops dramatically in front of the large box with the black sheet. The audience now sees what lies there, three small red balls. He doesn't wait long and grabs them, two in his right hand and one with a somewhat loose grip in his left. He turns back to the audience and steps forward, but not so far from where he tripped Y/N.

He has to apologize to Y/N for this later

the audience also seems to have forgotten that Y/N just tripped in front of nearly 3000 people, to Y/N's favor

He moves the balls slightly in his hand, swinging them from left to right. Then he seems to be ready, with a stomp on the ground he suddenly throws one of the balls into the air. But the others followed, he always threw one and caught the next one directly, which then went back into the other hand and so it went.

He juggled them perfectly, not a second interval between landing a ball on his hand and throwing the next ball. With perfect timing, he managed to throw the balls from the air with a little force sideways into the other palm.

Karasu was athletic, he also had a good physique. He was tall and sturdily built, no wonder it was easy for him. He has good hand-eye coordination, so it was no problem for him to juggle three small balls monotonously.

The audience went very quiet, something unbelievable must be happening again. So far the performance of Karasu and Y/N was already one of the best, but it gets even better.

Suddenly Karasu overdoes it and throws the ball, which he has just picked up again, high into the air. All eyes in the audience, REALLY ALL eyes, follow the movement of the ball. While Karasu continues to juggle the other two small red balls in his hands with a big grin.

That was the sign

Y/N sneaks up from the side and stands a little away from Karasu. The audience barely pays attention to him as he slowly raises his right arm. His wizard cloak falls in slow motion to his ribs. He now points to the ball that was still in the air.

The ball was barely a meter above Karasu...

And suddenly it remained in the air

"THAT! THAT CAN'T BE?!"

"HELL SHIT!"

"DUDE I HOPE YOU HAVE THIS ON VIDEO!"

"HOW DO THEY DO IT?"

"MUM! LOOK! GO!"

The reactions in the audience were exaggerated. People started shouting so loudly and admiring them that even the teachers didn't do anything. Although, the teachers were amazed too, Miss Delight was smiling even bigger than usual, she seemed to be really proud of Y/N and Karasu. Karasu thought that if people are already so loud now, then it's going to get even louder.

He started to grin, looking into the middle of the audience. He no longer needed to look at his hands to the balls, after all, Y/N was there.

This was followed by the second ball, which hovered over Karasu.

There was hardly anything left to say in the audience. Everyone started screaming as if Karasu had just conjured a rabbit out of Y/N's magic hat. People were taking pictures with their phones, the flash literally blinding the theater for a few seconds. Karasu's grin widened, he stood a little wider and looked further into the audience. He has the last ball in his hand and doesn't want to make Y/N wait that long, he's probably straining himself with his telekinesis right now. That Y/N actually manages to use his ability at all in front of the whole crowd Amazed Karasu

He moves his arm and throws it in the air.

And now the third ball was also floating.

All three balls floated motionless in the air above Karasu's head. Flashing lights lit up the stage and Karasu smiled for a good picture. Where Y/N tends to turn his back on the lightning, he stands with his robe facing the audience, where people can't really see his face. He has been using his telekinesis for twenty seconds, but has no complaints yet.

Karasu turns around and walks to the black box. As he walks, he turns slightly to Y/N and winks at him, indicating that he should continue with the next act.

Karasu stands across the box and reaches for the energy drink. He turns back to the audience and taps the opening. The people are astonished and confused at the same time; after all, the balls are still floating in the goddamn air, and Karasu acts as if it were a matter of course.

He starts to take a big sip with a grin. He stands in the middle of the stage, a little behind the still floating Red Balls. With the energy drink in front of his face, he glances at Y/N, who has been looking at him the whole time, slightly scared. 'He winked at him again, The sign!

Y/N slowly points his arm at Karasu, everyone in the audience suddenly pays attention to him. Nothing happens for a second, Y/N stands there like a madman pointing at Karasu.

Suddenly, the balls fly towards Karasu one after the other, as if someone had knocked them through the air.

Karasu holds his arms in front of his face as he chuckles lightly. It's rather playful, but it doesn't matter. The audience goes wild, a few people suddenly get up from their chairs as if Y/N had turned Karasu into a frog in front of all 3000 people. A few people also start laughing out loud, after all, it's not every day you see balls flying through the air and hitting a person.

Karasu waves his arms wildly in the air again as he runs towards Y/N. He quickly places the open Energy on the box again and simply leaves the balls on the ground next to him. Y/N smiles nervously, he really managed to use his ability in front of so many people. Even though the fear and nervousness feels like he's on a rollercoaster right now. As long as he didn't look straight into the audience, he would be fine, he only had a slight headache so far. However, so far he had only ever focused on the object he had to let fly.

But this will now be put to the test.

Not only is the next one not an object, but Karasu. He will have to hold Karasu in the air while he runs to the jury, which will take about 10 seconds. Will Y/N really make it? Only time will tell-

"Come on dude, time for the top performance!"

Karasu suddenly moved forward. Y/N was still standing and looked a little shocked, he now understood.

He has to look into the audience at Karasu, use his powers and at the same time not panic because of the thousands of people watching them

The realization hits Y/N really hard, but he barely has time to think. Karasu is already in front and threatens to take the first step. But he turns around again and looks at Y/N. The moment is brief, but Karasu's facial expression speaks for itself.

'You can do it'

With that, Karasu takes the First Step, well, not quite. He places his stage foot in the air at random, as if he is about to take the step. Y/N concentrates, he only sees Karasu's back and thinks quickly.

How exactly should I let him fly?  Shit! I can't carry him, I don't have that much strength. If I just lift his feet, how is he supposed to walk? God damn it! I need a solution and fast. He's already moving forward I need a solution fast! Damn...

Wait a minute...

Maybe I don't have to let him fly all the way

Y/N Seems to have found a solution, he remains just as nervous as before, but this time with a certain determination in his eyes. He simply concentrates on Karasu's lower body. As long as he manages to lift his legs, Karasu will definitely manage.

Yes, the idea was crazy, and for several reasons:

1. if Karasu doesn't understand directly, he would fall off the stage in front of 3000, which would not only be an incomprehensible embarrassment, but could also end dangerously.

2. there's still a chance that Karasu's lower body is so heavy that Y/N can't lift it. So far, Y/N has tended to lift small objects with his telekinesis, even if they were several at once.

3. he has just learned today to use his telekinesis with his eyes open. Of course he just levitated the cards and the red balls, but a human?

It was all an ultimate gamble, it could all go wrong. But even though Karasu knows it, he doesn't shy away, this is Y/N after all. He slowly raises his left foot in slow motion, so to speak.

People in the audience startle, the realization was now in front of everyone.

Karasu hovered in the air, his right leg in front and his left leg being set for the next step.

To say that the audience went completely berserk was a massive understatement. Normally teachers would stop them but they were all more than astonished too, astonished faces and people holding up their phones to film everything. People shouting and wondering-

"HOW THE HELL DOES HE DO THAT?"

"WHAT THE FUCKING-

"THAT CAN'T BE! SOMETHING MUST BE-

"I THINK I'M HALLUCINATING"

"IS THAT GUY FLYING?"

All the attention in the theater was focused on Karasu, he even liked it. He had a grin that showed arrogance and nervousness at the same time. As he slowly and carefully put one foot in front of the other. He felt like a superhuman, he felt so damn light and knew he would make it even further.

'Dude Y/N you are simply the best!'

Karasu made it clear to everyone what his goal was. He raised his arm in the air and pointed at the blonde woman sitting in the middle of the three-person jury. She was quite puzzled, and the whole audience wondered one thing...

Did this guy really intend to run through the air from up there to the jury?

The tension increased. And Karasu did not let himself be thrown off balance, right-left-right-left. His body walked on the air as if there was an invisible bridge on which he was walking. That was also what Y/N imagined at the same time, how Karasu's legs were standing on this invisible bridge the second they went down. Everything was focused on Karasu, phones, glances, even a livestream on Instagram.

At least nobody notices that Y/N is constantly wiping the blood running from his nose with the sleeve of the wizard's cloak in the background... apart from a black-haired girl sitting next to DogDay.

Karasu is about to arrive, he is barely 5 meters away from the jury table. The eyes of the people sitting there all widen, it was just incredible.

Karasu takes the penultimate step and the tension rises immeasurably. It has become quieter again and everyone is just waiting for the moment when Karasu finally arrives at the table.

The last step. His left leg in front of his right, Karasu floats slightly above the table, which was still slightly below him despite being raised. He had now reached his goal, but what now?

Silence.

Karasu very slowly pulls the magician's hat off his head and looks inside himself. As if he had forgotten that he was floating in the air in the theater. He quickly looks into the audience, people are on the verge of going mad from excitement.

"Hey, what's he got in his hat?"

"No idea"

"It seems to have something really cool in it.

"Shut up you in the front"

Karasu moves his arms abruptly, pulling out whatever was in the hat and holding it in front of the jury.

It was a Poppy Flower

A rose rising green and ending in blood red. It was beautiful and literally shone in the shining down light of the theater, the conclusion of the performance and the last act.

Karasu leans a little closer and the blonde woman from the jury accepts the Flower immediately. She has just picked it up and is looking at the colors when Karasu leaves again.

He literally saunters through the air, he runs much faster than before and is already back on stage next to Y/N in a few seconds. Y/N was breathing heavily, bent over, sweating slightly and had a headache like never before. It started slightly above his eyes and traveled along his skull, he tried not to let it show, which wasn't that hard since everyone was only paying attention to Karasu.

Karasu paid little attention to the audience and held out his right hand to Y/N, which he took after a few seconds. Now they were standing there, facing the audience, and Karasu threw his hands up in the air to signal that the magic show was over.

The applause came suddenly and completely unexpectedly. The first to clap were the people from the jury, one of them even whistled. This was followed by the teachers, who shouted Karasu's name, which most of the teachers probably knew from Karasu's nerves. The students took the applause to a whole new level, just shouting randomly. Most of the students stood up and somehow tried to figure out the last trick.

One of them was Bubba, he stood between the contestant seats and the stage and tried to see something like an invisible arrow in the air. But there was nothing to see, after all the trick was done a little differently.

With that, Karasu let go of Y/N's hand and they both disappeared behind the closing curtains, while Karasu waved a little to the audience.

And Y/N felt like he had accomplished something for the first time in his life

The jury immediately turned around and spoke through the microphone on the table.

"So, the jury will now decide tonight's winners"

------------------------------

"Dude, you were amazing!"

Karasu and Y/N had arrived back at the cabins, with Karasu's Y/N slapping his back jokingly the whole time.

"I...I feel like shit"  The headache got worse, and he remembered how he fell down in front of 3000 people.

"Yes, that's normal, but the fact that you were able to hold me is really cool!"

"Yeah, your lower body that is"    Y/N sounded a little depressed, maybe the whole thing didn't change as much as he thought it would.

"Dude what's going on?"

"I don't know, were we really better than the Smilling Critters?"

"Hmmmm So a music Show versus real magic that had everyone screaming? I think we were a thousand times-

Quiet Vibration

Karasu suddenly stopped talking. He looked down at his pants in amazement, 'Who would be texting him now? He slowly took his phone out of his pocket and looked at it.

It was a short message that fit on Karasu's lock screen.

You Guys won

"Ehm Y/N?"

Y/N had sat down by one of the show mirrors and was blowing his nose, after all, it still felt like he was bleeding. He had also changed back into his standard clothes, his gray hoodie and matching pants.

"Y-Yes?"   Apparently expecting bad news, he answered Karasu with a trembling voice.

"We won"

Y/N Doesn't even look at Karasu, he looks at the mirror. He sees himself in the reflection and tries to process Karasu's statement.

'We...won?'

He had made it? Him? He didn't really see himself as valuable, but no other people who interacted with him conveyed that feeling either. But he, he alone, had made it. Was that the reason why he suddenly developed this ability? Should he prove himself to people? Did he finally have the chance to change his life?

But that also meant that the Smilling Critters had lost. This thought slowly took over Y/N's mind, DogDay lost because of him. They were definitely in second place, but they really deserved first place. Actually, everyone deserved it more than Y/N...

It felt like he was cheating

"You still there?"

"Yes"

"If you want you can stay here for a moment, soooooo only if you want of course"

"I'll stay here"

"Sure dude! I'll go get the money and the applause!"

That's true again, Karasu did the show. Y/N only really took part at the beginning, even though he was actually the real magician. It's funny, every "trick" wouldn't have worked without Y/N...but it's Karasu who gets all the applause. But Y/N can live without it, he'd be too scared to be congratulated by strangers anyway.

"I was just joking! You're more important than the applause Bro!"

He is gone now. Y/N is alone in the cabin and continues to look into the reflection. He looked at his nose, there was no more blood flowing, but he better be careful with big or heavy things. He hadn't reached the limit of his telekinesis with Karasu in the air, but he was damn close.

Maybe it wasn't the right decision to perform here after all? If anyone finds out the truth behind the magic show...No.

'It's not a matter of making the right choice... I'll make it so the path I choose is the right one.'

Creak

Oh, shit

DogDay?

Y/N Pov:

Oh shit

Where did DogDay come from? I thought everyone was still sitting in the theater talking about all the performances. Karasu where are you? Come back!

"Ah, there you are! Congratulations on your first place!"

Shit! I don't dare look her in the face. Not when she looked so...perfect. With her orange sweater and the sun shining over her. Then her blonde hair.

"I-I'm sorry"  Wait, am I apologizing right now? And I'm stuttering in front of her too!

"Oh...no...you don't need to apologize you know?"

"N-no r-really i...you were better"  I notice how I'm getting quieter and quieter.

"Oh, I know that too!"

Did I say something wrong? Is she serious? Shit Is she serious?

"Oh, that was just irony...Y/N"

I can feel my face getting warmer and warmer, she says my name as if we've known each other for years. I want her to say my name again, please.

"Y-Yes...Of-Ofcourse...I...D-Doesent matter"   Shit My head feels like ice cream that's slowly melting!

"No...it's all right. We're in second place after all! And your magic show was really incredible! The beginning when you let the cards fly into your hand Wow!....

I hardly listen. How could I? The way she stands there, under the light. The way she had that permanent grin on again, it was all too much for me.

"But you'll have to tell me the secret behind the last trick sometime! My friends are already debating whether Karasu walked on some kind of rope or something"

If she knew the truth...

"But if you want to, you don't have to tell me, you know? I really do understand if you don't want to."

She's just too nice...and too perfect.

"Do you know him?"

What?

I turn back, the door to the stage was still open. It was Karasu. He was jumping around and pointing his fingers in my direction.

His mouth forms the words: You are awesome.

"No"  I quickly turn back and look at her again, I shouldn't have looked away, after all she looks even more perfect now than before.

"but you've just performed with him."  

I feel like an idiot, of course I've just performed with him! She was being sarcastic when she asked if I knew him. Shit, I have to do something to make the situation better.

"Oh that one... Yes, I know him"

"You seem to be really good friends!"  If only she knew.

"Unfortunately, yes"

"And what exactly is he doing there?"

I quickly turn back again. Karasu is strutting around and clutching his chest as if he's just been shot.

"It's difficult to explain"

"I can imagine that"

I've got it! I'll make a joke and then quickly go to Karasu!

"Unfortunately, he suffers from a rare disease of the brain"

"Really?"

"Yes, he doesn't have one"

It's all so slow all of a sudden. DogDay laughed, and I melted under the gaze of her beautiful bright eyes. How can such beautiful eyes perceive something like me?

"So...are you coming to the party at Bunzo's?"

What kind of party?

"Of course he's coming!"  Karasu suddenly bursts in and literally shouts at me. He stands behind me and puts his hands on my shoulders uncomfortably. 'I hate it when he does that'.

"Don't worry DogDay! We'll show up at the party!"

This is going to be a long night

----------------------

"Hey John, don't you think the Smilling Critters' performance was better?"

"Huh?"

"Well, you gave your point for this magic show by the two boys. Is there perhaps some highly intellectual reason for this, after all, you are the Leading Scient-

"Yes, it has."

"And that would be?"

"I have no idea how they did these tricks, The two of them have done something... And I'm going to find out"

Notes:

Wow, Y/N and Karasu seem to have really rocked it! Not only the first place, no, DogDay also expects Y/N at a party! This is going to be exciting. The next update will be for the “Genius Story”. After all, a plot twist has just been revealed and it just has to go on now. I really thank everyone for reading this chapter! Check out my other stories, leave kudos and a comment!

[holdonunreal]

Chapter 4: Talentshow (Part 1)

The time has come for Y/N and Karasu to prepare for their appearance in the evening talent show. Y/N didn't think about the fact that the whole normal school day would come before that.

Karasu and Boxy even help him to develop his ability and prepare him for the perfect performance.

Now it's all or nothing!

---

Here I am again, a new chapter for the AU.

7.3 K words and slowly the story really begins, with a Boulder in Y/N's life that will change everything forever.

Have fun reading and let me know how you liked this chapter!

---

Y/N Pov:

I hate Fridays. Basically they're okay, weekend and no school until Monday. And that's exactly what it is, until Monday. After that it just goes on and on and somehow nobody cares.

Get up, wash my face, put on the same gray hoodie and take some pants out of the closet. Even pouring water into a glass...with my Telekinesis. All the time I have the feeling I've forgotten something, something important...

The Talentshow

Damn, why am I participating again? Oh well, about the prize money...1000 dollars. And the trip only costs 600 so I could just keep the rest. Although, Karasu probably wants to get paid for his 'Incredible Talent' too. So while he's talking to people, I'll be constantly using my Telekinesis and doing tricks that no one has ever seen before. And in front of I don't know how many people. How big is this theater anyway?

I keep thinking, even though I should be looking at the road while I'm on my way to the bus stop. But the incredibly loud music from my headphones doesn't let me hear a car anyway, which I'm really grateful for. The bus stop is already in front of me, and I just stand under it...and wait.

I'm supposed to play a magician, how should I actually dress for it? I don't have any robes or a hat. So a wizard in a gray hoodie and dirty pants, that's going to be bad. I at least hope that there are still buses running at these times tonight, if not, then I'm definitely not going to walk for hours to the campus. What for? To make a clown of myself in front of hundreds of people. Definitely not. When I think of all the card tricks I've seen on the internet...can I even make several objects float? Before, I only ever managed to do one thing at a time, but I didn't really try.

Quiet Vibration

My Phone? Who is texting me so early? I already have a suspicion as I take it out of my pocket, which is confirmed as soon as my display goes on.

"I'm getting on board at the second stop! Get us a good seat and don't stare at the ass of-

I don't read any further, at least I can imagine how the message ends. This blonde girl...DogDay I think her name was. She's nice, beautiful, has a pleasant voice and is on a completely different level to me. According to Karasu, she is also the student representative of the university. Sounds like the complete opposite of me.

At that moment, the bus stops in front of me and I get on immediately. It's completely empty, not a single person, really great. No people looking at me funny, or quietly sniggering and teasing me. I sit down in my standard seat again, one in front of the last row. I sit by the window and look out as the bus drives on. Empty streets, green fields and hardly any people. And I continue to think...

What courses do I have today?

I look at my Phone and go through my timetable. Considering that Friday is actually the start of the weekend, my day looks pretty shit. First two hours of math, then economics. The sight of math makes me feel like I'm going to puke. The last time I understood math was in high school, and even then I wasn't really good. I've actually only gotten ahead so far by luck, 'How the hell did I even pass the entrance test? After the two classes there's another hour of English and PE, basically I'd give anything to stay home today.

And I still haven't paid attention to the worst part. The God-damned * talent show * that we have to win, so to speak. What kind of magic tricks are we supposed to do anyway? We must be on this stage for ten to twenty minutes, I don't think a few card tricks are enough to impress people. Especially not the judges. *Can I even manage to use my telekinesis in front of so many people and not drown in nervousness? *. What happens if I suddenly can't do it or-?

"What's going on with you, dude!"

Fuck, who-

"Relax, we're taking everything apart today...Cause we have a real magician here"

Karasu always scares the shit out of me, how do I not notice him? He whispers the last part unpleasantly in my ear as the bus starts to move on. I didn't even notice that it had stopped. Karasu quickly squeezes into the completely empty seat next to me, and once again I notice the big difference.

Not only is he a complete head taller, he is also much wider. After all, he has twice as much P.E lessons a week as I do. I look like a child next to him, 'Do people see me like that?

"Come on, don't get nervous, I've already thought of something good!"  Now I'm curious, he's already thought of something?

"Yes, and what? How long do we even have to stand there and put on a show-

"Magic" That's all he says, on the contrary, he even interrupts me. I stare at him, he does that to me all the time. He turns to my right and runs his hands through his black hair, which he pulls up into a spike. When I look at him like that, he kind of reminds me of a Crow.

"Oh and... I don't know how long we have to put on a show"  Fuck, he doesn't know that?! We fucking have to perform today, don't we? It's going to be a complete embarrassment. 'But what does he mean by magic?

"Magic?"

"Exactly magic"

"What exactly?"

"Simple, we'll introduce ourselves first and I hope you can do that without wetting your pants." He pauses for a moment and, as always, I ignore the obvious insult.

"We, well you! will let cards fly, to start with. Then you juggle with a few small balls and let them fly in the air! I'll stand next to you and drink an Energy... Or something"

To be honest, it sounds terrible. Not just the part where I constantly have to use my head to make cards or balls fly. It's also that Karasu can't do anything for the most part, so he's often standing next to me. But that's also a good thing, hopefully he'll talk to the audience and not just make me look stupid. Just the thought of standing there in the stands in complete silence and doing tricks doesn't appeal to me.

"And then at the end, comes the Ultimate Master Trick!"  To be honest, I don't like the way he emphasizes that. 'Master trick?' What am I supposed to do better than let some cards fly?

"You will... walk on an invisible rope" That's it, he just stops talking. I don't understand a bit, 'What kind of rope?' And I'm supposed to do this? Why? Shit, why doesn't he say anything?

"Dude, don't wet your pants, it's really easy."   If he keeps playing with me like that, I'm going to freak out.

"Now say it!"

"All right, have you ever been to the theater?"

"No"

"Oh yeah! You skipped half a year"  What an ass.

"Anyway, it's really huge, and at the front of the platform it goes straight out to the front row, you know what I'm saying?"

I'm about to say no, but he's quicker again.

"So YOU will walk off the podium...very slowly across the air, and then drop your wizard hat in front of one of the people from the jury."

What a stupid idea! I can't fucking fly. I get a headache just turning a door blade with my mind, how am I supposed to make myself fly in the air? And besides, 'What kind of wizard's hat?'

"If you can't manage it somehow, I can take over that part"

"ok"   That's the only thing I can get out right now, no more, no less. I don't think I'll be able to keep Karasu in the air long enough while he's walking towards the jury. 'How much does he weigh anyway?

At that moment, I notice how the bus stops abruptly. Students push their way through the bus and all stand in the way. Karasu and I remain seated for a moment, but get up after a few seconds and leave the bus.

"Well then, special needs student!"  He really does have a new nickname for me every day, and they all suck.

"Wait a minute, where are you going?"  I thought I had Math with him?

"To gym class you crybaby, I'll see you later in economics!"

I'm about to reply and he's already gone, putting headphones in his ears and walking to one of the huge sports halls on campus. When I think about it, Karasu seems to be really athletic. Tall, sturdy body...something I can only dream of. Somehow I'm glad he's my friend at the same time, he could be hanging out with much better people than me.

But I can think about that later, now it's time to pay attention in class after missing a year of school and get good grades.

--------------

Math:

I'm really lucky that the seat in the back corner is free. But it could also be because Boxy is sitting next to it. Well, he's about to slip out of the chair the way he's lying there. With his Phone in front of his face and his math book open in front of him.

I can hear people whispering as soon as I enter the room.

"Is that him?"

"Shit, no way has he been the only one to make it"

"So is he going to work here later or what?"

"He's really Weird, just look how he walks"

"Yes, as if he was about to collapse on the floor crying"

I stop listening and put my bag down next to the free table. As I sit down, I stare at the blank slate and turn to Boxy a little, thinking he might tell me the topic so I can check the book to see if I know it. I ignore every comment anyone says to me, even if it's not to my face. I tap Boxy's shoulder lightly and keep looking at him.

"What is it?" He says as he continues to type hastily on his Phone and doesn't give me a glance. I take my math book out of my bag and hold it up to him, so to speak.

"Can you tell me the topic? I want to see if-

"Page 170 or so, it's really boring anyway" Page 170? Dammit, this is how far the course has come in one semester? I remember something around page 20.

"Ehm, thanks," I turn away from him and lay my book open on my desk. I leaf through it for a while, looking for the exact page, sometimes I'm much further on and sometimes just 10 pages away. But then I finally find it -

What the hell is this? There's not a bit of text on the page, just some formulas that are several lines long and mostly made up of letters. Shit! I don't understand anything and I have to be able to do that?

"Hello everyone"

That was it, the rest of the lesson was...Horrible . Miss Delight, who I could still remember, came in and welcomed everyone to the new semester. I just hoped the whole time that she wasn't taking attendance and that I would have to embarrass myself in front of everyone. I was quite lucky, because she had apparently forgotten.

I somehow tried to write down notes or something important about the lesson but couldn't manage anything. It felt like I was in a foreign language class.

The only thing that stuck in my mind from the lesson was when Miss Delight called on Boxy to complete a task. He looked forward in shock, which caused his book to fall over and everyone saw that he had been on his Phone the whole time. She then came to him and took it away, but just as she stopped looking, he put the book back down and took a bag out of his backpack. The bag was filled with some kind of bread, he always tore off a small piece and quickly stuffed it into his mouth. Once he also asked me if I wanted a piece, I just replied with a quick no, and he continued eating in peace.

In between, I kept seeing people looking at me as if I was disgusting them. It really sucks that I don't know anyone in this course, I can't ask anyone for help or understand the lessons.

----------------

Economy:

I was quite lucky here, as Karasu and Boxy are in this class with me. Karasu was waiting for me outside the door and grinned at me the whole time as if I had done something wrong. We were the first to enter the room and the three of us sat at the back, which was already standard. There were 5 tables for four in the room, I don't know why but at least we could all sit together at one.

After a few minutes, looking down at the table the whole time, Karasu punched me in the ribs. It didn't hurt as much as usual, and I looked at him because I wanted to know what the hell was going on now.

"Look at the door!" He said while wearing a wide, almost creepy grin on his face. When I looked, my head went blank.

DogDay came in and stood at the door with a few of her friends. She wore an orange sweater and grinned the whole time she was standing there. Next to her stood a girl with longer black hair, she didn't look at DogDay and looked at the floor while the group talked. I kept watching the way she moved, almost perfectly. The way her blonde hair moved as she spoke, her hands always finding the perfect position for emphasis and her eyes that were as beautiful as the sun. They were clear and shining.

And when she smiled, her cheeks pushed upwards and her eyes disappeared into narrow slits with a sparkle in them... or something like that.

I didn't even know she was on this course.

But I never really paid attention to people either

"Dude close your mouth, you're starting to drool."  How I sometimes just want to kill Karasu.

"Shut up Karasu"

"Sorry dude, I didn't mean to offend you and your girlfriend"

I'm about to interject and tell him that it's not true, that he has no idea what he's talking about. But I just couldn't get a word out and that was it. At that moment, however, the teacher came in and rescued me from my pathetic situation. But the next one followed immediately.

"So we have a lot of lessons today and I want to get you through to the exams, so get your attendance up quickly and open your books to page 91!"

I can't remember his name, but I don't like him anyway. He never cared if anyone didn't understand the material, he just got on with the lesson. At least I can ask Karasu here though, he liked the course and got through it quite well...I hope it stayed that way.

"Y/N?"  Oh shit did he call me? Fuck should I get up now?

Karasu pokes me in the ribs again and quickly whispers something in my ear.

"Don't embarrass yourself in front of your girlfriend, dude!"

"Y/N!"

"Y-Yes ?"

"Ah, so that's you...Where did you come from?"   Shit! What kind of question is that? Ok, I answer normally and calmly.

"I-I...."

Silence is the only thing I can hear. Not even my own voice. what the fuck am i supposed to answer this stupid question?  FUCK WHAT CAN I SAY?

"He's new here sir!"  Huh?

"Ah...Next time you don't answer Karasu, but Mr. Y/N"

The rest of the lesson was a bit like math. Nothing understood and nothing done. Besides, my eyes kept going to the front seats...

-----------

"Dude, what was going on with you in Economics?"

I don't want to answer, I don't even really know myself. We're walking around the cafeteria, Boxy and Karasu have grabbed something to eat and now we're looking for a free table. Boxy is holding the tablet with one hand and his Phone in the other.

Karasu got something from the menu of the day, noodles with some kind of sauce and pieces of chicken. Boxy, however, only had noodles. Why? I have no idea.

We finally found a seat and sat down, Boxy slammed his tablet down on the table and took the Phone in both hands and started pressing wildly again. Karasu looked at me as if he could read my mind 'Kind of creepy'. While Boxy sat down on the other side, Karasu and I sat next to each other.

"So I've already thought of something extra for the trick with the juggling balls. I'll juggle them and you'll let them float in the air. While you just stand there at first, but then I'll take a step back and take a sip from my energy drink."

"And then what? Should I hold them in the air for minutes or what?"  I don't quite understand how Karasu imagined exactly all the tricks we would do. Whether I can even manage to keep the multiple objects in the air is another question entirely.

"No, while I'm still drinking, you stand under the balls for a moment. And throw them through the air at me one after the other with your telekinesis!"

Stupid idea, I don't know how hard I can throw with my mind.

"So your magic show only consists of Y/N making things fly in the air with his Telekinesis?"

"Don't worry Boxy, we've got something really special for the last trick you know! No one will-

"Hey Karasu" 

"Huh?"

Karasu turned to the back, obviously one of his colleagues was talking to him. But I've heard that voice before, 'Who's that?

"No thing Kickin! Sit down" Kickin? I turn around and see the guy who called DogDay on the bus...As I stared like an idiot with my mouth open.

And there she was again, DogDay. She sat down on the side opposite this black-haired girl, smiling the whole time. I quickly look away and back at the table, 'I'm getting nervous'.

"Karasu?"

"Hm Yes?"

"You're performing tonight too, right?"  Also? Shit don't tell me DogDay will be performing too?

"Yes"

"What are you doing?"  Karasu, think of something clever, and don't make us look like the biggest idiots.

"A magic show"   Shit Karasu Shut the fuck up!

At Karasu's statement, this guy with his hair curled up starts laughing loud. The girl next to him also seems to giggle a little, as if we've just embarrassed ourselves in front of hundreds of people or something.

"Several people do that, you know? You still have a chance to think of something else...so only if you want to" 

She's really to nice, she even tells us that it's a stupid idea. Karasu now don't fuck it up and say that-

"Yes, but none of them have what we have!" 

I slowly lift my head from the table to see why it has become so quiet. And at that moment, Karasu punches me in the ribs again, harder than before. I look into DogDay's eyes for a brief moment while she starts talking to someone else again.

But suddenly she turns her head towards me and looks back.

Shit

Why am I still looking?

I have to look away

And then...she smiles. She smiles at me, the strange little guy sitting at the edge of the table. Hiding under a hood and staring at the table the whole time? My heart is beating louder than I could ever hear it, and my hands are sweating terribly. 'Am I embarrassing myself right now?

But then she looks away again and continues talking to the group. The warmth in my stomach leaves me, slowly but surely. I look quickly at Boxy, just so I don't have to think about her all the time.

"Are you actually hungry?"  Karasu again, oh man.

"No"

"Oh come on, just because we're sitting here and not in the library?"

That's exactly what I don't like about him. He can see through people quickly, I don't know how he does it, but he's damn good at it. I prefer to eat in the library, if anything. Fewer people and it's quieter, which I much prefer to a noisy cafeteria.

I wasn't paying attention, but it seems that Karasu and Boxy have already finished eating. So we get up and walk in the direction of the exit.

But I look back at the table and see her again. I could have sworn she was looking in my direction, but at that moment we're already out.

---------

English went by faster than I thought it would, not only because I hardly took part, but because I was thinking about DogDay the whole time. The way she was smiling the whole time, even looking at me once, just thinking about it makes me feel weird.

P.E is canceled, which means I'm going to Boxy's dorm room to discuss the plan for the talent show. As far as I know, Karasu and Boxy finished before me and are probably already waiting for me.

Knock Knock

"Come in!"

With that, I slowly opened the door, the rough wood slid past my fingers and then let me look into the room. Karasu and Boxy were sitting in the middle of the room, at a big red tower made of Lego pieces. The floor was completely full of individual Lego bricks. I think this is the first time I've seen Boxy without his Phone 'Must finally be running out of battery'.

"Sit down, we have to go through everything slowly now so that your Idiot brain gets it"

I walk towards them, but close the door behind me first. My steps are light, I can barely hear them. My arms walk lifelessly along the air of the room and I feel somehow...empty. I sit down on the floor, in the tailor's seat, and look at the Lego tower. It's only half built, it's still missing the helicopter landing pad on top and a couple of bricks on the side.

"So, you said you move things with your mind" What kind of question is that?

"Yes?"

"You always closed your eyes when you did that, didn't you?"

"Yes, I imagine it...And then it just happens"

"Exactly Exactly...You can't do that anymore"

What? How else am I supposed to move things? I just have to concentrate, and I can't do that if I have my eyes open.

"Imagine it Y/N, we're standing there, cards flying and everything. But you have your eyes closed the whole time. Strange, isn't it?" He's right, but I don't know how else to do it.

"So now, with your eyes open and perhaps even better your arms, you will finish building this Lego tower with your telekinesis"

"I-Im n-not Doing Shit!, I-I can't do it Karasu!.... Even with my eyes closed it's hard"

"I have a hunch that this ability is something like a muscle, you know?"  A muscle? It doesn't feel like that at all. Besides, I hardly have any muscles!

"So I have a fucking good idea! That's like a sixth sense for you, you stretch out your arm and imagine it happening in front of your mind's eye!"

Wait a minute... It doesn't sound that difficult.

I lean forward slightly and look at the large helicopter pad in front of me. I look at the tower again, there are still a few supports to go before the large slab can go on top. I take out my hands and hold them between me and the supports on the ground. I try to imagine how the supports slowly lift themselves off the ground and float through the air. Until they place themselves on the Great Red Tower.

*Yet somehow nothing happens*

"I-I just can't get t-that right"

"Come on, very slowly and carefully"

I try to concentrate on the supports again and imagine them gliding through the air for just a short time. Until they land on the tower with a small movement of the hand. For a very brief moment, I see one of the supports move on the ground, but then it stays there again. 'As if I had blown against it'

I really do my best, I try harder than ever before when using my telekinesis. That feeling I had the first time I used it, I can feel it very easily. I keep my eyes open as I point my right finger at the parts. For a moment I notice how my eyes become a little blurred, but I continue to concentrate. My ears feel muffled, but I don't care...The only thing that matters right now is developing my telekinesis.

And then a prop suddenly floats before my eyes

"Holy shit!"

"What the?"

"Dude you did it!"

"Can he do that now?"

"Oh can see that Boxy! Y/N Is a god damn pro!"

"Wow"

"Shit How do you do that?"

But I don't listen to them, I let the other parts fly through the air at lightning speed. With small finger movements, they finally click onto the tower. All six of them are supported from the ground, now in the tower and holding the pillars in place for the helicopter. The only thing I have to do now is put it on top.

"Dude he's developing too fast Damn dude you've got it!"

"Wait..."  That's the only thing I say to him, even though he sounds like he's more nervous than I am. I can't get my sweaty hands and my loudly beating heart under control.

I lean my left arm back and stretch my right in Boxy's direction towards the helicopter landing pad. I no longer have to imagine it completely, it feels like electricity is running through my fingers as I point. With a feeling I can't describe myself, the Lego landing pad is suddenly in the air. I move it slowly past Boxy and into the middle of the three of us. I leave it standing over the tower for a moment and notice how my face feels kind of funny, but I don't make them wait and place the landing pad on the supports and thus on the tower with a loud click. I let my right arm fall back and wait for her reaction.

"Dude! How the hell did you...shit how!"

"That was really cool Y/N"

I look at Karasu's face for a moment, he's still looking at the Lego tower with a broad grin. Then he turns his head towards me and stares at me for a few seconds.

"Boxy Look at that! Have you ever seen him smile!"  What? I'm smiling? I somehow have a warm feeling in my face, but it doesn't feel like a smile 'I never do'.

"Yes Karasu, he's bleeding now too"

Oh shit, it's that warm feeling.

"Oh shit..."  He turns away from me and shoves his hand into the pocket of his jacket lying on the floor next to him. He rummages around for a few seconds and then finally shoves a tissue in front of my face.

I slowly wipe my nose and then hold the now slightly red stained tissue in front of my face.

"Dude you just fully evolved! All of a sudden you stick your hand out like this, and these props fly Holy shit!"

"I've done it" Somehow I feel good, as if I've just achieved the impossible...that's actually what it is.

"Dude, you've not only made it, you've literally evolved!"

"Y/N That was really cool"  Thanks for that Boxy.

"Dude you are unbelievable! that was just...I can just find a word for it!"

"So... what's the show plan?"   I feel slightly out of breath, like I've run home.

"Wow, someone wants to get down to business quickly, well here's my plan!"

He hands me a sheet, a fairly blank sheet. I can't read anything at first, my eyes are still a little blurry. Now I can slowly make it out and read the beginning:

"Hey guys, are you ready for our magic show!"

"Yeah you don't have to read my part"  Wow Karasu, good start.

I read on and realize how God damn stupid burnt everything sounds. It often says here that I should turn to the audience and smile...shit, this is getting uncomfortable.

"Yes, you can read that part at home, now go home and get changed!" He suddenly holds a black sports bag in front of my face and continues to grin at me. I wanted to go home anyway, to prepare myself mentally, 'Use my powers in front of so many people'

If I don't manage that, I'm sure I'll embarrass myself more than ever before.

"Wait," I turn to Karasu, waiting to see what he wants to tell me. He goes to Boxy's cupboard and pulls out some packaging. A few seconds later he comes back and holds a medicine box in front of my face, looks like-

"Aspirin! Take one, and now go home and practice your part. I'll be there in about two hours and then we'll go together!"

He's picking me up later? With what? Anyway, I'm going home first to see what exactly I have to do on stage.

--------

I'm home alone as usual, just sitting here on my bed looking at Karasu's 'script'. If you can even call it that, a half page with large font 'straight out of Word'. I had to read some of the words twice and three times to understand them. There are often sentences in brackets:

"Y/N make them fall down or something"

I'm definitely not going to do that, I don't want to embarrass anyone in front of so many people. The only ones to be embarrassed will be me and Karasu anyway. I hope there's no one who has similar tricks to us, after all, there are several people who will 'cast spells'. I read through Karasu's instructions again on how the show will take place:

1. don't be nervous and don't piss your pants in front of everyone.

Thank you for this great first step Karasu.

2. it's best not to look at the audience and concentrate on the tricks. If you get upset and things suddenly fall out of the air onto us, then we look stupid.

We'll probably be standing there looking stupid anyway, and I won't be looking at the audience under any circumstances.

3. show everyone that we are the best and impress your crush.

I put the script down and push Karasu's bag towards me. It's quite heavy and much too big for me, I hope it doesn't contain his sweaty sports clothes.

And in Karasu's Bag is....

A magician's suit with a top hat

Couldn't he have gotten something else? Maybe a black suit just like that? Or just not a fucking costume? Never mind, I'll wear it later...or?. I touch the fabric a little, 'very soft'. Then I stand up and put on the suit, then put on the hat and that's it. I don't really look like a magician, but I think it looks good on a magician. But I still have this annoying grin on my face, it just won't go away. But somehow it feels good.

As I walk past my bed, I see that there are more things in the bag. A pair of decks of cards, 'probably for practicing'. I open the deck and spill the cards on the floor. Now that I'm standing over them, I'm not even concentrating properly. I just hold out my right arm and point to the floor with my index finger and middle finger. With a slight movement of my fingers, the cards magically start to lift off the ground. I let them glide briefly in the air until I finally let them fly into my hand. It's cool to see them glide through the air to my hand. Even when I turn my right hand over and let them fall into my palm, it doesn't stop.

So I can use my hands now, but I can also move things with just my mind. I don't even have to close my eyes.

ding-dong

What, already?

I quickly put the deck of cards on the bed and start walking. Through my room, along the corridor and now I'm standing in front of the front door. Normally I always look through the hole in the door, but not this time, I open the door directly.

"Wow, you look good, dude!"  Karasu, that was clear. 'Wait, how did he get here so quickly?

"Come on, pack your things and let's go. The show starts in an hour!"  In an hour already? Shit, that's going to be tight with the bus. I quickly turn around and run to my room, I still have to put on clothes over this suit and pack all the decks. I quickly stand by the bed and take out my hoodie. I quickly turn it to the right side and put it on. I'm already nervous

"Hey, don't wet your pants, man." I didn't even notice Karasu standing at the entrance to my room.

"Do you see this?" Huh? I look at him and he grins at me as if he's done something bad. But then I hear a small metallic clack and look to his left hand, which he has raised next to his head. He was holding a car key between his thumb and forefinger, a fairly modern one that was jet black.

"Since when have you?..."  I can't get another word out, I just can't think of a suitable one.

"Well! You were really absent for a long time, you know, so I got my driver's license quickly!"  I wasn't expecting that at all, 'Karasu has his driver's license?' And I still haven't started.

"Now come on, we really have to get going if you want a seat next to your girlfriend!" I quickly put the stuff in the bag and run to him at the door, as if I would ever sit next to her...I don't nearly have the courage to sit next to DogDay...Wait a minute why did I think of her directly when he said girlfriend?

I close the door behind me as we walk out, Karasu has parked right outside the front door. I don't really know much about car brands, but the car is really nice. All black, bright lights at the front and the shape is really cool. 'But the badge has a weird sign on the front?

"We impress everyone with that, you know?" 

"Why is the badge-

"Its a rental car"

I see. It was clear that it didn't belong to Karasu, how could I even think that for a few seconds?

I sit in the passenger seat with my bag on my lap. Karasu drives off and I quickly fasten my seatbelt - he doesn't, by the way. The car is pretty quiet and the windows are incredibly clean. While Karasu really gets on the road, I just look out the whole time as we slowly leave the more rural part and head towards the city. There is virtually no oncoming traffic and it is dark.

I wouldn't have thought that someone like Karasu could drive so perfectly, of course he's not stupid. He's smarter than me, by far. But I would have thought he was someone who drives as fast as he can all the time 'But he doesn't'. He drives slowly and smoothly along the roads, and doesn't talk.

From a distance I can already see the large yellow traffic signs with the inscription "PLAYTIME CO. COLLEGE". These are the only signs that glow in the dark, the rest of the signs are barely recognizable. Karasu turns right once and starts to turn his head a little.

"Do you know how many people can fit in the theater?"  No? How would you know?

"No"

"You can guess"  Why should I guess at all? Just say it, well then I'll take a guess.

"So... 500 people?"

"Hmmmm Next to it!"  What? More than 500 people? Shit, what kind of theater is this?

"Ehm... 2000 people?"

"Hmmmm Double that and you're a little closer"

WHAT? DOUBLE? 4000??? HE'S TAKING THE PISS! MORE THAN 4000 STUDENTS?  fuck how big is this damn theater? WHO WANTS TO PERFORM THERE VOLUNTARILY?

"But don't piss yourself, there are only 3,000 people coming, so it won't be like this."

"You're kidding me right? 3000 people? WHAT KIND OF THEATER IS THIS?" I shouted the last part, but it's obvious that I don't want to appear in front of 3000 people. My legs are already starting to feel like pudding and my hands are sweating so much that I'm wiping them on my sports bag every few seconds.

"You can get excited, don't worry... Oh, we're already here!"

Fuck, I didn't look out of the window, but it wouldn't have done me any good anyway. We are already standing on the huge campus, but not where the bus stops, but on the complete other side. But you can still see the big university building from here, after all, a bunch of lanterns are shining everywhere and make it look like it's still afternoon.

Karasu abruptly stops the car and gets out a second later. I'm still sitting in here, I don't think I've ever been so nervous. If I don't get the first place with Karasu, I'll miss the ride and get all the missed classes SHIT I CANT DO THIS BRING ME BACK

"Come on out now, it's time to go"

I get out of the car with my sports bag in both hands. When I put my right leg down on the hard asphalt, I feel like I'm going to fall over. Somehow I manage to stand up completely, even better I can walk straight out. Karasu presses his key and the car locks behind us with a honk.

"Ehm, we'll talk about my part of the money later"

HOW CAN HE BE THINKING ABOUT SOMETHING LIKE THIS RIGHT NOW? i don't give a rat's ass!

We first walk along a stone path, just straight ahead. I can hardly feel my legs but I can still hold myself up.

"You've read the script, haven't you?"

"Y-Yes" Shit I'm starting to stutter again!

"Good, then we'll get it sorted! But calm down and don't be so nervous."

"But we have to win-

"We will win"

I just don't understand how he can stay so calm, we have to perform in front of 3000 people.

The whole performance is based on me managing to use my powers in front of so many people and timing them perfectly

Suddenly I was Strangely Calm, I can now use my telekinesis without closing my eyes. Even better, I can make things fly vividly with my arms, as if it were some kind of magic trick.

And then there we were, The Theater.

From the outside, it was a huge hall, no, a gigantic hall. I would say almost as big as the university building. It looks pretty classy, golden colors and bright lights on the outside. We weren't the only ones standing outside, tons of other people were standing, some sitting on the floor and others already going in. Karasu tugged lightly on my arm and I immediately understood what was going on.

We go into the theater

The entrance consisted of two large glass doors, I could see through perfectly and could already see the lobby. A large golden area, littered with students who were waiting here. There is even a small fountain in the middle of the lobby, but behind it is something that makes Playtime Co. stand out. A huge golden statue of Huggy Wuggy, who has his left arm in the air and is literally waving at us. On the left and right were brightly colored stairs going up. Karasu and I don't wait, but go straight to the stairs on the left, passing a couple of groups of students.

"Hey Karasu! Heard you're performing too?"

"Sure, why not!"

He answered as briefly as possible and we went up the stairs. A short corridor upstairs, the walls were coated and decorated with figures from Playtime Co. On the left was Bron, a big red dinosaur, and on the right was Candy Cat. I didn't look all the way up, but kept my eyes open for the gigantic hall that we could now see.

Incredibly many rows of seats, it looks like several movie theaters combined. Bright lights on the ceiling, radiating the perfect yellow spotlight in every direction. Right next to us was a row from left to right, on the left all the seats were already taken and on the right there were lots of students standing in front of the seats. So on we went.

"Don't worry, Boxy has kept something free for us somewhere in the show seats"

"Show seats?"

"Yes, we who take part in the show have extra seats!"

I don't answer and continue to look ahead, after all we are walking in that direction. Just from looking at the students who were already here, sitting in every seat imaginable, I realized that if I didn't get my mind straight, this was going to be a public funeral. I see people I've never seen in any class, every hair color and size.

And slowly we reached the stage, I have the feeling we've been walking for ages. Karasu looks to the left and hastily pulls on my left arm while I'm already walking to the left. The seats in the front row and the one in front were suddenly cut off, and a few meters later it became a packed row of two. About 30 seats and the people behind you were sitting right behind the person in the front row, so to speak.

I recognize Boxy from a distance and we walk towards him. He's sitting there with his Phone in his hand and seems to be watching some kind of video, at least he's not typing wildly on the display. Karasu and I quickly sit down next to him. Karasu on my right and Boxy on my left. I'm really grateful for the middle, then I don't have to sit next to someone I don't know, that's more Karasu's thing.

"Hey Boxy, what's the plan?"  Right, I hadn't even thought about that.

"You're at the end, I think you're even the last"

That's good, hopefully my legs won't be as wobbly as pudding by then. The sweating on my hands has already stopped and I hope it stays that way.

But when I hear this voice behind me, warm and as if from a movie, I realize one thing again.

DogDay and her group will also perform

I feel another jolt in my ribs, and on the right I see a broad grin on Karasu's face. The volume, the whole atmosphere is now in Karasu's statement...

"Come on Y/N, it's show time"

---

Stopped right at the best part, what a pity.

The next update will take a little longer, I don't know exactly myself, but when you think that the whole talent show is just starting now, phew.

The next update here on my account will be for the Genius Story, so for the funeral chapter. Feel free to check out the story!

And as always... Leave a Fire Thing and write how you liked this chapter.

[holdonunreal]

Chapter 3: The Real Test

It's time for this exam from Playtime Co. Basically no one can do it...right?

Is there anything else about a class trip? And Y/N has to raise money quickly to take part?

Tomorrow is the university Talent show, and Karasu has a brilliant idea.

---

Again a little over 5000 words.

I'm really enjoying writing this story!

Have fun reading this Chapter.

---

Y/N Pov:

Shit. I don't think I've ever studied so much for a test, let alone a subject like chemistry. My bed already feels uncomfortable as I sit against the wall and place several worksheets on my blanket. Atomic Structure, Acids and Bases, Chemical Bonding, Organic Chemistry, and all of the Other Things that I could find on the Internet. If this will really be a test from Playtime Co. then I really can't afford to mess up. I can already feel my eyes burning and my brain slowly shutting down.

It's almost 6:30 and I have to leave for the bus stop in half an hour. I don't know if I've slept, but I don't feel like I've been studying all night. I'm sure many other students are doing the same thing out of fear, but unlike me, they will definitely make it. I don't even know where this 'exam' will take place. What happens if I fail? Will I be kicked out for good? Will that be the end of it? No, I really have to pull myself together and start thinking positively... But what is there to be positive about?

I slowly get off the bed and walk slowly to my closet, I put on the gray zipper again and take the first pair of pants I see. 'I don't care what I look like, but I don't have good looks anyway'. I pick up my backpack and slowly put it on my back as I slide my hands through the sides. I walk slowly to the door and just stand in front of it. I imagine the lever going down slowly and the door opening with a little 'clack' and opening in the direction of the hallway.

I take a glass from the kitchen counter and hold it slowly under the tap. I look at the faucet and go deep into my thoughts, concentrating, imagining again how the side lever moves upwards and water flows out of the faucet. *Now it happens

As I slowly put the glass to my mouth and start to drink, I realize that I'm starting to get a headache. 'Is that from the telekinesis? I just stand there in the kitchen for a few seconds and don't move. *And then they're gone* Shit, it's off to a good start. I quickly go out the door and put my headphones back on...

('I'll be God')

I don't care about my surroundings right now, this exam will decide everything for me. Plus that guy who gave the speech...Who the fuck is that?. I drift forward and my feet move automatically, but in this whole scenario it finally occurs to me. What will happen to my future if I don't pass this? Even if I pass this exam, if there's another one, that's it. I'm starting to get the feeling that the school wants to get me out somehow.

('Hold my head under the bath and breathe away Slit my wrists and watch that blood evaporate')

I hardly realized it, but I'm already at the bus stop, and from a distance I can already see the Ugly Book arriving...fuck. The exam is getting closer and closer and I feel like I've forgotten everything again. God damn this is going to be bad How am I supposed to manage this? The bus has already stopped and I hear the squeaking of the black tears, the air slowly escaping. I get on...'The bus really is always empty'. I walk straight through to the back and sit down where I always sit and close my eyes very slowly...

"Dude Wake up!"   Fucking hell. I open my eyes and look at who's yelling at me...Karasu?

"Dude, you were sleeping hard... on the school bus!"  I quickly pick up my phone and turn off the music.

"What's going on?"

"Well, the exam is just around the corner, isn't it?"

"Right now?"

"Yes? We're already here, aren't we?"  What?  We're already here?  Never? I quickly look out of the window... Fuck, he's right! The huge building has been in sight for a long time and the bus is slowly coming to a halt. What the fuck? I slept the whole way?  This all happened way too fast

At that moment, Karasu grabs my shoulder and practically pulls me off the seat. I almost stumble but still manage to grab hold of him. My feet feel heavier and heavier as we slowly get off the bus, 'at least I know what to expect now'

I see the huge building closer as Karasu slowly walks towards it, other students block the entrance in large numbers and we stop for a moment. Karasu walks a little further forward and speaks to someone, I can't hear exactly what they are saying but I understand one thing-

"Dude! Not a single one of us two hundred students passed the exam Karasu!" Shit, if what I just heard is true, I'm not only screwed, I can forget about my so-called...Future right now. Out of two hundred students? NOT A SINGLE ONE? WHAT KIND OF EXAM IS THAT?

"What exactly came on in the Test?"  Good Karasu, maybe now we can prepare a little. I hastily pull my phone out of my jacket pocket to see how much time we have left. Just under ten minutes to go. I haven't eaten anything yet. But my stomach feels like I'm on a rollercoaster... God damn it. Will all this studying have done me any good at all? Or am I already out?

"I have no idea, we should do an experiment like this... As soon as one of your glasses bursts, that's it... Good luck Karasu, see you in the cafeteria later..."   With that, the guy left. An experiment? Shit I can barely control my nervousness, my legs feel like jello. But wait a minute... *a practical experiment?* So no test on Paper? Everything has just changed.

"Come on Y/N Let's go!"  Karasu runs straight ahead and goes through the big front door. I quickly run after him and try to keep an eye on him, I'm way too short and almost lose him a couple times. But the only thing I remember right now is what the guy said to all of us yesterday-

'Soon you guys and your precious fantasies will sink straight to Hell.

I need to not just read but perfectly understand every question on the experiment, if I can do it I might be able to secure my place here at college in the future? Shit, I'm not going to get anything done. No... I can do it, I just have to do it somehow. We're already at the door and Karasu turns slowly backwards while looking down at me.

"Dude, I don't think I've ever been this excited! A test from Playtime Co. And so far all the students have screwed up? Come on dude! This is the chance!" He says it like we really have a chance to pass this test. There's a bunch of other students standing here and they're all talking to each other, seriously panicking. But it's not like we're any better.

"Dude, we're going to fail so godlessly" God damn it, shut the fuck up Karasu, why does he have to talk so much right now. He was so excited just a moment ago? No, he's only now realizing that we're going to fail just like the rest of the students. My Phone vibrates in my pocket and I quickly pull it out with my hands. I have more than twenty new messages? From the year group?

"Was that bastard just trying to embarrass us all?"

"Dude, he took every single one of them apart, there's no such thing"

"Hey, what's in this 'test'?"

"I have no idea, I failed straight away"

"it won't do you any good, have fun failing!"

"A job sounds really attractive right now..."

"What's the point of this test anyway?"

"Hey you student speakers, try to find out something about this retarded shit!"

"That wasn't fair at all!"

"Now don't all wet your pants and stay calm you idiots" The only number I have saved...Karasu.

"Shut the Fuck up Karasu! You'll see when your experiment breaks!"

"Yes, no one will make it anyway, you Idiot!"

I switch off my Phone and put it back in my trouser pocket. Reading through these messages only makes me more nervous. At that moment, the cracked doors to the lecture hall open. And there he is, the guy who made the announcement yesterday.

He looks at the lines of students standing outside the door, and I could swear he looked at me for a second longer than the rest. He just turns around and enters the huge room. Karasu and I walk right behind him, it was Karasu's idea. As he continues forward to the podium, we sit down in a good spot roughly in the middle. I sit down in the middle of the row and hear all the students shouting around, some are scared and some say that maybe it's just some kind of 'joke' exam from Playtime Co.

"I'll keep it short...you'll need the time."  He starts while many people are not even in their seats yet. They all start to run and get into their seats, but the guy doesn't wait.

"You've already heard it from the other students. This is a practical experiment, not a paper test" 

And I pulled an all-nighter like an idiot to learn everything. 'nothing can go right, can it?' Hopefully all these topics will help me in some practical way.

"This is a test from Playtime Co. To you students, your internship is coming up soon and we want to see if there is a person for a possible position here with us." So that was it, 'Working at Playtime Co.' That's probably the best thing in the world. Karasu once said that the starting salaries are more than six people. And on top of that, the main business is international...Holy shit. A few students start whispering loudly and I look over at Karasu-

"Oh well... No wonder everyone has failed so far."  Huh? What does he mean?

"What?"

"Well, it's quite simple, they want a person who is an absolute genius. Shit! So it's going to be a thousand times worse than I already thought..."  I've forgotten how smart Karasu can be when he doesn't talk about girls or any other garbage.

"Shit Y/N This is the opportunity of a lifetime! Imagine a job in that company! Dude, that would be way too cool!"   And although I know that the exam will take all the students out of this lecture hall...*No* Everyone. I imagine it. A job at a company where you earn so much that you can buy whatever you want, you meet people who own everything and you're really important to the world.

"When you enter the C3 laboratory in a moment, you will notice a few things, you will all have a permanently assigned workstation. There are names at each one, find yours and start the experiment straight away."   So you have to find your place first, why?

"The experiment is not a miracle, read the protocol and when you hear your test tube break...it's over."

"Abolish the idea of Getting through by chance. Claim Victory as a logical consequence" With that he walks off the podium and runs towards the students in the very first row, but he runs past them and goes through a door that was on the wall of the lecture hall. We all run straight after him and go down the stairs. This time I walk in front of Karasu so that I can actually see something, and we get closer and closer to the door. 'Holy shit' A huge white lab, there are machines and long worktops and tables everywhere. Huge is an understatement, I can't see the end of the room, rows and rows of jars and some kind of chemicals and tubes.

I walk behind the people and look out for my name, but I can't find it. Karasu finds his immediately because he's standing right at the entrance, so I go straight to his workstation to see if there are any clues. A pair of reagent jars, strange liquids in plastic containers and a Bunsen burner with some strange cover. 'Glass shatters at a certain heat, doesn't it?'

Karasu stays in his seat and shows me the protocol, I read the headline and realize how my stomach turns.

'Production of acetic acid butyl ester by heterogeneous catalytic esterification'.

I don't think it could have been worse. But... 'I know what this is!' I slowly realize how my face pulls a little into a grin and I don't know exactly why myself. Karasu speaks directly to me about it-

"DUDE, YOU KNOW WHAT THAT IS? COME ON SAY IT, COME ON!"  He is far too loud and I can see other students staring at us hard, 'So almost nobody has a clue'. He bends down slightly and I whisper it in his ear.

"It's a flavoring mixed with alcohol... It smells like some fruits" He stands up straight again and looks slowly at his workstation. He turns back to me and whispers "Good luck". With that I walk a little further into the huge lab and notice something, 'Almost everyone but me has already started' Fuck. I walk faster through all the rows and look for a free workstation, but somehow there isn't one.

I have to find my seat quickly, 'very quickly'. I walk from row to row and look at all the people, some standing frightened next to the workstation, others leaning far too close. *While everyone is already starting, I still haven't found my place, what am I supposed to do now? Time is already running out and I'm running around the rows like an idiot. There must be a place for me somewhere... Or have I been forgotten

"Are you Y/N?"  Huh? I turn to the side and look at who addressed me. *Oh fucking hell* I can't take my eyes off her as I see that perfect smile and that long blonde hair...DogDay. I can feel how hot I'm getting and how I'm still just staring at her stupidly.

"Yes" I answered so quietly that I don't even know if she heard me. 'She did...didn't she? She turns around and goes into a row where I've already gone through, why?  I don't run after her at all and just stare stupidly. She turns around and just shouts something at me.

"Here is your workplace Y/N!"  My brain switches off completely. My body automatically moves to her...to her beautiful voice. I am finally at my workstation, it looks exactly like the rest. I look back at her but she's already moving on.

"Thank you" That's the only thing I can get out, after all, I don't want to talk too loudly here. 'There are too many people here for that', but although she is already a little further away, she hears me and turns to me again. 'She nods' and with that she disappears from my field of vision... So let's get to work.

I'm standing at my desk right now and I'm opening the log right then-

CLANK

I am startled and turn directly in the direction where the glass has just been broken. I don't really see it, but the loud shout of "FUCK" tells me that people are already out. With that I turn back to my apparatus and notice something strange. 'Why isn't the piston greased at the bottom?' I stand there for a few seconds and then it slowly goes click. *I quickly reach into the drawer next to me and it seems to be completely empty, there is only a very small object inside...grease. I knew it! Traps and a complicated task, and probably even more problems. I turn the plunger out briefly and grease it, while I'm slowly walking past the sides with my finger I hear again-

CLANK

Shit... again? How am I supposed to be able to work quietly with this constant noise? 'Is that something also a test? This is getting difficult. I quickly turn the flask back in and look at my ingredients, some alcohol and substances with names so long that they don't fit on the label, I open the two plastic containers and smell them... acetic acid and cation exchanger. I'm about to start pouring the alcohol into the top of my apparatus.

CLANK

Dude Again-

CLANK

CLANK

CLANK

Shit! people fly every second-

CLANK

CLANK

Did they not see the problem with the piston? I take a quick look around my row and see two people who have already messed up. Both of them forgot to grease it... So that was important. I have to tell Karasu somehow, I take my phone out of my pocket and lean slightly over my seat. I can't see exactly where I'm pressing, but I know I'm in Whatsapp, so I quickly type the message:

"Don't forget to grease the piston Karasu, it's a trap!"  With that, I press send and put my phone back. I slowly take the measuring cylinder with the alcohol and slowly insert it into the ball cooler. This cools the alcohol and it flows slowly through a few channels into the flask.

CLANK

CLANK

CLANK

CLANK

CLANK

Holy Shit! Now it's starting, people are starting to shout loudly.

"THAT CAN'T BE I DID IT EXACTLY ACCORDING TO THE INSTRUCTIONS!"

"THAT'S UNFAIR!"

"WHY THE HELL ARE WE EVEN DOING THIS?"

"THAT'S GARBAGE!"

I try not to be distracted and continue to concentrate on my seat. *I slowly realize how my brain is working at full speed and for the first time in a long time I know what I'm doing.But now I see a girl to my left who has been looking at her phone for a while. 'Is she trying to cheat? But suddenly she unscrews her flask and looks for something in the drawer...*Oh no* I look around and several people are doing exactly the same thing. I sent the message for Karasu like an idiot to the year group 'Shit' But I'm wasting my time I need to focus on my own alcohol-

CLANK

God damn it! How am I supposed to work if I can hardly get any rest? Where is Karasu anyway? Has he failed too or what? I hear my alcohol slowly flowing into the flask and quickly starting to boil, so far everything is going well. I'll add the acetic acid soon and at the same time I'll pour in the cation exchanger. But first the alcohol has to continue boiling for a few seconds, I take a calorimeter from behind one of the measuring cylinders and hold it up to the flask. The time has come, I take the acetic acid and carefully tip it into the ball cooler. Shit, I'm completely in my element.

I tune out any other noises while I pour in the cation exchanger right next to the acetic acid and watch the mixed liquids slowly run down. But then I notice something, 'If the acetic acid flows in there now, the flask will get so hot that it bursts! Fuck. I've already poured it in and it's going to run in too... I've completely blown it

Or did i?

No, I can still stop it, I slowly concentrate on the long ball cooler and the now thick liquid flowing through it. I imagine how the liquid simply stops flowing...otherwise I'll fail like the rest.

I open my eyes and it's going perfectly, as long as I concentrate on the fact that the liquid isn't running in yet, it's fine. 'I have to do it quickly, nobody should see me'. I stretch out over my workstation and quickly hold the calorimeter to the flask, the temperature is perfect to keep it flowing. So I just let go... and watch the liquid continue to flow into the flask. The alcohol slowly mixes and I hear footsteps coming towards me, and I look straight at who is watching me.

"Karasu?"

"Yeah I fucked up a long time ago Dude!... But look at you!"

He's right, I look back at the flask and see how the liquid inside is starting to change color. It is slowly turning a shade of red. I hear more footsteps arriving and I want to sink into the ground. A horde of students stand behind Karasu and form a circle around me to watch my experiment. Karasu comes a little closer and puts a hand on my shoulder while we look at my experiment together.

"Congratulations" Huh, who now?

"The only one who managed to complete the experiment..." It's him again, this guy with the reddish-brown hair is standing just a few meters away from me. He quickly weaves his way through the whole horde of students standing near me and stands right in front of me.

"What's your name?"

"Y/N" I speak much too quietly, out of fear. It could be that one of the people has seen me holding the liquid in the air. He stands about five meters away from me and we both stand in the middle of the huge circle the people have formed around me. Karasu is still standing behind me, looking at my workstation. He takes his phone out of his lab coat and wipes around for a few seconds, then he stares at me again and talks-

"Y/N so... Could you imagine working for Playtime Co. one day?"  That was it. I started sweating profusely and could barely stand up straight. 'For Playtime Co... Shit of course'. I'd have to be completely retarded to turn that down. In the background, I hear a couple of the students marveling, and others starting to get upset.

"I-I-I..." Shit Now I can't get a word out and I'm stuttering like an idiot. 'Is he offering me a job right now?' And in front of everyone? No, what can I say?

"Yes, of course he could!" Karasu answers for me as he puts one of his hands on my left shoulder again. The guy just looks deep into my eyes, and I think I start to smile out of nervousness. At least I feel like never before! *Like I've finally achieved something in my life!

"Perfect, Y/N...you can go home" With that he turns around and instinctively a question comes to my mind-

"No I...can't go" He turns around abruptly and stares at me again as if he can see right through me. He looks at his phone again and types something in, then he starts talking-

"Oh, it was you... The truant who is about to fly out of college."   Fucking hell. If I've been stared at before, I don't know what to call this one. He just shouts so loudly that I'm about to fly out of college. Now just about everyone knows, and I'm going to be determined-

"It doesn't matter... I... 'John Elliot' Allow you to go home."  Huh? John Elliot? THAT GUY IS-

"ELLIOT?" Someone in the circle around me shouts, but John doesn't react and starts to walk away slowly. After a few seconds, he disappears into the crowd. I can't get my life straight, Elliot Ludwig's brother praises me in front of so many students and allows me to just go home in public? And I was the only one who managed to complete the experiment...with a little help.

"DUDE! HOLY SHIT HOW DID YOU DO THAT?" Karasu grabs me and shakes me by the shoulders like a rag doll. 'I feel a little light'. I never thought this was possible, I've managed to do it...The only one. But in all this I can hear a few people whispering...

"That guy made it? The little idiot in front how?"

"Fucking hell! That was totally unfair!"

"I hate chemistry"

Slowly a couple of other students come up and look at my workstation, including a guy with glasses and a look on his face like he wants to kill me. He clearly looks down at me and turns around, disappearing back into the circle of people. 'Who still surround me, by the way', Karasu grabs me again and quickly drags me out of the lab. When we are finally back in the lecture hall, he asks me-

"You didn't use your telekinesis, did you?"

I don't answer, it could still be that someone can hear us. But I don't want to leave him standing there like that.

"let's go to Boxy" And with that, we walk through the lecture hall and into the wise corridors of the university.  I hardly see any students, everyone else must be in class. I feel quite kind of weird, and Karasu looks at me from the side the whole time.'Is he finally going to say something?' We leave the main building and end up back on campus, 'The air is so refreshing' We quickly walk over to the dorm building and Karasu opens the door. There are students almost everywhere and they both stare at us weirdly, 'It's really uncomfortable'. And there we are in the long corridor again. We walk to the end and everything happens so fast.

Knock Knock

We stand in front of the door and wait, again nobody opens. But this time Karasu seems to have a funny idea.

"Hey Open the door again! Let's scare Boxy when he comes back!"  I look to the right and see no student, then to the left and the same there. I actually proceed with caution when I want to use it...*but I feel so free* I slowly focus on the lock again and don't even need to close my eyes. It just opens after a few seconds. We immediately enter Boxy's room.

"He's really not here yet, funny" I walk to Boxy's bed and take off my shoes in front of it. I slowly sit down on it and realize how comfortable it is 'Like I'm lying on clouds' No wonder the guy is always late-

"So...have you used it now, you know-

"Yes Karasu, I know what you mean." I have to think for a moment about how to tell him. After all, I feel a bit bad when everyone fails but I have this ability that saved me in the last few seconds. But if I hadn't understood about the temperature at the last moment, I would have failed either way.

"Dude, you're using your ability in the lab! And you're the only one who finished the experiment?"  He doesn't stand still and walks around the room the whole time. He's already making me nervous.

"Dude, he asked you if you wanted to work for them at PLAYTIME CO!" He's almost shouting in my ear and I have to hold it back slightly.

"Yes, I've heard you, stay calm Karasu."   I try to sound as calm as possible. But I'm actually strangely calm right now, after all, I didn't make it on my own but only through my ability.

"Hey dude, you can be really proud of yourself, you know? After all, a few days ago all you did was lie in bed and spend the whole day depressed."   What does he want to tell me now?

"You really have the chance to work at Playtime Co. now, dude! You might even have a future, you Dumbass!"   I think he was exaggerating slightly, after all I hadn't been asked specifically for a job yet... quite the opposite The guy addressed me as the 'truant' even before all the other students.

At that moment, my Phone rings again. I slowly slide my right arm into my trouser pocket and feel the rough fabric slowly slip past my fingers. When I finally have it in my hand, Karasu takes his out too. 'The year group?

A new pinned message!

"Once again, everyone has to pay the money for the class trip by the day after tomorrow!  You can report to-"

I hardly read any further, 'Year class trip?'  What do they mean?

"Oh man, I completely forgot..." Karasu? What does he mean by 'forgot'?

"There's a class trip next week..."   Shit! He's telling me that now?

"You MUST come along because trips are also organized there for individual courses and subjects"

"And it all costs... Well, about 600 dollars" I feel my hands start to sweat.

"But you can borrow the money somehow or something..."  I just look at him stupidly and wonder if he's serious. He reaches into his left trouser pocket and takes out a few small coins which he leaves in his palms and shows me.

"Look, you've already got one percent of the sum with this ....!" He's taking the piss.

"BUUUUUUUT! There is another way!"    There is a quick and legal way to make a few hundred Dollars by next week? I'm in!

"There's a talent show tomorrow night, in the theater hall... There's a prize money of 1000 dollars."   My head only records the number Karasu said at the end.

"BUUUUUUUUT We have to go and register there right away and we need a damn good plan!"

"And that W-would be?" I start stuttering again, 'I'm way too nervous'

"We have to get first place with a show! Second place just gets some loser snot-

 "Forget it" I cut him off. First I'm the only one who can do the experiment, and now I'm supposed to appear on some talent show? No...That's enough appearances for the next few years

"But that's exactly where our advantage comes in, dude! You have god damn super powers! We'll easily get first place and you'll get money for the class trip!"

 "I'm not introducing myself... So many more people and show my telekinesis! Are you crazy Dude!"

"No, you're not supposed to show off somehow... We need a good idea and perform with the help of your powers!"

"Never!"

"But come on! You don't have a choice anyway! If you miss the ride you've fucked up man! So come on, let's get the money for you with the perfect performance!"

"No way!"

"Oh Dude! Then you can show off to that blonde girl too! You already know, your crush!"

"What are you talking about!-

"Yes, I saw it exactly! You were like a little lost child in the lab and couldn't find your place! But then your Noble Princess came and-

"That's not true at all!"

"She saved you dude! And you stared at her like she was the best thing you've ever seen!"   I don't answer, I just can't think of anything. He's right

"Wait a minute... Noble Princess..."   Is he going to make up a new nickname and annoy me for the next few days?

"I'VE GOT IT DUDE!"  He stops abruptly and stares at me. He leans slightly in front of the bed and is now at eye level.

"A magic show!" Huh? A... magic show?

"We both are the magicians and show the craziest tricks! You make cards fly and I do what you can't!: I talk to the audience!" I ignore the obvious insult and think, 'Could I make several objects fly at once?' Shit, I've never tested it before.

"I'M OFF TO REGISTER BYE BYE!"   Fuck!    He's already storming towards the door but I do my best to think about it together.

"HEY KARASU WAIT!"

"NO, YOU HAVE NO OTHER CHOICE ANYWAY! OR DO YOU WANT TO KEEP ME HERE WITH YOUR TELEKINESIS!"  At that moment he reaches the door and I'm about to go after him, but someone slams it in his face.

"Y/N Has telekinesis?"            Oh Fuck...Boxy?

---

Talent show? The only one who passed the test? Did Boxy just find out About Y/Ns Telekinese?

On top of that, some class trip? There is still a lot to come for Y/N...

Leave a Fire Thingy and write a comment if you like the story so far!

[holdonunreal]

Chapter 2: New addition

It's a long way to school, and there aren't even any lessons? But a speech about an exam tomorrow leaves all the students shaking. And then Theres this Sunshine Girl in the Bus...

---

Yes, welcome to the second chapter of this fanfiction. 5000 words and that for a chapter where not even that much happens, how many will there be in the next one? Yes Y/N meets DogDay, maybe even someone else?

Y/N Pov:

I haven't dreamed anything for a few weeks now, I don't know if it has anything to do with my ability. Or maybe because I just can't fall asleep normally anymore, I listen to music until late at night and then can't fall asleep. But I bought some sleeping pills a while ago and they really help. I don't dream anything and wake up suddenly in the morning...'But at least I can sleep'.

And with that I wake up again, startled slightly by my alarm clock, but then remember my miserable life and that today is the first day of the second semester. I sit up slowly and reach straight for my phone. After a quick facial recognition, I see my face on the display, circles around my eyes and a tired look. I'm about to open WhatsApp but see the time... I have to hurry

I jump out of bed and stand in the middle of my room. There's something lying around everywhere, whether it's packaging waste, books or something else. 'I haven't read a single one'. I stand in front of my white wardrobe, the only partially clean thing in my room. I just grab a gray zip up hoodie and matching pants and quickly put them on in front of my closet. I don't have a mirror in my room, 'I don't like to see myself' It just reminds me of how I look and how I wish I couldn't stand in front of the mirror in the first place. I turn around again and pick up my bag next to my bed, looking at it lightly on my back. I quickly grab my phone and put on my headphones, but now I really have to go.

I walk slowly through the living room, just hoping not to meet anyone. I'd rather be alone... and not talk to anyone. I walk quickly into the small white kitchen, go to ten points to get to a high cupboard and take out a small glass. I take it in my hand and quickly put it under the tap, I want to feel it again. I concentrate on the handle of the water...Slowly it is pulled up as if by magic and water flows into my glass. I try to use my 'telekinesis' at least once a day, Karasu told me, why? He didn't tell me.

I feel my parched throat refreshed by the water flowing slowly down my throat and I look at the clock hanging above the kitchen. I quickly put the glass down again and run to the door, open it quickly and without even looking back I walk out...

It's pleasant, but my body is really cold. I've been thinking the whole time about the class that would take place today, after all there's always a small meeting at the beginning of the semester...I hope Karasu is in the same group I fiddle around a bit nervously on my phone and check if a plan has already been uploaded, after all I'm in the year group for some reason... Because I can't find a plan I should listen to music first...

(‘Without you I can not breathe... I can not sleep i can't...’)

I walk slowly and try to walk straight, my feet are starting to hurt and I really have to be careful not to get a cramp right now. I look at the trees along the road and wonder if there will ever be anything else here. 'I don't think so'. I can already see the main road in the distance and it will take me just under ten minutes to get to the bus stop.

(‘come back...’)

Shit, I have to be really careful now and can't afford to make any mistakes. Otherwise I'll just be thrown out without anything and that'll be it. I won't be accepted anywhere like this... After all, I missed half a year and have such a bad report card that even missing the whole year would be better. But then what? If I don't work anywhere and have no more tasks...in my whole life*. I think if I don't make it through the year and get kicked out I will do it... I have no point in living anymore anyway.

(‘Without you I can not breathe I can not sleep’)

My vision slowly becomes slightly foggy and I know I'm almost there. Instead of meadows and grass, I see more and more roads... The soft green and now the dry grey, the color of the roads and the combination of the dust that comes up when people drive past makes me feel sick. 'I wish I could just go back to sleep' But I know the consequences and I have to start pulling myself together now. At least I can see the bus stop from a distance...

I walk slowly towards the bus stop and try to process everything again... When I think about it, 'What use is telekinesis to me anyway?' Will I even need it in the future? I remember what college was like in general... The people, the rooms and the teachers. I'm already hoping that I'll have different teachers than before, they were all awful...

I'm just about to sit down at the small covered bus stop when I see the yellow bus arriving from afar. I hope there are good seats available, after all I don't want to sit next to anyone. 'No one wants to sit next to me' The bus stops right in front of me and I can literally hear the air being let out of the tires, now the bus is a little lower and the clean yellow doors open without a single sound. I slowly lift my legs and get on, 'The bus is bloody empty' I don't see anyone apart from one person. The bus driver doesn't wait and immediately closes the doors again, and I slowly creep through to the back. In the middle of the bus sits a girl with a green one, and while I look at her for a second...I notice how she's already staring at me Shit.

I get straight back into gear and continue walking to the end of the bus. I don't like sitting right at the back, as there is a long space where just under seven or eight people can fit. I sit down in front of the last row in one of the standard two-seater seats, 'I haven't missed this bus one bit'. It's still quiet and I can look out of the window while listening to music... But once we really get into the city it gets bad.

('It's beautiful,Let me out,Just like he did')

The view from the window is somehow different from a year ago, houses I've never seen before, schoolchildren running to the next stop.

('I wish we never did, It's all his fucking fault, He thought that I was him')

The view from the window makes me want to close my eyes and go to sleep...forever. The beautiful view of the colorful houses and meadows is getting grayer and grayer and all the cars that are now driving next to the damn bus. The drivers keep looking up instead of paying attention to the road. At that moment, my phone vibrates slightly and I reach straight into my pocket with my hands to get it out. On the lock screen, I briefly stop my music to check where the message came from... Whatsapp?

I see the name of the year group appear and immediately notice how my hands start to sweat... 'I've almost forgotten where I'm going now'. As I'm unlocking my phone, it vibrates again in my hand and I startle slightly. It was Karasu, he was simply texting:

"Dude, where's the fucking bus? Where is it right now?"  Oh yes, he's getting on at the city stop, that's about three stops away. Just as I look at my phone I notice a small shadow covering my display...What the?-

"Ehm Is the seat next to you free?"    If I wasn't already staring, I was 100% doing it now.

A tall girl with blonde hair stood in the middle of my seat. She looks down at me and looks deep into my eyes. She's beautiful. Shit, what did she want again?

"Hey DogDay we're sitting back here come on!"  And with that she continues to walk from my seat to the back, while I stare after her with my mouth open like an idiot...fucking hell I try to turn my head backwards as inconspicuously as possible to see her. How her long and soft hair flies through the air with every step, as if it weighed nothing at all. My heart is suddenly beating so fast and my stomach feels so warm. 'What is this feeling?' DogDay? Did they say from back there? Who is that?

I keep looking and see who she's sitting with, a group. A few guys but mostly just girls, there are eight people in total. They all look fucking different, one wears glasses, the other runs his fingers through his hair all the time, and this DogDay  Girl sits down in the middle and starts a conversation with everyone. I can't hear what she and this little red-haired girl are talking about, but the way her mouth is moving and she's smiling all the time...

"Dude, you're drooling!"   Fuck, Karasu? When did the bus stop? Did he fucking see the way I was looking or not? I turn around quickly and he's standing in the middle of the bus aisle looking at me. He's watching me? For how long? I didn't even notice that the bus had stopped...

"Come on, make room for me exchange student!"   He's way too loud, and he's still looking at me like I've done something wrong...'I am Disgusting' He sits down very slowly, but without taking his eyes off me. Karasu is an observer, he reads body language like it's a book... I always feel uncomfortable But he's still the best friend you can have...and my only one.

"I d-diidn't d-...drool..." Shit, now I'm stuttering too, I have to do something quickly so I don't look like the biggest idiot. I look at my phone again and want to start playing music again, but karasu snatches it out of my hand.

"Yeeeeesss you did! How about you go talk to her, huh?" Is he fucking crazy now? You want me to talk to her? There's worlds between me and this Girl. Besides, she smiles all the time and...'I'm not good enough'. Karasu looks at me and I think he knows what I'm thinking, after all, he hands me back my phone and just keeps grinning. I open it immediately and play the music loudly again to take my mind off things.

('I know I've been leavin' y'all hangin' dry, but It's time to switch it up, I wanna get soaked')

I can't remember anything about the subject matter from last year... While I'm thinking, I can already see the huge building. My hands start to tremble slightly as I slowly come down to earth. Fail an exam once or miss too long and thats it...with my life.

('Like, Real soaked')

The bus slowly comes to a halt and everyone runs straight to the front to leave it. I don't pay attention to anyone, I have to concentrate from now on and can't afford to make any mistakes. Karasu and I are the last to get up and walk slowly to the door to get out. When I think back, the only subject I ever liked at school was chemistry, in every other subject you sit around and copy what you're told or what you read off a piece of paper. But in chemistry class you have to work practically and really apply your knowledge, I have to do my best in chemistry. Every other subject is easy...If you can just memorize things.

"So your academic comeback starts now, right?"  Karasu really always tries to get me to talk, but sometimes it just gets too much. I rather like being alone...I dont know if i like it...or if im just used to it.

"Yeah... have you heard anything about the end of year meeting?"  I try to talk a little off topic, I already know how much pressure is on me and I can't afford to be nervous right now.

"Yes, of course! It's been in the group for days!"

"In which group?"

"The year group, you Dumbass!"

"Huh?"

"Don't worry, I'll ad you right in, we have to go to hall F2!"

"Yes, just show the way"

"Of course Boss"

And off we go, through the huge square in front of the college, with streets and buildings everywhere. Gyms and huge white laboratories that you can only get into if you have important authorizations. After all, there's also the Playtime Co. that makes some kind of chemicals or something, 'I can only dream of working there anyway'. Finally past all the streets where cars were constantly passing by, we are now on the real campus. The huge college building and the many sports fields...How did I get in here?

We walk past the big red doors labeled Main Entrance and walk over to one of the smaller buildings and enter it through slightly smaller blue doors. This is the dormitory and as far as I know Boxy lives here. He was lucky enough to get a place here and still almost always manages to be late, 'But at least he went to college...'

Around seven floors and over four hundred rooms, all connected by long white corridors with red carpets everywhere. Apart from all the doors with their numbers, there are also small special features. I don't mean the beautiful plants next to the doors, but the posters. On them are funny figures that are also available here as soft toys, and there is always a saying to go with them.

'Remember to take Breaks!

'Hungry to learn!'

'Think outside the box!'

I'm glad I don't have to read these texts anymore because we've finally reached Boxy's room. With the number 271 he has the luck to live at the end of the corridor and is therefore right next to the elevator to get downstairs. Karasu stands in front of the door and knocks quietly on it twice...no one opens.

"I hope he's not still sleeping." With that, Karasu raises his arm again and quickly hammers on the door. You can hear someone moving in the room but the door still doesn't open. Karasu slowly turns to me and forms an evil smile and starts whispering something to me.

"Hey magician... Open the door with your cool ability"  What? I'm supposed to crack a door in this building filled with students? And with my mind? Shit, he's completely crazy now...

"Are you crazy?"  That's all I'm saying... That's all I have to say. I don't use my telekinesis for something like that.

"Oh come on, you have to use your ability you know? Why else did you get it?" He starts talking louder and louder. As people slowly walk past us. I know it's a trap and I shouldn't fall into it, but if Boxy is late we'll be late too...I can't afford that.

I slowly concentrate on the door lock and imagine it inside, the many small needles, and the keyhole. And what it would look like when it is unlocked, plus the little *click* sound that would follow. I close my eyes and think about what Karasu said at the same time... I try to read between the lines. "[...] Why else did you get it?" Is he implying something or did he just say it like that? I am then taken out of my thoughts when I hear a noise-

*The lock turns ever so slightly and Karasu puts his hand directly on the lever of the door and pushes it open. He enters the room, turns to me and starts to grin heavily while moving his fingers slightly in the air and making a "follow me" sign. I enter and see Boxy's room, a lot has changed since the last time I was here... The last time I saw it, the room was absolutely empty. No table, nothing but a bed in the corner and that was all... But now?

A large white cupboard and a really nice matt black table with a computer on it. Everything is so...organized? As I look around the beautiful room I finally see him, Boxy is sitting on the bed staring at the...ceiling? He looks like he's hardly slept, almost like me. But the tiredness in his eyes disappears as soon as he sees me and Karasu-

"Y/N?"

"Yes"

"Karasu said you had already been kicked out?"

"What? Wha-

"That's a topic for another time, Boxy what are you sitting around for, come on! The meeting is in half an hour!"

"Yes, yes, I'll do it." With that he gets up from the bed and walks along me to the closet, where I realize how much taller Boxy is, not only him but also Karasu, next to them I look like a child. And that doesn't make my situation much better, after all, almost everyone here at the college is taller than me and that causes problems as it is. In the classroom, when you can't see because someone's head is blocking your view. Or in sports lessons where you have the biggest disadvantage there can be.

Boxy quickly pulls on a white sweater over his sleeping clothes and kneels down to tie his shoes, staring at the door which is still slightly open. He looks at the door and then at us, 'I'm getting nervous' At least Karasu has turned to the window so Boxy wouldn't look him in the face. Boxy gasps slightly and then starts to speak-

"How did you even get in here?"   Karasu turns around quickly and walks to the door, he looks at me and slowly twists his face into a big smile. I slowly walk towards the door to avoid Boxy's question, now Karasu slowly opens his mouth and answers-

"Dude, it doesn't matter, we have to be in F2 in twenty minutes, so get off your ass dude!"  Karasu walks through the door and into the hallway, I follow him directly and hear Boxy's footsteps behind me. He walks briefly through his room and picks up his school bag from the floor, pulling it over his back with only one side. He comes out with it and closes the door behind him, even without locking it. Without anyone talking, we walk towards the elevator and press the red button with the green arrow. Just as we press it, the doors open and we get in. I stand at the back and the two of them stand right at the door and Karasu presses the 'first floor' button.

"So... Why are you here again?"  Now it's starting again, Boxy probably doesn't want to know exactly, so a short answer will suffice...

"to get my degree"

"Ah right" With that he slowly pushes his long arm into his trouser pocket and pulls out his phone. I can't see what he's doing, but the sound of a gunshot after a few seconds tells me that he's gaming again. I start to get a funny feeling in my stomach and my hands start to sweat again... 'What if some teacher speaks to me? No, even worse, what if students approach me and say that I don't go to this school?'

Peep

This opens the elevator doors and we all get out. Directly to the right of us is a blue door with a big red sign on it that says "EXIT" Karasu doesn't even use the lever, but simply pushes his body against the door. It opens and we are outside again. We're not out for five seconds and the first bad statement comes.

"Hey Boxy! Guess who was looking after that blonde student president on the bus today!"

"I didn't-

"But you can't blame him, she doesn't look bad!"

"But she's really nothing like you Y/N! She's so open and always smiling, while you hide behind your hat and look totally depressed!"

"Wow...Double Kill"

"Karasu I didn't even-

"She's a giant compared to You, right, Y/N? just Look at the size difference, it's... Crazy!."    Shit, and I thought it couldn't get any worse. Now I'm going to have to listen to these wild theories about me and this girl all the time...the name was DogDay right?

I slowly pull my zipper hood over my head and realize how right he is... 'I just don't get along with other people' But I can't help it, after all, people are so different...

"Boxy imagine how the two of them-

From that point on, I just stop listening and try to clear my head. After all, the meeting is coming up and I have to concentrate on more important things. I don't think I'm ready for that yet and I take care of myself first. 'To maintain my will to live before I kill myself here'.  We slowly enter the main building and walk through the filled and long white corridors. There are people everywhere, in groups and together at tables. I've almost forgotten what it looked like in here, it's much bigger than I remember. All the people slowly looking over at us make me nervous, it's getting really uncomfortable here. To avoid all the stares, I look down at the ground. We keep walking and I wonder if there will be any lessons at all today, and if there are...hopefully I'll have them with Karasu.

But then we finally reach the big brown doors of F2, the biggest lecture hall on the whole campus...'I believe'. Karasu opens the door while Boxy continues typing on his phone and I, stupid, stand behind them. Karasu and Boxy enter the room first and I'm behind them. We're completely in the middle and there are rows of seats with shelves everywhere to the right and left of us. But...*No free seat at the back*

"Today is your lucky day Y/N, we have to go right to the front!"  Oh God, sitting right at the front in a greeting speech is the worst thing ever. On top of that, in this huge room, where several hundred students are sitting, shit. Walking past all the places where people are already sitting is really unpleasant. We've already been walking for a minute and we're only halfway there. But at that moment, Karasu suddenly turns to the right and seems to have found something better than sitting at the very front under the podium. 'Three free seats on the right' Perfect.

Karasu quickly weaves his way into the line while Boxy walks a little slower, after all he's hardly looking and is still typing away on his phone. I pull my rucksack off my back and sit down slowly. I can feel the cold wood of the row slowly sliding past my hands as I slide further in and I'm happy when I'm finally sitting properly inside. I put my hands on the small shelf in front of me and realize how sweaty they are, meanwhile I see Karasu looking around, he is probably looking for one of his party colleagues. I don't look around because I'm far too scared if someone sees me staring, what would they think?

Slowly, someone stands up on the podium at the front, it was none other than the leader of the whole thing himself: *Elliot Ludwig*. I can't even really see him from here, but the fact that the loudspeakers are slowly making a voice louder lets everyone know. 'It starts now'.

"Welcome back to Playtime Co. College... I hope everyone sitting here had a great vacation and a lot of fun!"  The speakers are way too loud in my opinion, I have to try and filter out what he's saying myself. Karasu is also talking to some girl sitting in the row in front of us, which doesn't make it any easier. And several people in the row behind us are also talking to each other.

"Your timetables have already been updated and I think most of you already know, but there will be no lessons today. There will only be organizational matters today and then everyone can go home." 

I see how almost everyone quickly pulls out their phone and looks at it and at first I don't really understand why. After a few seconds, Karasu does what he always does and annoys me: 'He stabs me in the ribs like a joke'  but It really hurts. What does he want?

"Get your phone out, I want to know if we have the same classes, dude!"  Oh well, now I get it. I quickly take out my phone with my sweaty hands and start shaking slightly, 'what if we don't have anything together? No, we must have something together... right?

I quickly open the link Karasu sent me and enter my name and date of birth. He is already staring at my phone, but what appears is not a course schedule but a red message with black letters-

"Fuck that!" He almost snatches my phone out of my hand again and pushes the message away, 'I couldn't even read it'. He swipes down and looks for my plan while I keep looking at my phone. I try to control my pounding heart a little.

"Dude, we're really lucky! We have a lot together!"  Finally some good news, I stare at my phone and look at my courses. They haven't really changed from last year, but one thing jumps out at me:

"Higher chemistry?"

"Yes, that was apparently reassigned to many"

"But I didn't choose it at all-

"It doesn't matter! We've got it together and we'll get it right! You're good at chemistry, aren't you?"

"So-

"Hello students of the now second semester" Everyone looks forward to the podium. A tall guy with reddish-brown hair stands at the front and looks through the rows.

"Many of you will probably have been assigned a new subject...Higher Chemistry"   Shit, was that him? I'm already fucking up in every other subject and now I have to have a higher chemistry subject too?

"Many will not have chosen it but that doesn't matter...I'm only going to say this once" Is there an announcement coming now?

"This is an exam... from Playtime Co. to all students"   huh? An exam? What the hell does this guy mean?

" The exam will take place tomorrow, in separate time and a systematic structure... Soon you guys and your precious fantasies will sink straight to Hell. Good luck"  What the Fuck? Tomorrow already? A chemistry exam from Playtime Co. to the students? Shit, what's that going to be?

With that, the guy turns around and quickly disappears to the left through a backstage door. The only thing you can hear now are the astonished students who, like me, have no idea what kind of speech that was. You can hear the big brown doors in the back opening and people are already running out, and Karasu speaks his mind again.

"ugh an exam? what stupid shit... But maybe it's group work and I'll get together with a cute girl who's also smart" Dude, the guy only thinks about something like that.

"I don't think it will be a group job..."  No, I'm almost sure of it. A test from Playtime Co. will very definitely be in solo exits, at least I hope so. Because if I had to work with someone and I messed it up, that would be bad. 'I'd rather fuck it up alone'

So we get up from the line again and walk to the exit. I look down at the ground, but I have a funny feeling in my stomach and immediately look up. And there she was again, the group from the bus. This DogDay Girl was walking right at the front and that's why I only saw her hair, but there's someone who behaves like me. I think it's a girl with long black hair and she's about my height. She looks at the ground like I do all the time-

"Hey man, no need to stress, we have the exam together tomorrow. We'll get through it...Somehow" I was about to say that I don't think about it, but if I do, he'll notice me staring at this other girl and then it'll start again. 'So I'll be quiet for now'. We leave the lecture hall and walk through the huge white corridors again, I'm a bit happy...At least I have a few subjects together with Karasu. As soon as we get outside, Boxy heads back towards the Dorms, walking along the streets while holding his phone in front of his face and typing away.

"Y/N Are you coming to Boxy too?"

"No, I have to go home and prepare everything first...you know"

"All right, I'll see you again tomorrow at the same time." With that he runs after Boxy across the street and I can see from a distance how he slaps him on the back. The two of them don't look a bit alike, though. Meanwhile, I walk back to the bus stop and wait alone for a while.

Not even a minute into the wait, the first bus arrives, stops and lets the air out of the tires to go lower. I get on and simply ignore everyone, walk through to the back and sit down in my regular seat. Now I just put my headphones back on and head home again.

-----------------------------------------

I've finally arrived home and the first thing I do is get changed. I just put on my pyjamas, I haven't really slept well and that's exactly what I'm going to do now. There's no one at home either 'As almost always' so I just walk towards my bed and literally throw myself on it. I still have my headphones on so I only need to make two taps on my phone and it plays exactly what I need to hear.

I already have a plan for this weird chemistry exam tomorrow. I'm going to sleep all day and then pull an all-nighter, going over every subject I've ever had. At that moment my phone vibrates again and I wonder who it could be...'year group'?

I'm barely inside and people are already writing, 'But not because of me' Almost everyone is upset that this exam is taking place tomorrow. One even says he asked someone from the third semester and they didn't have it. 'Strange' But in this big conversation there is only one person who tries to calm people down. The name is just a number but as I read the message to myself in my mind...I'm sure it's her

"A Higher Chemistry Exam?"

"Who the Fuck even was that weird looking guy?"

"I asked Students from the Third Semester and they didnt have that Shit?"

"Fuck i dont know anything about Chemistry?"

"Guys calm down, everything will be fine tomorrow"

This year will be very complicated.

[holdonunreal]

Chapter 1: The Worst to be

To say that Playtime Co. College was big showed that the person making that statement had...no idea. Apart from the several hundred classrooms and thirty floors, there really was everything. A swimming pool, a huge garden, just under twelve annexes on different floors and all that just in the college building. A few kilometers further on the campus was the huge school, that's right, not just the most famous college no... There is also a high school here. There's even a huge theatre here, and a dorm where students from very far away could live. I'd like to live there, at least then I wouldn't have to drive two hours to school every morning.

And it's all thanks to one person, Elliot Ludwig. He worked with the help of a couple studies and companies to build all of this. Of course, nobody questions that... There are not enough people to do that. After all, the failure rate of the entrance exam is about 90%. That means only one in ten people make it in...I think. At least I hope so. If I were to be wrong about such simple statements, then I really couldn't do anything. 

At least I'm not alone in all this shit, I have my only friend with me: Karasu. But he's often busy checking out girls on his phone instead of helping me 'use it'. What exactly I mean is simple. A few months ago it started like this...

"You really need to find a girlfriend, dude!"

"Why?"

"Yeah, you don't want to be an outsider like Boxy here!" He raised his long arm and pointed at the only boy in the school who was sitting at the Cafeteria table with us. It was Boxy, not really a friend of mine, but he was quiet and didn't talk much or shout. But that was probably just because he was on his phone most of the time... No, I'll be more specific. 'He was always on his phone'. Even in class, he was always Playing, and the worst thing about the whole thing was the saddest thing. The guy had much better grades than me and Karasu... Without ever learning!

"In case you haven't noticed Karasu, I'm already an outsider."     Boxy continued to play on his mobile phone and didn't even touch his food tablet. He continued typing on his mobile phone and occasionally blew away his crimson hair, which began to stand up in front of his face. He simply ignored Karasu's comment.

"Yes, but that can still change You know, some girls also like shorter boys!" I wouldn't say I'm short. The only problem is that Karasu and Boxy are among the tallest in the school. Both are easily 6'3 feet. Whereas I'm just 5'6 feet tall.

"That's not the point, I'm just not as much of a party guy as you are!"

"You just don't have any social skills, didn't you almost shit yourself in maths class yesterday just because you asked something?"

"WHAT?" I shout it far too loudly and people slowly turn towards us. I'm getting really embarrassed. There are easily several hundred people sitting here and I'm just yelling.

"HAHAHAHAHHAHA HAVE YOU SEEN THAT BOXY HAHAHA"   Yeah, so funny.

"Yes yes, I've seen it, very funny." Boxy is lying through his teeth. But I don't hold it against him, after all Karasu is the loudest person in the whole school when he laughs.

But that's also exactly what I like about him, we don't resemble each other one bit, not in looks and not in behaviour. He always tries to take me somewhere and meet new people. I never go with him or talk to anyone. But it's still the will that counts. But it's far too strange to meet someone new anyway... No, especially talking to them. I don't understand how Karasu always gets on with everyone, especially with people who you can tell don't really like him at all.

"Hey, I just remembered, there's a big party tonight at this new student's place, Boxy I'm dragging you along anyway... I'll just give you the choice. Do you want to sit at home and do nothing Y/N or do you want to socialise with the people you'll be spending a few more years with here?"

I give him a stupid look, my answer is actually clear. But he seriously expects me to answer him now. But just as I'm about to answer him, he cuts me off.

"Who knows... Maybe you'll meet someone there? You know, a girl, you'll exchange numbers and then in a couple of weeks-

"No" That's all I say, I don't even want to hear what he has to say. I don't blame him for thinking that way, I really don't. But it's only to be expected from someone who has a different girl running around with him every week.

Just at that moment, the bell rings and it's back to the next lesson. But that's not important for my explanation, what's more important is what happened at home. I didn't go to the party, 'that was obvious'. I lay in bed at home and listened to music... For a couple of hours. After all, I had nothing better to do and I wanted to relax after a hard day at school. At least I got one exam back and scored seven out of a hundred. Not just the worst mark in the course, no... out of the whole year group.

I just lay there and literally thought about nothing, I was rather Daydreaming. After all, you can be whoever you want. I think I was kind of asleep too. At least I wasn't really conscious. In any case, I was called by my mother, I lay in bed for a few more seconds and then got up.

I kicked my bedside cabinet, I didn't really see that there was a bottle of water on it... An open water bottle. It was suddenly like in slow motion, the bottle was about to hit the floor while the water was slowly running out of the bottle. I don't know what it was at that moment, but that's exactly what I was thinking about. How the bottle would continue to float in the air and I could just hold it there. It was like a kind of reflex, my body wasn't fast enough to react. But my head had been thinking reflexively for a long time.

And that's exactly what it was. The bottle stayed in the air just like that, with the water that had already leaked out at a minimum distance from the bottom. I briefly thought I was dreaming, but that quickly cleared up when I bent down excitedly and pushed a finger into the leaking water. It was real, I'm sure, as sure as I've ever been about anything.  I slowly walked backwards, a little startled. Then I moved my head slightly upwards and the bottle actually went with me. It floated there in the air as if there had never been such a thing as gravity. After pushing it up and down a little, I realized that I didn't have to move my head. It was enough to think about how this bottle slowly floated around in the air.

"Y/N COME EAT NOW" I was scared, my mother often got louder, but not because of that. She was in front of my door, if she had put her hand on it and opened it, she would have seen me standing there stupidly by my bed. While a water bottle flies around in the air in front of me. The moment I go to the door to eat, I hear a slight bang. 'The water bottle? I looked back and there it was, on my floor, and the spilled water was already spreading across the floor. Fuck

                                                                                                                                                    --------------------------------------------------------------

What followed was quite simple. I didn't go to college for the rest of the semester, and not just because of my bad grades. Of course also because of my new ability, 'telekinesis'. At first I googled like a madman, in the end I got what I could already guess. "Anyone who thinks they have superhuman abilities has a mental illness and should seek help quickly before it's too late." There was even a number at the bottom, and believe it or not I was about to call. I still have no idea why I can suddenly levitate things like that.

Well, I've already gotten a couple of letters from the college, one for a transfer, one for a warning. To summarize... I don't just have to show up every Day of the second semester, I have to really participate. A couple slips and that's it. No college, no job and telekinesis that basically does me no good.

I lay on my bed again and did...nothing really. I wanted to study a bit because the next semester starts tomorrow but I'd rather be on social media. Watching people partying and having fun, especially Karasu's account. I go on it so often and look at what he's doing. I think I would give anything to be as social as him, just to be able to approach people and talk to them. But when I think back, I could honestly never do that.

I briefly put my phone on my nightstand. The night cupboard where I first discovered my ability. I feel guilty somehow, I didn't tell anyone from my family, not my parents or anyone else. The only person who knows is Karasu, he didn't believe me at first either, but when I made his cell phone fly and threw it in his face, he slowly understood. Then we went outside, he wanted to 'have a chat'. 

Actually, he just shouted at me why I hadn't told him earlier. Just before I could answer, he started with his ideas, for example that I was actually something very special.

"Dude, you have superpowers yet you skip college and rot in your room all day?"

Yes, I had to listen to these comments for a few hours, but then it was time for the important questions:

"And do you actually know why you have telekinesis now? I mean, that can't be genetic, can it? Do you think so?-

"Man, I skipped the semester, I don't even know how to write the word biology anymore."

"Oh man you dumbass, you really have to take school seriously now right?"

I walk slowly with him to the bus stop, after all we don't live directly in the city, so it's a twenty-minute walk. After all, not living in the city has many advantages, it's quiet, there are fewer people. And best of all: 'I hardly notice'. We're already at the bus stop and I stand while he sits down, then he looks at me again...

"It's about time you got together with people, but you'll see that tomorrow anyway... So grab some smart girl and always have her send you your homework!"

At that moment, the bus slowly arrives and I turn around and start walking.

"Don't forget the bus tomorrow morning, I'll get on at the City stop!"