Keith's Perspective

I stared at my failed high-school sweetheart and sighed quietly. I almost wish he didn't remember.. I wish I didn't remember either, because I regret a lot of things I did in that first relationship of mine with Pico... But... It was really nice being with him and seeing his soft side. I don't regret that at all. I reached over and placed a hand on his, causing him to flinch and glare at me. "Pico... Please..." I whispered, barely able to speak due to how emotional I was starting to feel. His gaze softened and he nodded. "Alright.. We don't have to talk about that I guess." He said and smiled at me, hoping to make me feel less upset. "Y-yeah.." I stuttered out and smiled a bit at the ginger trying to comfort me. I know he hates it when I cry. "... It was nice y'know..? Having someone to comfort me through the more.. Hormonally imbalanced years-." He said and I laughed. "Yeah, it was. My favorite memories were on my cold roof with a blanket, just watching the stars and snuggling." I said with a growing smile. "I remember those times! Good times.. You were always one for snuggling, I pretty much had to stop smoking because you were always demanding my attention and hated it when I smoked near you." He said and laughed as well. I stared fondly at the ginger and watched as he put out his cigarette, throwing it away carelessly. "There ya go Keith." He said with a wide, genuinely friendly smile. My smile faded when I saw Cherry coming over, or as she called herself in high-school, girlfriend. Mostly because everyone dated her, literally everyone. I let go of Pico's hand in preparation and inched away from him, coldly staring at the ground as he looked over at Cheery. "Oh. That slut." He said sharply, his words coldly cutting my heart because I knew his resentment of Cherry was linked to me. "Oh hi Keith! Hi Pico! Fancy meeting you here at my dad's competition hm?" She said and snuggled up to my arm as if I was hers. She sat comfortably between me and Pico who were giving each other the silent treatment.

"Ssso... Keith! Wanna go out sometime? We should catch up!" She said happily, pressing her breasts against my arm. I inhaled sharply and tried to not think about it, looking away. "Is.. Something wrong?" She asked, clearly confused and innocent to the thin ice between me and my ex. "Yeah ya shit-head brunette, you're hugging my old boyfriend tits and all." Pico snarled, causing her to flinch and let go of my arm. "O-Oh-! S-Silly Pico, you haven't changed at all have you?" She said and weakly smiled, laughing it off. "A-Am I in the middle of something? I can always come back later." She said, now sensing the thin metaphorical string between me and Pico. "... I think that would be best..." I said quietly and she looked at me with a pitying expression. "Alright... Well here's my phone number." She said and gave me a paper, stuffing it in my pocket for me. "Thanks Cherry..." "Bye bitch." Pico snapped and Cherry walked off with a worried expression. The tension between us would worry anyone. We both stayed silent for a while until I could feel my head overflow with emotions. I pulled my legs close to my chest and pressed my face in to the bruised skin of my legs, holding in as many tears as my body could handle. I heard feedback from a mic on the stage and looked up from my fetus-like position to see Daddy Dearest onstage with Cherry hugging his arm affectionately. "I believe it is time for the first round of rap battles! I shall call out the names of competitors to battle against each other, and they will come onstage. The top fourteen people will go on to the next round, so try your best and have fun!" He announced, and I noticed Cherry now staring at me sympathetically. Why am I such a crybaby..? I sniffled and wiped away my tears, noticing Pico not beside me anymore. I sighed and composed myself the best I could, slowly getting up from the sweet-smelling grass. I watched as Cherry ran offstage and hugged me tightly. I hugged back and relaxed in her embrace. "It's okay Keith... I'm sure after he cools off you guys can talk. And we can talk too if that'll make you feel better. I made sure daddy put you last, so we have plenty of time." The sweet brunette told me, rubbing my back the whole time. I couldn't stop shaming myself for being a crybaby. "... I didn't wanna cry..." I whispered to her, causing her to hold my hand and rub it. "I know Keith." She said and turned my head to hers.

"You sure you'll be okay for the competition? I can always ask my daddy to listen to you rap later." She offered, worried about my emotional stability. "I'll be okay.. I promise." I said and gave her a reassuring smile. "Alright, well want me to get you something to eat? I know after I cry I get hungry." She said and I laughed a bit, feeling better. "Yeah.. Good idea. You go get me a burger and I'll wait here hm?" I suggested and she cheered. "No problem Keith! I'm happy you're starting to feel better." She said with a bright smile. She raced off faster than I could respond and I sat on the grass. Things are gonna be okay.