April 2017

Sounds of fake trumpets filled the room as the boy stepped through the door, followed by fires of confetti right above his little head. Gold balloons roamed on the ceilings, and at the back center of the wall, hung ones forming letters that explained the theme.

As a piece of confetti landed on his nose, it was visible how he didn't expect any of this at all. That shock soon turned into more of a startle right when a saxophone blasted in full volume on his right ear. It worked from waking him up from his reverie—because he swiftly turned his head.. and saw you, holding the saxophone while grinning. Guilty as charged.

"Happy Birthday, Tyty!"

As if on cue, the whole room swarmed to him, congratulating him. The scene quickly unfolded with joyful Tyler standing in the center of the room. Accompanied by his parents, they blew the 11 candles that's been sitting on the Dodgers Jersey Cake. Friends and neighbors took turns in giving him gifts and wishing him good fortunes. Amidst the crowd, you slipped away to the back of the room, eager to continue whatever preparations you had started.

As Mr. Winters was about to join the line, Mrs. Winters tugged the hem of his shirt. She nodded towards running you, indicating what she meant. Just as they were about to call out to you—they saw you working on your craft, kneading and threading in dedication. Your parents chuckled in recognition as they held hands tenderly, and made their way to the line without you.

All of his invited friends lined up, giving him gifts of all kinds. Despite the array of thoughtful and creative gifts, his eyes occasionally scanned the room, seeming to be anticipating something, or.. someone.

You contemplated whether you should give your masterpiece now or later.. but—'whatever,' you thought. Finally, it's the last person's turn, and you hurriedly tiptoed to the line. While the girl handed the gift to him, he finally noticed you, giggling behind her cheekily. His face lit up instantly as he chuckled and said thank you to the girl briefly. When it's finally your turn, in tune with his excitement, you eagerly ran to him. Despite the height difference, you still attempted to reach up and mess up his hair playfully.

"Pfftt. Happy Birthday, dork!"

However, he was quick to dodge your attempts and grabbed your hand. He pulled you into a headlock, and messed your hair instead, ranting, "I was so ready to demand a burger voucher for a week straight—"

Suddenly you turned around, and your hand went to his mouth to shut him up, "Hut hut hut!" he stared at you in bewilderment as you continued, "I have a pretty good reason for my late entrance, and that's becaaause, I made you this!"

Holding a piece of bracelet in your hand, you finally showed him your masterpiece. Taking the bracelet from your hand, Tyler analyzed it with concentration. It's a black and blue string made of floss, decorated with a few dangling silvery plates.

"What in the ugly creation is this?" he critiqued as he squinted his eyes. Offended, your eyes widened in horror at his bratty response, and you couldn't help but smack his arms in frustration.

"What the?! It's a friendship bracelet, idiot!" you exclaimed, irritated by his refusal. Determined to prove your point, you shoved your hand in front of his face, revealing that you were wearing—pretty much, the same.. identical bracelet. "See?! Everybody's wearing it now!"

Tyler remained defiant, dismissing the idea with a nonchalant attitude, "Well everybody ain't me. There ain't no way I'm wearing one of those! What would the other guys think?!" Behind him, you noticed the amused reactions of both sets of parents, giggling and chuckling at the banter between the two of you. Despite their amusement, the situation left your cheeks flushed with embarrassment, frustrated by Tyler's annoying rejection.

"I saved you the hassle by making it myself—and you still complain?! I even made it with your color you ungrateful brat!" you pouted, expressing your frustration, feeling unappreciated.

Noticing your genuine disappointment, Cavill sighed and tilted his head, contemplating for a moment until eventually, pursing his lips in defeat.. he held out his arms reluctantly, giving in to your persistence. Maybe.. because he pitied you and didn't want to embarrass you in public, or.. it's you who was planning to embarrass him in public in the first place. Yeah, maybe the latter.

Beaming, you tackled his right hand, leaving just his left hand to hang in the air. He scoffed at your audacity, but as he watched you cheerfully put on the bracelet on his hand.. a slight smile formed on his face.

Aligning your left hand beside his, you took a good look at the brand new view. Your brand new favorite view. By the time you look at him with a grin, he's already back on his apathetic self. And with an eyebrow raised, knowingly, he awaited for your new verdict, "Ok, new rule—"

Rule #5: Always wear the Bracelets however ugly you may think they are.

Strikes of black and blue snugly encircled your hand. You feel the coolness from the silvery plates against your skin as you grip your red cup filled with your favorite soda. While fixing your slippers to keep the sands from drowning your feet, you watch Tyler and Dom have their little argument and chuckle. Tyler takes out his pod from his pockets, a familiar sight, and you can't help but shake your head with a grin. Then your gaze trails to—

Dom.

Dominic Hunt.

When I think about it.. I never really got the chance to.. get to know him? All this time, it's always been—just Wyatt? That's been so welcoming to me? As for Dom.. it always has been small talks whenever we ever get the chance to talk—heck when was the last time we ever talked?

Nevermind. Seeing how he's surrounded—geez look at that smug face—already flirting hard with those many chicks?

I know his type.

"Um.. excuse me, pretty lady.."

Oh shit not this guy.

That's when a guy walks up to you confidently. He's big, and kinda.. looks older than you, maybe.. a football guy? Pretty good looking though—dark skinned.. emerald eyes..

But know what puts me off the second he gets here? His constant creepy smile. Gives off pedo vibes right in the feels. Yeah yeah, I want a boyfriend. But he.. is so not what I have in mind for a boyfriend material—

"So.. Emily, right? Wanna see something cool?"

Without even introducing himself, the guy who already knows your name from God knows who, attempts to lean on the torch beside you but slips, trying too hard to look cool in front of you. He catches his posture back by crossing his arms in front of his chest.

"Uh.. what?" you respond with a slight smile, still trying your best to give him a polite response. But your eyes go left and right in pure panic, searching for he's suddenly nowhere to be seen. Oh, and of course, without forgetting to flash your bracelet to the side of your head—aiming the silvery plates to reflect on any light fixture. You almost give up and rack your brain for Plan B—when your eye lands on hope.

Your knight in shining armor. Beneath the brim of his cap, you discern the unmistakable glint of amusement in his eyes. He's leaning on a palm tree, a hand holding his Iced Tea flavored pod, another tucked in his pocket, already grinning in amusement. Knowing exactly what situation you're in. Knowing exactly how needed he is right now.

Remember how annoying Tyler is when it comes to sabotaging my potential SOs? However.. sometimes.. that skill could come in handy. Especially at times like this. And the sparkling plates move to catch his eyes? Yes, it helps every time.

Arching his eyebrows in a playful manner, he smirks endlessly while taking a puff from his pod. Cringing and squinting his eyes exaggeratedly, in a silent yet comical exchange, he mouths, 'No?'

With a furrowed forehead and a slight pout, you make a pinky promise gesture with your finger and push the tip of your nose with it, signaling a clear 'Fuck no, please help me!'. But you quickly turn your attention to the creep so he wouldn't be spoiled on what's to come.

He laughs at your reaction, his cap almost hiding a flash of amusement in his eyes. Holding the urge from moving your attention to Tyler, the creep advances his moves you repeatedly call a massive failure.

"Maybe we could go upstairs—there's so many rooms here, no?"

Aaand also without wasting his time, the creep dropped the bomb fantastically. Your eyes go rounder and rounder until you finally give in and shoot him a disgusted look—when you feel an arm circle around you. Right on time.

"Winny~ What's going on baby?"

Oh God—thank God I love you so much thank you for sending Tyler Cavill into this world.

His grin feels like a ray of sunshine, his presence gives you an instant bliss. With an arm flung around you, he smokes from his pod with the other, and blows the smoke to the guy's face! The unnamed creep gasps for air by the sudden attack.

Ignoring the creep's confusion, you eagerly shift, placing your hands on Tyler's chest and respond in exaggerated baby talk, "Baby Tytyyy, where have you been? I missed you~ Wanna talk somewhere else?"

"It's only been 5 minutes—" he stupidly blurts out, almost losing the act with the sudden urge to tease you—before quickly turning his Oscars degree back on as he continues, "but I miss you too baby~ Wanna go upstairs?"

His suggestive tone is accompanied by a smirk and a raised eyebrow, a smug expression to specifically check on the guy's now less-cocky expression. The creep fixes himself with a somber expression, definitely not as confident as before. To annoy the guy further, with overflowing rizz, Tyler puts his hands on your waist and pulls you closer, leaving the guy speechless.

"And maybe.. we can continue where we left off, yeah?" he adds, winking at you with a charming grin. Pursing your lips bashfully, you play along, momentarily recalling the encounter you both had in your room before pushing the thought aside.

"Hmm.. so.. what exactly are we going to do..?" you reply enticingly, batting your eyelashes at smirking Cavill. To cap off the performance, he ends the charade by shouting directly to the guy's face,

"OH WE'RE DEFINITELY GONNA MAKE OUT. CIAO!"

You giggle in mischief the same time he drags you to the stairs in a frenzy. Careless to people's glances, you both escape a loud laughter as you make your way to the rooftop. Turning your head back to the scene you left behind, you see the guy grimace, embarrassed by people looking at him. Despite the fact that he's extremely humbled, he's already searching for another prey though. Old habits just don't stop, don't they?

You stop and roll your eyes at the scene, stopping Tyler from his tracks to follow your glance. He lets out a chuckle as you share a knowing look—before he takes your hand in his and guides you through the stairs.

What you didn't notice.. is the presence of two specific people.. who've been watching your backs. The duo stood at a distance, exchanging glances, their expressions ranging from bewilderment to utter disbelief—because baffled.. is clearly an understatement.

"Look at them," Dom simply exclaims to the guy beside him while smoking his almost finished cigarette, already expecting the guy to see the same chaotic scene unfolding before them. Wyatt, mincing his eyes in irritation, snickers,

"Oh he can definitely kiss his wingman byebye."

Upon arriving on the rooftop, both of you are panting. Still engrossed in pure adrenaline, Tyler releases your hand to catch his breath. For a moment, you steady your breathing, taking in the new environment around you. Escaping a breathless cackle, he strides to the railing in big steps.

You follow, and just as you lean on the railing.. you see the skies clearer than your skin, stars glinting above the dancing crowd. The sea roars in delight, also swaying to the loud music that drowns the entire ambience. Cold wind pierced through your skin, but it doesn't mean anything to the feeling you're feeling right now.

This feeling of freedom.

"That was an epic. save! Thank you so much—really don't know what would still occur if you're not there!" you confess, supporting your right arm on the railing while expressing gratitude to your bestfriend.

With a grin still plastered on his face, he leans his back on the railing and tilts his head up to the sky. He turns his head to you as he chants your usual mantra, flashing the most pleasing lopsided grin you've ever received.

"Bestfriends?"

You can't help but smile back, leaning your body closer to him, you shout, "For—EVAAAA!"

He grabs your cheeks as adrenaline rushes through his veins, and lets out a loud laugh for a brief moment. However, his eyes immediately start to search around until—

"Ok see Marriage Story full enactment scene right in the back? I'll be that guy, you'll the—"

Assuming you're already accustomed to the routine, he doesn't finish his sentence and immediately straightens his posture to start his act. In a split second, he glances at you and nods, signaling his readiness. Giving him a firm nod, you excitedly act out an air clapperboard with your arms and shout.. "Action!"

"Can you imagine how tired I am?! Seeing you steal my burgers every single night?!" Tyler acts out, expressing sadness and frustration at the same time, perfectly matching the guy's expressions to his partner. Agents cry they haven't found this talent.

You manage to hold your laughter and try your best to match the girl with short hair, "Well imagine my disappointment when you come out with the idea that all sugarcane in town has run out—" you exaggerate, displaying irritation, "when it turns out you're just too lazy to buy it!"

Tyler feels increasingly challenged as he analyzes the boy's mouth movements, attempting to keep up with the same timing. Just as the boy starts talking, Tyler jumps in, "Know how bad sugarcane is for your health?! Isn't it enough that I made a list of things that are bad for you?! Now I don't care if you—"

"Nowww it's taking too long—my turn—"

"What—no I'm not finished yet, shut it! Ok where was I—" he cuts you off, interrupting your part, he continues as you roll your eyes, "I don't care if you're mad! I fucking care about you—you lame ass girl! And if not buying you sugarcane for the sake of your health doesn't count I don't know what will!"

Noticing the real boy's pause, he stopped at the same time. He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. Turning to you with a smug face, he begins to narrate the scene, "Now she's definitely gonna slap him for sure, and then—"

"W—wait—wait—wait—" you interject, watching them with suspicion before spouting, "If he said that—they're so gonna kiss!"

Tyler looks at you skeptically, dismissing your thought with a snicker, "When I said you read too much Wattpad I'm not lying—"

However, to both of your surprise, the real-life puppets actually kiss, confirming your intuition. Tyler's jaw drops in shock, and you can't help but feel a little bit proud of your prediction.

"Wait—what the?! Ohmygosh! I should've made it a bet, shit!" you shout to his face, amused. Can't help but roll your eyes at Tyler's lack of success in real romance. "Classic Tyler," you mutter under your breath, "always failing in the romance section."

"Which side of fucking Wattpad do you read again? You know you're just lucky right, Winters?" he mocks, a lopsided grin formed on his mouth, still amused in spite of his defeat.

You smirk at Tyler's reaction and dab exaggeratedly, making him laugh, "No? I'm a psychic!" Knowing it's your turn, you immediately turn your head, jeering, "Ok good show now my turn—see that couple over there? The ones wearing the same clothes—damn I could never,"

"Yeah—" but then Tyler's expression turns perplexed. He darts his attention to his wrist, tilting his head in confusion. "Uh.. we use identical bracelets?" he implies, pointing out the matching bracelets on your wrists.

Your busted face made him burst out laughing as you rack your brain upside down. "Well, this is different! These are cool bracelets—well.. it's flashy though—but in a good way, right?" you add, trying to defend your masterpieces.

"Besides for the SOS, I.. might have to.. disagree with this one. These are ugly bracelets, don't you think?" he stifles a grin as he watches your expression turn sour.

"What?!"

Disagreeing with him, you punch his shoulder playfully. But then you lift up your chin, not backing down on your pride. "Nevermind, no matter how ugly you think these bracelets are—"

"We always wear them. I know."

He holds in his laugh, but his eyes can't betray his amusement from seeing your pout. "Rule #5, I know," he smirks, and you couldn't help but escape a giggle at his response.

Satisfied with his response, you turn and lean your arms on the railing before he joins you. The two of you stand in silence for a moment, gazing out at the twinkling stars above. It's peaceful up here, away from the noise and chaos of the scene below. You smile to yourself, bumping your body lightly to his side and lean on his shoulder as you say,

"Can't get rid of me that easily anyway, can you?"

He chuckles, a warmth spreading through his chest. Still looking at the sky, he whispers,

"Never."

The two of you stand there for a while longer, enjoying each other's company and the quiet stillness of the night, until—

"Hey! Double trouble!"

As soon as you hear someone call out to you, you look down.. to see Wyatt and Eve, hand in hand, flashing you both a grin. "Get over here! We're gonna play your favorite game!" he shouts and Tyler scoffs in acknowledgement, giving him a nod. And before turning away, Wyatt winks at you mischievously, cheering with knowing certainty,

"Guarantee you're gonna love it."

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Cecylia Costania @rcpcswrites