In The Spotlight

Bubble and Tennis Ball were sat across from each other at a cafe table, pretending not to be mad. In another context, the food would have been lovely, and the location was even better.

But in this one, the tension was too much to bear. No one spoke for a long time. Too long of a time. Each one was suspicious of the other.

"This is- this is really stupid," TB said, breaking the silence. "Why don't we start with what we know. You first, so you know it's not a trap."

"That's easy. GB is cheating on her husband- or wife, whatever- with you, and you don't actually live in New York." Bubble repeated her theory in one breath, leaving no room for processing. TB was stunned, to say the least. He did nothing but blink.

"Okay, so, no." Bubble thought it would do him no good to lie. "No one is cheating on anyone."

"Tell that to whoever bought her the ring!" She was getting angry.

"You don't get it. We're engaged. I didn't wear my ring, because, you know, it's suspicious."

Now it was Bubble's turn to be shocked and confused. TB spoke again before she could wrap her head around it.

"Who else knows?"

Pin and Coiny were now by themselves. Again. That was fine by them, but after Flower wandered off with some girl she saw in the bathroom (not the best meet-cute, by the way), it was clear the night was winding down.

The problem was that there were 3 people MIA, which made leaving feel pretty rude. So, they decided to text the others, just to make sure it was okay to go.

Pin texted Flower, who responded with an okay, as well as an update. Apparently her bathroom chick was very nice and she was very happy. She also texted Leafy, who did not reply. No shockers there.

Coiny texted Firey. He said that it was no problem, and that he still hadn't found Leafy. He told him he'd give an update later.

"Do you think it's actually okay to leave without Leafy?" Coiny asked.

"She'll be fine, I'm telling you. When we go back to the hotel I'll write a little note to slide under Bubble's door. Make her text me when Leafy gets back." Coiny looked skeptical, but he nodded.

With that, the 5 turned 2 headed back, ignoring the crazy for one night.

Firey did not like to lie. That made things complicated, and he was a fan of simplicity. But he knew, like all people did, that sometimes it was necessary.

The issue? Today it really wasn't.

It was a lie of convenience. It benefited no one besides himself. But he couldn't ignore her.

He knew that if he had told them he found her, they'd ask questions, questions he'd have to answer, which would become a conversation. And that would mean sidelining her. Her and her sad, sad eyes.

So he lied.

"What's wrong? And don't say it was just the video." Firey was not going away until he knew for real.

She sniffed. "Yeah, no. This is just..." Leafy trailed off, wiping another tear. "It's all too much, you know?" He nodded. He wanted to just let her talk. When he found her in the garden, she said nothing. Nothing except for 'sorry.'

"I have like, a respectable job in a big city, and I left for a game show? On a whim. And now my face is on the internet with hearts and it's a lot!" She threw her arms in the air.

His heart ached, he knew the feeling. He had a good corporate job, and left to be a teacher. Not a good financial decision, but he was locked in.

"Look at me, it's going to be okay." He offered this as the only reassurance he could muster.

But she didn't look at him. Instead, her head fell onto his shoulder and she cried some more.

Four was not prepared for this. They had created a monster for themself, and they didn't have any tools to fight it. PR had informed the overwhelmed host of their newfound popularity. This was a moment they'd dreamed of. Yet they couldn't enjoy it.

Because the phone wouldn't stop ringing.

Really, Four knew picking it up was the only option. But that didn't stop them from worrying about it. This was all happening way too fast for their liking, and all the while the phone kept ringing.

And the ringing drove them mad until they had to take the call.

"Hi, our company is interested in building our streaming catalog to include shows with weekly and semiweekly updates. Viewer engagement, you know the drill." Four didn't, but they agreed.

"We'd love to pick up your show! We understand it has a cult following?" Four chuckled. A cult following?

"That's very kind of you. May I talk to my team first and then give you a call back?" They scribbled a note with the number on it as they spoke.

"Of course, hope to hear back soon." 3 tones played, and Four jumped, then began giggling. It was really happening.

If the story could end there, it would. But that would be a disservice to every poor fool who thought to themselves, 'now look where we are.' They hadn't made it to the finish line, not even close.

And 20 buzzes, dings, and chimes across New York City were going to prove that in just under two minutes.

(Oh my god guys! I cannot believe I forgot to update! I didn't even remember it was Friday. Blame it on summer vacation. Sorry! Anyway, other than extra chapters in the extra book, we're going on a TEMPORARY hiatus. More of break really. I'll still be active on 抖阴社区. The next main storyline chapter, another short one, will be posted on Thursday, August 10th, and a longer one Friday, August 11th. From there, it's normal updates. Love you guys, and sorry again! 921 words.)