Arc Saturday descended upon him like a reckoning, fueled by his simmering anger. The days since Chelsea's absence had ticked by with agonizing slowness, each one a fresh reminder that he might be laughing and smiling with someone else – someone more charming, more appealing. Someone who was his complete opposite, yet somehow, Chelsea's absence had sparked a craving he couldn't shake. As the days ticked by, the ache of not seeing him grew, until it became a persistent hum in the background of his mind. By the time Saturday arrived, he was raw with anticipation, his defenses worn down by the relentless longing to be near Chelsea again. The clock ticked closer to 3:30 pm, and Penelope's gaze lingered on him, her eyes narrowing into slits of suspicion, as if trying to unravel a mystery hidden beneath his skin. "What?" Arc growled, annoyance lacing his tone. She stood frozen in the kitchen corridor, her eyes wi
Chelsea The car was a snug fit for Arc, its low ceiling and cramped interior forcing him to duck slightly to avoid hitting his head. Chelsea was a little proud of himself from cleaning out the car before coming to pick up Arc. "So here's the plan," Chelsea said. "We attend that party and make a show of our fake kin-man-ship in front of everyone." "Only you would call this pretentious charade a kin-man-ship," Arc retorted. "You're getting to know me better, that's great," Chelsea said. "So, what else have you observed about me?" "Except the fact that you annoy me, nothing else," Arc retorted. "Ha! I'm glad you think of me that way." Chelsea drawled. "Besides, being a thorn in someone's flesh is something I excel at, and, it's a wonderful trait to have." Arc shrugged and gazed out the window, his attention drifting away. The car groaned and screeched in protest as it rattled down the road, its worn joints and tired engine crying out in agony. "You're ok
Arc As they pulled into the driveway of a large, two-story building, Arc was assaulted by loud pop music blasting through the air. The cacophony was excruciating to his ears, and he wondered why the neighbors hadn't yet filed a complaint, assuming the party had been raging for some time. As Chelsea stepped out of the car, Arc tensed up and his anxiety spiked. Not wanting to appear weak in front of him, Arc followed suit, carefully exiting the vehicle to avoid hitting his head. But as he joined Chelsea, the chaotic scene before them sent Arc's instincts into overdrive, and he felt a strong urge to make a hasty retreat. "Now that's a party." Chelsea exclaimed, his enthusiasm unmistakable. Arc couldn't decide whether to agree or disagree since he'd never been to a party before but he knew this wasn't the sort of social gathering he wanted to be a part of. He found himself wishing they had indeed veered off course, maybe really falling into a
Chelsea River stood with a confident grace, their bright red hair cascading down their back like a fiery waterfall. The vibrant locks were untamed, with subtle waves and loose curls framing their pear-shaped face. Their eyes sparkled like shimmering aquamarine gemstones, radiating warmth and kindness. A smattering of freckles across their cheeks and nose added a playful touch, as if the stars themselves had kissed their skin. River's style is eclectic and bohemian, with flowing clothing that seemed to dance around them like the ocean's currents. A delicate seashell necklace adorned their neck, symbolizing their connection to the sea and its mystical allure. And their laugh was as delicate with a hint of fierceness that embodied her character. River was easygoing and had quite a sense of humour that resonated with Chelsea. Their friends- Kayla, Matty and Farron, were also alright, eccentric teenagers that took life in stride and they se
Arc As Arc's's gaze met Chelsea's, his heart skipped a beat. A warm, thrumming sensation settled in the pit of his stomach, leaving him yearning for something he knew was out of reach. Just as he was lost in his eyes, a cheerful voice cut through the moment. "Hello there, Arc! Surprise seeing you here!" Arc groaned under his breath, recognizing the chipper tone all too well. "Good afternoon, Miss Sarah," Arc replied with a hint of dry sarcasm. Sarah appeared before him, radiant in a bright yellow sundress, her hair tied up in a relaxed, messy bun. Her warm smile and sparkling eyes exuded a cheerful energy, which didn't surprise Arc one bit - he'd grown accustomed to her sunny presence. "You never miss an opportunity to highlight my single status, do you?" He rolled his eyes, "You're well past the era of trying not to be single." With a delighted clap of her hands, Sarah exclaimed, "Ah hah, someone's developed a
Chelsea Chelsea watched River disappear into the distance, promising to reunite and take a group selfie once they found their friends. But as he trudged up the steps to the house, his mind lingered on the mysterious woman who'd dragged Arc away. Why had Arc seemed so complacent, almost familiar with her? The memory nagged at Chelsea, and his unease grew as he heard a loud, angry shout erupt from within the house. As Chelsea reached the top step, the shout grew louder, and he could make out words: "I don't care who has a say, just get that thing out of here!" The voice was unfamiliar, so the venom in it sent a shiver down Chelsea's spine. He hesitated, wondering if he should enter the house or wait for River's return. The promise of a selfie seemed trivial now, replaced by a sense of foreboding. But since Arc was inside, Chelsea didn't hesitate before pushing the door open. Another angry voice responded to the first, and Chelsea w
Chelsea The gathering was a vibrant mix of generations, with guests ranging from their 40s to 80 years young, all united in the eclectic atmosphere of their hosts' quirky residence. The spacious interior, adorned with whimsical decor and curious trinkets, provided the perfect backdrop for lively conversations and laughter. The sounds of jazz and swing music entangled in the air that was filled with laughter. Some of the attenders preferred to linger by the fireplace, sharing tales and gossip with their neighbors. Chelsea felt like a stranger as he passed through the crowd, the curious stares he received, crawling under his skin like maggots. "Don't mind those old geezers," Sarah said, her voice low and reassuring. "They don't take kindly to newcomers." Chelsea nodded, following her closely as she led him to the kitchen. The kitchen was a sprawling space with immaculate, polished cabinets and surfaces that gleamed in the soft ligh
Arc "Don't worry, dear. Sarah doesn't bite," Doris's soothing voice reassured him. She had led them to a quieter, more secluded corner with less music and fewer people. They all sat around a round table, large enough to accommodate them, but Arc remained standing. "I'd be down in the dumps if I were you, boy," Doris said with a chuckle. "Your lover boy is going to emerge from there, chafed." "He's not my lover boy," Arc snarled, swirling around to face Ethel with a warning growl. "He's not my lover boy," he repeated, his voice low and even. "Don't go pointing those fangs at me, boy, I ain't scared of you," Ethel shot back, her tone defiant. "Ethel, why don't you let the young man be?" Gertrude intervened, her voice calm and soothing. "We can't take you anywhere without you causing a scene... or a war," Doris added, her tone exasperated. "Ursula had started it," Ethel defended, her voice rising. "You should've lef
ChelseaChelsea hadn't even had a full day to settle into his expansive mansion before the chaos began. An interview with Horbes, the notorious critic, had been scheduled for that very afternoon, and Chelsea's assigned team had been buzzing around him, prepping him for the grueling questioning that was sure to come.His phone had been blowing up with notifications from old acquaintances, all of whom seemed to have miraculously remembered his existence now that he was back in the spotlight. They were all clamoring for his attention, asking about endorsement deals and collaborations, and Chelsea hadn't had the time or energy to respond to any of them. It was ironic, really - these were the same people who had ignored him when his fans had turned on him, and now they were crawling out of the woodwork to ride his coattails.Despite the whirlwind of activity surrounding him, Chelsea couldn't shake the feeling of emptiness that had been growing inside him. He missed Tho
ArcA sharp knock at the door jolted Arc awake. His instincts kicked in, and he felt a twinge in his neck as he rose from the couch. Grogginess clouded his senses, a lingering reminder of the restless night he'd spent. The knock sounded again, louder and more insistent than before. Arc rubbed his forehead, trying to shake off the haze. His heart skipped a beat as he approached the door, a spark of expectation flickering to life. Could it be...? He slowly turned the handle and opened the door, but his hopes were quickly dashed. Instead of the familiar blonde hair and brown eyes he'd been longing to see, he was faced with a completely unexpected visitor.She stood short, her dark skin a striking contrast to her crisp, white blouse. Her expression was stern, her eyes narrowed slightly behind a pair of sleek, black glasses.Arc's eyes widened as he struggled to recall her name, but her face was unmistakable - she was the woman who had witnessed him and Chelsea sign
Arc The words echoed in his mind like a haunting mantra: "We don't match at all, in any way. He was never important." The phrases cut deep, stirring up emotions he thought he'd long buried. Arc was never important, he reminded himself, the pain of that realization stinging like an open wound. Just as the turmoil within him reached a boiling point, the sky unleashed its fury. A gust of wind swept in, followed by a scattering of raindrops that quickly intensified into a relentless downpour. The rain lashed down, merciless and unforgiving, mirroring the anguish that ravaged Arc's heart. In no time, he was soaked to the bone, the deluge a fitting accompaniment to his turmoil. Memories came flooding back, transporting Arc to the night Chelsea had appeared on his doorstep, drenched and distraught. The rain had pounded against the roof, a cacophony of sound that had mirrored the turmoil within Arc. They had surrendered to their desires, their bodies merging as the storm raged on
ChelseaChelsea's resentment towards his parents began when he was just six years old. Their presence in his life was always a source of discomfort. Despite their wealth, they barely had time for him, yet they would splurge thousands of dollars on extravagant parties and events.One particular memory stood out in Chelsea's mind. His mother had organized a fundraiser for an orphanage, but only after being dared by a friend. The event had been more of a lavish spectacle, where the wealthy elite could flaunt their assets in a bidding war. Nevertheless, the fundraiser had raised nearly half a million dollars, and the children had left with beaming smiles after their singing performance, likely dreaming of new clothes, shoes, and warm meals. Chelsea had yearned to join them, captivated by the joy radiating from their faces. It was probably the only genuinely good thing his mother had ever done, however unintentionally.At 12 years old, Chelsea's anger and resentment had boile
ArcAs the group left, Arc moved to sit on the blanket, his eyes scanning the beautifully arranged picnic scene. The attention to detail was impressive, with delicate sandwiches, colorful fruit, and an assortment of sweet treats laid out on a vibrant blanket. The whole setup was a testament to the group's thoughtfulness and effort.As the minutes ticked by, anticipation and nervousness swirled inside Arc like a restless storm. He waited patiently, his eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of Chelsea's arrival. The warm sun beat down on him, casting a golden glow over the deserted beach. The sound of the waves gently lapping at the shore created a soothing melody that seemed to stretch out the minutes into an eternity.Arc checked his watch for what felt like the hundredth time, the slow movement of the hands a stark reminder that time was passing, yet Chelsea was nowhere to be seen. He fidgeted with the hem of his pants, his fingers drumming out a staccato beat on the fabric.As the h
ArcArc raised an eyebrow, skeptical about his supposed transformation, but he couldn't ignore the look of wonder in Penelope's eyes. Her gaze sparkled with excitement, and her smile was infectious.Penelope checked her phone, her eyes scanning the screen before she looked up at Arc. "Sarah's already here. Let's go," she said, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm.They stepped outside into the bright sunlight, and Arc's eyes landed on Sarah's beaten, red car parked by the curb. The vibrant color seemed to match Sarah's lively personality, and Arc couldn't help but smile.As they slid into the car, Penelope claiming the passenger seat, Arc's mind began to wander. Sarah and Penelope chatted back and forth, their conversation flowing easily, but Arc was barely paying attention. His thoughts had already drifted to Chelsea, and he found himself wondering what she would say when he saw him. Would he be surprised? Would he be impressed?As the car glided through the streets, Arc's
Arc"The wheel of time is really running," Sarah said, her voice tinged with a hint of wistfulness. "It hasn't even been two months since Arc fell head over heels in love."Penelope chuckled, and Arc shot her an accusing glance. "You told them?" he asked, his voice laced with indignation.Gertrude, her silver hair styled in a neat bun, smiled knowingly. "No, dear, she did not. It was quite obvious to our aging eyes, however."Arc looked away, his face warming with embarrassment. "It really is obvious?" he muttered.Doris, her eyes twinkling with kindness, patted his hand. "Yes, dear. But don't worry, we've got you covered."Ethel, her voice gruff, complained, "I don't even know why y'all called me here."Doris shot her a stern glance. "Shut it, Ethel. You said you wanted coffee."Ethel scowled. "With a shot of alcohol, but you brought me to a sissy place."Just then, a thin, teenage boy with wild pink hair appeared at their side, a notepad and pen at the ready. "Hi, w
ArcArc felt a sense of déjà vu as he basked in the warm sunlight streaming through the window. Familiar arms seemed to wrap around him, and gentle fingers caressed his skin, tracing the contours of his scars without hesitation. A smile threatened to break free as he turned to face the owner of those arms.Chelsea's sweet smile greeted him, radiating an otherworldly glow. Arc's heart skipped a beat as he gazed at Chelsea's luminous face. His heart pounded furiously in his chest, and he reached out to touch Chelsea's face, his fingers yearning for contact.But reality came crashing down as Arc's eyes snapped open, and he found himself staring at his empty ceiling. The familiar arms were gone, and his own arms felt eerily empty. Panic set in as he scrambled to sit up, his gaze frantically scanning the room.The bed beside him was vacant, and a wave of desperation washed over him. Grogginess clouded his mind, but as he sat up and took stock of his surroundings, his
Chelsea Chelsea's eyes widened in surprise. "What?" he asked, confusion etched on his face.Arc turned to Chelsea, unsureness clouding his eyes. "Do you want to be with Kai?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of vulnerability.Chelsea's brow furrowed. "Why would you ask that?" he asked, his voice cautious.He wondered what could've possibly given Arc that assumption.Arc's eyes flashed with a mix of emotions. "Cause you're attracted to him, and he couldn't take his damn eyes off you," he said, annoyance lacing his voice.Chelsea's voice was soft and gentle as he moved closer to Arc. "No, no, why would I want to be with Kai?" he asked, his eyes filled with sincerity.He took Arc's hands in his, his touch warm and comforting. "I have you," Chelsea whispered, his voice filled with emotion.It was true Kai was exactly his type but that was before...Arc's eyes dropped, his voice barely above a whisper. "Well, he's attractive, and I'm not."Chelsea's grip on Arc'