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The phone was on silent, but Rowan swore he could feel it vibrate every message received.
Of course, it was LK. At 10 in the morning during school hours? Rowan could only sigh.
He picked up his phone to discreetly send a reply, occasionally glancing up at the teacher.
CTRLFreak
CF: You’re making spelling mistakes again.
LagKing
LK: Doesnt matter! Don’t you understand how this is a serious felony?
CTRLFreak
CF: What is….ignoring you?
CTRLFreak
CF: I’m in class, knock it off.
He turns off his phone, sitting it face down on his lap before looking up at the teacher.
It was unlike him, but Rowan found himself losing focus during the lecture
He couldn’t even note anything down
His jaw tensed and he reluctantly raised his hand. As soon as the teacher called him, he excused himself to go to the restroom.
As Rowan quickly stumbled out the room, he ran into someone.
Rowan
*Holding his nose as his eyes shut painfully* Hey…watch it.
Blake
You’re the one who ran into me. *he rolls his eyes and crosses his arms*
Rowan
Still… *Rowan looked up, not pleased to be met with those familiar brown eyes* Of course it’s you.
Blake
*Blake smirks slyly* You’re that pleased to see me, huh?
Blake
Don’t get your hopes up, I didn’t run into ya on purpose, pretty boy.
Rowan
*his eye twitches a little, he huffs and tries to walk past Blake, only to be stopped by an arm.*
Blake
Holddd on. Where’s my apology?
Rowan
*Rowan swallowed nothing, feeling a headache forming.* Come back for it when I don’t feel like tearing your throat out.
Blake
*his smile strains* I think you always feel like that.
Rowan
Ding ding! *Rowan pushes past Blake, successfully this time.*
Rowan walked in strides, only slowly to pull out his phone.
CTRLFreak
CF: Look, I just left class for you. You happy?
LagKing
LK: Ooohhhhh my control freakkkkk u r the best
LagKing
LK: theres a new event
CTRLFreak
CF: This is what was so important?
CTRLFreak
CF: So absolutely important that it could not wait?
Rowan sighed, smiling softly as he reached the bathroom.
CTRLFreak
CF: Sorry, I ran into someone I don’t like so I’m kind of in a bad mood.
LagKing
LK: I knewwww my freakie would never be mad at me!!!
CTRLFreak
CF: Please don’t call me that….
LagKing
LK: So, who was it? That guy ur always talking about?
LagKing
LK: Actualky, I ran into someone as well… more like he ran into me.
CTRLFreak
CF: You sure you weren’t the clumsy one?
LagKing
LK: Quite sure, my friend
LagKing
LK: I can sense your doubt through the screen. But the guy has a habit of running into me
LagKing
LK: Maybe he likessss me~
CTRLFreak
CF: I seriously doubt it.
LagKing
LK: Wats dat supposed to mean?????
CTRLFreak
CF: ^_^ I’ve gotta go.
LagKing
LK: Hey, ur hust avoiding answering….
Rowan turned his phone off.
Rowan
Telling me to log into a game during school hours… he really is a bad influence.
Rowan
Also, who purposely walks into someone they like? Seems counterproductive.
Rowan
I know I’d get annoyed.
Rowan trails off, thinking…
Rowan
Then again…aren’t I a little clumsy as well…?
He’s startled out his thoughts when a toilet flushes in a closed stall. Rowan held his breath, waiting until the door opened.
It was just another student. He wasn’t sure what he was expecting.
The long, agonizing school hours ticked by until finally, the last bell rang to signal freedom.
What Rowan was not free from, however, were his student council duties.
As the president, he stood infront of the members, the VP by his side.
Rowan
And so, the Valentines dance should be done in moderation. There should be no couples, no hugging, and definitely no kissing.
Blake
And there we go! A Valentines dance with no love. Very innovative, prez.
Rowan ignored him, instead thinking about how LagKing never seemed to message him during this time. There was no way the guy was being genuinely thoughtful about Rowan’s school work, since he messages during actual school hours.
He kind of wanted to talk to him…
Blake
Or are you just ignoring me?
Blake
All fine… You know, you could at least pretend to like me. *Blake whispered, nudging Rowan slightly.*
Rowan
Leave. Me. Alone. *Rowan whispered through gritted teeth.* Now’s not the time.
Blake
*Blake held up his hands placatingly.*
Rowan
*Rowan relaxed slightly, surprised at himself.* I’m…feeling ill. *he stood suddenly, chair scrapping the ground.*
Rowan ignored the murmurs and casted glanced from the other members as he walked out the door.
As soon as he got home, he booted up his monitor and the game Our New World.
CTRLFreak
CF: I’m hopping on. This better be good :/
It took a (uncharacteristic) few minutes for a response.
LagKing
LK: Excited to seee uu ^>^
Rowan couldn’t help but laugh softly, shaking his head.
LagKing
LK: Hey, I was thinking…
LagKing
LK: We should call, right now
CTRLFreak
CF: Call? What happened to wanting to stay mysterious?
LagKing
LK: If you know me fron my voice, aren’t ya hust a stalker?
CTRLFreak
CF: I won’t recognize you
LagKing
LK: How could you be so sure?
CTRLFreak
CF: No one I know is as stupid as you.
LagKing
LK: I’m jk. Ur words cant wound me anymore
LagKing
LK: I’ll be in VC, if ya ever change ur mind
The loading screen flickered and faded to reveal Rowan’s avatar of white, fluffy hair and amber eyes.
He moved his cursor to check the ingame chat, and saw the usual spam from LK and the new addition of the open call in their VC.
Rowan’s cursor hovered over the join button, hesitant.
CTRLFreak
CF: Not very patiently.
LagKing
LK: Cant blame me for missing you, my sweetiepie.
LagKing
LK: Just join to listen to me talk;)
CTRLFreak
CF: And what are you going to say…or do?
LagKing
LK: Whatevee u want.
Rowan gulps unconsciously, throat suddenly dry.
LagKing
LK: I just wanna yap about sometjing
LagKing
LK: Yk…I got something that’s been bothering me.
Rowan relaxed slightly, before softening. He knew what this was about.
*CTRLFreak has entered the Voice Chat*
There was silence for a moment
The voice was smooth and…. Unnaturally high for a guy?!
CTRLFreak
CF: Hey, are you using a voice changer?
LagKing
LK VC: Uh…no. You don’t like my voice? *laughs obnoxiously*
CTRLFreak
CF: I just got the ick
LagKing
LK VC: Okay, okay! It’s a changer. Only because I knew you wouldn’t reveal your voice, so I’m just making things fair.
LagKing
LK VC: What, is it like talking to a girl? Are you nervous now, or disappointed?
CTRLFreak
CF: I feel like you’re insinuating something.
What Rowan felt was disappointment.
LagKing
LK VC: Of course not. Only that you’re not used to talking to girls.
CTRLFreak
CF: And you are?
LagKing
LK VC: Very much so.
LagKing
LK VC: Anyway, to the point…
Rowan prepared himself, ready to lend an ear.
LagKing
LK VC: …They’re doing it again. If this keeps up, I might be kicked out the house.
LagKing
LK VC: *muttered* Again.
LagKing
LK VC: I don’t know what to do this time. It’s like, I want to stand up for myself. But we both know how that’ll end up.
LagKing
LK VC: F*ck, I don’t want this to happen again…
There was silence, and a few deep sighs.
The chat displayed Rowan typing before disappearing repeatedly, like he was hesitating
LagKing
LK VC: Nevermind, sorry about this.
*LagKing has left the call*
LagKing
LK: Srry, C, I’ll b on tmr
*LagKing has left the chat.*
Rowan groaned and slapped his forehead.
Rowan
I really should get better at comforting people….
He stared blankly at the chat log and then the game screen.
Isnt it similar?
LagKing
LK: Wake uppp my tootiepatootie^>^
LagKing
LK: Rise and shine!
LagKing
LK: We’ve got a lot to do today!
LagKing
LK: No school as an excuse, it’s the weekend!
LagKing
LK: And no homework or studying, I know you do that stuff at club.
Rowan rubbed his groggy eyes and stretched, habitually reaching for his phone—a habit he had picked up ever since meeting LK.
CTRLFreak
CF: stop pingih me…im back to slepe
He dozed off, only to be woken with a barrage of messages
LagKing
LK: Don’t hate me, but I logged into ur account
LagKing
LK: Ur ONW account
LagKing
LK: to get us some things for the event
LagKing
LK: Ajyway, wanna hang today?
LagKing
LK: online, of course…unlesss
LagKing
LK: ur ready to meet?
LagKing
LK: I miss you already, Fewakie
CTRLFreak
CF: im still here…
CTRLFreak
CF: just let me wake up
LagKing
LK: I thought I’d have to hold a funeral!
CTRLFreak
CF: Keep harassing me and you’ll be holding your own funeral.
LagKing
LK: Now that I think about it. I gotta write you in my will
CTRLFreak
CF: Don’t think so far ahead.
LagKing
LK: Seriousl! We’ve known each other for what, a year and a half now?
CTRLFreak
CF: why ask if you know?
LagKing
LK: not the point. Point is, we’re basically family…or more.
CTRLFreak
CF: If that’s the case, I’m basically family…or more to like 70 other people.
LagKing
LK: Oohhh mister popular over here. Sign me an autographs
CTRLFreak
CF: sure, I’ll mail it over.
LagKing
LK: speaking of mail, send me ur mailbox so I cansend sometjing to you for Valentine’s Day.
CTRLFreak
CF: I don’t celebrate.
LagKing
LK: friends gift each other as well!
CTRLFreak
CF: I don’t celebrate.
CTRLFreak
CF: I also don’t give my address to people online…
LagKing
LK: are you saying we aren’t close enough? Ugh I’m wounded
LagKing
LK: how much longer till we’re closer?
CTRLFreak
CF: Once im sure you aren’t a creepy old guy.
LagKing
LK: But, how can I prove it, if we don’t meet up IRL?
CTRLFreak
CF: don’t wanna, not yet at least.
LagKing
LK: afriad youll be disappointed? They say never meet your heroes… in this case, you’re online bf.
CTRLFreak
CF: I don’t remember agreeing….
LagKing
LK: I don’t remember asking.
LagKing
LK: wanna okay ONW?
CTRLFreak
CF: No way, you had me boot up the game for no reason last night
LagKing
LK: excuse me for sharing my woes.
LagKing
LK: btw, thanks for listening to me. As always
LagKing
LK: sorry for venting
CTRLFreak
CF: it’s no problem
CTRLFreak
CF: please feel free to talk to me about whatever, whenever
CTRLFreak
CF: I care about you more than you think, and your feelings mean the most to me
CTRLFreak
CF: I mean, I jst don’t want u getting all emo and depresseed
LagKing
LK: wish you could see my smile
LagKing
LK: enough of this sappy stuff, or I might actually fall for u.
LagKing
LK: Make some free time in your schedule next weekend. I want to meet you, or at least video call.
CTRLFreak
CF: Meet up? Like IRL?
LagKing
LK: don’t be scared, I won’t do anything to u
CTRLFreak
CF: that’s not what im worried about… not that I am WORRIED…
LagKing
LK: bring a friend then
LagKing
LK: Maybs that guy ur always talking about
CTRLFreak
CF: he is not my friend! Not even close
CTRLFreak
CF: and I’d appreciate it if you don’t bring him up
LagKing
LK: uh oh, did y’all have some break up I didn’t hear about?
CTRLFreak
CF: youve gotta be together to break apart.
LagKing
LK: you really don’t like him, huh?
CTRLFreak
CF: Hm…it’s complicated. But if I were in a room with 500 strangers plus him, I’d choose to talk to all strangers
LagKing
LK: haha u really remind me of someone
CTRLFreak
CF: someone good and entertaining, I’d hope
LagKing
LK: some1 stuck up.
LagKing
LK: I think im in a similar situation to u with a guy
LagKing
LK: I mean, I certainly wouldn’t avoid him but…
LagKing
LK: he seems to be avoiding me.
LagKing
LK: idk tho I may just be crazy
CTRLFreak
CF: right, not everything’s about you.
LagKing
LK: always a realist
LagKing
LK: anyway, that reminds me… how’s school going for ya anyway?
CTRLFreak
CF: same as usual. Great grades, top of my class…all that stuff
LagKing
LK: yeah? Same here. We’re both top students then
LagKing
LK: What’s ur rank?
CTRLFreak
CF: Number 1, of course
LagKing
LK: You playing with me?
It took a short moment for LK to respond.
LagKing
LK: hm I was hoping we’d have the same rank so I’d feel better abt myself:/
LagKing
LK: Anndddd this adds onto the list of yiur qualities that remind me of him
CTRLFreak
CF: wow, you’re keeping a list… obsessed much?
LagKing
LK: Haha you have no idea
Rowan bit the tip of his tongue, feeling something rise in his throat…anger, annoyance, jealousy…? He shook his head
CTRLFreak
CF: Just talk to him
LagKing
LK: I like you better
CTRLFreak
CF: You are the worst.
LagKing
LK: I think you like me a lot
CTRLFreak
CF: but it sounds like he’s a bit of an @ss to you
LagKing
LK: makes things more interesting. Aren’t you an @ss as well?
CTRLFreak
CF: this isnt about me. And you sound like a playboy
LagKing
LK: oohhh so youve been seeing me in the wrong light this whole time. This is how I’ve always been!
LagKing
LK: also, I’ll find ways to make veeeything about you, my frikendtien
LagKing
LK: haha…joking, joking…
LagKing
LK: anyway, go ahead and start your day. I’ll text later
CTRLFreak
CF: thanks for the permission…
Rowan turned off his phone, staring up at the ceiling blankly for a moment before turning on his side.
Rowan
Two people who supposedly don’t get along… one seems more content than the other. Isnt LK just planning to play him or himself?
Rowan tossed and turned a moment longer before standing.
Rowan
Even though it’s the weekend, duty calls.
Rowan
And even worse…. I’ll have to be on call with..him.
Rowan’s heart pounded in what could only be irritation.
A couple hours later, Rowan opened his laptop and typed in the Zoom meeting code.
He started the meeting at 12 on the dot.
As members began joining, Rowan listed off the attendance list and was not surprised to see that Blake is late
Rowan
We’ll have to start without him.
Blake
Hmm, starting without your Vice President, prez? Not very kind.
Rowan
*Rowan can barely conceal his disappointment.* Very well, we will start now.
Rowan discussed some topics with the group, Blake occasionally chiming in with his unimportant thoughts. Although it was impossible to tell who was looking at who, Rowan could swear he felt Blake’s gaze on him.
After half an hour, Rowan dismissed the group except for Blake.
Rowan
Have you done what I asked you to do?
Rowan looked a little doubtful
Blake
If you don’t believe me, it would be easier for me to show you at my place.
Blake
It’s for the council, prez. Come on.
Rowan
Just send me your address.
Blake
Don’t act like you don’t know it.
Rowan
I forgot. Do it, or I’m not coming over.
Blake
Alright, alright. I got you.
Blake smiled, eyes softening in a way that made Rowan’s jaw tense.
Rowan
And don’t look at me like that.
Horrendous
Blake tapped his phone screen absentmindedly, the hint of a small smile on his face
Blake
The prez is really interesting. *he murmured.*
Blake leaned back in his chair, eyes wandering across his monitor and landing in Our New World. His lips pursed as he thought to himself silently before shaking his head.
—-It was a couple hours later when Rowan arrived at Blake’s house.
Rowan
I’ve been standing outside forever—and I don’t use hyperboles lightly. *Rowan spoke to himself.*
He rang the doorbell for the nth time.
Blake
Ah…council prez, you’re here.
Rowan’s eyes ran over the items in Blake’s arms, held carefully and firmly.
Blake walked out the house and shut the door with his foot.
Rowan
We aren’t going inside?
Blake
We aren’t at that stage yet. Besides, it’s a nice day out. *Blake briefly glanced behind himself, conflicted.*
Rowan wasn’t going to argue, not like he wanted to go into the guys house alone anyway.
They walked to a nearby park, sitting on a bunch under the shade.
Rowan
So, this is everything?
Rowan
And you’re absolutely sure?
Blake
Will you stop asking me questions?
Rowan
*he reaches for one of the posters.*
Blake
*Blake pulls it out the way, holding it far from Rowan’s reach.* What’s the magic word?
Blake
*he clears his throat and reluctantly hands the poster to Rowan.*
Blake
That’s the main poster. These ones here are the flyers…also more decorations in this bag.
Blake
Now, I’m not super good at decorating, but I’m confident in what I picked out.
Rowan looked at the big poster, the colors tacky and wonky. In big yellow lettering, it read “HAPPY VALENTINES DANCE”
Rowan
Why did you choose…yellow? And this font… wait, is this hand drawn? Did you also use your toes on your left foot or what?
Rowan
Did you actually get a preschooler to glue these ribbon on? And nothing about this is Valentines except for the actual word. Is the yellow supposed to symbolize piss?
Rowan
I’m all for the lack of romance, but I don’t need complaints about the gross decor.
Blake stared, mouth slightly agape.
Blake
The yellow…is for happiness… And I thought the font looked nice and hand drawn shows my effort….art is better by hand… *he mumbled.*
Rowan
Better… *Rowan repeated incredulously before snapping out of it.* Hey…Nevermind,
Rowan
It’s not that bad, really. I mean, I’m just kind of being picky.
Rowan
I think the composition is nice!
Blake
*Blake looks at him expectantly.*
Blake
*he wilts a little but seems to accept it.*
Rowan
A-anyway, we can work on it more..together.
Blake
I don’t really think I could stand to work with you.
Rowan
*Rowan nearly choked but regained his composure.* Elaborate…
Blake
You’re a total control freak. You may as well work on it yourself, the result would be the same.
Rowan
Yeah, because you wouldn’t contribute any ideas!
Rowan stood, face flushed and brows furrowed.
Rowan
Just send me the final product by midnight!
He spat out before storming off.
Rowan
Control freak… *he mumbled under his breath, mockingly.*
Rowan
Yeah right…he’s the…
Rowan
*he sighs, slowing his steps.*
Rowan
Why do I let him get under my skin…?
LagKing
LK: Heyyy Frankie, u ready to play sum ONW??
LagKing
LK: Listos, mi amor?
CTRLFreak
CF: I’m not even home.
LagKing
LK: WYA? Nothing to do tdy. Let’s just play and call.
CTRLFreak
CF: Just because you have nothing to do, doesn’t mean I have nothing to do.
LagKing
LK: Come on, aren’t you curious why I want to see you so bad?
LagKing
LK: I had an idea~
LagKing
LK: We can drop subtle hints about who we are every chat up until next weekend when it’s time for our meeting.
LagKing
LK: We both know we’re in the same area, but that could be up to an hour away so… it could be a fun challenge. Don’t cha think?
CTRLFreak
CF: That sounds…not too bad, actually.
CTRLFreak
CF: Are you sure you’re good at games like that though?
LagKing
LK: Of course~ why else would I mention it?
LagKing
LK: Okay, so I’ll start. But of course you won’t know exactly when.
LagKing has left the chat
Rowan stopped in his tracks at the alluring smell of coffee. He gulped. He shouldn’t…the caffeine….but it smelled so good….
Rowan walked into the cafe before he could change his mind. The door opened with a soft ding
He looked around, noting how little it’s changed since he’d last been there some years ago.
Rowan
But there are many new options… *his eyes searched the menu.*
Rin
Hello, welcome in. New here?
The boy, who looked around Rowan’s age, barely glanced up. He spoke in a monotone voice and offered nothing else but the bare minimum.
Rowan
Uh… kind of, sort of.
He looked up and locked eyes with Rowan, his blue eyes widened a fraction in response.
He grinned, full teeth and snag tooth as his eyes gleamed.
Rin
I have a few recommendations! Why don’t you sit down in the corner over there, and I’ll bring you some. On the house.
Rowan
On the house? I couldn’t possibly…
He urged Rowan over there playfully.
Rowan couldn’t help but think it was pretty unprofessional…. Still , he sat.
Rowan watched as the redhead ran behind the counter again and began preparing a bunch of things, only pausing to take the orders of a few more people albeit with a bit of an attitude.
Rowan
Does he know me or something… *Rowan murmured to himself.*
He didn’t think he would ever forget such a character, if so.
As the redhead came over, Rowan saw the shine of his name tag which said: RIN.
Rowan
Rin…? Not ringing any bells.
Rin
What was that? *he asked politely, yet with a hint of familiarity.*
Rowan
I was just wondering, do we know each other?
Rin
Oh uh…well, not really. *he laughed a little sheepishly as he sat four cups of coffee down.*
Rin
Here, I think you’d enjoy these.
Rowan
Oh thanks, but I don’t think I could drink four cups…especially of caffeine…
Rin
None of it has caffeine! And, it’s really just for you to taste. *Rin gently slid a cup of hot coffee over.* It’s my specialty.
Rin
*Rin sat across from Rowan, looking almost eager.*
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