Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

When Chocolate Bar received his acceptance letter in the mail that he was going to star in a reality contest TV show, he absolutely couldn’t believe it!

After graduating university with a Bachelor Honour’s in film production, as a budding show producer himself, life has been… pretty slow. He’s still working his dull part-time job in retail, simultaneously researching job opportunities or perhaps, even planning to be his own film company.

Now, this opportunity to star in a show? Why, it was perfect! The insight to the behind the scenes of production, speaking to the producers themselves and gathering inspiration for his own project - plus, being in a show is just COOL!?

Chocolate Bar remembers the moment he came across a flyer left discarded on the floor when the closing hours of the store he works at approached. ‘ENTITIES: a new reality show in the making! COMPLETE THE APPLICATION THROUGH THE URL BELOW TO DEBUT AS A CONTESTANT!’

He didn’t even give it a second thought; of course he’s going to apply! The boy rushes home to his computer as soon as he finished closing up, typing in the URL into the search bar and completes the relatively short application. Now he just needed to get shortlisted for an interview and hopefully, get accepted as a contestant!

In the two weeks that followed, entailed a series of Chocolate Bar constantly checking his email inbox every two minutes, pacing his room so much he might’ve dug a hole with the amount of times he walked over the same area, this upcoming show being all he ever talked about with his work colleagues.

“You’re absolutely losing it, Chocolate Bar! Breathe, it’ll be fine!” one of his colleagues says, casually leaning against a wheeled clothing rack with a cup of coffee in one hand. The clothing rack began rolling and she nearly falls onto her face, spilling a bit of coffee to which she guiltily giggled and just stepped over it in an obviously bad attempt to hide it.

“I really need this! It could finally be what helps me achieve my dream of having my own show!” Chocolate Bar paces back and forth in a nervous state, fiddling with his fingers and keeping his gaze down.

His friend took another sip of her drink, “not sure how being in a show 'elps ya make one, but go on I guess!”

“You wouldn’t understand of course, you’re not a film graduate you chemistry nerd!” Chocolate Bar finally stops pacing, pausing his panicked state to just enjoy talking to his friend. He hasn’t done that in a while, and he had to admit, he felt a bit guilty for it.

“Hey! Chemistry’s cool! Dissertations are hell, though,” she laughs.

“Tell me about it.”

“You already done yours though, ain’t ya?”

Chocolate Bar nods, “barely. My professors weren’t really a fan of me, though. I feel like they failed me in my class tests on purpose.”

“At least ya graduated! Honours, too. I’d say you’re the nerd 'ere!” Chocolate Bar playfully smacks her arm as she cackles.

“Am not!”

Chocolate Bar returns home almost forgetting about the application business. Then he hears a ping and a brief vibration from his phone as he’s relaxing in his room late in the evening, and finds a notification from his email.

Hearts race, but Chocolate Bar’s absolutely flew. The subject of the email read ‘Application outcome’, and CB was beginning to seriously regret ever applying. Perhaps if he never opens the email, he won’t ever be disappointed. So he won’t. Nope, that email doesn’t exist. He never applied. What even is an email? He doesn’t know.

…

CB opens the email.

He felt his heart beating literally in his mouth as the full email was loading up. And as the words appeared on the screen, his eyes were frantic, scanning the whole email, unable to read coherently. But seeing the words ‘congratulations!’, ‘confirm’ and ‘interview date’ first, he almost felt like he was going to pass out. He did it! Almost. All he has to do now is impress them in the interview. Piece of cake! He’s done interviews before! Well, only once, but that’s still something!

Shaking with adrenaline, he goes off the email app and onto the phone app, tapping to call his friend with frantic fingers.

“You will NEVER guess what!”

Chapter Text

Chocolate Bar hauled his two suitcases over to the front door and set them aside momentarily to open the door. He rechecked his train’s departure time on his phone; he had enough time. Pocketing his phone, he took ahold of his two suitcases and continued wheeling them out of the house.

It was about four hours to his destination. Why was it so far, CB wonders. While the length of the journey itself wasn’t an issue, he’s been on long trips before, it was rather the quality of the trip. What a bumpy train! CB could hardly rest without an issue. Plus, the weakest internet connection in history. CB being someone who doesn’t plan ahead, had used up all his mobile data binge-watching BFDI with his co-worker in their shifts, and didn’t realise until he got on the train and attempted to call up a friend that he was down to literally just 20 MB of data for the month. Oh, just excellent!

Frustrating enough as it is, he decided to just settle with the crappy train WiFi, suppressing the urge to shatter the train window with his phone as YouTube kept buffering every ten seconds.

Then the train suddenly halted. Were they there already?

CB looked out and could only see miles of empty grass fields. This can’t be it?

He was right. The train broke down. Oh, happy days.

Eventually, they did make it to the correct place. Exiting the godforsaken train, he looked around on the small and relatively empty platform. There was nobody else there, other than an elderly couple sat on a bench. Falling asleep.

Chocolate Bar also seemed to be the only one getting off at this stop, because the train began chugging away almost immediately after he stepped off.

The emptiness puzzled him. Was he at the right place?

He felt his face slightly break out in a cold sweat in panic, not knowing at all what he would do if he got off at the wrong place. This literally seems like the middle of nowhere.

He went onto the mail app, searching his inbox for the email he was sent with information about the day:

Dear competitor,

Another congratulations on being chosen to compete in a reality show! We look forward to meeting you!

Below we have attached your train ticket to Operose Town, where the show will be hosted (already paid for, just scan it at a ticket machine to get it printed). It's a relatively peaceful place, with some really nice greenery if you're into nature - there's also a town centre nearby (about a 15 minute walk), with all sorts of shops and cafes!

Once you arrive at Operose, there will be a poster at the train station where its purpose will be to guide you to where you need to go next. You should arrive at a gated area where someone will be there to verify your identity. We expect all our contestants should arrive promptly before 4PM, where we will begin introductions, additional information, house-keeping rules and you will be assigned to one of two cabins. Refreshments provided!

Any enquiries or issues, please email to [email protected].

Safe journey!

Chocolate Bar looked up and scanned the area for a poster. He soon spotted the familiar bright-coloured eye-catching font of the show’s title, on a poster that was stuck up lopsidedly near the edge of the platform. Thank Glub, he was in the right place! Otherwise he thought he might join the elderly couple on the bench and have a meltdown.

He followed what the poster said and made his way off the old wooden platform, walking along a gravel path. They were right, this place was very green. The path he was on was lined with short shrubs, dotted with little yellow or white flowers. The occasional rose. Then it was all grass, grass, grass. He could see cottage-like buildings not far from where he was walking. They were very empty though, only a few people sat on one of the picnic tables with drinks, laughing very loudly and obviously enjoying themselves.

The comfortably warm April weather made the trek along this long, rocky path almost worth it for CB. There was a slight breeze and some clouds that nicely balanced out the hot rays of the sun. Flowers and trees in bloom - how pleasant!

It, however, did not ease much the inconvenience of having to drag along his bouncing suitcase on the bumpy road, pausing several times or slowing down to stop the bag bouncing off its wheels and onto its side entirely.

Thankfully, the bag wasn’t too heavy. Chocolate Bar didn’t pack too much.

In an email, they did mention that the course of the show was spanning over a month and a bit, therefore to pack sensibly.

CB didn’t reckon he needed to bring any articles of clothing. They don’t really wear clothes, anyway. He did, however, bring a sleeping mask and nightcap. Yes, a nightcap like you see in cartoons, the one that looks kind of like a Santa hat. Of course Chocolate Bar would have one.

He also packed snacks. Tons of snacks. Crisps, pastries, sweets, you name it. CB did always fancy his late-night object show-binging in bed, with a packet or two of delectable goodies (that was a lie, he definitely has way more than two packets).

Then, naturally, the necessities; his phone charger, toothbrush and toothpaste, a bathing loofah - also lots of water, because CB gets thirsty a lot (get it? Because he’s a chocolate bar, and chocolate makes you thirsty… no..?)

Soon enough, Chocolate Bar could see a large, black metal gate ahead, with well-trimmed grass beyond. There was, indeed, a stern-looking fellow patrolling the entrance. They were stood stock still, arms behind back, staring right ahead. CB thought they were looking at him, though he couldn’t really tell as they wore some pretty dark shades. Even so, he tried to avoid looking at their face and instead looked down at the little rocks in his path, purposefully kicking a few as he made his way over.

He arrived at the gate and awaited the security person to say something, anything to him - a good afternoon, an instruction perhaps - but their mouth did not even waver, keeping a slight frown. In fact, they didn’t shift their position at all. They just kept on staring ahead at nothing, arms behind back.

Chocolate Bar fiddled with his fingers as he awaited nervously in this awkward situation, but it was apparent they weren’t going to get anywhere waiting for this person to speak first. Clearing his throat, he began, “uh… hey..? Um, I’m here for the Entities show. A-as a contestant.” CB was surprised at how small his voice sounded. He never realised how… intimidating a silent person could be.

Still not moving their position, the guard replies, in a sharp tone, “show me any form of identification.”

Their sudden, loud instruction made CB jump slightly, but he tried to play it off and quickly composed himself. He reached into his pocket for his wallet, and from the wallet he produced his driver’s license. He extended his arm in an attempt to hand it over to scary-security-guard, but they still kept their posture. CB suppressed making a sarcastic comment about “wow how cooperative they’re being right now!!” but he was deathly afraid of this person. Probably a single punch from them would be enough to send Chocolate Bar all the way back home.

“Uh…” CB kept his arm extended but still to no avail. Eventually, he decided to hold the license up to scary-security-guard’s eye level, and after a few seconds of silent observation, they finally turn their head to look down at Chocolate Bar’s face, making him feel very small and weak, and they pulled up a phone and appeared to look for something. Then they looked from the phone, to the license, to Chocolate Bar, back to the license, then the phone.

After the awkward exchange, the guard turned around, entered a code in the locked metal gate, and with a beep, they pushed the gate wide open. Chocolate Bar makes his way in, with uncertainty. The path changes from its rough texture to a much smoother one - no stray rocks, and a lot cleaner. His suitcase’s wheels can finally catch a break.

“Welcome! You’re the fifth one to join us!” a pink snow cone welcomed CB. Not too far along the path that lead to two cabins, there was a large field with pine trees, and a hill even further ahead. Around the perimeter were large mountains. There was a lake close by with a dock, and that was where the host for Entities, a pink snow cone (I’ll just call him Snow Host because I can’t think of a better alternative lmao) was with four others who were stood with their suitcases; Beret, looking rather worried; Pineapple, who seemed more outgoing and eager; Steak, who was leaning on his suitcase, about to fall asleep, and Onion, looking quite ready for the contests.

“The others should be here soon, I think they live the furthest out of all of you,” Snow Host says, consulting his watch. “In the meantime, fancy a cookie?” He holds up a plate of chocolate chip cookies towards Chocolate Bar, to which he gratefully accepts one.

Even further than four hours? Wow, wonder how they’re holding up, CB wonders. It was currently 3:41, so there was time to wait for more arrivals. Almost immediately, another crossed the grass and was greeted by the host.

Soon after, two others arrived. Then Snow Host begins, “brilliant! There are now eight of you here! We do have one more contestant though.” He smiles brightly as he slightly glances behind him. Why was this contestant stood behind him, Chocolate Bar ponders. He didn’t see them approach…

Then again, he was pretty occupied talking to the others.

“Last, but certainly not least; my daughter, Snow Cone!” He steps aside and reveals the aforementioned contestant, who stood timidly but one could tell she was rather excited to compete.

Chocolate Bar found his eyes were fixated on this individual. He felt almost… drawn to her, somehow. He does recall feeling like this when he first talked to his co-worker friend; they hit it off almost immediately and became such close friends so quickly - perhaps this was that same instance! CB hoped to be able to talk to her soon.

“Go ahead and join the others, Snow Cone!” her father prompted her, and the blue snow cone quietly made her away over and joined the small huddle of contestants.

“Welcome to Entities, a competition show for a million dollars! You will all partake in a series of challenges and games, and one by one, you will all go home.”

Snow Host went on to explain the games’ rules, and how each episode will take place. All while CB’s mind kept drifting back to a particular blue-iced snow cone.

“Now, you will each be assigned to one of two cabins, which you would’ve seen walking here,” the host gestures towards the two cabins near the entrance. He presents a small, open box in his hands. “Right, each of you come and collect your own key and free lunch passes. These lunch passes work at any cafe or restaurant between 11AM and 2PM, where you can get a whole meal free! Handy, isn’t it?”

The crowd rushes over to collect a small bag containing either a red or blue key, assigning them to either the ‘red’ or ‘blue’ cabin, and a small card which CB assumed was the free lunch card. He received a red key and tried to spot out who else was also a red cabin-er. Some contestants already began making their way to the cabins, but CB did see that Beret, whom he already talked to quite a bit, was in the same cabin as him.

“Hey! I see we’re both in the red cabin!” Chocolate Bar says, showing Beret his key.

“Oh, nice! Let’s go over and check it out,” they reply, smiling.

CB couldn’t find Snow Cone anywhere, perhaps she already went to her cabin. He hoped they were in the same cabin.

Enough, why do I keep thinking back to that girl?! Chocolate Bar mentally scolded himself. It’s fine, they will get a chance to speak at some point, and they can become friends.

Over at the red cabin, decorated as such with a light red carpet, red velvet sofas, curtains, lamps - at the entrance was a sort of common room with sofas and chairs and tables; a TV, pool table, bookshelf and a mini kitchen, decorated nicely with ceiling fairy lights. Down the corridor, it leads to another room with two bunk beds, drawers, a door to a small bathroom and a wardrobe. Kind of wasted, really.

“Woah, this is pretty cool!” CB remarks, taking in his surroundings.

“Not a fan of them fairy lights, though,” Onion says, looking up disapprovingly at the little lights hanging above.

“I think they’re kinda nice,” Beret adds.

“Whatever. Aren’t we supposed to have four of five of us here? Where’re our other cabin-mates?”

CB scanned the cabin, but couldn’t find who their fourth and/or fifth cabin-mates would be. He decided to check out the bedroom and cracked the mystery.

Snow Cone already had a bed claimed with her suitcase laying atop it, which was opened as she took our her belongings and organised them in a drawer. Upon hearing the door open, she halted what she was doing and looked towards the door, looking slightly anxious.

CB, for the first time, found he was at a loss for words. What does he say? What should he say? He wanted to say hello and introduce himself, but he couldn’t find his voice. What was the matter with him?!

“Oh, uhm… hi..” Snow Cone squeaks out. “S-sorry, I just wanted to… uhm, put my things away first so I wouldn’t have to deal with it later, heh.” She stands up and walks over to a still frozen Chocolate Bar. “I… realise now, it is a bit rude to, y'know, claim a bed and drawer without meeting my cabin-mates first, so… I’m Snow Cone!”

Chapter Text

“I’m Snow Cone!”

The girl, now standing a few feet away from Chocolate Bar, was what brought him back down to Earth. She was, in a not very obvious manner, fiddling with her fingers and wore a bashful, yet such an amiable smile. CB opened his mouth to respond, “oh, I…” his voice cracks and he promptly turns away and clears his throat to start again. “I’m Chocolate Bar. Sorry if I frightened you, I didn’t mean to at all! We were just wondering where our other cabin-mates might be, so I just, y’know, thought to look here, and you… were here! Putting your stuff away, I see! Very organised!”

He was rambling. Get ahold of yourself, Chocolate Bar?!

Snow Cone laughs and nods, twisting her hands even more, “yep! Just wanted to get it over and done with.. I’m hoping it’s not, like, awkward or anything…”

“Oh, no! Not at all! At least, I don’t think so!” Then CB gets an idea, one that had his heart beat fill his entire chest cavity - and even more so as he suggested this idea to Snow Cone.

“Say, would you like some help unpacking? Of course, if you’re okay with it, y’know!”

The girl’s eyes widened slightly and her smile brighter, “oh! If that’s not too much trouble! Thank you!” They both make their way over to the open suitcase, its remaining belongings still neatly inside. CB is careful handling Snow Cone’s things, as if they’re artifacts. Snow Cone indicates to him where she’d like him to put them, and he does so with such gentleness and presentation.

There wasn’t much left to put away, so the pair were done in almost no time. It felt like time absolutely flew for them both as they conversed during their task: about where they live, favourite childhood shows, what season of Inanimate Insanity is the best… CB then remembers he left his own baggage outside the bedroom, and they both agree to unpack his bag together too.

‘This is going so well… so well! Don’t mess this up now, Chocolate Bar!’ he triumphantly thinks to himself.

They open the door and find Onion and Beret sat on a rug, in the middle of a game of Uno. Beret seems to be winning, with two cards left, and Onion seemed on the verge of raging, his face flushed red as he not very subtly glared at Beret, handling his many cards. Beret placed down a card down, a +2, and cheerfully called out, “Uno!”

This was Onion’s last straw. He stands up and throws all his cards down, and points a finger to the other, “CHEATS! You’re cheating! I’m out, I’m done!” He storms off, swinging open the cabin door and exiting back to the outside, not even bothering to shut the door behind him.

“Well…” CB was the first to speak after a few prolonged moments of silence. This prompted Snow Cone behind him to laugh a bit, to which he joined in. Beret, who at first was startled by Onion’s outburst, soon eased into some light laughter as well.

The first night was, in terms of sleep quality, not ideal. Especially after the long journey, CB would have appreciated a non-turbulent sleep.

He kept awaking every couple of hours, and it took him a while to fall back asleep. Any movement he or the three others made rattled the wooden bunk beds, which always was startling in the otherwise dead silent night. Snow Host had told them all to be awake and ready at 8AM sharp.

During one of his sleep-interrupts, Chocolate Bar reached for his phone under his pillow - no drawer nearby since he was on a top bunk - and switched it on. The blinding light of the lock screen startled him and he squinted hard, quickly changing the screen brightness to its lowest, making it easier for his eyes to adjust. 3:22AM, his screen reads. He switched off his phone and face-planted the pillow in frustration. Well, this was going to be fun…

Eventually, he opened his eyes and found the room was much brighter than before. Sunlight seeped through the blinds and the room regained its colour. He sleepily sat up, rubbing his eyes until his vision returned back to normal. Onion was still passed out, blanket half on the floor; Beret seemed like they were awake for a while, sat on their neatly made bed cross-legged, on their phone. Snow Cone was nowhere to be seen in the room. Chocolate Bar tried to look over the edge of the top bunk to peek the bottom bunk, seeing if she was still sleeping. The bed was empty, and neatly made too - she was awake already. Of course she was.

His lock screen read 7:42AM. Well, if he wanted to make a good first impression on his first day being on TV, he had to be punctual of course.

Except, punctuality was never his strong point. The only reason he hadn’t gotten fired yet was because the retail store was terribly under-staffed.

Nearly falling off the bunk bed ladder, CB made haste in getting ready.

“Good morning, contestants! How did you all rest?” Snow Host welcomes the group, in an overly cheerful tone. Who was this energised at 8 in the morning?

“Meh..” a small contestant called Mint replied, shrugging.

“Yeah! Quite good!” Pineapple chirped, in equal energy to the host.

“I’m hungry,” Porkchop deadpanned, sat on the grass.

“Hungry? Did- did you not have breakfast?” the host tilts his head in confusion. “You all have kitchens in your cabins… with food. Don’t tell me you didn’t know..”

“WHAT?” Porkchop yells.

Flower Pot looked lost, “wait, really?”

Mint shrugs, “well, I can’t cook anyway.”

“Blue cabin, you’ve really got to get yourself together,” Snow Host shakes his head. “I stocked it all with cereal and pastries and everything!”

“Would it… be too late to go quickly eat something?” Porkchop asks, holding his stomach.

“Yes.”

“…aaand we’re rolling. Hello viewers! Welcome to the first episode of the reality competition show, Entities! Nine contestants will individually battle it out in a series of wacky fun and crazy contests for a chance to win a million dollars!”

CB looked around in awe at the camera crew that surrounded them. Each of them had little microphones attached to them too, and told specifically not to fiddle around with them, and this was extremely hard for Chocolate Bar. All of this was so exciting!

He looked down again at the little microphone attached to the top of his wrapper and felt giddy all over again. Looking up again, he caught the eye of Snow Cone, who stood a short distance away. She smiled such a bright smile, clearly excited herself - CB could barely maintain eye contact as he grinned back, feeling warmth blanket over his whole face.

“Now, contestants!” the host turned his attention to the mostly attentive group. He then gestures over to the side. “Beside the dock, I have prepared a large sand pit - your first challenge will be a sand-castle building contest! A box of all sorts of spades and buckets and such has been provided. I will be judging based on originality, intricacy and creativity. On my countdown, run over and grab the tools you need - nine plots have been divided on the sand pit for each of you to claim.”

The host turns back to everyone, holding up a hand to commence the countdown. “Three.. two.. one.. go!”

And off they went! Kind of… some contestants did run, some just walked, and some flopped over and just groaned - well, one in particular.

“So… hungry… ugh…” Porkchop complains, rolling about in his agony. Snow Host stood and stared at the individual. “Well… I can’t really give you food now.. but I promise food after the contest! Eh?” He tries encouraging him.

Porkchop lifts his head up. “Or…” he begins. “There is already food available for me in the contest!” With his newfound determination, he gets up and stumbles over to the sand pit.

Snow Host had no idea what he had in mind, but as long as he did the contest, it was fine… right?

CB managed to get his hands on a couple decent sand-castle buckets, and a relatively big shovel. There were also bags of seashells in the box, but Pineapple took all of them. All five bags.

“Mine’s gonna be the grandest, and prettiest of all!” she declares, holding up the bags of seashells and hopping over to her own plot of land.

“Pineapple-uh! Stop hogging, I want some!” Cup protests, stomping his foot and trying to reach for a bag. The fruit holds the bags up high and, being taller than Cup significantly, triumphs in keeping her claimed goods. “Nope! Finders keepers!” she laughs hysterically as Cup struggled, getting more agitated.

There was a lot of wrestling for certain items - CB was lucky to have claimed his earlier than most, and decided on a plot on the sand which sat furthest from everyone. He had a significant amount of space to work with, and, while digging a base, begun thinking up what he wanted his castle to look like.

A couple of camera people hovered above them, taking in all this action with their large cameras. CB suddenly became sub-conscious about how he appeared in front of the camera, and adjusted his posture and facial expression to look natural, and not awfully goofy, together. He kept himself busy digging the base, because frankly, he still had no idea where he was going with this. And he sincerely hoped nobody tried to duel him with spades for resources, he didn’t want to look incredibly stupid on camera. He turns around to the other contestants.

Yes, Pineapple and Cup were now spade-fighting for seashells. Amusing as it is, and normally Chocolate Bar would love to get in the action and joke and laugh along, he had a contest to win. He turns back around, now aware that one of the camera people were recording him specifically. Just breathe, naturally, deep breaths, he tells himself internally, trying to maintain normal breathing. Which was halted when somebody tapped him on the shoulder. It was Snow Cone. Not what he needed right now!

“Um, I’m so sorry to bother you, but can I just quickly borrow one of your buckets? Mine was stolen…” she uneasily turns around to Porkchop, who was sat shovelling sand into his mouth out of a sand-castle bucket.

CB stares at Porkchop. “Is he… eating… whatever, um, here, you can take this one! And don’t worry about returning it! You can, uhm, keep it for as long as you need! The buckets don’t even belong to us anyway, so it’s not really my bucket, it’s the host’s, so don’t feel like, y’know, you gotta return it to me or anything, uh- what I’m saying is, I don’t mind!” Chocolate Bar gabbled on. And the camera was still on him. Great, just great - what was wrong with him?!

He felt his heart-beat literally in his mouth, and his palms felt all sweaty as he held onto the handle of the sand-castle bucket he wished to give to the girl in front of him. She took the bucket into her hands, grinning, “thank you so much! You’re so nice to me, Chocolate Bar!” she immediately looked shyer after that comment, giggling and peering down into the bucket. This whole exchange felt so awkward, and the camera was still on them. Brilliant.

“Aaaand time’s up! Let’s see how you all fared!” Snow Host announces, the cameras suddenly turning to him.

Pineapple was up first. Her structure looked like a classical medieval castle - four walls, four towers at each corner - but absolutely covered top to bottom in the most colourful seashells Chocolate Bar has ever seen in his life. They were definitely painted, no way that a stripey rainbow-coloured seashell was natural. “The prettiest castle ever!” she dubbed it.

“We need sunglasses to look at that monstrosity!” Onion replied, covering his eyes.

“Very… colourful! I see that you used every single seashell we provided and left none for the others.. how competitive. 6/10,” Snow Host says, eager to move onto the next sand-castle.

CB leaned over to Snow Cone and remarked in a low voice, “I don’t know what’s more criminal; the kind of seashells he wanted us to use or him giving that high of a score.” Snow Cone turned to CB with wide eyes, her lips pressed together in a suppressed laugh as she flushed pink. He in turn silently laughed, keeping his mouth covered with his hand as he tried to appear natural.

“Oi! I heard that, you Hershey’s knock-off!” Pineapple shouted, arms folded. This set both Snow Cone and Chocolate Bar laughing out loud, and it might’ve felt awkward since they were the only ones laughing, but they were too in bliss to even care.

“Enough! Save your insults for the roasting contest that’s in a few days! Now,” he looked over at Flower Pot, whose plot was next to Pineapple’s. “Let’s see yours, shall we?”

Voting Porkchop off was a, more or less, unanimous decision by the contestants. All he did for the entire 45 minutes was steal sand from everyone’s plots - not for his own sand-castle - but to eat.

“Was I not supposed to eat the sand?” he questions dumbly.

“It was sand-castle building? What?!” Beret retorts.

Snow Host face-palms, “I said you would get a chance to eat something after the contest! How are you even digesting any of that?!”

“I mean,” Porkchop’s eyes just wander off as he speaks, “sand is essentially, just salt.”

“No, it literally isn’t. Anyway, it’s time for you to go home!”

Porkchop sighs. “Well… I guess I’ll miss you all… especially you, Golf Ball.”

“Uh, I’m Mint-”

He pats Mint on the head and makes his way over to the cabin.

“We have literally never spoken,” she says to the others as they watch Porkchop slowly make his way to his cabin.

“And that concludes the first episode of Entities!” Snow Host talks to the camera, ending the first episode. Chocolate Bar still couldn’t quite believe he just aired on TV.. for however many people were going to see this. He knew for sure his co-workers were seeing this. He didn’t have his phone on him all day, so he just knew he was going to get bombarded with notifications from anyone who knows CB and viewed the episode.

But for now, he really needed to rest up - the day, while not that long, was filled with the contest, going for lunch in the nearby town which was 15 minutes away, going in and out of shops, walking back, getting partially lost, nearly getting hit by a car, and now all the elimination excitement. Not to mention, the lack of adequate sleep.

Returning to the cabin, he immediately threw himself onto his bed and sighed in content as his head sank in the pillow. There was quite a bit to unfold about today’s events, even yesterday’s events he didn’t properly process yet - but he was too exhausted to exert any energy at all.

Onion and Beret had Ludo out, and asked Snow Cone if she wanted to join them. Snow Cone looked into the ajar bedroom door, finding Chocolate Bar passed out in bed, and politely declined their offer. She walked into the room and shut the door, drowning out Onion’s “you are going down!!” shouts. She smiled seeing Chocolate Bar so sound and peaceful - he was so tired out he didn’t even pull his blanket over him! So she decided to do that for him - standing on her own bed to reach his, pulling the scrunched up blanket and laying it over him. She then seated herself on her bed, opened her drawer and took out a book, resuming her reading from a bookmarked page.

Chapter Text

Early next morning, Chocolate Bar wakes up to Onion and Beret talking. Beret sees Chocolate Bar wake up.

“Oh, you’re awake! That’s good, we were all hoping to go to a cafe for breakfast before the next challenge,” they smile.

Chocolate Bar rubs his heavy eyes and looks at his lock screen. “It’s.. nearly 7 o’clock.. how are you awake so early?!” he grumbled in his low, morning voice.

The door opens a little and in walks Snow Cone. “Are you guys ready?” she asks the pair, then she notices Chocolate Bar sitting up on his bed. “Oh, you’re awake! We tried waking you up..” she rubs the back of her head and laughs nervously. “But you were… very asleep. Do you wanna come with us?”

Chocolate Bar’s gaze trails from Snow Cone down to his own blanket, pressing his lips together as he thought about it. A hang out with Snow Cone and the others… sounded fun. A chance to get to know her better! And them too, of course. Perhaps for once he should get up early. He looks back up and gives Snow Cone an affirming nod and smile. “Yeah, I’ll tag along!”

He pulls the blanket off his legs as he crawled off the mattress and onto the small ladder. Snow Cone looked delighted at the answer, clasping her hands together. “Wonderful! I’ll wait out here, okay?” she exits the room, closing the door politely behind her. Onion makes his way over to the door too, his hand on the handle. “Yeah, me too. Don’t take ages, ‘kay?” He swings it open and leaves, not bothering to close it.

Chocolate Bar makes his way over to the bathroom. Once he did what he needed, with some haste, he exits to find Beret digging through a bag, frustration on their face.

“You good?” Chocolate Bar asks, tilting his head.

“I can’t find my wallet! I swear I put it here!” they explain, staring down at their now disorganised mess of a bag, items all over the place. Their face shows a slight tinge of worry as they look at Chocolate Bar. “Y-you don’t think I might’ve dropped it… do you?”

CB shakes his head firmly, trying not to panic the poor person. “No, it must be here somewhere! Maybe you misplaced it when you were unpacking?”

The two search all around the room; under beds, inside every drawer, in the closet - but it was nowhere to be found. Beret was looking very worried now, eyes wide and a slightly paled face. “Oh! Where could it be?!”

Right in that moment, Onion swings the door open, making it hit against the wall a little. His eyes remained fixated on his phone. “M’yeah, Beret, forgot to give this back to ya.” He tosses a little black wallet with a non-binary flag sticker on it, and Beret, by pure reflex, reached out their arms to catch it. They peered at it for a second in confusion, then in surprise. “What? Onion, you had it?!”

His eyes look up briefly from his phone and he has a small, mischievous smile. “Y’see, I woke up at midnight last night and I said to myself, I said, ‘wow I’m very hungry. Perhaps I should get a midnight snack’. So I went quietly to the kitchen but all the food in the cabinets are… subpar. So I thought I could go to a nearby shop and buy something, they’re bound to have a 24-hour shop right? I went to get my wallet but I couldn’t find my bag and I didn’t wanna wake y’all, then I see Beret’s bag by their bed and it’s just… there. Was even left open. So I promised to make a very small purchase with your card and give it back to you as soon as.”

Beret stared on, dumbfounded.

“So… what did you get?” Chocolate Bar asks.

“Just some Pringles. Was good.” His eyes were back on his phone.

Beret’s face scrunched up in frustration. “You- I.. Onion, you don’t take people’s wallets without asking!? Couldn’t you have waited until the morning?”

“But I was soooo hungry!” Onion whines, putting his phone away. “Besides, I didn’t spend too much. I’ll pay ya back, I promise.”

Beret just shook their head. “Oh, just… don’t worry about it.” They were too nice to stay mad at anyone. Too nice for their own good, they thought.

The group sets off on a path to the nearby town in the crisp early morning air. The sun barely crossed the horizon, painting the sky in washes of pale blue, orange and yellow. The wind was a bit chilly, but nothing unbearable. They could hear the birds singing sweetly from nearby trees. It was mostly silent, a casual comment or two and a laugh shared between them every now and then.

Soon, their surroundings shift from grasslands to shops and cafes and a bar. The bar was still shut, a grumpy-looking employee scrubbing the bench-tables out front. Some stores were closed, some open, with but a few inside holding baskets and walking from aisle to aisle.

The group decide to go into the nearest cafe, a blackboard standing near the entrance detailing today’s specials and meal deal offers. They enter, a soft bell ringing to signal their entrance. The inside was a contrast to the outside’s cool air; it was a cozily warm atmosphere, wooden chairs and tables with little potted plants placed centre, fake vines and fairy lights adorning the walls and cashier’s counter. Some upbeat Lo-Fi style music was audible, although it mainly stayed in the background. Chocolate Bar counted only two people sat on tables; one had a large coffee cup and their gaze fixed on a laptop screen, the other silently enjoying a pastry.

“So, where will we sit?” he queries, keeping his voice volume appropriately low to match the comforting vibe of the place.

Onion couldn’t care less, though. “There, that table for four,” he replies in his usual crass manner. CB could’ve sworn he saw the laptop person shoot a glare in their direction.

They go over to claim this table. There was no physical menu of any sort on the table, everything was listed above the counter on a screen.

Beret pulls out their wallet from their handbag, keeping a tight grip on it as they place the handbag on their chair. “I kinda fancy something sugary, what about you guys?” they ask.

“Just a coffee,” Onion replies, patting his body searching for his wallet. It was nowhere to be found. He slowly turns to Beret with an innocent-enough smile, hands behind his back. “…Beret?”

They groan, brows furrowed as they just walk over to the counter, dragging Onion along. “Fine. Just come make your order.”

Snow Cone places her own handbag down on her chair, opposite Chocolate Bar. “I think one of us should stay here to keep our belongings safe,” she suggests to Chocolate Bar. He nods and sits himself down. “I will. Then I can get my food after you guys!” he says, smiling.

Snow Cone tilts her head to the side. “Aw, but you’ll eat later than us then! I don’t want that. I’ll order for you!”

CB’s smile grows in appreciation, and he reaches for his wallet. “You will?! Thank you so much! Um, I’d like a cheese toastie please.” He grins and passes his wallet to Snow Cone. She pushes the wallet back towards Chocolate Bar, shaking her head.

“Don’t worry. It’s on me.” She clutches her wallet closer to her chest, pink dusting her cheeks as she says this. She quickly looks down and makes her way over to the counter and Chocolate Bar tries stopping her.

“Hey! No, you don’t need to, I have money!” he begins protesting but Snow Cone turns round and presses a finger to her lips. “Shush! Sit down! Consider this my thanks to you for helping me unpack and with the first challenge.” She laughs a little after her command, as CB reluctantly sits back down.

“Are… you sure?”

“Of course! I don’t mind.”

The pair maintain eye contact for a couple moments longer before Snow Cone breaks it, looking off to the side. “Um… so, cheese toastie, was it?”

“Uh,” CB clears his throat, “yeah.”

The girl nods and goes to join the mini-queue behind Onion and Beret.

It takes Chocolate Bar turning round again towards their table to notice how high his heart rate was and how sweaty his palms were. He takes a deep breath to calm himself, rubbing his palms on his thighs. Glub, what was up with him?

This seemed such a foreign feeling. Was it anxiety? The anxiety paired with the excitement of being on a show, perhaps. Was this normal? Did the others feel the same?

Maybe he was just feeling the after-effects of his long journey and busy-ness of the last couple days. The early morning starts. Perhaps the drastic change in his routine had an impact. That’s probably it. He wasn’t in his usual mental state, explaining why he was feeling all… strange around others.

Not drained, exactly, just… weird. Nervous. His stomach ached in a weird way, he found it a little harder to breathe, he stumbled over his words more. He would be satisfied with this explanation, but there was another thing.

He didn’t exactly feel like this towards anyone else. Just one girl in particular. CB sighs as he feels the familiar rush of blood to his face when he thought about her.

Recounting his ‘symptoms’, he suddenly remembers when he and a friend were conversing and they brought up experiencing similar feelings towards someone. They were quite young and, being young, decided it would be a thrillingly brilliant idea to sneak out of their houses after dinner when they were expected to complete their homework, and go to the nearby park.

The pair snuck like thieves in the night, both a silhouette of naivity and excitement. They laughed joyously whilst swinging in the empty playground, cracking jokes and telling stories. Albeit their parents ended up calling the police out of worry for their missing children and they had to be taken to a police station and picked up from there, and CB’s parents were far from happy… he would still look back at this memory with a smile. The fun they had, back when all that mattered to them was video game high scores and making up the most complex and epic handshake ever that they would forget after a day.

When they both had their fun on the swings and the slides and decided to lie down on the grass, gazing up at the glittered sky of stars, Chocolate Bar’s friend would confess these funny feelings they would experience around one of their classmates.

“I go all warm, all nervous-like, I can’t seem to properly function around him!” they would say, picking at grass blades.

CB looks to his friend and laughs. “Maybe it’s a crush!” he said jokingly. In truth, he didn’t have much experience or knowledge with romance or crushes. It didn’t much appeal to him. While he would occasionally have minor, fleeting attractions towards celebrities or show characters, they wouldn’t be considered proper crushes.

Present Chocolate Bar now thinks about what his friend describes, his gaze fixated on a random spot on the table. He only joked that it could be a crush, based on his limited knowledge. Now that he had become a little more knowledgeable over the years, his schema of a crush had developed. And all that he is feeling fits with it. The final pieces of the puzzle fall into place.

CB’s eyes widen as the realisation hits him like a truck. He slowly looks up at nothing in particular, his heart louder than his surroundings.

Oh, crap.

“Is he okay?” Beret asks as Onion waves a hand in front of the dazed chocolate bar.

“He probably fell asleep with his eyes open,” Onion replies, tilting his head. He looks down, seeing Chocolate Bar’s wallet underneath his hands, and slowly inches his own hand closer.

“Don’t you dare!”

Chapter Text

Weeks pass, and the cast grew smaller and smaller with each elimination.

“Mint is the second to leave us!”

“The next eliminated is… Beret!”

“Onion… it’s time to say goodbye!”

“The fifth eliminated from Entities is… Flower Pot!”

“Cup… you will not be joining the final three!”

And so it was the final three: Pineapple, Chocolate Bar, and Snow Cone.

Chocolate Bar had to admit, these last couple of weeks have been the most fun and draining of his life. The competitions got tougher, the pressure was mounting; any wrong move could spell his elimination, his chances of the million shot down.

But it was getting progressively more difficult to focus now, with how close he and Snow Cone have grown. They made sure to spend time together whenever they could - within the contests, outside the contests - whether it be in their cabin or walking in the field or shopping or at a cafe - they were always deep in a conversation. Cracking jokes, playing games, telling stories, spilling secrets. It was both a blessing and a curse to Chocolate Bar.

When he first realised he might be catching feelings, he didn’t want to believe it. How could this be, when they barely met? What drew him to Snow Cone?

This was ridiculous, what would she think? Nobody catches feelings this quickly! He was just being silly, maybe it wasn’t a crush… but the evidence is overwhelming. Undeniable.

Chocolate Bar wasn’t going to just pretend these feelings didn’t exist - but maybe he can work around them. The more time he spent with Snow Cone, the worse it grew. Maybe some distance would help?

Oh, but he would feel ever so guilty. He couldn’t do that… although he had to admit, at first he tried to cut down on their time together. This didn’t mean blatantly refusing to hang out with her, just… pay less attention to her when the group were together. This meant he talked more to either Onion or Beret.

Snow Cone was naturally a quiet person so she would barely interject with her own input - she was happy listening from the sidelines. But she really seemed to want to talk to Chocolate Bar, since every time she spoke it was directed to him. And boy, it was hard to not talk to her.

Then, he tried to make friends with contestants from the other cabin. Mint was a funny one, she was clumsy and, even though she loved to talk, was sometimes awkward while doing so. She would sometimes end up oversharing, or rambling and CB couldn’t get a word in edgeways, or laugh at every little thing excessively - this wasn’t necessarily off-putting to Chocolate Bar, just… slightly difficult.

Cup was just pessimistic and every time CB talked to him, it ended up being a conversation about how you can’t trust anyone and everything will always go wrong and what’s the point in trying.

“Y’know, Murphy’s Law states that, everything that can go wrong, will go wrong. If you expect something to go wrong, it will. Worst case scenarios are the most probable. If you expect something to go right, nothing will happen.”

He said this while laying down on the floor of the cabin, staring up at a flickering light. He shifts slightly to look at Chocolate Bar, who stood awkwardly beside him.

“So tell me, is anything even worth it if only bad things will happen?”

Yikes. Cup wasn’t a good choice to strike a friendship with.

Then there was Flower Pot. FP was a realist, a nice blend of optimism and pessimism which meant, regardless of the outcome, she wouldn’t mind it too much. “Nice, I survived!” or “Oh, this is expected I suppose.” She was way more pleasant to converse with, but she was pretty introverted. Shy, too. She wasn’t a very verbal individual, so CB found he would lead the conversation most times. Then they would trail off into some awkward silence. Still, she was a good friend while she lasted in the game.

Pineapple, on the contrary, was rather extroverted. She always seemed to have a smile on her face and would talk a bit too loudly. But her energy was pretty contagious, and Chocolate Bar found the few times they spoke quite exciting. She was unpredictable, and this was proven when later on in the game when she suddenly turned quite competitive. She would do anything and everything to make sure she wins challenges, to stay in the game, and this meant their friendship became more a rivalry. To which Pineapple would, at times, get a bit too carried away.

While Chocolate Bar was off talking to all these individuals, Snow Cone preferred her comfortable haven of her own cabin’s bedroom or common room, where she’d talk a bit with Beret (the nicer option between them and Onion) or she’d be reading a book. She knew Chocolate Bar was a lot more extroverted, more sociable than she was, so of course it was natural he’d want to be out talking to others. After all, Snow Cone was a contrast to him - why did she ever think they could get along well?

She lays back on her bed, flipping another page, the crisp sound of the paper between her fingers echoing through the empty room. She could hear Onion, Beret and Chocolate Bar in the common room shouting excitedly - perhaps watching something or playing a game. They liked doing that a lot. She sighs as her focus on the page blurs. If only she could speak up more - CB definitely seems like the type to enjoy long, exciting conversations. But she was mostly good for listening and following a conversation, not leading one. This meant if she wanted to converse, she had to rely on the other person to lead it. She was no good at coming up with things to say on the spot, but she had been trying - really. She did her best to strike up any form of conversation with Chocolate Bar when all four of them were together, but perhaps she wasn’t good enough - he was mostly talking to others.

She places the open book upon her chest and stares up at the underneath of the bed above her. What else could she do? She was giving it her all, stepping out of her comfort zone to initiate conversations and hang-outs with Chocolate Bar but, maybe this wasn’t sufficient enough on its own. She had to try harder. Maybe find some common interests?

The girl perks up, smiling at nothing in particular. Yeah, that could be it! They could both find things they both enjoy and in no time, become even closer!

Oh, but the thought of just, approaching the guy all on her own and just, asking what he likes? Sounds too daunting…

She swings her legs off her bed as she runs through ideas. Maybe she could enlist the aid of her other cabin-mates! They both are quite good friends with Chocolate Bar already so, maybe she could ask them what he likes!

Or Beret, at least. She’s grown fond of Beret and their kind, soft nature. They were easy to approach and so pleasant to talk to.

“Beret, can I.. talk to you in private?” Snow Cone would ask this individual one evening, before the third elimination was due to take place.

They nod, switching their phone off and walking with Snow Cone outside. They walk not too far from the cabins but, a considerable distance. The sky displayed hues of pink and purple as the sun passes the horizon, but the weather was oh so pleasant. It was nearing summer.

The pair begin walking around slowly, in silence at first, until Beret looks around first to make sure nobody was around to overhear, and turns to Snow Cone. “So, what’s up?”

Snow Cone keeps her gaze fixed on her feet, watching as her every step flattens the short grass beneath them. “Um…” her thoughts race with how to phrase her question, and Beret notices, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder: “Take your time, alright?”

She nods appreciatively and presses her lips together in thought. “Uhm, so… you’re quite good friends with Chocolate Bar, right?”

Beret smiles and nods. “Yeah, he’s a fun guy! Honestly, he’s friends with everyone, I don’t know how he does it!” they look curiously towards Snow Cone again, whose gaze is still at her feet, “why do you ask?”

“Uh..” her voice wavers a bit in nervousness, to which she dismissed by clearing her throat. “Well, I… wh… do you know what.. sorts of things he’s into? Like, uh, TV shows or games…” she fights to keep her face from blushing. Surely this was a give away!

Apparently not. “Oh, yeah!” Beret laughs. “He’s constantly talking about this show called BFDI or something. He even made us watch a few episodes. I mean, it looks cool! Do you know that show?”

Snow Cone shakes her head, finally meeting Beret’s eyes. She smiles. “So, what’s it about?”

Beret taps their chin as they try and recall, looking upwards. “Hmm, I guess it’s like a competition show, like we’re on right now! It’s still currently in its first season.”

“I might like to check it out…” Snow Cone says this a little quieter, but Beret still hears.

“You will? Well, Chocolate Bar would definitely be happy… and so will Onion, because he’s getting sick of hearing about it,” Beret laughs, then stops walking to turn to Snow Cone with their whole body. “Wait, why did you want to talk to me in private about what Chocolate Bar likes?”

Welp. This was inevitable and, Snow Cone honestly prepared for this. But even so, she still panicked a little, avering eye contact and fidgeting with her hands. She opens her mouth to speak and a little nervous laugh escapes, making Beret raise an eyebrow. “I… well, uhm.. truth is, I kind of want to…”

Both thankfully and unfortunately, Beret immediately catches on. Their eyes widen and they hold Snow Cone by her arms. “Snow Cone… are you saying you like Chocolate Bar?!”

They are fighting to keep their voice down from this excitement, looking Snow Cone right in her guilty eyes. She doesn’t even need to verbally confirm, as she hides her reddened face behind her hands.

Beret laughs for joy as they briefly pull Snow Cone in for a hug. “Oh my Glub! That’s so cute! Okay, listen to me right now.” They hold her within arm’s length again, putting on a serious expression to contrast with Snow Cone’s blushing and smiling one. “I will give you tips and stuff as to how to get closer to him. This won’t be advice specifically tailored to work on him, it’s more general, alright?”

Snow Cone smiles, her attention fully on her friend now.

The two begin walking again, Beret eagerly giving all sorts of advice to Snow Cone on how to strengthen her bond with Chocolate Bar. Show interest in his interests, additionally share your own, initiate hang-outs with just the two of them for those one-to-one conversations, be a good listener (Snow Cone didn’t need to worry about that part!), present kind gestures whenever she can…

It was all fantastic advice and Snow Cone was ever so grateful for this talk with Beret. They hug again right before everyone was called up for the elimination.

Everyone meets up by the dock again, and Snow Host welcomes them before beginning to read out the votes submitted by everyone earlier. Snow Cone stood right beside Beret, stealing a few glances of Chocolate Bar who was stood a little further to her right. This was good, this was great - she could keep confiding in Beret about this, get more advice, more pointers moving forward. It was all going to go smoothly with them by her side… until she found that Beret got eliminated.

They had feared that their poor performance in today’s challenge would catch up to them. They just weren’t cut out to swim!

They defeatedly hung their head as, between Flower Pot and them, their name was announced. Snow Cone is understandably upset. Beret was her first proper friend in ages. And she had finally gotten courage to ask them for help with her problem, but all hopes of their future aid was dashed. She couldn’t do this alone. Why, oh why did it have to be Beret?

Beret looks upon everyone, as silence settled in to allow space for them to say something. “Well… this sucks. But, I gave it my best shot at least…”

They turn to Snow Cone and sees her worry, giving a reassuring smile. “Don’t look so down - we can keep in touch!” they say in a lowered voice. The upset doesn’t leave Snow Cone’s face as everyone begins walking back to their cabins, some people patting Beret on their back in pity.

“But, I… I can’t do this alone! I need your help!” she whisper-shouts in the almost-darkness.

“No, listen to me Snow Cone - you can. You can do this. I’ve given you your advice, you just gotta follow it! Take your time, go one at a time, alright?” they place a hand on her shoulder. “These things take time and well, I gotta say: you’re a really likeable person, so sweet and easy to talk to. There’s no way Chocolate Bar wouldn’t like you.” They grin at Snow Cone as her eyes widen at the compliment, mouth resting slightly open.

“You… you mean that?” She fought to keep her tears at bay, although her eyes still glistened.

“Duh! Why would I say it if I didn’t?”

They wrap their arms around Snow Cone in reassurance as she squeezes her eyes shut to dispel the tears. “Oh.. thank you. That means so much to me.”

They both slowly walk back to their cabin, savouring every last moment they can have together and making it last longer. Snow Cone was very grateful for their kindness and their friendship. Beret promises to help any way they can over text but, it just wasn’t the same as in person. Still, Snow Cone took the opportunity and would keep Beret updated.

Oh, if only Beret was there to see how excited Chocolate Bar was when Snow Cone asked to watch BFDI with him! He immediately began rambling about how good it was and his favourite characters and who he wants eliminated and who he wants to win… Snow Cone, ashamed to admit to absolutely anyone, found it quite adorable.

And when Onion was eliminated next, so was Chocolate Bar’s initial plan to spend less time with Snow Cone. However, he didn’t even mind anymore. The more time he spent with Snow Cone, especially when he got the chance to share his current favourite show, he found himself drawn even more towards her, unable to leave.

So, it was just them both in their cabin now. A lot quieter now without Onion’s loud demeanour, but Snow Cone liked it. They would spend their days sharing their interests and hobbies, dreams and goals: after giving BFDI a chance, Chocolate Bar thought it only fair to indulge in one of Snow Cone’s interests. She excitedly runs into the bedroom and emerges with a book: Little Women.

While at first the cover and title don’t excite Chocolate Bar as much, hearing about the plot does intrigue him quite a bit - four daughters whose father is away serving in the Civil War, following their journey as they grow up having to work and the imbalances of society.

CB even had Snow Cone read the first few chapters to him, and he found he was actually intentively listening to the words, painting an image of 1860s Massachusetts and this family doing their best to get by, whilst living deprived.

Embarrassingly enough, CB did end up falling asleep after some time of being read the story - the girl’s reading voice was too soothing, so calm! And thankfully, Snow Cone wouldn’t take offence to this; she’d softly chuckle before placing the book away and throwing a light blanket over the sleeping guy.

And this bond only got stronger as their time in the competition went on, afraid that one of them at any given moment might end up getting eliminated and their time together cut short. And they both made the final three. To celebrate their excitement, and have as fun of a time before one of them will shortly be eliminated, they decided to take a stroll through a nearby park and enjoy a small picnic. They walk down a path in comfortable silence, just enjoying being in one another’s company. They enter the park’s black, slightly rusted gates, the name of the park standing boldly in dusty gold lettering at the top.

Large trees with extensive canopies shielded the pair from the burning sun rays of the late spring, as they walked upon a jagged rock pathway. They walk past bushes, roses, a playground, a pond - and best of all, they were one of the only ones there, give or take some old people.

They both seat upon a bench, slightly out of breath from all the walking. “Wow, we’re both pretty unfit, huh?” Chocolate Bar jokes, Snow Cone laughing in response. She pulls out some snacks from a plastic bag she was carrying - crisps and juice boxes and biscuits. The pair indulge in their well-earned goodies, as well as some light conversation about the competition.

Chocolate Bar keeps his gaze on Snow Cone, properly acknowledging how she’s made him feel - almost nauseous, but fluttery, his chest light but so heavy, his heart running marathons every time she so much as looks in his direction, how his smile never leaves his face when she talks, the rush of adrenaline as they both share their interests with one another.

“Chocolate Bar? Everything alright?”

He snaps back into his surroundings, finding he’s been zoned out for the past five minutes. He suddenly feels slightly dizzy as his face warms up. “I, uh…”

Should he? Is the time… right?

“…Nothing, just feel a little warm from the weather,” he fans his face with his hand to prove his point.

Snow Cone nods understandably, handing him a juice box. “This might help you cool down!”

Chocolate Bar takes it appreciatively and rips the straw from the back, stabbing it into the circle paper and taking a generous sip. It’s gone slightly warm now from being out in the hot atmosphere, but it was still cool enough for him to enjoy. He turns away slightly, in silence, keeping his mouth on the straw but not necessarily drinking. Perhaps… another time.

When CB asks himself what possibly drew him to Snow Cone like this, he can now confidently answer that.

Chapter Text

"Welcome, final three! How does it feel?”

Yet another routine morning, standing on the docks awaiting instruction on the next challenge. But this was the last time they’d be doing that now.

It all felt surreal. The past couple of weeks was probably the best Chocolate Bar could ever hope for. He knew being on TV would be fun, but this went beyond just being a reality show star. He’s had a chance to meet people who would likely stay a lifetime, he’s learnt so much about himself, he really just managed to take a break from his monotonous life routine.

He could hardly believe that not only did he manage to get into the final three, but Snow Cone too. It felt like the odds really were in his favour.

As the camera rolled and Snow Host had done his usual introductories to the audience, he turns to the remaining contestants, awaiting their responses.

Pineapple went first. “Oh, so excited! I’m totally ready to crush this final challenge!” she pumps a fist into the air with a determined grin. The camera moves to Chocolate Bar next.

“Oh, well… it feels crazy, honestly! I’m surprised I managed to get this far but hey, I guess I’m just a natural!” he flashes a grin and winks comedically at the camera, to which Snow Cone quietly laughs in response. He was unsure of the joke but when he sees her from the corner of his eye, his heart swells; his smile never faltering as the camera moves onto Snow Cone.

As the cameras move back to their host, the pair give each other a look and a smile, and Chocolate Bar knows - if he wants anything to move forward with Snow Cone, he needs to do something now. Today.

Sure, they could add each other’s numbers… but if Snow Cone lives too far for regular visits, it would be a real shame. And CB wants to do something in person, it’s only more special that way. And even more so seeing this is their final day of competition.

Snow Host begins explaining the final challenge. “It will be a scavenger hunt, but at each appointed location, you’ll have to complete a puzzle of some sort - be it answering some questions or finding the right key for a box. There will be no more voting; whoever reaches the end first is the winner!”

Each of the remaining contestants were given a small piece of paper with the first clue written. Chocolate Bar squints to read the small print.

’Small and simple

Has nothing to boast

But it’s where you first arrived

Before meeting your host!’

“And the final challenge begins in three.. two.. one.. go!”

Pineapple had already run off in a certain direction, and Chocolate Bar felt compelled to run too, but with no such direction in mind.

“Small and simple… where we first arrived..” he muttered to himself, before aimlessly running off somewhere to look like he knows what he’s doing.

“Wai- wait! Chocolate Bar!”

CB stops and turns to find Snow Cone running after him, panting.

“Can.. uh, can we work together for this?”

She clutched her piece of paper and looked at Chocolate Bar hopefully.

“Oh- oh yeah! Sure, uhm..” Chocolate Bar cleared his throat and looked down at the paper again. His voice wavered as he spoke. “So.. do you have any idea what the, uh, the clue means?”

“I was thinking,” she said, “we first arrived here at the train station! Well, it’s not much of a train station-”

“’Cos it’s small and simple!” The pair grinned at each other excitedly. “Let’s go then!”

Chocolate Bar rememebered seeing Pineapple run off in the direction of the entrance; she was already on her way to the train station! Normally, he’d feel compelled to run even faster to try and catch up, with the prize in mind - but as he said, a lot’s changed since he joined this show.

“I’m so glad we’re together in this final challenge.” And that meant his priorities.

Snow Cone grinned, the white of her face now a bright pink. CB just assumed it was from running. “Me too, Chocolate Bar! This has been the most fun.”

The train station was empty as usual, and there was no sighting of Pineapple anywhere.

Been a while since he was here, thought Chocolate Bar. He remembers first arriving, his initial scare that he arrived at the wrong place, his excitement when he finds the poster - which was taken down, now. CB’s eyes lingered on the spot where it once hung, now replaced by an advertisement by a company called Chipperzz.

“Maybe the next clue’s somewhere on the wall?” Snow Cone suggested, scanning the array of safety posters, information leaflets and adverts.

Nothing seemed out of the ordinary at first, but when CB stepped closer, he noticed something; a letter from each poster was underlined with thick, black marker. “Snow Cone, look.”

She turns her head to where Chocolate Bar gestured. “I.. I think it spells something out!”

CB started from the poster furthest left, and the pair began piecing the letters together slowly to build something meaningful.

“C… O… F, F… E and E! Coffee!”

Snow Cone tilted her head. “Coffee? Where on Earth do we look for cof..fee..” She trailed off as her eyes widened in realisation. She turned to Chocolate Bar and it seemed he had the same idea.

“The coffee shop!”

Luckily, there was only one coffee shop in this area, and it’s where CB went with his cabin-mates practically every day, be it for breakfast or lunch or tea. That same table near the corner became their favourite hangout spot, and even as the table became emptier as days went by, it remained a lively and happy spot.

The bell to the coffee shop jingled pleasantly as the pair entered the cozy haven. Well, it would be cozy, but…

“C’monnn! Not even just a hint?”

Pineapple leaned across the counter, her hands clasped together. “Please! I got a competition to win!”

The barista on the other side had shrunk back a little, looking helpless. “Ma’am, please, I’m sorry but I can’t just give you the answer! I was instructed to give you this riddle to solve.”

“But it’s too hard!”

Several customers gave glances of annoyance; particularly the ones with headphones and laptops.

CB and Snow Cone stepped forward.

“Oh, you’re here! You gotta help with solving this next one,” Pineapple urged, holding a larger piece of paper to Chocolate Bar’s face. He took it and began reading it aloud:

”Never resting, never still

Moving silently from hill to hill

It does not walk, run or trot

All is cool where it is not.”

The three shared glances in mutual confusion.

“Yeah, no idea,” CB shrugged, rubbing the back of his head. “Always moving but doesn’t run or walk? How?”

“It flies then,” Snow Cone suggested. “Perhaps it’s an animal?”

“Moves from hill to hill,” CB muttered to himself. “But what does that last line mean? All is cool where it is not.”

“Where this thing isn’t at, it’s cool. As in cold, right?”

Pineapple had been silent the whole time; whether she was pondering the answer or just waiting for the others to come up with one, CB didn’t know.

“What’s something that warms up its surroundings then?” CB tapped his chin. “Fire!”

“Could work!” Snow Cone nodded, but before she could suggest the answer to the waiting barista, Pineapple jumped in, slamming her hands on the counter.

“FIRE! The answer’s fire, right? It’s totally fire, gimme the next clue now!”

“Uh, no. The answer isn’t fire,” they squeaked out from under Pineapple’s determined gaze. Her smile dropped.

“Darn! Think harder, guys!”

”You aren’t thinking at all!” Chocolate Bar retorted.

Pineapple gasps dramatically. “Of course I am! How do you think I got here before you?”

CB opened his mouth to argue back, but was interrupted when Snow Cone tapped his arm. She gestured for him to lean in as she covered her mouth and whispered something in his ear. His expression bore a hopeful look.

Pineapple tried leaning in too. “What? What did you say, tell me!”

CB gave her a mischievous smirk as he walked over to the barista and whispered the answer in their ear. They smiled.

“Correct. It was sunshine.”

They handed CB a large, silver key and a drink. It was a strawberry and kiwi milkshake, dubbed the summer special: ‘Sunshine’. He takes a sip from the straw.

“Wow, that’s good!” he nods to the barista as they grinned appreciatively. He tilts it slightly to Snow Cone. “Here, you try!”

She shyly takes the straw between her fingers and sips from it too, smiling. “It is!”

There was a groan beside them.

“Are you two lovebirds done? Let’s get going already, I wanna win!”

“I- wh- we’re not-” Chocolate Bar’s words were stuck in his throat as he tried to respond, feeling heat creep up to his face at the word ‘lovebirds’. Before he could form a proper sentence, Pineapple snatched the key and dashed out of the cafe, nearly slamming the door against the wall. Several customers sighed and muttered amongst themselves, clearly about the obnoxious competitor.

“Come on Chocolate Bar, let’s follow her!”

CB’s mind wasn’t even with him anymore, as he mindlessly followed Snow Cone to chase after Pineapple. The stoned path below him felt light and bouncy, the stores in his peripheral all blurred. It suddenly dawned on him that he’s telling Snow Cone today - or, that’s the plan, at least. It could either go really well or really wrong. Was he willing to risk the amazing friendship they had now just to admit his silly romantic feelings?

He felt butterflies, but not in a good way. Not in the same way when he hears Snow Cone laugh or she places a hand on his shoulder or she smiles at him with the sweetest smile paired with rosy cheeks.

It felt like dread.

He began re-evaluating his decision. This meant everything to him. Snow Cone meant everything to him.

When he first joined this competition, he joined because it was a way to move forward in his life, to start something new and wonderful. This goal remains but in a different aspect now.

And as the ground below them shifted from pavement to grass, Chocolate Bar knew in that moment: some things are worth the risk. His and Snow Cone’s eyes met and they smiled. Some things are definitely worth the risk.

It would be okay.

Then Chocolate Bar couldn’t feel the ground below him anymore. He looked down and found a large lake hundreds of metres below him.

Well.

Evening poured in and Chocolate Bar remained in bed, scrolling mindlessly through his phone. The competition was over by now, he had guessed, but after he was recovered and told he was out of the competition he couldn’t bare staying to watch.

What an embarrassment! The episode would air in a bit and everyone would see how much of a fool he made of himself.

He felt especially guilty when Snow Cone realised he wasn’t staying to watch her compete in the finale.

“You’re not gonna be there for me?”

CB winced. She sounded so crestfallen. He knew he was a terrible friend for not staying to cheer Snow Cone on, but his shame overpowered his loyalty.

“I.. can’t show my face so soon.”

He figured if he stayed low for a bit - say, a few weeks or even months - it would be okay to reveal himself in public again.

Snow Cone hadn’t returned to the cabin yet. He sighed and dropped his head onto his pillow, switching off his phone. That was it, he’d messed up his chance. He’d be lucky if Snow Cone ever wanted to even look at him again.

He flips onto his side with an angry grunt targetted towards himself, biting the inside of his cheeks to stop tears from forming, then noticed something by the door. A small, white piece of paper. He figured it was just litter dropped accidentally, but something compelled him to investigate it.

Chocolate Bar sighs as he sits up, dragging his body off the bunk bed and towards the door. He bends down; it was a neatly folded piece of paper, and within it contained small, fine handwriting.

’Meet me by the docks :)’

His heart immediately races, his mind jumping to a conclusion he knew would be impossible.

…Right?

The sun hadn’t fully set yet, streaks of yellow and orange complimenting the dark blues and purples. It wasn’t a particularly cold evening but Chocolate Bar felt goosebumps prick his arms and neck as he took each step towards the docks. He could kind of spot the figure of Snow Cone stood just at the start of the docks and he felt his heart beat in his throat.

Crickets sang and leaves rustled and it all felt so loud to CB, but once he had spotted the girl it all faded out.

He takes deep breaths in an attempt to calm himself as he sees Snow Cone notice him with a smile.

“Hi,” she says, fidgeting with her fingers.

“H-hello, erm.. Snow Cone,” he replied. Why did he feel so nervous?!

Silence stretched out and the awkwardness it brought felt heavy on CB. Suddenly he had nothing to say, which was unusual for him. He kept his gaze low, but he could feel Snow Cone’s on his face. He clears his throat.

“S-so.. I got your note. Is there something you, uhm.. wanted to talk about?”

“Before anything, are you feeling alright now?” She looked genuinely concerned and that surprised Chocolate Bar. He thought she’d find his behaviour rude and entitled.

“Uh… sorta, yeah,” he chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his head. “I… I’m sorry I couldn’t be there to support you.”

Snow Cone smiles. “I came second. Pineapple won, which isn’t much of a surprise if I’m being honest.”

CB’s eyes widened. “Pineapple won? Huh… shoulda guessed.” He finally met the other girl’s eyes. “She was crazy competitive, wasn’t she?”

“Yeah, she was!” Snow Cone laughs. “Honestly though, I couldn’t care less if I even came last. I enjoyed meeting you and getting to know you.”

She steps forward and takes one of Chocolate Bar’s hands in hers. He felt his breath hitch in his throat.

“And that’s why I wanted to meet you here. Chocolate Bar, these past few weeks have been.. the most fun I’ve ever had. And it’s all thanks to you.”

Her voice slightly wobbled as she talked but CB couldn’t even notice from the blood rushing in his ears.

“I’ve always had trouble making friends, it’s something that’s always worried me so, but you made me feel so at peace, so happy - I couldn’t ask for a better friend.”

Every new word verbalised would replay and echo in Chocolate Bar’s head. Nothing besides Snow Cone existed in his vision now. He sees her gulp before opening her mouth again.

“And that’s why I wanted to ask… you, Chocolate Bar. Uhm..” Her hand slipped away from his as she took another deep breath.

If Chocolate Bar wanted to believe his delusions were correct, now was a good time.

“Would… would you-”

“Yes, Snow Cone.”

Her head shot up and even in the dim darkness, CB could see her flushed face, full of colour. He smiles.

“I’d love to.”

And seeing her growing smile, CB just knew he’d never ever regret this decision in his life.

They pulled each other into a tight embrace, filled with warmth and joy. CB felt giddy and light-headed as he rested his head on his now-girlfriend.

“I love you, Snow Cone.”

Chapter Text

It’s been weeks since the competition, but Chocolate Bar was still basking in the afterglow of the excitement. Especially since he’s been keeping in touch and talking, practically every day, to Snow Cone.

Be it texting or voice notes or calling, he looked forward to every interaction prior and was left wanting more when they said their goodbyes.

It’s even had an impact on his work. Less was stacked and less was shelved as most of his hours went into CB leaning against a counter, tap-tap-tapping away at his phone with a dopey grin.

“Someone’s certainly got you all moony-eyed and giddy,” his work friend teased, folding her arms. “Go on, spill - who’s the lucky person?”

CB rolled his eyes and smiled, and he felt reluctant to put his phone down. Even though Snow Cone hadn’t responded yet, he didn’t want to miss the exact moment she did.

“Somebody I met on that reality show,” he simply replied. His eyes were glued on Snow Cone’s profile picture. Still offline.

“Go on, you can’t leave me hanging!” she persists, propping her head up as her elbows rested on the counter. “What’s their name? What’re they like?”

It seemed hopeless to keep trying to will Snow Cone online with his mind, so Chocolate Bar places his phone down, switching it off. He recounted to his co-worker every detail, from the moment he first saw her and up to their confessions and their bitter farewells. Every memory relived had CB blushing and smiling and looking upset respectively. His friend gave dramatic and emotive reactions to each bit of the story, practically mirroring the emotions CB felt.

“Oh, you need to meet up again!” she insists, slamming her hands down on the counter. It earned her a slight telling off from another worker but she didn’t care to pay them attention.

“You’ve gotta. Plan a nice day out and take her. How do you call yourselves a couple if you never do fun stuff together?” she was so pressing it were as if she was the one newly in a relationship, not CB. Albeit he had that exact notion; he needed to visit her and go on dates. But there was one problem:

Snow Cone lived several hours away.

Now, that wouldn’t be a problem — if he had his own car.

And again, that wouldn’t be a problem — if public transport wasn’t so expensive or complicated or time-consuming.

He felt a little rude to ask Snow Cone to travel all that way for him. He wanted to treat her. He wanted to do something for her. After all, she was the one who confessed when CB was an ultra chicken about doing it himself.

There was the option to keep it a long-distance, online relationship until later down the line — but since they met in-person, it just felt wrong to Chocolate Bar for them to never do in-person things together.

So whatever it took, he was going to meet up with Snow Cone.

And he had an extremely stupid idea to do it.

The alarm beeped, forcing Chocolate Bar out of his slumber. His eyelids were heavy and his eyes ached. Why was he awake so early? Wasn’t it a Sunday?

He rubbed his eyes furiously to chase the sleepiness away and reached for the button to stop the irritating beeps, and looked at his clock. 7:00 AM, it read.

Then it suddenly hit him. Today he was going to meet Snow Cone!

Now he fully woke up, throwing the blanket off himself as he raced out. Bathroom, get ready, breakfast then go. Luckily his friend’s house was only a five-minute stroll.

Despite it being May, the early morning clouded sky was quite cold. CB tried not to shiver too much as he made his way over, although it wasn’t fully from the cold. He couldn’t believe he was going to do this.

The prospect of seeing Snow Cone again made his stomach feel fluttery, and suddenly he had an idea. He should get her a gift!

He stopped in his tracks, allowing himself to think this through. Should he stop by a shop now? There was a supermarket nearby. But then again, he was already so close to his friend’s.

He continued walking. He figured he’d just stop by a shop and get something then.

CB reaches his destination, and looks under the doormat. The car keys were really there; as per his friend’s instruction.

And there was her five-seater Mercedes, available, calling out to CB as it sat on the driveway. His grip around the car keys tightened as he took a deep breath, closing his eyes briefly in an internal prayer for luck, then he pointed the key at the car and pressed on the ‘unlock’ button.

Its lights flashed and it made a sound, indicating it was unlocked. When he opened the drivers’ side and sat, the steering wheel and pedals and everything all laid out in front of him, CB had a moment of doubt. It had been a considerable amount of time since he sat behind the wheel. He knew how to drive, he just…

Failed his driving test. For poor observations.

And that’s okay, now he knew to properly scan his surroundings! As he’s driving. His friend’s car. Without supervision.

Oh, CB should really think things through properly prior.

It didn’t matter now, he was committed and he’d even told Snow Cone he was coming. Remembering her ecstatic voice filled the guy with the determination he needed to turn the keys, fasten his seatbelt, set gear to reverse and release the handbrake.

He set the satnav on the car, tapping away Snow Cone’s address. The screen represented his surroundings with mere line drawings and his car as a little arrow. The route was highlighted clearly, and the monotonous voice of the satnav began giving out the first instruction.

Even though the streets were practically deserted and CB heard nobody approaching, the stern telling-off from his driving instructor still had him frantically double-checking every mirror and both blind spots.

Empty road. No pedestrians. He very gently pressed on the accelerator, looking around again. He turns the steering wheel and lets go of the pedal, letting the rolling wheels guide him out themselves.

Soon, he was positioned on the road. He changed the gear to drive and gently pressed on the pedal again, gradually increasing his speed as he grew more comfortable. The familiarity set in and he wasn’t so full of nauseating nerves anymore. When he stopped at a red traffic light, he even went ahead and selected a CD from the sun visor and slid it into the slot. He and his friend both made a playlist together and created two CD copies for each other. Chocolate Bar smiled as the familiar tunes filled the car.

It being so early in the morning, meant CB didn’t have to worry much about busy roads or traffic. Even the motorway was relatively empty, save for a few cars and taxies and lorries.

Given how it was CB’s first time ever driving on the motorway, he stuck to the slow lane the entire way. However, despite how it seemed, driving on the motorway was quite easy. Much easier than the routes he had to learn for his driving test. Trust the examiner to pick a horrid route, with multiple roundabouts and cramped roads and the busiest junctions.

Here, he could simply stick to his speed and keep his steering wheel as straight as possible. Although the high speed he was cruising at proved it a little difficult, at least he could keep within his lane.

He had been on the motorway for over an hour now, and he could feel his foot numbing a little from having it pressed on the pedal for so long. Definitely in need of a break. He passed a sign that said the next resting stop was about two miles away. Ouch.

With that, he kept his eyes on the never-ending road, keeping his paining foot on the accelerator, until a sign prompted him to take a right into a resting place.

CB parked the car (wonkily) in a bay, and sighed in relief as he finally gave his foot a break. He looked around.

There wasn’t just a gas station here, but cafes and shops and other facilities. It was like a mini-mall.

He pulled the key out of the ignition and locked the car when he exited. Having not been on his phone in a while too, he saw some texts and a missed call from his friend. Oops.

His thumb tapped away at the passcode and found the dial button to call his friend again, as he walked towards the stores.

Chocolate Bar walked back to the car, a little gift bag in hand. He found a store with much gift inspiration, but there was one item; it seemed perfect. Just looking at it made his heart race.

He set it in the passenger seat beside him in the car, and he shoved the keys into the ignition eagerly and set off once again.

Having refreshed himself with food and an energy drink, CB could drive on the rest of the way there. An additional two hours later, the 60mph shifted down to 40mph then 30. There was less rurality and more urbanity, tall buildings populated everywhere. This was quite different to back home, where there were much less apartments and offices and other tall buildings. It was all house and bungalow after house and bungalow.

The satnav directed him past shops and houses and apartments, the little ‘time left’ indicator decreasing until: “You have reached your destination.”

CB’s heart pounded as he pulled the car up outside the apartment entrance. He had to try fitting it in between two other cars, and he’s never done that manoeuvre before.

It took about three minutes of back and forth and hitting the car in front a little but he.. just about got it in. He takes a deep breath and exits the car, gift bag in hand. His legs ached a little from the long journey, and he was grateful to be able to walk again.

It was 11AM now and Snow Cone had messaged him about half an hour earlier, clearly excited about his visit. One detail: she didn’t know when he was arriving. It was all going to be a complete surprise. Chocolate Bar grins as he scrolls up to remind himself what her apartment room number was.

Up the lift he went, walking down the corridor, his heartbeat practically in his mouth. Each passing second dragged on for CB, but he eventually reached Snow Cone’s complex.

He checked, re-checked, that it was the correct one — before taking a deep breath and knocking swiftly three times.

About ten seconds later, the door unlocked and CB suddenly wanted to hide, hide, hide — but oh, was Snow Cone’s face priceless!

CB captured the exact moment the realisation hit her, in his mind, and he replayed it over and over. Her eyes widened, her mouth suspended open, her face flushed. She lets out a gasp: ”Chocolate Bar?” followed by excited giggles and her throwing herself onto him. When they pulled away from the hug, she was clearly embarrassed at her own reaction, trying to recollect her cool albeit her bright pink face.

Her apartment was practically what CB pictured in his mind; light natural wood themed, with potted plants and white sofa cushions and spotless blue rugs.

He sat down on a sofa, still clutching the gift bag. Snow Cone noticed it.

“Ooh? Who’s that for?” she asks, hands behind her back in an innocent act. CB rolled his eyes.

“You know this is for you,” he laughs, handing her the bag. He began fidgeting about as his girlfriend looked into the bag and scooped out the gift.

It was a rabbit plush — white as snow, soft as wool, squishy and when squished, would spring right back to its original shape. The little rabbit had an azure blue bow, baby pink nose and inner ears, a grey circled stomach. And Snow Cone looked delighted.

“Oh!” she gasped, holding it out in front of her. She carefully held it in her hands as if it were real. “Oh! It’s so adorable! Chocolate Bar.. you remembered bunnies were my favourite animal!”

“Of course, why would I forget that?” he tried to reply in a nonchalant tone, yet he twisted and wrung his fingers and he couldn’t stop smiling at her. “And… that’s not the only surprise I have for today..”

Snow Cone lived close by to a beach. The date idea was practically served to CB.

When he looked up her general area for any activities they could do, there were a ton situated by the sea. Markets, food stalls, carnival-like games, natural beauty.

It was a quick ten minute drive to this spot. Chocolate Bar had to fight to keep his body still and his expression a cool smile as Snow Cone gushed about him being able to drive and having his own car.

He did not interject.

It was nearing summer and it was a weekend — naturally, the beach and its surrounding areas were crowded. Perhaps CB should’ve chosen a quieter time to properly be able to focus on Snow Cone and give her the best time, but Snow Cone didn’t mind in the slightest.

He watched her eyes jump about in awe, at the dozens of lined up stalls, selling keychains, necklaces, rings, bags, paintings, toys, clothes, flower crowns, enamel pins. There were some food stalls too, with doughnuts and crepes and cakes and ice cream, sweetcorn and churros and chips and hot dogs.

CB didn’t know about Snow Cone, but the fresh food smell really opened his appetite. He couldn’t wait to sit down and try all these foods with her.

“Can we go down to the beach first?” said girl asks.

The pair walk down the stairs and onto the warm golden sand. It was, fortunately, not too hot today, so the sand was bearable enough to walk on. CB admired the soft sand and the little white shells he could see and the glittering ocean; families and couples sat on towels underneath umbrellas, enjoying a snack or a drink, or in the ocean bobbing up and down with the waves. He never went to the beach often, and he was beginning to contemplate moving in with Snow Cone.

He then felt her hand slip into his, her fingers hooked in between his fingers as she grinned at him. “Come on, don’t you wanna feel the waves?”

He squeezes her hand in response, smiling. “Yeah, alright!”

They ran to the turquoise waves, the warm, grainy sand changing to smooth and damp, seeing his imprinted footprints.

A strong wave of foamy sea water met them and CB gasped slightly at how cold it felt. Snow Cone laughed at the feeling, eagerly taking steps further into the water. Chocolate Bar followed behind, shuddering as the cold rose to his knees, his thighs, then stopping by his waist. “Woah,” he breathed out, looking into the almost clear water and seeing floating sand particles, little bits of seaweed (which he tried to not touch) and even his own legs, wavering in the waves.

“Do you go here often? I’d probably go every day,” CB says, waving his hand about in the water.

“Mm, probably a few times a month if the weather’s lovely,” Snow Cone replies, flicking her hand in the surface of the water and slightly splashing her boyfriend. She laughs as he gave her a look, before splashing her himself.

They escalated into a proper water fight, wildly waving their arms and squealing and laughing.

“We didn’t even bring towels!” Snow Cone says, looking down at her soaking self.

“We can just sit in the sun and dry off,” Chocolate Bar suggests, dragging his body out of the water. They walked out of the beach, finding a table and coupled chairs to sit in. They collapsed their dripping bodies into the chairs, sighing as they felt the hot sun rays on themselves.

“I really fancy some dessert,” CB’s eyes were fixated on a stall selling cakes.

All sorts were on display; cupcakes in flavours of chocolate, vanilla, blueberry, carrot, red velvet; slices of cakes in even more a variety; large cookies and doughnuts topped with sprinkles, or biscuit crumbs, or little caramel cubes, and glistening icing dripping down the sides.

“What do you want?” CB asked Snow Cone, his hand on the zip of his wallet. Snow Cone scanned the options, the variety of choice almost overwhelming, but she settled for a slice of strawberry and raspberry cake. Chocolate Bar decided to have the same, and pulled out his card before the girl could say anything.

“Hey- you didn’t have to pay for me, I had money!” she said, a small smile on her face.

“No, no… it’s fine,” he laughs, pocketing his wallet again. They held eye contact for a little while; Snow Cone smiled wider, her face pink, and CB gulps, preparing himself for what he thought would happen — until the stall owner called out to them both for their cakes.

CB takes his plate, taking deep breaths to calm his nerves. He still felt a little light-headed as he sat down, having almost tripped on the way back to the table. Glub, he felt so nervously giddy all of a sudden. He could barely even speak a word as they both dug into their cake slices, although he could appreciate the sweet and tangy combination of the flavour, the soft of the cake, the richness of the icing.

By the time they finished, he had managed to calm himself, and they both continued walking around the stalls. They got to some of the game stalls, and Snow Cone immediately leapt for one.

“I’m going to win you something, especially after you got me that plush and the cake,” she declared, determination in her voice, and CB couldn’t argue with it since she already marched up and paid for her turns. It was a dart throw game, and based on the points you earn you could win different prizes; Snow Cone clearly had her eyes on a big plush.

She didn’t hit bullseye, but CB watched her get relatively close to it, and as the points added up she could get a plush almost as big as the rabbit one Chocolate Bar got for her; a brown cat with a little top hat. CB beamed as he hugged it close to him, his stomach all fluttery.

He tried to play the dart game to win something for Snow Cone in return, but he seriously perceived that game as easier than it really was. He even nearly hit the game owner themself. The other girl patted his back with a laugh, and normally he’d be annoyed, but he could not bring himself to be upset with Snow Cone — he laughed along at his own failures, and they both walked away hand in hand, looking at other stalls and talking about whatever came into their heads.

The temperature cooled as the sun began disappearing into the horizon. Chocolate Bar and Snow Cone were back in the car, ready to head home — although they stayed stationary as they talked a little more. Then CB stuck the keys into the ignition.

“Right, let’s head home?” he turns to Snow Cone, and she nods.

“Honestly, Chocolate Bar,” she begins, after he switches the engine on, “Today’s surprise was… so much better than anything I could’ve imagined.” CB gulps, nerves rising in his stomach again. “I want to have more days like this with you, even if, y’know.. we live so far apart.” Snow Cone’s eyes failed to meet Chocolate Bar’s as she gave this confession.

“Me too.” His voice was suddenly very quiet and wobbly, his head reeling with adrenaline. CB suddenly thinks back to how any of this was possible; he was the happiest he’d ever been. His whole life changed because of a flyer he saw. He never really imagined his future with a romantic partner, but he wouldn’t have it any other way.

He was snapped out of his thought process when he realised Snow Cone had inched closer. He even gasped slightly from the surprise, and the girl smiles in amusement. “You good?” she asks.

“Yeah,” he whispered back. His throat was suddenly very dry, but despite how paralysed he felt in this moment, he reaches out a hand to hold Snow Cone’s. She responds almost immediately, squeezing it and leaning forward. CB closes his eyes, holding his breath as he moved in himself, his body trembling — then they were kissing.

His heart pounded in his throat, his head suddenly light and dizzy, and he was already running out of breath — but he persisted, wanting to keep them connected. He felt Snow Cone bring her other hand up, holding the back of CB’s head. He himself was utterly clueless what to do, just keeping his lips on hers until he really was running out of breath.

He pulled away and gasped, and Snow Cone laughed. “Don’t suffocate yourself!” Chocolate Bar laughed breathlessly, unable to form coherent words in that moment. He kept his face close to his girlfriend’s, a silent plea for another kiss.

Snow Cone understood, closing the gap between them once again, and this time CB didn’t hesitate to wrap his own arm around Snow Cone. When they pulled away again, the chocolate admired how red Snow Cone looked in that moment. She grinned back, squeezing his hand again. “I love you,” she murmured, so low yet it was crystal clear in CB’s mind.

He was so overcome with emotion he nearly started weeping right there. He took a deep breath.

“I love you more.”