Chapter Text
Flowers. Perhaps one of the most beautiful creations of nature ever discovered by humankind. Among the hundreds of thousands of flower species, almost everyone can find something pleasing to the eye. In fact, they are not merely objects of admiration. Through bouquets, one can convey many things that get stuck in the throat before they even see the light of day.
Fluixon never really got along with sincere words. They always seemed to slip away from his tongue, preventing him from uttering a single sound. It was actually frustrating. You’re unable to be sincere with your loved ones, stepping on the same rake of frustration over and over again.
Still, Aculon’s close ones had grown accustomed to this, they had grown accustomed to all his flaws and accepted him as he was. Flux should have thanked them for that, if he could have, of course. But he kept acting like an idiot, showing no sign of gratitude, even though he truly was grateful.
Words weren’t his only enemy; any physical contact was off-putting, offering help was definitely not his thing, and “quality” time spent together usually buried him even deeper in his own grave. Of all the languages and expressions of love, he was far removed from them. However, there was one more that didn’t seem like such a terrible idea to Flux as the others did. Gifts. He was actually pretty good at this; he could pick out exactly what might replace words of apology or gratitude, and that was probably what saved him. But not in every case
It would be wonderful if words of love could be replaced so easily. That would be truly wonderful.
The start of a new university year always felt like pure hell—waking up early again, knowing that the worst day of your life was ahead of you. At least, every day felt exactly like that. Life in the dorm seemed like a curse for all his sins. The only thing he was lucky about was that it was Thomas who was his roommate, and not just anyone else. If Fluixon had to share a room with a stranger, he would have definitely gone crazy.
The lectures seemed to go on forever. Remind him, why did he even choose architecture out of all academic departments? He couldn’t even remember himself, perhaps it had seemed like an interesting choice at first. The ticking of the clock was already becoming annoying, reminding him that not even half the lecture had passed.
Fluixon tapped his fingers nervously on the table, as if that would speed up time. He should have been focusing on what the professor was saying, but he wasn’t really paying attention. How did he even manage to get good grades so far? Today he was supposed to meet Saparata at a cafe after class, that was the only thing on his mind right now. He was counting down the seconds until then; it felt like time was dragging on forever.
Aculon sighed as he walked out of the university building. This day was really dragging on. He pulled out his phone and quickly typed a text message to his roommate:
I won't be on campus for the next few hours.
Please do not put me on the wanted list just because i didn't show up
There's no way, this is a moment of history
Fluixon Aculon leaving our room and touching grass
What's wrong with you
You're leaving our room like once a year man
Where are you going tho?
I'm going to cafe with Saps
No way
With Theria???
Holy shit bro
What's wrong with it
Dude you're crushing on him since freshman year, how did this even happened
I'm not
Why would he even go to the cafe with you
Shut up
And he was the one who invited me btw
Yeahh, what did I expect from the biggest fake idgafer and yearner of 2026
I'm gonna block you
Chill, anyways goodluck on your date
It's not a date
Whatever you're saying
Annoying, thought Fluixon as he slipped his phone back into the pocket of the purple hoodie he was wearing. It was about a ten-minute walk from campus to the cafe; it was now 3:35 pm, and the meeting was scheduled for exactly four o’clock.
It was a cool autumn day, and the soft rays of sunlight were shining directly into his eyes, which was a bit irritating. The streets were crowded with students rushing here and there. Loud voices rang out from the crowds; a group of students in front of Fluixon was gesturing wildly and laughing at silly jokes. They were taking up practically the entire sidewalk, so there was no way to get around or pass them. Aculon sighed, resigning himself to his fate for the next few minutes.
After a few agonizing minutes, the group turned into a side street. Flux sighed with relief, finally able to walk in peace. After walking a few more meters, he found himself in front of a cafe door. He pushed the door open, and the smell of coffee and sweet pastries immediately hit his nose. There were several other noisy groups inside. He looked around for a free table.
“Flux!” someone called out from the back of the cafe, waving a hand. Fluixon turned his head and saw a familiar figure with snow-white hair. He instinctively waved back as he approached the table.
“Hey,” said Fluixon, sitting down across from the smiling figure. “I didn’t expect you to come this early.”
“They took pity on us today—class ended early. I knew a bunch of people would show up here after class, so I decided to come early,” Saparata chuckled, resting his chin on his hand on the table. “By the way, I’ve already placed an order. I hope you like americano and the strawberry cake.”
“You really didn’t have to do that. I don’t know how, but you nailed it with the coffee.”
“Really? Glad I got the drink right.”
“I could have paid for myself.”
“Come on, I invited you, after all. Snowbird often complained about you, as if you were a total loner, just the walls of the room,” said Saparata, before noticing that the order was ready and the barista was calling his name. “Wait a second.”
A few seconds later, the guy with snow-white hair returned, holding a tray with two slices of cake and two coffees. He carefully placed Fluixon’s slice and americano next to him, while he chose a latte for himself.
“So you decided to drag me off campus just because Snowbird complained about me?” he asked, taking a sip of coffee. The rich aroma of coffee reminded him of the times when he had to help Thomas at the coffee shop, not entirely of his own free will.
“No! Actually, I’ve been thinking about asking you to hang out for a while, but I couldn’t really bring myself to do it,” Saps replied sheepishly. “And now Snow has started complaining that you’re often skipping Conspiracy hang outs. So I figured it would ease his mind if you actually went out somewhere.”
“Is Snow worried about me? Isn’t that just impossible?” he joked sarcastically.
“I’m worried too,” Saparata said, clutching his latte tightly. “I really don’t know how things actually are, but what Snowbird told me was enough.”
“He’s really exaggerating,” Flux said briefly with a sigh. It wasn’t that he was actually a loner, though at first glance it might seem that way. “You know, maybe I’ve started spending less time with Conspiracy, but that’s solely because the new semester started after the break. I need to adjust to the schedule, balancing one thing with the other. You know what I mean?”
Theria nodded in response, taking a sip of coffee. Flux was absolutely right, after all; the start of the semester always knocked you off your feet. Finding the perfect balance between free time and studies isn’t easy for everyone, and it doesn’t happen overnight.
Eventually, the conversation drifted away from the topic of school. Saparata talked about his siblings, about how hard it was to live under the same roof with Micro during summer break, and about how Jophiel was the only one who really understood him. Flux, in turn, talked about Conspiracy, about how annoying Thomas could be at times, even though he’s actually a really good friend. They told each other the silliest stories and laughed together, not noticing that the coffee and cake were gone.
Aculon glanced at his phone, turning it on. It's seven pm already? Time had flown by, way too fast. And yet he had three missed calls from Thomas.
“I think it’s a little late,” he sighed. “I should probably head back to campus. Thomas is going to report me missing any minute now.”
“Oh, um, okay! Oh my God, is it already seven pm?” Saparata gasped, he’d seriously lost track of time. He gathered himself, slinging his bag over his shoulder. “Alright, I’m not going back to campus today. Jophiel decided that today would be the perfect time for a family get-together. I’m going to be stuck for the whole weekend with Snowbird and Micro…”
“Good luck with that.”
“See you later!” Saps said before leaving the cafe and heading in the opposite direction from Flux. Aculon watched him go for a few more seconds before looking back at his phone screen.
What happened
What happened???
You disappeared with Theria for 3 hours
And?
I'm not a little kiddo, i can do whatever i want
You're acting like my family rn
Soo how did everything go?
It was alright i guess
No details?:(
Nah
Fluixon turned off his phone and slipped it into his pocket. All the way to campus, he walked lost in his own thoughts, trying to make sense of the day. Those few hours… had been truly interesting. Saparata really knows how to keep a conversation going, there’s something in his voice that makes others listen intently. Flux definitely falls for that trick.
He opened the door to his dorm room, and the bright light from the LED bulb hit his eyes. Fluixon tossed his bag onto the nearest chair in the room. He sighed, mentally preparing himself for Thomas’s interrogation.
There was a soft creak of the door, Flux turned toward the source of the sound.
“Oh, Flux, you’re back,” Thomas said, stepping closer. He leaned against the wall opposite Aculon, folding his arms. “You still haven’t told me how it went.”
“Nothing special. Everything went fine,” Fluixon sighed. “I’m not giving away the details for free,” he added, chuckling quietly.
“Oh, come on, you’re the last person who needs money right now.”
“Who said payment has to be in cash? Information for information.”
“Be more specific?” Thomas raised an eyebrow.
“Just hypothetically, do you know what kind of flowers Saps likes?”
“Just hypothetically, sunflowers. Why do you ask?”
Fluixon rolled his eyes, not wanting to answer the question. He slumped into a chair, leaning back against the backrest and crossing his legs. In the end, he had to tell him how it all went.
“So, you want to thank Saps for paying for you at the cafe? Is that why you need flowers?” Thomas asked, clarifying what he’d just heard.
“Something like that,” muttered Flux.
“Why did you think that I know what kind of flowers Saps like?”
“Micro. You get along pretty well with him, right? I just figured he might have told you.”
Saturday morning began with a ray of sunlight shining right into Aculon’s eyes. He sat up in bed, rubbing his eyes and yawning sleepily. He glanced at the ill-fated window, the light from which had woken him up so early. Thomas had forgotten to close the curtains again…
For a few more minutes, he sat motionless, trying to finally wake up completely. He sighed quietly, finally getting out of the soft bed. The kitchen was empty. Fluixon glanced at his watch — 8:45 am. Where could his neighbor have gone so early in the morning?
He turned on his phone and saw several missed messages. From the context of what he read, he realized that Conspiracy had decidedtoday was the best day to hang out…
Snowbird334
Yo flux is online
Are you gonna finally hang out with us
Seraphim_Here
What happened that you wake up before 11 am on saturday
Thomas happened
And yeah im finally gonna join my goons
Thomas5200
What did i do
You left the curtains open
Thomas5200
sorry not sorry
hvyrotation
Flux is coming with us??
Is end of the world close
Yes y’all gonna die
Anyways where are you
Snowbird334
Park next to the campus
Give me like 20 mins and I'll be there
Snowbird334
Oh and my cousin is with us
Wait who
Snowbird334
Saps
I think you know him
Thomas5200
Sure thing he knows him
They had something like a little date yesterday;)
I hate u
And it WASN'T a date
Snowbird334
Wait what
Why i know nothing about it
Newkids
rip saps saparata we gonna miss u
Snowbird334
Chill I'm not gonna kill him
We better kill flux cuz he didn't tell us about it either
gotoga
peak idea
I hate all of you
About fifteen minutes later, Flux left the university grounds. He was wearing the same hoodie as yesterday, over a black T-shirt with a random print and baggy black jeans. From a distance, he saw familiar figures waving at him like idiots. Aculon sighed as he approached the group.
“Hi, Flux!” Saparata waved at him.
“Hi, Saps,” he smiled warmly in response. “And y'all too,” he added sarcastically.
“And y'all too?” Gotoga exclaimed indignantly.
“Calm down, what else can you expect from Flux?” Seraphim added coldly.
“Let’s not argue in the first few minutes of the meeting,” Thomas said irritably. “Okay?”
Everyone nodded, though not very willingly. Eventually, they all agreed to go to the cafe together. Someone from Conspiracy suggested that Fluxion should pay for everything, since he owed them a lot. Aculon had no choice but to resign himself to his bitter fate.
“So, Saps,” Snowbird began, sitting across from his brother. “I heard you were at this same cafe with Flux yesterday. You know, it’s a little insulting that I didn’t hear it from you,” he added dramatically, taking a sip of coffee.
“Who even told you?”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“Thomas,” Fluixon replied instead of Snow. He gave Thomas, who was sitting next to him, a light nudge with his elbow. “He talks too much.”
“You didn’t tell me it was a secret,” Thomas said jokingly, nudging him in return.
“Let’s not get sidetracked,” Snow muttered. “Saps, trust me, Aculon is the last person you want to deal with in this life.”
“You realize I can hear you, right?”
“Don’t overreact,” Saparata chuckled, taking a bite of the bun he’d ordered. Swallowing the bite, he continued, “Flux isn’t as bad as all of you make him out to be. At least from what I know, and from what Thomas told me.”
“No, really, Saps is right. No matter how much of a jerk he can be sometimes, he’s still not a bad person. He often helps all of us, no matter what,” Thomas agreed. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Aculon smile slightly.
“I agree with Thomas. He’s known Flux the longest out of all of us, he knows what he’s talking about,” Sera added.
“It’s really unexpected to hear nice things about me from you, Seraphim.”
“Don’t get used to it.”
“All right,” Snowbird sighed. “But, Flux, if you ever upset Saps…”
“Oh God, I won’t do anything,” Aculon said irritably.
“I’m watching you.”
Snowbird scanned Flux with his eyes, as if carefully analyzing him. He fixed his gaze directly on his face, narrowing his eyes.
“Whatever you're saying,” muttered Fluixon, glancing at Saparata, who was quietly chuckling at the conversation he’d just overheard. He had actually been looking at Theria most of the time, he could only hope that no one had noticed, especially Snow.
The rest of the conversation went smoothly, without any arguments. However, Flux remained quiet — too quiet. He had barely spoken a few words during the entire conversation. He felt someone tap him lightly on the elbow. Thomas gestured to ask if everything was okay, looking at Aculon with concern. Fluixon nodded in response.
A little later, he glanced at his phone and saw a missed message from Tomas:
Do u still want to give him flowers?
Kinda, but there's lowk too much people
I don't want much attention, especially from Snowbird.
Dw i gotchu:)
What does that mean
I'll try to convince everyone that it's time to go
But i will tell Saps i need to talk to him personally
Meanwhile u can go and buy flowers for him
Oh
That's smart
Thank you, you can be actually useful sometimes
U owe me one two tickets to the cinema
Sure
A few minutes later, Fluixon came up with an excuse to supposedly leave early. It was something rather silly, and it seemed like most of them didn't even believe him. Now all Thomas had to do was convince everyone to leave early so he could talk to Saps alone.
Did you buy flowers?
Yep
Where are you
Near the cafe
Ok I'm gonna tell Saps to wait a few secs for me
So he's gonna be alone
You're my saviour ngl
Fluixon clutched a bouquet of sunflowers tightly in his hand as he looked for Saparata. He spotted him standing in front of the café entrance. Taking a few deep breaths, as if that would give him courage, he walked over to him.
“Hey, Saps,” he said awkwardly, holding out the bouquet of sunflowers. “You know, I figured I should thank you somehow for yesterday, so…”
“Oh my God, Flux,” Saparata laughed, taking the bouquet of flowers in his hands. “You really didn’t have to, but thank you.”
“I told you the same thing yesterday.”
Theria laughed, tucking a strand of hair behind his ear. His voice sounded otherworldly, heavenly and perfect. As if an angel had descended from the heavens. Fluixon shook his head slightly to clear his thoughts, and a faint blush spread across his cheeks. An awkward silence hung between them for a few seconds, making Aculon nervous.
“How do you even know I like sunflowers?” Saparata asked quietly, still looking at the flowers.
“Let’s just say I have my ways.”
Saparata brought the flowers to his nose, sniffing them before answering. The delicate, pleasant scent of sunflowers, reminiscent of summer, filled his lungs.
“Don’t tell me Snowbird told you.”
“No,” Flux laughed. “He’s the last person who would tell me anything.”
“Why does he dislike you so much?”
“Pfft, I wouldn’t say he dislikes me. He’s just annoyed that none of us told him about yesterday’s meeting.”
“I still have to spend the day with him under the same roof,” Saparata sighed.
“All I can do is wish you luck. You’re in for a long and tedious interrogation.”
Theria didn’t say anything in reply, but just laughed a little louder. He turned on his phone when he saw a message, and immediately turned his head toward Flux. In reality, their faces weren’t that far apart.
“Well, I guess I’ll be going now. Thomas wanted to talk to me, but now he’s texting that it’s not necessary anymore. Thanks again for the flowers. See you later!”
“See you,” Fluixon muttered with a crooked smile on his lips. He watched Theria’s back again until he disappeared, just like yesterday.
He really should get those tickets for Thomas. He actually owes him a lot for that.
A few minutes later, Aculon was already lying on his bed, completely exhausted after today. It was only six pm now, Thomas might have been a little too quick to send everyone off. He wouldn’t be able to fall asleep, though he didn’t really want to anyway. Every word Saparata had said was playing over and over in his head, especially the ones where he had stood up for him. It was… nice. Of course, Sera and Thomas had joined in too, but hearing it from Theria was striking.
Considering that they didn’t know each other all that well. They saw each other from time to time and even talked, though the conversations weren’t very long. After all, they’d met through Snowbird.
Saps, Saps, Saps. The name echoed in his head dozens of times. It was starting to get on his nerves. Aculon checked his phone, trying to escape his thoughts. He saw a message from Theria:
Hi Flux :)
Thanks for the flowers again, hehe
Snowbird can't believe that you actually bought it for me, lol
Hi
Why is he so shocked
Like the whole Conspiracy is getting gifts from me too
He included
Lmao idk
So I'm not special for this gift, huh?
I mean, you're the second person I have ever given flowers to
And the first one I wanted to give flowers
Who was the first person?
Cynikka. I had to buy her flowers as an apology
I see
So I am kinda special
Kinda
Awww
Wtf is wrong with Snow
He's saying smth like: “Aculon won't steal my cousin. I know this guy, there's nothing good about him. ”
Genuinely what
Idk man, he's talking with Micro and Jophiel rn
What does he mean steal me
He's going crazy
What if i steal you first, huh
Did he think about that?
What
What if I'm gonna sell you for $5 on a black market
Fuck you???
Only $5, bro
Ok $200 cuz you're pretty
Do you think I'm worth only 200 bucks
Uhh
Ok maybe you worth a lil but more
Wait I've changed my mind
I'm gonna keep you as a hostage
Dude what
What's your problem
You're stuck with me now
I'm your problem now
Whatever
I'm your problem too then I guess
Ok gotta go, Snowbird seems not so mad at me
At us*
What did we even do
He thinks we're keeping something in secret
What the
Ok whatever
Good luck with him
Thanks;)
Aculon smiled sheepishly as he stared at his phone screen. Wait a minute — had Saps just called him pretty? Fluixon’s gaze lingered on a single message, rereading it over and over. Did he really mean that? He must have been joking or something. Did Theria actually find him attractive?
He tossed the phone aside on the bed next to him. Today has been a truly interesting day. Flux lay there for another fifteen minutes or so, trying to pull himself together. His thoughts wouldn’t listen to him, and it was exhausting. In fact, this turmoil in his mind had been going on since his freshman year, back when he first met Saparata. Now it was even worse, since he’d had the chance to talk to Saps one-on-one. That had actually become the basis for his constant thoughts about the guy with the snow-white hair.
Don’t think about Saparata Theria. Don’t think about Saparata. Don’t think about Saps. Don’t think about… Shit.
Thoughts are actually what people can’t resist. It feels like your own mind is betraying you, continuing an uninvited topic in your head. Like the silliest song you’ve ever heard, getting stuck in your mind for a long time. Popping up time and again when you least want to think about it.
Maybe it was a curse for Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit after all? If they even existed, which is almost impossible. But if so, Flux hopes that damn fruit tasted like shit and they had to atone for their own sin.
The last day before the start of another week at university was boring. Not a single message from Saparata. Conspiracy tried to hang out together, but most of them just couldn’t make it work schedule-wise, so they decided to reschedule the meeting. Fluixon also managed to get movie tickets for Thomas, so now he owes him a little less…
Aculon spent almost the entire evening on his homework. Once again, why had he chosen architecture out of all the options? Stupid design and stupid drawing. No matter what line came out from under his hand, something still seemed off. Either there were too many details, or not enough. Why did he have to design this damn bridge of all things?
He finally allowed himself to yawn, glancing at his work one last time. Maybe not perfect, but it didn’t look all that bad. Fluixon took a sip of the coffee he’d brewed specifically before starting work on the project. He stood up from the table, stretching his arms upward. He’d spent quite a bit of time sitting in one spot. Flux glanced at the clock — for God’s sake, 2:30 am? He’d promised himself he’d fix his sleep schedule…
He looked at the bed next to his in the room. How on earth could Thomas sleep with the room fully lit? That would probably remain a mystery. He turned off the light in the room before lying down on his bed. Finally, after a whole day, he could get some rest.
The week at the university had been boring; almost nothing had happened. The lectures didn’t seem interesting, so most of them went in one ear and out the other for Fluixon. He would probably regret this in the future. His head was filled with just one thing, and that didn’t exactly make him happy. Why was it so hard to concentrate?
Saps. That name was already starting to annoy him, popping up in his mind again and again. It felt as if everything in the world had disappeared except for Saparata. For heaven’s sake, why was he thinking about him so often? It was infuriating.
And once again, classes after Friday made him breathe a sigh of relief. Two quiet days were finally waiting for him, without any adventures, right?
Fluixon decided to stop by a cafe before heading back to the dorm. He was really hoping there wouldn’t be huge crowds on the street today, since his lectures had ended much later than everyone else’s. Aculon looked around the street, to his delight, there was almost no one in sight. The student walked at a leisurely pace toward the cafe.
Suddenly, he felt the warm touch of a hand on his shoulder. Flux flinched and froze in place — which wasn’t exactly the smartest move in that situation.
“Hey, Flux!” a clear voice called out from behind him. The student recognized it immediately and turned his head toward the voice.
“Saps, next time you do that, I’ll smack you,” said Aculon, looking at the guy behind him.
Saparata looked away, awkwardly scratching the back of his head. He gave a crooked smile before replying, “Oops, sorry.”
“Just say what you want,” Fluixon grumbled, still not taking his eyes off Saps. He was wearing a white sweater with a silly cat print — which, by the way, suited him. The strand of hair that usually fell across his face was pinned back.
“Well, you know, I was just going to take a walk along the waterfront. I figured you might want to keep me company or something.”
“The waterfront? Well, I guess I don’t mind.”
“Thanks!” Saparata exclaimed, grabbing Flux by the wrist. He smiled gently before pulling him along.
“You know you don’t have to drag me all the way like this, right?”
“Yeah, but you know, black cats have a tendency to run away, so it’s better to play it safe,” joked Saps, squeezing Aculon’s hand even tighter.
“What?”
“What? From what Snowbird and Thomas told me, you look a lot like a black cat. Pfft, maybe in some past life you actually were one.”
“Nonsense,” Flux muttered, rolling his eyes. What did he have in common with some cat?
“Oh, no way! You look just like one right now.”
“You’re lying.”
In response, Saps simply pulled him closer, laughing loudly. He intertwined their fingers instead of holding his wrist. Fluixon flinched slightly at the unexpected gesture. His eyes darted back and forth in surprise. It was awkward.
Now they were walking side by side, while Fluixon, in turn, typed a text message with his free hand:
Thomas
I'm probably gonna come back late today
THAT'S YOUR TURN TO DO DISHES TODAY???
you traitor
Chill I'm gonna do it when I'm back
Say hi to saps from me
Why are you assuming I'm with saps
Are you?
Maybe
But I'm not saying hi from u
Aw:(
“Who are you texting?” Saps asked, glancing at Flux.
“Thomas. He says hi, by the way,” Flux said, slipping his phone back into his pocket.
“Oh, really?” Teria smiled, moving closer to him, as if they weren’t already close enough. “How does he know we’re together? Did you tell him?”
“He figured it out himself.”
“Pfft, is it that obvious who you might be with?”
“Kinda.”
Saparata nodded. They were already at the beginning of the waterfront. There were almost no people here, which pleased both of them greatly. The promenade itself was a very beautiful place; it was strange that there were so few people here. From here, there was a wonderful view of the city, with all its finest buildings. Lanterns stood along the fence, and so-called love locks were attached here and there to the fence itself. Saparata stopped for a moment, examining each one.
“Every year, the number of these locks increases significantly,” Theria smiled. “And every year, I see much more creative ones.”
“Really? I hardly ever pay attention to them.”
“Yeah, see that lock with the rose pattern? They’re hand-painted, but the lock looks like it’s split into two parts — the painting styles are different. Looks like two artists in love.”
“How did you even notice that? I wouldn’t have realized it if you hadn’t pointed it out,” Flux admitted.
“Well, what can I say,” Saps said quietly, his eyes still wandering over the castles. “I pay attention to details.”
It was already getting late, and the streetlights were beginning to illuminate the streets. The autumn chill had already started to set in, though not yet in full force. But the darkness made the waterfront even more beautiful. The two of them were sitting on a nearby bench. Saps had rested his head on Aculon’s shoulder; his eyes were closed as if he were about to fall asleep. Fluixon sat motionless, leaning lightly against his friend. He wanted this moment to last forever. The minutes of silence felt like a gift from heaven.
“Flux,” Saparata yawned. “You know, we should spend time together like this more often.”
“Do you think so?”
“Yep. What do you think about it?”
“I guess I wouldn’t mind,” Aculon replied quietly.
“From what I know, you don’t seem like an open person. So why did you agree so readily to spend time with me?”
Fluixon fell silent, searching for words in his own mind. He didn’t really know himself, it just seemed right to him, as if that’s how it was supposed to be.
“Well,” he began. “We were, after all, already acquainted, albeit not very well, but acquainted. So you weren’t a stranger to me.”
Saps chuckled, the answer satisfied him, and his cheeks flushed slightly. He liked how easily Fluixon had let him get close to him. Perhaps there are exceptions among reclusive black cats after all. He fell silent again, letting the silence join them, only the whistling of the wind broke it.
Fluixon stepped into the dorm room, yawning. He lazily took off his shoes and walked into the kitchen.
“Where have you been all this time?” Thomas asked curiously, sitting at the table and finishing his tea. “I didn’t think Theria would steal you for so long.”
“God, five hours isn’t that long,” Flux muttered.
“Maybe, but you never used to disappear for that long before. Though it’s for the best.”
“For the best?”
“Yeah, you know, Saps has a certain effect on you—in a good way, of course,” he smiled. Thomas was actually genuinely happy for his friend. “Honestly, seeing you happy when you come back makes me happier.”
“He has an effect on me? That sounds ridiculous,” Aculon muttered.
“No, I’m serious. You’ve been much more cheerful over the last week, like a flower blooming in spring. I’m starting to think there really is something between the two of you.”
“That sounds idiotic.”
“You sound like an idiot,” Thomas retorted. “Now go wash the dishes.”
“Whatever,” Fluixon rolled his eyes as he walked over to the kitchen sink. He sighed before rolling up his shirt sleeves.
With the arrival of November, it became much easier to balance free time and studies. The students had already adjusted and gotten used to this routine, so things started to come more easily. Conspiracy began hanging out with Fluixon more often than they had expected, which was certainly a welcome development. Saparata often joined them, but none of them minded—after all, everyone knew Snowbird’s cousin pretty well. You could say he was no longer just a formal member of the group.
That evening, most of the Conspiracy weren’t free, though some were luckier than others. Saps invited Aculon to take another walk along the waterfront, over the past two months, it had become a habit.
Flux was standing at the beginning of the waterfront, holding a bouquet of sunflowers. He often gave Theria flowers — so often that there was almost always a bouquet in his vase.
He heard his name called out not far from him, turning around, he saw Saparata, who immediately walked up to him.
“Pfft, I didn’t doubt for a second that you’d show up with another bouquet,” said Theria, laughing. “Is it just me, or is the bouquet bigger this time?”
“Is that a problem?” chuckled Fluixon, handing him the flowers.
“No,” he protested, looking at the flowers. And indeed, there were more of them this time. “I’ve lost count of how many bouquets this is. Seriously, I’ve never received this many flowers in my life.”
“Consider it a gift from fate.”
“Fate itself? I never thought I’d be this lucky in life with you.”
“With me?”
“Yeah, you’re the one giving them to me, not fate,” Saps explained, sniffing the flowers, the scent of sunflowers was truly one of his favorites. With his free hand, he clasped his friend’s arm, their fingers once again tightly intertwined. “I’m lucky to have you, not fate.”
Flux froze like a statue, not uttering a word. He bit his lower lip, trying not to break into a silly grin at what he’d just seen. Saparata noticed this, but decided not to give it away, merely chuckling softly and squeezing his hand even tighter. He liked seeing Fluixon so flustered by his compliments, it made him feel like a man who had achieved the impossible and broken some law of nature.