Chapter Text
The concept of fame is a spectrum determined by the lenses of individuals who possess the notoriety necessary to be considered as such—the reputation that precedes maybe even mortality. The distinction an individual gets once they grasp the glory of stardom can lead them to a state of prominence, a state that makes them renowned for their mere presence.
Perhaps people view fame as a fire born from a single match, growing higher and brighter, lingering long enough to be noticeable by everyone who happens to take a glance at the illuminating ember.
Maybe fame reminds the public of a statue, one made of pristine ivory that accents the subject’s curves, curls, and creases—a statue that makes everyone enamoured for hours if they take a single look.
Additionally, maybe it can be an enlightening thing as well—a single spotlight from above to cast away the shadows and attract surrounding moths to its golden luster.
Valk was not a stranger to fame, perhaps being the word that’s always paired with his name whenever demons discuss him, even if he never knew that himself despite being born into the role. He was the epitome of fame, dressed in golden hues fit for a celebrity yet beaming like a sunflower. Perhaps everyone knew exactly what he looked like under the spotlight: aureate highlights in his snowy curly hair, amber coat, and tie matching his lemon shutter glasses and horns, topped off with a silver helm. Everywhere he walked, everyone around him uttered his name on their lips.
Sometimes, it exceeded his usual expectations. He often stopped himself while walking through Crossroads to fulfill a few fan requests, such as an autograph or picture, eventually evolving into an excessive line or crowd just to see him and his toothy smile. While it was a showcase of his reputation, he even found that his fans can be a bit overbearing sometimes, especially in the world of giving and writing. He is often met with a stack of fanmail that he stops to read for the day. Some letters he received made him chuckle, lifting his already elated mood, and some letters made him flustered, surprised at the amount of emotion that can be transcribed from the curvature of a mouth to the stroke of a pen. However, he appreciates all the gifts nonetheless, even if at times his introverted brother asks him to stop reading them lest he be left a flushed mess for a prolonged amount of time.
Despite this, they were merely products of his notoriety and his worthiness as a celebrity. It was to be expected for Valk to be bombarded with such endearing words from his fans and to be sent gifts that show the pure adoration he has garnered from his optimistic self. Additionally, his fame surprised him even more at times, surpassing mortality to a certain degree. If he were to look back at it, it was oddly intriguing to find himself assisting the phighters alongside deities, even if he is from godly origins. At times, he was additionally left perplexed to be assisting alongside his grandfather, Firebrand. Even if his origins set him in stone as at least somewhat godlike, Valk felt in his heart that such a title shouldn’t be granted to him.
Perhaps he was being humble, maybe even undermining his worth. Even so, he finds that people only consider him a god because of his fame, two terms that go hand in hand in people’s minds when they refer to Valk. To the Flipside member, however, he doesn’t consider himself a god, even if he possesses the characteristics to possibly be one. He was a mere demon with a pair of wings on his back; that was all he was. Even if he converses with deities on rare occasions, even if he lends a helping hand alongside deities in Phights, even if he converses with demons daily, like a deity meeting with their people, he still considers himself to be a demon, and that’s all there is to it. If he hears people refer to him as a god when he’s on stage, at the heart of it all, he is only being called a divine individual because of his fame, and Valk knows that.
His popularity deems him almighty; that’s what it boils down to for him. People only enjoyed him as a god on stage and not as a demon when walking down the stairs to meet other people. The music that he makes, the upbeat tempo in his heart that infects others, the charismatic edge on the tip of his tongue—that’s what made him a god to people.
However, none of those involved the real version of himself—the version that is soft and endearing, the side that is behind the blaring music and his microphone, the one that doesn’t care about the stage and instead focuses on the people who see his raw scarlet heart, unravelling for them to be met with the thoughts of a mortal, not a god or celebrity. Sure, his brother may see that all the time, yet all those moments of vulnerability were behind closed doors, covered by darkened curtains, preventing Valk’s fragile side from being seen by his fans or other people, not even other deities.
This was a product of his fame—a result that he found to be unfavourable. Despite this, though, who is he to combat it? It was only natural for people to see the veil that he had set up for himself, a silken cloth enforced by the safety pins of music and optimism, with people not knowing the figure behind the melody and hyperbolic attitude. He wasn’t sure if his brother felt the same way regarding the fame they built up together, but Valk felt that his popularity had some benefits on the surface for the light to see, yet consequences down below, left to only his thoughts and emotions. Nonetheless, he left his inner turmoil aside to enjoy the fame he has as an idol. He remains a god to his fans, letting his vocals speak for themselves in his songs as Flipside, even if his heart never croaks out his aches in public. The positives outweigh the negatives in his mind, suppressing his internal struggles to show off his best.
It was strange, the notion of humbleness contrasting his unperturbed outer persona when on stage. After all, Valk was gleeful, Valk was confident, and Valk was soaring towards the side of himself that shouldn’t be seen, and yet, Valk still yearned for people to see that side of him. It was poison for his career, yet ambrosia for his heart. What he prioritizes more is an internal battle between mind and soul. Even if it may be a harsh kick in the stomach to keep his thoughts inside, his fame softens the blow. Through his status, he can connect with others and show everyone the veil he has worked on.
However, he never considered anyone capable enough to lift the shroud and see the possible truth that can be seen as unfitting, contrasting the image prior. Valk doesn’t even know who these people are. He may only know what these people look like at their most vulnerable. This anonymity he is faced with doesn’t fit his godly image, yet nobody will ever know. Not a single soul in The Inpherno will ever know his unconscious yearning to find that person.
Yet, the namelessness was ironically befitting for Valk, an individual below divinity. After all, what is left of his omnipotence if his eyes don’t see it? If a god doesn’t believe they are such, then they aren’t what is obvious to others. His ignorance only leads him to be a part of fate’s game, which is usually orchestrated by divine intervention. He may only have met surface-level fans for millennia, and he may never find the one who will truly know the demon behind the saffron coat and horns. He may be left yearning like watching the futile precipice of the sunrise; he may be left alone to his thoughts like before, yet he leaves himself with hope like the saying he has engraved on his heart: After every storm, there is always a rainbow.
Therefore, he merely plays his part in fate’s game, acting as an idol of Flipside until his electric vocals correctly strike someone’s heartstrings, all the while unknowingly harbouring the prayer to Illumina that he strikes the strings of a person who wishes to seek his truth, praying through the storm no matter how long he is within its eye.
✦ ✦ ✦
Life as an idol was simple for Valk, who practically knew all of his duties like the back of his hand. However, that doesn’t mean that he felt it was not taxing for himself.
Most of the time, he was simply left to his own devices and jobs, responding by spectating matches he found interesting and sometimes even helping out by boosting morale on both teams with his abilities or providing more bux as an incentive. Every so often, he even invites Dom to watch with him, commenting on any phighters they see as unique. Their attention is grabbed from phighers who are competitively or skilled, all the while eating popcorn and listening to the tracks they have crafted themselves. Needless to say, Valk found the life of an idol to be full of calculated leisure, ignoring the occasional promotional he has to prepare for new music or the more tolling Phestivals he has to decorate for alongside his brother. However, he still found enjoyment in every activity he participated in as a popular figure.
He can still recall the strings of lights he puts up, almost falling from a faulty step or two as his small form ascends the ladder. Sometimes, moments like those made him wish he were taller instead of having constant external jabs and teases from his brother alongside internal jabs, seeing that not a single phighter was shorter than him. Nonetheless, he finds the result of his work worth the intricate setup of lights and the number of times he grumbled under his breath regarding his small stature.
He sometimes even made bets with Dom during Phights regarding which team would win, and this notion of betting only increases during Phestivals when phighters are at their prime to fight for their respective sides. Even if the closeness between him and the phighters were nonexistent, his optimistic side couldn’t help but cheer for the ones that caught his eye. Despite being an observer not involved in Phights, the tension he feels through his veins when cheering for phighters provides the same effect as adrenaline for phighters on the field. Different circ*mstances, yet Valk’s feelings resonated with the phighters, even if he never knew it.
However, the recording studio is where he truly shines, even if people barely see it. Settling himself with vocal exercises and harmonizing with his brother is where he feels the most energized. Perhaps it’s the unconscious thought of the bux the new album will receive, but nonetheless, the energy he gives when he sings is somewhat infectious. Although his cheery self is warranted, Dom has to flick Valk on the forehead sometimes, sighing at him for not taking the recording as seriously as he should. Despite this, through the struggle of curbing Valk’s positivity, the songs he hears as they play back on speakers in Phights always make him happy, relieved that people received the new music well.
It was almost a routine of sorts: spectating Phights on the daily, spending time with his brother, and promoting new music or material. Valk fell into a cycle that he enjoyed, a repetition of events that had the little things within them that made him chipper. It was a humble day-to-day, yet it was surrounded by exaggerated notions of divinity due to its popularity. Once again, it is a product of his status for people to perceive him as such, even if he is doing what any other demon would do. That being said, Valk didn’t let the fame get to his head, ignoring his slightly greedy side of himself.
✦ ✦ ✦
Today should have been no different, or at the very least, it should’ve been. Despite the expectation, Valk was still in fate’s game, and fate had other plans for him today. After all, he is only a mere mortal with feathered appendages, seen as a god but not deserving of such a celestial label.
“How is the phight so far?” Dom crept up from behind Valk’s relaxed form on his amber-hued bean bag chair, turning towards a monitor on the wall. It is currently showcasing a phight at Rocket Arena as the two were situated in their private spectator room. It housed mostly yellow and purple items, matching their palettes and personalities. It was a lofty space, containing Flipside paraphernalia and a few odds and ends such as plushies, posters, and more that were suited for their contrasting dynamic. The saffron musician snickered at the map the phighters had chosen for themselves. To the optimistic idol, he found the map to be an interesting choice. It harboured limits on terrain and elevation, promoting skillful trekkers to prevail, not to mention the disappearing terrain as well when the music pumps up. Despite the hazards, he does get surprised when some individuals breeze through it, often floating like a few Phights he’s witnessed—a katana and slingshot-wielding individual in particular. He was interested in this match from the start. Turning to look at Dom, though, he was greeted with some popcorn in the other’s hands, quickly taking a few pieces and popping them into his mouth.
“The phight isn’t too bad; pretty close, actually!” Valk commented, focusing back on the monitor. “It’s 11 to 13 right now; only a two-kill difference!”
“It sounds like a serious match,” Dom replied, focusing on the monitor. However, as the taller figure stared, he took note of a certain figure on the screen, which contrasted with the serious notion he stated before. Dom used his fingers to zoom in on a figure dressed in cerulean, pointing to them afterwards. "Hm, it seems like someone is actually treating the match more casually than competitively, interestingly enough.”
“Hm? Them?” Valk co*cked an eyebrow at the figure Dom mentioned. What he saw was a cat-like figure talking to a more large-horned individual that he could consider a compelling character. Rather than take the matches seriously, the figure opted for a more relaxed approach. While the brother’s attention was often caught by the most serious phighters, Valk found his attention to be caught by the most relaxed ones as well. The figure clashed both in style and formality. While the other wore a collared dress shirt and formal tie, the stylish choices contrasted with the more grunge apparel the figure made with the baggy sweatpants, casual sneakers, silver hip chain, and fingerless gloves, topping off the whole ensemble with a backwards cap, which suggested a hip-hop tone from the figure. Everything clashed, even the visor the other wore, showing off the figure’s eyes through a cartoony array of lights, which Valk found to be amusing. Above all else, though, what he was intrigued by the most was the weapon the figure chose for himself. That piqued his curiosity, showing some eagerness on his face. “They have a boombox as a weapon?”
“Oh yeah, never seen them? I’ve seen them from a few matches I spectated, and apparently, the sound waves that the boombox lets out hurt phighters. They’re even able to generate a shield to push people around.” Dom explained their observations to the shorter male, soon noticing the aforementioned figure scoring a kill for the other team. “It looks like he’s got a killing streak as well. All that with a boombox.”
“Hm. Interesting. What a creative person, I’ll admit.” Valk chuckled, complimenting the unknown figure. The two’s discussion regarding the new individual eventually fell into casual conversation, not between idols but rather between brothers. The two rallied to each other’s statements, inquiring about the matches and their day. It was a daily thing that Valk enjoyed to see that he could still talk like his genuine self around somebody. He found it endearing that Dom could tolerate him sometimes, especially when the shorter figure started acting confident with his mannerisms. On the other hand, Dom found it relieving that his brother liked his less formal side of himself, dropping the stiffness of “Phighter” in his tongue. He was additionally grateful that he was free to take off his dominus as he pleased.
As the two settled in, they made a handful of bets about which team would win the matches, which were eventually met with groans from the loser and relief from the winner. Sometimes, Valk let out a small “Hah!” whenever he was feeling particularly victorious, yet some bets were met with a calm Dom snickering behind the back of his hand. It was a back-and-forth banter of defeat and victory, a pair of common words used to describe Phights. Perhaps Dom and Valk were having their form of a phight in their bets? Nonetheless, after seeing a handful of Phights, the star that lit up the sky arched its way to developing sunset skies, hues of peach and amber painting over the cerulean sky above. Valk departed from the spectating booth to greet himself with the buildings of Crossroads, their signs lighting up and showing off blaring neons to contrast the tangerine sky overhead.
Valk walked around Crossroads, taking in the calm atmosphere as a way to balance himself with the adrenaline he felt before. Luckily, he saw most individuals heading back to their respective factions or homes, providing him with the mild atmosphere he felt his mind needed. He even heard his feet tapping the ground with a soft thump, a sound he could never hear with the usual crowd around him. His straying feet led him toward a tall store. However, upon closer look, he noticed the shop housed an array of boomboxes, models of which looked nothing like the grunge guy he had seen earlier. No models appeared to have any phighting capability at first glance. The more he walked towards it, the more his ears perked up at the sound of music. It was a genre that he was more than familiar with; a simple EDM tune struck a chord within his heart, energizing him.
Walking towards the tune tickling his ears, his curiosity was answered as he caught sight of a figure pouring his energy out on a wooden stage, showing the passion behind his talent for music. Valk found the display commendable. However, the more he looked at the guy performing, the more he took note of how familiar the figure looked, exhibiting traits that he had taken note of prior, all having a repaint in green. Similar clash in style, similar stature that almost paralleled his, similar cartoon eyes now displaying stars. Valk’s interest was further piqued at the realization: the figure that was performing on the wooden stage, accompanied by blaring red speakers, was the figure he was curious about earlier, the phighter that was deemed unique in Valk’s eyes, the very same individual except in a striking green backdrop.
“All that with a boombox,” Valk repeated to himself in a mumbled tone, his mouth slightly ajar.
He was in disbelief at the display in front of him. What are the chances of this? For Valk to have some downtime away from his celebrity title, for his heartstrings to tug him towards a stage, and for him to see that the stage housed a certain eccentric demon? Was fate playing him for a fool, providing this circ*mstance a mere few feet away from him? Perhaps this was fate tempting him to take the fruits of his patience, his unconscious yearning, and his state of stasis as he stood waiting. While he could have these reservations regarding the cards fate has dealt him, he is merely a mortal. Mortals can’t see the hands of fate that push him like some game piece. Therefore, he thought nothing of the encounter but of pure happenstance.
However, as much as Valk would prefer to take a seat, he’d rather not have the crowd fawn over his presence over the actual performer onstage. If his light attracted many moths to him, he’d rather burn himself out to guide the moths to proper light. Stopping himself, he planted his feet and stood at the back of the cluster of tables that housed onlookers and guests who were enamoured by the energy the figure brought. Despite his efforts to keep himself out of the spotlight, Valk eventually ended up returning to that position. His eyes caught the attention of the street artist himself. Even if he couldn’t see the other’s eyes, he knew that the musician noticed him, the moth shaking in the presence of the luminous beacon. Nevertheless, the performer recovered from the scare and stood his ground as he ended off in an upbeat fashion, paralleling Valk’s sunny disposition. In that way, he saw a slight relativity between him and the figure onstage.
Eventually, his act of standing to the side ceased as viewers dispersed away from the stage, departing to do their affairs. As much as Valk shrugged the performance off, pleased at the energy, he was still the flame that everyone noticed—the sculpture that attracted many. As he proceeded to walk away, he was met with a fumbling musician walking towards him—the very same performer on stage seconds before, the very same figure he saw on the monitor. What Valk saw was the genuine article before him—the boombox-wielding phighter that he was previously interested in.
“H-Hey! Did you like my performance, Valk?” The figure asked. Of course, the aureate boy’s name was already on his lips, as expected given his status. Despite this, the shorter male was used to the mention by now, a reminder that he was already suited for this life. Nonetheless, he could proudly admit to himself that he enjoyed the performance, paralleling the same energy he felt when feeling the hype from special matches. It was the type of energy he’d probably remember for a while—the type of feeling he felt at this very moment in the face of this unknown person.
“Heck yeah, I did!” Valk replied enthusiastically, a smile emerging from his lips. “You have a good knack for music. I never heard the tracks you played, though. Where did you get them?”
“Oh! Well, I made them myself.” The taller male scratched his cheek, silencing the boastful disposition he almost threw out. After all, he is in the presence of someone who has a fraction of the fame he has. How would a measly street performer compare to a renowned icon? However, despite his display of humbleness, Valk was moved by the other’s talent.
“Oh wow! I barely meet other demons who compose their own stuff.” He stated, amazed, the grin remaining on his face. “I like your style! Say, got a mixtape I could get from you?”
“A mixtape? Well, let me see if I have one on hand.” The figure before Valk was unmistakably surprised by his eagerness, soon going to the back of the stage. Digging his hand into his bag, he pulled out a cassette and walked back. Despite the calm interaction, the irony evident in his mind soon escaped through his tongue once he gave out his mixtape. “Here! It's, uh, five hundred bux, but it’s ok if you don’t want to pay. I’m not sure if it’s to an idol’s taste. Honestly, it’s a little funny.”
Valk co*cked an eyebrow at the hesitation and the self-opposed humour the other threw out as he took the mixtape. “Funny how?”
“Well, you’re an idol who has a stage and world presence, and yet you ask me, a street artist who doesn’t have an actual stage, for a mixtape. Isn’t it, I don’t know, ironic?” The musician confessed, an awkward laugh emanating from them afterwards to hopefully halt the awkwardness he exhibited. Despite this, Valk chuckled at the explanation as he took out his wallet and gave the other some bux for the mixtape. Before the musician protested at the payment he didn’t ask for, the celebrity spoke up.
“Well, I don’t think I find it like that. I happen to think that it’s just one musician giving music to another musician. Besides, I like your music, and that’s all there is to it!” Valk attempted to reassure the other’s tensions with a warm smile, a display of his influence as a celebrity. However, he enjoyed the other beyond just music as of now. His infectious energy and humble disposition, his down-to-earth attitude, and his nonchalant grin. Valk saw some glaring similarities and differences both of them shared. They were both musicians in their regards, yet they both had blaring contrasts that nobody could ignore, not even the celebrity himself. “What’s your name?”
“Well, my name is Boombox!” He introduced himself, greeting the other with a wider grin. It was reassuring to Valk that the other appeared to be growing comfortable with his company, despite the surprise visit he conducted himself prior. Nevertheless, Boombox accepted the bux, uttering a small “thank you” to the idol before calming himself.
“Boombox, huh? That’s a name I’ll definitely remember. Nice to meet you!”
“Oh, of course! Nice to meet you too.”
Even if the conversation was short, the two appeared to quickly click with one another, talking as if they forgot their statuses with one another: Boombox, a street performer and DJ, knowing the other’s presence within his world, and Valk, a famous figure part of Flipside, not perceiving the humble musician before. Maybe fate played a role in their meeting, working together with destiny to arrange a meeting between a veiled idol and a humble musician. Perhaps Illumina set the cards necessary to have this meeting come to life—two figures that are drastically different yet sophisticatedly similar at the same time. While Valk is still a part of fate’s game, destiny proves to be orchestrating the meeting between him and Boombox.
Soon enough, fate and destiny shall play with Valk’s life once more, perhaps ordaining their paths to cross again for the idol who doesn’t consider himself to be a god to meet a mere musician with not even a fraction of divinity. It was an intriguing dynamic that the gods had placed the two under.
Despite this, Valk enjoyed the other’s company that day, ending off with a satisfied heart as he walked home, eventually telling Dom of the encounter.
✦ ✦ ✦
Fate manipulated them to meet each other again and again as if urging them to keep their musical tie together, a single tune keeping their hearts intertwined with their worlds.
Sometimes, Valk caught Boombox performing on the wooden stage just like before, his erratic heart displayed on a modest setting on the eve of sundown. Even if the display was small compared to what he’s used to, the idol still takes time to visit a performance of Boombox’s once in a while, always arriving to be standing at the back. After all, he wasn’t under the spotlight on that stage; it was his musical acquaintance—an attuned stranger he met by a song that enchanted his ears. Nevertheless, even if he was viewing from afar, he still appreciated the energy he felt from the other like any other demon watching Boombox’s display of his vitality. Valk always talked with him after the show, applauding the effort he puts in to show off his jovial form. However, his praises are often met with the musician not letting the compliment from a celebrity affect his ego, courteously chuckling with a slight flaring on his cheeks.
Occasionally, it was Boombox that initiated their get-together, approaching Valk whenever the moment presented itself. The DJ somehow found time to talk with him, amidst the usual crowd that celebrities are typically surrounded by. Despite Boombox’s wants, the conversations between the two were very minimal, with mainly him seemingly conflicted on how he should speak to the amber vocalist. Their discussions were kept short due to it, but they made it work somehow. On one hand, Boombox was often left speechless, unable to form cohesive words in the presence of Valk’s radiance. On the other hand, Valk let the moth to his light do as he pleased, talking about stuff that he felt made the musician comfortable.
Expectedly, they initially kept their topics minimal, all surrounded by the theme of music and their styles of utilizing vocals, implementing basslines and melodies, and enunciating moods through song. As time passed with every encounter, the two had a bond beyond music.
Boombox sometimes invited him to the Pink Parlor, a place the idol heard the other refer to as “the best smelling place in Crossroads!” which was an odd image that he chuckled at. As they sat down, they conversed amongst themselves more fluidly the more they visited. As Valk talked with a butterscotch cookie in his hand, his comments were met with an eager Boombox taking small bites of his white chocolate treat.
The discussions between the two broadened their knowledge of each other beyond music. Valk was intrigued by the other, learning of his passions as a DJ and phighter, eventually figuring out that the other’s casualness in Phights was due to his desire to simply have fun and not win. It was a type of thing that he found interesting, finding that the musician dressed in sage’s desire for Phights was not for the bux but rather for the adrenaline it brings.
Similarly, Boombox learned more about the idol beyond his music. Valk discussed his work, reminiscing about the joys of being himself and remembering the gruelling setup he conducts during Phestivals. Luckily, the DJ didn’t poke at the other’s height, instead laughing innocently at the other’s amusing stories.
Their interactions were somehow flowing, picking up a rally at times before slowing it down, before picking up the ball again and talking as if they were friends. Maybe Boombox thought of them as such by now? To Valk, the conversation was not as smooth compared with his and Dom's, yet the idol does recognize the other’s efforts to talk with him, and he appreciates it, attempting to follow along with every syllable.
With every talk the two of them shared alongside a pair of treats, Valk felt bonded with Boombox, closer than the usual fan he encounters. Rather than request a swish of a pen on paper or pour his heart out through florals or musical trinkets, the DJ opted to talk with him and converse as if they were something beyond moth and light, statue and admirer. Oddly enough, Valk often enjoyed the talks with Boombox more than his fans. Even if he was a fan of his music, Valk felt as if he were talking to him as if he were more than just a fan, more than the usual individual who sent him gifts or letters regarding his musical career. It left Valk perplexed at the pleasantries the two experienced.
Fame allowed him to do something unheard of in his mind. Without his fame, Boombox wouldn’t have recognized him, Boombox would’ve played as if it were for any other audience member, Boombox would’ve never carefully considered his words when around Valk, and Boombox would’ve never sung tones that stirred the dwelling within his heart. With his status, he found that fame had influenced the permeation of it too, allowing his mind to be more aware of foreign ideas.
Fame, for once in his life, allowed him to bond beyond fan and icon.
Even if the other may not consider it yet, Valk has had enough experience to say that this was foreign to him and his typical admirers. Valk never talked about music in depth with a fan before. Valk never greeted a fan so warmly. Valk had never known a fan’s life this much and in response, Valk never talked so endearingly like this.
So then, why was Boombox different? Why was the phighter that had piqued his interest—the one that he considered a stranger before all these sit-down talks—so unique? Boombox was like any other fan of his, or at the very least, that’s what he thought. Though, as much as he wished to arbitrarily deny it, Boombox was indeed unique in his eyes. He never had a fan talk to him like this, treat him like this, and, most surprising to him, be with him like this. His mind was confused, yet the heart-shaped crux of his body knew the situation all too well.
But how would he say it? No matter how he put it in his head, it would break apart the confident image he developed for the masses to see, protecting his fragile self. It was up to Valk to decide if he was willing to take a gamble, one that may poison his protective walls or heal his soul. His confusion eventually led to him spilling it one day, the battle between his heart and mind quelling for the determination of a victor.
“Hey Boombox, we are friends, right?” Valk let his inner turmoil slip out of his silver tongue, the disturbance in his heart finally becoming evident to someone on the outside. His body reacted as if it were a threat, feeling his anxiety rise with every second that passed, yet he kept his outer-composed propensity. He knew Boombox as an idol, yet he was clueless about how he would answer a question that was unbefitting of a role. The anticipation mixed in with fear terrified him, feeling his image slightly crack, the ivory statue now chipped.
“Friends?” Boombox repeated to himself, soon pondering the answer, with Valk’s eagerness diminishing to hear the other respond. He truly didn’t mean for it to show, yet his mouth had to communicate the aches of his heart at some point. At this point, he truly wished he didn’t hear the tapping of his nervous foot. Amidst his breaking composure, he heard the other reply softly.
“Well, of course! I thought that’s what we were, really. Besides, you know too much to be a stranger to me!” The DJ chuckled, alleviating the saffron boy’s previous anxieties. It appeared to the golden boy that the other took his slight vulnerability with open arms if the other recognized it as such. Valk may never know, but he did know one thing: He messed up.
For the very first time, Valk felt like Boombox was able to take a peek inside the outer crevice of his heart. He should’ve been delighted, eager to show his entire self in full, yet his walls solidified at the thought. His head and chest were contradicting each other, leaving the demon confused. He’s not even sure if the DJ wanted to take a peek, to know the heart beyond the pristine ivory, or even noticed it at all.
Was this fate’s cruel design or destiny’s way of leading Valk to unconditional positive regard?
The idol will never know what hands control his life, though. Besides, he is no god, merely a celebrity with wings.
✦ ✦ ✦
“Boombox,” Valk blurted to his brother as they viewed more matches. This time, he found himself spectating another one of Boombox’s matches again, the same figure he now has known for a year. Although he saw his friend playing once more, he winced at the map chosen. If he were being honest, he sometimes wonders why Phights are hosted in places such as the Bread Factory. While he understood that the factory fits the criteria for a battle arena, sometimes he wondered about the practicality of including a hydraulic press in the mix. Valk often caught himself accidentally wincing at a phighter who happened to meet their demise under the press, only to end up flattened as if they were malleable like dough. On one hand, he was surprised by the press’s power, squashing robots in seconds. On the other hand, everyone often utilizes the press to their advantage, hismusical friend included.
“Hm?” Dom was confused, wondering about the sudden word his brother uttered. “What about him? Planning to meet up with him again?”
“I mean, probably? But look!” Valk pointed to the monitor, drawing his brother’s eyes to the chipper individual behind the translucent shield. The more he observed Boombox’s phighting style, the more a smile crept up to his face, enjoying the other’s display of skill, yet all the while treating the game as purely for fun. It was an interesting duality within the DJ: Skilled yet nonchalant, two words that he learned could describe the musician the more they bonded. “Boombox is playing again today. It seems like he’s having fun.”
“Hm, you’ve certainly taken an interest in him ever since I mentioned him that day,” Dom commented, taking a look at the Valk’s pleased face as he sat down beside the other. The lilac figure found the other’s gaze unique. The golden icon didn't realize the way he was looking, but Dom had a full view of the other’s expression, a face that displayed the importance of Boombox in Valk’s life. Never has Dom seen an expression so soft towards a phighter coming from him—an expression so delicate that was unconsciously showing his intrigue towards a fellow musician. His golden eyes glittered whenever he looked at the jade visor adorning the DJ, and today’s viewing was no different. Dom noticed it as well—the glint that his brother showed in front of him. The sunny boy even gave a sudden snicker, seeing Boombox attempting to wave a hand in the direction of a camera on screen. He couldn’t help but smirk at the sight—a display of how much Valk cared for Boombox. “Hm. Interesting.”
“Hm? What?” Valk broke his softened gaze to look at his brother, who was looking right back at him. The sudden eye contact caught him off guard, causing him to co*ck an eyebrow at the mischievous smirk the taller male displayed. It was clear to the saffron male that the other was thinking devilishly, causing him to pester the other about it. “Why are you smiling at me like that?”
"Oh, nothing, nothing.” Dom let out a small snicker, trying to keep his thoughts to himself regarding the moment he just witnessed. The taller male didn’t wish to admit it, but the scene that was before him mere seconds ago caught him by surprise. After all, this section of their routine consisted of viewing these games and making leisurely bets as to what player would win or lose. However, Valk didn’t care for the bets at the moment, instead focusing on purely the phight. Perhaps the idol found more joy in watching than in betting with Dom. It left the lilac brother intrigued, seeing his brother’s opinion shift all due to a new acquaintance. He wondered what would’ve happened if he hadn’t pointed out the great disparity a year ago. Would he still have met Boombox anyway? His pondering was interrupted by a suspicious Valk, raising an eyebrow at him this time. “What?”
“What do you mean “what”? Come on, you can tell me. Do I have something on my face or something?” Valk pressed, determined to find out what the other was scheming.
“Well, you certainly have a smile on your face. Don’t think I notice the way you look at him. I think someone has a bit of a…” Dom paused himself, soon retracting the rest of his thoughts. “Well, I don’t think I need to spell it out for you, do I?” He amused, letting the other figure it out for himself instead. After all, as much as he is about teasing Valk, he’d rather not push the notion of romance upon the other. Though he paused, the shorter male became aware of the other’s suggestions, as evidenced by a light pink hue scattered on his cheeks, a colour reminiscent of the doves in Playground.
“Hey! I don’t! What are you exactly implying?” Valk defended himself, sighing as he denied what the other accused him of. Although his resistance was present, Dom still chuckled at the other’s sudden resilience at his questioning of him and Boombox. Despite his speculation, though, he could never truly know what goes on between his golden brother and his verdant friend. That is for Valk to decide, yet the saffron boy didn’t even know himself. His head and heart revived their war with each other, determining if the notion of love was poison or ambrosia. It only left the idol puzzled about whether to deny his feelings or not.
While he was left conflicted, Dom’s words struck a chord within Valk’s heartstrings.
He was in love. His heart couldn’t deny it.
He was in love with the boy who piqued his interest a year ago, in love with the DJ who gave him a mixtape, and in love with the friend who sat down with him in the Pink Parlor. It was a different title that Boombox had at all three, yet Valk loved them all the same.
He loved that boy—the boy that clashed in style and matched his grin.
✦ ✦ ✦
Valk was a stranger to love—a feeling in the chest that resonated with another. Fame and love were two completely different concepts, yet he's been hit with both simultaneously. Popularity can’t help with the troubles dwelling within himself. Therefore, the boy was left with nothing to help his lovestruck feelings. While his heart took the lead in the waltz between his mind and soul, he was still left perplexed by his feelings. Despite his careful treading regarding the topic, his emotions were evidently in control whenever he spent time with Boombox. The more hours passed, the more Valk became aware of this confounding feeling. Many activities they have done in the past felt so different now to him, sometimes even seeing something new within.
He began to appreciate the other’s efforts even more. The way he goes out of his way to invite Valk to a DJ rave or one of his performances, the way he strides past guests just to come face to face with the idol, the way he is willing to talk to Valk for who knows how long, with him absorbing every little detail and, in return, reciprocating the liveliness with his own words. The sunkissed boy became aware of just how much time the other put aside for him. It was time reserved for them to talk, to laugh, and to feel elation with one another. It was comforting to know that Boombox was willing to do all that for him.
Even the way he does things, letting Valk follow along to both their whims. He listened to Boombox hum and sing, hearing the other tenderly as if he were listening to an old-fashioned vinyl, a heavenly gramophone, or a loving songbird. Every tune that came into his ears was the tune he enjoyed from the other, eventually letting himself take the lead in this duet. They ultimately lifted each other through melody and harmony if the opportunity presented itself. If they didn’t sound good, at least they had a good laugh out of it, trying to sing as one again right after. It was their concert, both acting as the performer and audience.
Additionally, Valk even noticed the small things his emotions led his eyes to. Sometimes, it was his heart skipping that left him wondering about the little things. He noticed the amount of attention Boombox gave him whenever he spoke, two bright circles in place of his eyes staring at him, eventually realizing that he, as well, gives the same amount of attention, if not more, when Boombox explains his side. He noticed the cheesy grin the other gave when ecstatic, which paired well with his toothy smirk. Although he notices these, his heart sometimes wanders to more foreign ideas.
He became more aware of how softly the other tapped his fingers on the tables at Pink Parlor, sometimes even wondering what the other’s hand would feel like. He pondered if it would feel warm and soft, imagining how the cotton of Boombox’s fingerless gloves would feel against his barren hand. Despite his speculation, he scoffed at it, blushing at the thought of holding the other’s hand. But, with every accidental graze of their fingertips, the more his heart ached for the other’s warmth, a yearning that was futile if left silent.
Valk loved him unconditionally, ignoring the status between him and Boombox. He loved like the star he was, eyeing from afar and yet burning for anyone to take notice.
But Valk knows that they aren’t confident in love. He may attract wayfarers to his flame, but it is only due to the heat. He may attract onlookers to his statue, yet they may never look beyond that. He may attract moths to his light, but it is merely because he glows brightly. He’s never had someone like Boombox, who not only presents himself in front of the idol but also takes care to know his hues as a flame, his texture as a statue, and his radiance as a light. Valk only presents himself with an ivory heart: one made of untouched marble, one that exemplifies his concealing veil, one that is void of scratches or marks yet is also void of his true self beneath his statue-like exterior. It’s in contrast to the heart Boombox took a peek at in the past—a heart that is ready to be unravelled yet bound by the cage of brilliant ivory.
But the answer that he was confronted with was ordained by fate, a result after much deliberation. Yet, contrary to fate’s usual dramatic answers, it was a simple and loaded request coming from a phone call one day, a phone call precedent to an evening he’ll never forget.
“Hey, Valk! Listen, do you want to go somewhere? I mean, I know we always go somewhere after I perform, but I have a place in mind this time rather than just wandering around Crossroads or settling in Pink Parlor. Meet me at the centre of Crossroads, rather than the stage near BoomBloxx. Oh! And bring a disguise or something. We’re going to a crowded place, and I don’t think either of us wants to be met with our fans at this hour.”
“The centre? A… disguise? Sure. I’ll see you there in a bit.” Valk was confused at the sudden formal invitation, but he nonetheless obliged. Despite his humble answer, there was an underlying curiosity in the celebrity’s mind. Why the sudden invitation and the abrupt pause in their daily routine together? His curiosity persisted as he arrived at the agreed-upon meetup spot, dressed up in casual clothes as opposed to his usual lemon coat and sunglasses. What he met up with was the same figure he grew entirely fond of, despite the different clothes the other wore. Similar conflicting attire, a similar jovial grin, and similar warm hands. However, what remained surprisingly the same was his visor, the accessory that was arguably the most iconic thing about the DJ. Whatever happened to not being noticed by fans? Boombox turned to see the idol, waving eagerly at the other’s presence. The immediate recognition caught him off guard, though. Of course, Boombox grew to recognize him by now, even in casual clothes unfitting of an icon. Recovering from the surprise, though, he co*cked an eyebrow at the other’s visor, soon chuckling at Boombox for not listening to his own request. “I thought you said we needed to dress up casually. Won’t people recognize you with the visor?”
“Well, I think it’s fine! It makes me look cool! But, in any case, the place is in Playground, so follow me. I know my faction like the back of my hand.” Boombox grinned, an angle of a smile that Valk was very familiar with. Nodding at the other’s directions, the two quickly hopped on the last bus, engaging themselves in the other’s company to the fullest as they walked to where Boombox was leading them. Step after step, Valk was led by the other to an apartment building. Surprised, his confusion sparked at the sight, deducing the other’s intentions.
“You wanted to take me to your apartment?” Valk chuckled, the reality in front of him defying his expectations. Never did he expect the slightly intricate setup Boombox set up to end up at the front of the other’s door.
“Well, we’ve been friends for a year! Honestly, I think I’m more surprised that you’ve never been to my crib. It made me realize how much time we spend around at Crossroads, so I thought, y’know, change of pace this time around maybe?” Boombox explained, stepping in front of Valk to fumble with his keys and open the door. However, the mention of “friends'' stung a little in the celebrity’s heart. At first glance, the idol saw a fairly clean apartment, say, with a few clothes strewn around the living room. However, he assumed the messy display was unintentional, a small curse under the other’s breath confirming his observations. “Sorry, I woke up late, so I didn’t have much time to clean before or after Phights. But, ignoring my messy side, come in.”
“No worries, Boombox! No need to be so prim and proper.” Valk snickered, entering the other’s apartment and taking off his shoes. Letting his eyes wander, his topaz eyes caught sight of a developed collection of vinyl records along the wall. Additionally, some record covers he recognized as Flipside’s own. As Boombox locked the door, the other walked to the wall of records displayed behind a grey couch, looking over the sleeves that he recognized. The taller figure trailed behind, chuckling at his collection and the other’s amazement. Although a part of him was boastful of his collection, he grew embarrassed, seeing the number of Flipside vinyls he owns. However, Valk didn’t seem to care for the amount; he wholly found the collection impressive. Looking at Boombox, the shorter male smiled warmly. “You never told me you collected vinyl records!”
“Yeah! Well, I think I’ve been collecting them for a while. I just think it looks nice, being displayed on the wall and being the first thing people see when they enter. Although I also collect Flipside vinyl records, funny enough.” Boombox snorted with laughter, rubbing the back of his neck. He sighed in relief, his bashful attitude disappearing. Looking towards the kitchen, though, he walked over to the fridge, scrolling through the drinks that he had. He ultimately decided on a pair of classic Bloxy Colas, placing them on the countertop. Grabbing the two drinks, he passed one of them to Valk, who nodded with a small “thank you” before sitting down on the couch and opening his drink with a crisp pop. The shorter male followed suit, sitting down beside the other. However, as much as the two were settled, what accompanied the few sips from Valk was silence, which caught the idol’s attention. Why was Boombox being quiet all of a sudden? Looking over, the sunkissed male peered over to notice a more nervous arc pursed on the other’s lips, contrasting with his grin before. Additionally, the other slightly slumped, his form scrunching up. Before the idol expressed his concern, the musician cut the tension. “Valk, could I tell you something?”
“Ah? Well, of course! Have something on your mind?” Valk asked, growing slightly tense at the sudden serious attitude the other exhibited. It oddly contrasted with the sunny disposition he was familiar with. How serious was his question if his usual mood dropped? Despite the idol answering, his response was not met with an instant reply, something that Boombox often delivered to him. The other’s wittiness dissipated, replaced with a Boombox that couldn’t even look him in the eye. co*cking an eyebrow at the other’s apprehensive nature, his concern for the other only grew, blooming into fear. What could Boombox be thinking? He didn’t know of course, he was unaware. He can’t read minds like a deity because he is no god. This was a mortal woe he must deal with, a trouble befitting for him, a mere demon with talent. Before he could let his mind wander, however, the musician finally spoke up.
“I need to get something off my chest.” Boombox sat up, looking at the other with a nervous smile. Valk nodded, seeing the patience the other needed from him. Therefore, he waited quietly, waiting for the other to gather his thoughts, waiting for the verdict placed upon him. Despite his efforts to try and calm down, Boombox inevitably chose to let his heart croak out his troubles right then and there. Groaning lightly, his troubled attitude reduced to a melancholic sigh before composing his words. “I’ll come out right here and say it.” The other started, taking a deep breath to keep himself composed. Valk remained silent, listening intently to the other’s words. Even if the other’s words scared him, he would rather hear them than ignore them. Be that as it may, fate left him ill-prepared to hear the other’s confession.
“I like you. As in, more than a friend.” Boombox abruptly divulged. Valk froze at the other’s statement, stunned at the sudden reveal. Even though he was familiar with the other's eccentric nature, he was surprised at the other’s words. He should’ve expected this, yet destiny defied his foresight. He knew Boombox, yet why was he surprised by this? He knew the musician by now: Boombox was eclectic and rambunctious at the height of Phights; Boombox was cheerful and boastful on stage; Boombox was nonchalant and relaxed in the presence of the Flipside idol. Valk knew him by now, yet why was this confession any different? How was he still surprised by him? The winged figure didn’t know why the phrase caught him off guard. Nonetheless, he was met with a blushing Boombox, a chain reaction that started his own flustered expression. The more he sat befuddled, the more Boombox continued.
“I know that this was abrupt and sudden, but... I wanted to get this off my chest before it bothered me more. If you need time to respond to me, I understand. If you want to stay friends, that’s okay too! I don’t want this to ruin the friendship we already have. I enjoy our friendship, I really do! But if you want to try, then I’d be happy to! Though I’m aware that your life as a celebrity is as difficult as it is, So, if I make your life harder if we… date, then it’s okay.” Boombox exhaled deeply, his breath shuddering lightly with anticipation. He soon quieted down, letting Valk determine his answer in silence. The musician looked at the idol before looking down in shame, nervous to hear the other’s thoughts, as evidenced by his hands curling themselves into fists on his thighs. Despite the moment he was presented, though, Valk was left speechless, his cheeks splashed with a rosey hue. The influx of sudden emotions clogged his throat. He was surprised at the display in front of him. He thought his feelings for Boombox were one-sided, yet the other spilled the thoughts Valk would’ve had if he had the chance.
It almost made him feel pathetic—a trip up to his usual high position in the world. To think that Boombox had a peek of his stricken heart, to think that he would show this more authentic side of himself, to think that he would confess right then and there, and yet, to think he’d make the move that shook up Valk’s world at this very moment. Wasn’t he supposed to do all that?
He harboured all the same feelings the other reciprocated. But, of course, the other had to say it first—to say that he loved him. If only that came from him instead, yet his image would despise him for it, his very title as an idol would suffer another crack if he were to show his real heart instead of his porcelain one. Still, he felt the love that he festered for the other, a selfish wish to go against the role that fate had made him play. His sentiments wanted to extend his hand, cusp the other’s cheek, and give the other a small show of his love. But his consciousness dearly hated it. Despite the clash in his body, though, his heart was ultimately in the lead, directing the idol’s internal compass to his wants rather than his needs. At this moment, Valk didn’t care if the other’s eyes peered into his flowering heart once more. Surely, one more peek didn’t hurt, right?
“Boombox…” Valk started, converting his usual peppy energy into a soft tone. Shuffling a little closer to the anxious DJ, he glanced over at the other’s fists. Raising his hand, he gently placed his hand on top of the other’s fist, attempting to calm the other. Boombox slightly flinched at the touch, yet looked at him in contempt before quickly gazing his eyes to the side. The aureate boy felt guilty the more he looked at the other’s confused face as if he were the one that caused this taboo—the confusion regarding dating someone such as himself. Nonetheless, the celebrity redirected the other’s eyes back to him, uttering a small “hey” to catch the other’s attention. Amidst the heat on his face, Valk still gave a reassuring smile to the other, attempting to wash away the shameful look on his face. Though he knew the other waited for his answer, he answered in a late fashion, despite knowing the answer well beforehand. “I’d be happy to.”
“What…?” Boombox uttered a small gasp at the other’s response, yet the golden boy continued.
“Did you really think you were the only one?” Valk chuckled softly, feeling his cheeks ignite further. He wanted to let others know and make Boombox aware of what had been festering in his heart. “You only caught me off guard because I thought I was going to say it first. But you beat me to it. Did you know I laughed every time you waved at the camera? Hummed your tunes when you weren’t with me? Cheered at every one of your performances? Boom, you’ve definitely changed me more than you think, similar to how I probably changed you as well. But I don’t mind pursuing this with you. Even if we both know that my life as an idol is busy, I’d be more than delighted to have you by my side, even closer than before.” The saffron boy kept looking at Boombox’s expression, softening at the other’s dazed face. He tapped his fingertips on the other’s knuckles, watching the tight fists relax with his touch and voice. Seeing the others calm down, Valk continued.
“Don’t think you’re bothering my life just because I am a star. I stayed with you all this time because I liked you in my life. Honestly, I thought it was the other way around. I thought you wanted to keep yourself away from my status so that you wouldn’t have to be bombarded with my busyness. But if you really want to be with me, I’d be happy to hold your hand and be a part of each other’s lives. I’m not speaking to you as an idol or a celebrity with a large audience. I’m speaking to you as a friend, saying that I... I want you to be by my side.” The idol finished, finally placing his feelings on the table. Although he spilled it all willingly, he can’t help but feel fragile at this moment. Fragility as an idol felt like a curse placed upon his lips, a taboo thing to spill his heart, yet here he was, breaking the seal of confidence that his title had.
He served another portion of his authentic heart for Boombox to see, feel, and react to, the last notion making Valk anxious. His hands wanted to tremble at his vulnerability, yet he stood his ground. He has a title to uphold—one that fate cast upon him, one that he must protect instinctively lest he risk losing everything. There his body went again, a struggle between frailty and poise, his head and heart. tugging with each other once more. Boombox's stunned expression faded away, replaced with a comforting smile.
“Then I’ll be with you, just as you like, even if I’ll probably be annoying at times.” The verdant DJ let out a small chuckle, his shoulders relaxing at the reciprocation. Similarly, Valk’s breath steadied, seeing that the other accepted his fragile display, part of his heart melting on the silver platter. The two kept eye contact, their gazes softening as the seconds passed. They were able to look at each other again, this time considering each other as something new, something different, yet also something exciting. It was the taller figure that broke their continuous longing stares, soon raising his hands towards Valk and placing his open palms in front of each other. “May I hold your hands? As your new boyfriend?”
“What’s with the sudden manners? Of course, you can.” Valk replied, seeing the hands offered towards him, his expression growing slightly baffled. The answer to his question was right there for him—the inquiry that made him scoff with every accidental brush of their fingers before. He slid his fingers along the other’s palm, feeling the soft cotton tickle his skin. He found his answer: It did feel warm and cozy, yet he also felt something beyond that. He felt more than satisfied with what he discovered about the other. Their hands twisted, Valk’s fingers intertwining with Boombox’s. The sudden action caused Boombox to let out a small, heartwarming snicker. Valk followed suit unintentionally. “Don’t laugh; you’re the one that offered.”
“I know, I know. I’m just happy.” Boombox’s smile widened, the last ounce of awkwardness fleeing from his body. Even if he had the visor on, his smile showed off his elation, letting himself fall smitten with the idol, feeling weightless in this moment of intimacy. His eyes focused on their intertwined hands before looking back at Valk’s pleased expression. “Could I... kiss you?”
“Huh? You’re being surprisingly polite again. Of course, you can.” Valk nodded, letting the other take the lead. Boombox leaned forward, arriving at the other’s flushed face. He felt his face bloom with lovely hues with every inch closer. The heat radiating off felt intense and perhaps even palpable to the other, yet the demon also wished that his anticipation was sensed by the other as well. However, the idol didn’t have to wait long. The warmth of their hands soon paired with a light kiss Boombox gave, giving the other a light peck on the lips. As he did, his horns collided with each other, growing slightly embarrassed at the accidental crash before leaning back. Uttering a small “sorry," he let out a nervous laugh at his mistake. Valk stared at the other in bewilderment, his heart fluttering, bathing in the moment they just shared. The DJ threw a sudden shy look towards the other, his visor’s eyes betraying him, emphasizing his glances to the side. The amber boy chuckled, amused at the sudden shyness the other showed.
Mere moments ago, he confessed abruptly, yet here he was, taking his time. It almost made Valk feel pity for the other. He soon departed his hands from the other, instead slightly leaning forward to wrap his arms around Boombox’s neck. He quickly stole a kiss back, pecking the other’s lips before retracting. Keeping his arms around the other’s neck, he let a small laugh escape from his lips as he looked at Boombox again, seeing the crooked smile on the DJ’s flushed face. “I love you... It feels weird to say it for the first time, but it feels right.”
“Weird? It feels weird?” Boombox cracked a smile at the other’s remark, feeling the intimacy meld into elation. However, the DJ didn’t take it badly, as evidenced by his reply. “Well, I love you too, Valk.”
Valk’s eyes sparkled, his bafflement changing to jubilation at the other’s words. It was so casual yet so reassuring to hear the other say it. It was the Boombox he was used to, yet something new sprouted within the familiarity: it was the first time Boombox’s words touched his heart. Maybe it was due to a piece of it being exposed for the other to possibly see, yet the verdant boy’s words affected him deeply. Even if it had the same tone, timbre, and beat, it would be rearranged into something extraordinary for the celebrity, something that he would remember.
He simply allowed himself to melt in the moment and savour the experience the other gave him. Even if the two barely said anything, the golden evening transpired into a sundown of peppered kisses, intertwined hands, and soft-spoken words. Soft sighs and laughs permeated through the air alongside their usual conversations. He showed off a part of his heart to the other, and it seemingly paid off, yet it was merely a small portion. He still restrained himself, keeping most of his fragility inside the statue, behind the flame, kept in the shadows.
The celebrity wanted to say so much more than what he was splurging. As much as he lets himself bask in the moment, he can’t get lost in the other’s jade eyes on the visor forever. Boombox may never know how much Valk’s heart ached to say more—to say more beyond typical “I love you’s, to feel more than a quick kiss and tug. For him to spill what he wanted to say, feel, or express, he would ignite his heart, yet set his veil aflame along with it. If he said what he wanted, Boombox would see the title, directing his eyes towards the curtain, and see it burn away to reveal the scarlet behind the hardened layers.
How would the DJ react? The aureate figure didn’t know—perhaps didn’t wish to know—in fear of experiencing heartbreak.
If only he were a god, capable of changing the fabric of fate and destiny. Instead, he was hardly more than an icon with a carefully crafted golden image.
✦ ✦ ✦
Valk never got to say what he wished to utter that night. Not even a whisper escaped through his lips. While he let his heart relish in the euphoria, his mind was left conflicted. His inner turmoil only rose that night. In hindsight, the golden evening was tarnished by the lingering feeling of doubt and the fear flickering at the back of his mind. As he grew reminiscent of the playful smiles, the warm chuckles, and the subtle touches, his heart cherished them yet ached in the face of them. Boombox’s affection was genuine; Valk knew that, or at the very least, he hoped that. However, he only exposed a part of his heart, not the whole thing. He wasn’t even sure if the other wanted to look at it, instead maybe an attempt to amuse his soft display that night.
That’s what deeply terrified the celebutante.
His position suffered enough rips already in the face of Boombox. He’s not sure if tearing the entire thing and letting his whole being show would break Boombox’s heart or mend it. It was a gamble, a decision that could change everything in a snap, turning the spotlight off or on forever. The spontaneity of what could happen petrified him. After all, he loves like a star, naturally burning the brightest to attract curious eyes. If he were too dim, what would others make of him? Would he break hearts at the sight of him fading, or would he break his own first, seeing others disappointed by his fragility? On one hand, he shouldn’t willingly break them, a direct contrast to his title. On the other hand, is he willing to be selfish, to be weak for just a moment while the spotlight remains on him?
Through all this time, he still doesn’t know.
He still doesn’t know if Boombox’s eyes peered into his heart, if the other averted his eyes, or if he should indulge in the poison and ambrosia.
All in all, he doesn’t know what fate and destiny have in store for him. But the two still place them together.
Their days were filled with something new again. Concealed kisses and warm touches adorned their days. Even with the need for secrecy from the public eye by disguising themselves and not spending time together under sunny skies, Valk enjoyed the evenings and nights they spent together, casual dates under the sunken sun paired with starlit kisses. Sometimes, Valk was even eager to see the outfits he saw Boombox in, surprised at the other’s choice in style clashing. They enjoyed each other’s presence, whether that was walking around Crossroads, grabbing food at Range Royale or Jorrt, or even browsing through boomboxes at Boombloxx. No matter how complex or simple their evenings were, the evening was sprinkled with laughter, kisses, and warmth shared between the two, a special sweetness reserved for their eyes only.
However, Valk held back every time. He held back what his insides wanted to spill.
As much as he enjoyed every tender moment, the turmoil only rose with every handhold, every hug, and every kiss. Part of him enjoyed it, yet he wished all of him could enjoy it, not just for his idolic self to enjoy Boombox’s affection but for his soft side as well.
Still, could his soft side enjoy it if Boombox never gave affection to it in the first place?
It was always Valk receiving soft tones, graceful trills, and melodic affirmations from Boombox, not the feelings separate from the stage name. The idol’s fragility, weakness, and shortcomings all stand against his name, his occupation, and his name as "Valk." How would Boombox view the two? The confident idol onstage and the woeful mortal on the ground—the duality dwelling within the same person? Which one will be graced with the verdant musician’s hand? Those questions swarmed around the saffron boy’s head, curling his hands at the mere thought of letting his heart show. Perhaps he’d rather rebuild the ivory statue and hide away the scarlet inside like before, yet he couldn’t betray himself either. His mind and soul were at odds once more, amplifying the need for an answer to his question. Though the inquiry requires a resolution, he could only remain silent as an answer, letting the aching within his emotions infect him.
Despite his efforts, he could only endure the aching for so long, withstanding the intentional concealment he had committed. Yet he inevitably came across the day where his resolve was tested, the test before him ordained by fate and destiny. As if in mocking jest, fate deemed it fitting to throw Valk into the test in ordinary conversation with Boombox, all the while shrouding it within a normal evening with the same amber skies. Amidst their casual discussions, the jade DJ brought up the possibility of a collaboration between the two.
“A.. collaboration?” Valk asked, perplexed at the sudden proposition. He was surprised at the sudden proposal, a far cry from the usual topics they conversed about.
“Well, I’m not saying we have to, but... how do I explain this?” Boombox reassured the other, trying to reform his proposal again. “I’ve heard some people speculate about us making a song together. I know that we never actually considered it, but y’know, maybe it’d be fun!”
"Fun, huh?" Valk paused, pursing his lips in interest, yet soon curving into hesitation. His inner turmoil returned anew as the topic was brought up, leaving him feeling strange as he found himself faltering with a topic he had once adored, yet struck his heart nonetheless with displacement.
On the one hand, to let himself take the stage once more, with Boombox alongside him, would only cause more turmoil in his heart. Was this what the other was working towards—a chance to enter stardom? Won’t this solidify the idolic image that Boombox has of him? He would agree, yet part of him stopped his words. The vulnerability he has, the same one that pleads to be seen, won’t it diminish?
On the other hand, to decline the offer would be against his idol duties. The cracks in the ivory would widen, attacking his status once more. How much was Valk willing to show?
Fate had played him for a fool, presenting the test within a topic so dear to him yet framing it for him to hate it. His heart felt torn as the conflict within him rose at the prospect of an idea he so deeply adored being twisted into something he loathed. Despite his feelings, Valk wasn’t sure how to respond, fear sealing his lips. He didn’t want to deny Boombox’s heart, yet at the same time, he wasn’t sure what parts the other should or should not see, or if the other even wanted to see it or wanted to react to it. Therefore, fate played him not only for a fool but for a coward as well, leaving him unable to formulate an answer. Although he is unable to answer, he knows that the more time he stays quiet, the more turmoil he’ll only spring for the other.
The last thing he’d want to do is cause trouble for Boombox. But he knew he had to say something, anything, to keep himself from choking out his words.
“Um, yeah! That sounds fun. Though, I think I’ll need to think about that. Y’know, making music takes time, so I’ll have to see if I can arrange the time.” Valk managed to squeak out, a chipper attitude making its way out. He hoped that his words were sufficient to keep Boombox’s hopes up but not betray himself either. However, it was far from a solution to his festering unrest. His confident and fragile side hated the answer; the hesitation from Valk weaved into his response. It left a bitter taste on his tongue, witnessing Boombox’s soft smile as a response. He hated it. How could the other be so sweet? The other’s affection felt painstakingly near, yet impossibly far.
It almost made him want to cry. Cry about his half-hearted words, weep about his borderline lying, and sob at the other’s words that sounded so euphoric yet so venomous at the same time.
But that was unfit for an idol.
✦ ✦ ✦
For once in his life, he wasn’t sure what to do. He was left dumbfounded and confused. The only thing he could return to his room with was a heavy heart, shaky hands, and restrained tears. The lighthearted conversation felt heavy in his mind, making him finally realize the mountain he dug. Luckily, his lips remained shut, but how long can he keep this pretense? He was confused, halves of himself fighting at their wit’s end.
What should he do about himself? The war within his heart was burning, craving to be noticed and given an answer. However, it was burning too much—a forest fire within his body. He knows the dilemma all too well, yet he keeps his lips shut with no answer, as a coward would. He’s not sure how long it will be until the fire’s light is noticed by someone else. The flames inside hid their light just enough, the glow being concealed, yet they were reaching the precipice of sight. The aureate boy doesn’t even know if he wants anybody to notice the flames, the blazing hell seeping through his skin, and the conflagration across the muscles in his heart.
At the same time, what should he do about his relationship with Boombox? He felt that, at this rate, it couldn’t last forever like this. Even so, he wanted it to be forever. The saffron boy felt at fault, ashamed for keeping his most sensitive parts away from Boombox, compensating the other with false reassurances and half-hearted words. Valk didn’t tell any of the truth to the taller male, instead maintaining a facade fit for a celebrity. However, he was running out of half-hearted words to say, the words of an idol wilting slowly like saffron. It was inevitable for him to speak with the other half of himself eventually, giving Boombox his words with his full heart, yet he doesn’t know when that time will come. His facade will ultimately fall; the test of fate will be shoved down his throat like bitter medicine.
He is no god when off-stage. Who would want to see such a sight?
Leaning against the closed door, he sighed in contemplation, yet his calm exhale contrasted with his tears and shaking hands. Despite his calm exhale, the turmoil inside him was palpable. His hands shook uncontrollably as he struggled to contain the turmoil inside him. He was grateful for the solitude of his room, but a small part of him longed to reach out for comfort. In the dim light, every tick of the clock seemed to echo in his ears, each one a reminder of the time slipping away. He felt as though he was on the edge of something—a bomb waiting to explode out his truth. He was running out of time, a thought that sent a shudder down his back. His breath was ragged as he fought to hold back the tears, but eventually, exhaustion overtook his confident image, and they flowed freely down his cheeks. Looking down at his hands, his vision blurred, and he felt the sudden overflow of tears softly hit the skin on his hands. The demon scrunched down as if he realized the weight on his shoulders he had to bear, sliding down to the ground in defeat.
He cried out of frustration and distress, yet he didn’t silence all his sobs, staggered weeps and sniffles leaking through. A myriad of worries plagued his mind, letting it storm around violently, clamouring for his attention. His thoughts reminded him of Boombox, his brittleness and self-assuredness, his guilt, the condition of his soul, the wage of war in his heart, the inferno spreading from his head to his toes, and the despair that comes with all of them.
All of it was too much. Try as he might to cover his eyes, seal his mouth, and remain in the dark, he will forever remain in the spotlight for his thoughts to chase after him again. He can’t run away, but he can’t stall forever, a feeling of helplessness washing over him. Time won’t stop for him, a mortal, either, hearing every spaced-out tick from the clock and praying that it slows down for him at any moment. However, his attempts to let time linger are futile. He needed more time to think, yet the clock remained clicking steadily with no end. Therefore, he takes all the time he wants, relishing how weak he is in the face of others without his idolic facade. Remaining in the corner of his room next to the door, he cried as if he were hidden from the world, secluded away from the glaring spotlight that always followed him. It was a golden light—one that Valk once stood joyfully in—that now felt like a curse.
He finally cried as if nobody was watching. The weight of fate and destiny’s game finally broke him.
✦ ✦ ✦
Perhaps he should save Boombox the trouble.
Spare the other from Valk’s imminent fall from grace; atone for the guilt stained on his heart. He desperately wanted to believe that the love and affection shared among them were genuine, authentic, and real. But how could it be? The confusion caused by his torment controlled how much affection he was willing to give. Boombox was affectionate with every word on his lips and every touch of his hands; Valk knew that too well. Contrastingly, what he was only giving was coming from an idol. His love was partly authentic, inferior to the one pouring his heart out for him. Numerous burdens of guilt and shame riddled his mind, reminding him of his shortcomings and misdeeds. If he were to waver closer to Boombox, he would ultimately hurt the other. Stray away, and he would betray himself and his wishes. He needed solitude—the time of loneliness—to process his thoughts and only his thoughts.
He wanted to step off the spotlight to allow himself to think and ponder about his sorrows.
Therefore, he had to take drastic measures. Asking his brother to have him announce a hiatus on his behalf took much convincing, yet his brother eventually agreed to it. It was even harder to say that to him with a confident face. While the aureate boy was successful in both, Dom knew him best, and the confident facade wouldn’t fool him. Try as the other concealed his motives, his lavender brother knew if troubles were harbouring the other’s mind. Nevertheless, he still agreed to it, seeing hints of Valk’s turmoil as he deliberated it.
But that's the thing about their brotherly bond—it allows them to see and understand each other in a way that goes beyond fame and reputation. They know each other's vulnerabilities and can support each other in ways that outsiders may not be able to. Even if it meant that the spotlight would be cast on him more than before, he still did it with formality. All of this was for the sake of his brother, the one who shares the stage with him and whose well-being is just as important as his own. Valk couldn’t be more grateful for him, even if it meant secluding himself to think about what to do.
However, it’s arguable if it even helped.
Valk was still in the same position as before, sitting on his bed in solitude, deliberating his options, and yet sobbing afterwards if it came to it. His breath shuddered every time he considered his options, his demeanour reducing to that of a coward—one that refuses to mend the hole in his heart faster. The war inside his mind waged on, no matter what he did besides seizing his silence. His conflict looked for an answer—one that only he could provide, not Dom or Boombox. Despite this ultimatum, he still struggled to confront it. Try as he might to isolate himself, his answer was still blank.
However, his time was running out. He felt every tick replaying in his mind, every text message he silenced from Boombox. It was only a matter of time before he was conflicted with the one who was at the crux of it all. He sometimes even caught himself missing the other’s warmth, yet he felt he didn’t deserve it. Not yet. Not yet, until he figures out how to open his heart. All of it, this time.
Despite this, the crux arrived quicker than he thought.
Days passed as Valk deliberated in solitude, a look of disdain on his face. A sorrowful frown adorned his lips, paired with puffy eyes from crying out of frustration and guilt. He practically treated himself like the opposite of an idol—a weeping fool. Looking around his room in contempt, he eyed the silver Valkyrie helm hung up on the wall. The symbol of his fame sat there, the most iconic part of himself, the pinnacle of his name. Be that as it may, he tore his honey gaze at it, looking down in shame. How long must his thoughts torment him? He began to sulk again, hunching over to stare at the floor in conflict. His hands clasped, his hands unclasped. After all this time, he still remained silent with no answer uttered from his lips.
Suddenly, his form jostled awake, hearing the soft knocks on his door. Peering over to the passage to his room, he glanced to the side, conflicted to show himself to his brother who simply knocked again as the silence permeated through the air. Try as he might to ignore it, the spotlight calls him—to beckon him outside. Who is he to refuse it? Standing up, he walked over and fumbled with the doorknob. However, the knocks persisted even more.
“Hold on, hold on! I’m coming, Dom!” Valk replied, twisting the doorknob with a firm hand. All it took was one final pull to open himself up again and drift away from his seclusion. He pulled the door open, the gateway opening.
One.
Final.
Push.
Yet what greeted him wasn’t the familiar lilac coat or hood of his brother, who appeared to be going outside of the house. What he was left with greeted him across the doorway. In front of him was a different familiar individual—one that was adorned with contradictory garments and accessories, all with a viridescent palette. It was a big-horned individual who wore a visor fit for an erratic acquaintance, DJ, and lover.
What he witnessed under the dim light was the crux of his mind—the one that he desperately tried to avoid, yet fate still pushed them together. It was almost a cruel joke.
“...B-Boombox?” Valk froze, his expression faltering to a shocked expression. Here the other was, in front of him with a dazed look as he observed the other demon’s frightened state. Although the DJ stared, the smaller musician’s mind quickly failed to calm down at the verdant boy's sudden appearance. Why was Boombox here? Why did he have to witness him like this, a pitiful and dreadful idol offstage? The sudden proximity of finally seeing Boombox again made his eyes widen in uncertainty. The more he stared, the more he quickly realized the gravity of his situation: his heart was bare, exposed for the other to see at this moment. It was the single event he attempted to avoid, now thrust into it by the call of the spotlight, revealing itself to be the eye of the storm.
“Hey,” Boombox greeted, a soft tone spilling through his lips. “Are you doing okay? I heard that you took a hiatus so I came to check on you. I would’ve come sooner but I didn’t get a response from you so I didn’t want to pry. It was your brother who brought me here though, he said you needed me. So, here I am.” He clarified, showing off a melancholic smile. Of course. Of course, Dom would’ve known what to do and who to call. Valk should’ve seen this coming. He knew his brother best after all. Looking at the other, he slowly thawed himself, pursing his lips in confusion. Why? Why did Boombox go through all this trouble, only to find a mortal within a godly room? The golden demon had no choice but to face the other, yet he answered with hesitation laced with anxiety.
“I…” Valk’s eyes gazed to the side, pausing his response. The precipice of his deliberation was in front of him, waiting to hear his answer, waiting to finally see who Valk chose to betray: his mortal coil or his god-like image. Which was he willing to show to the one who offered him so much affection that it hurt? He knew that his answer would change everything, that it would reveal a part of himself that he had always kept hidden away - the mortal part, the vulnerable part, the part that he was afraid to show to anyone, let alone someone as important to him as Boombox. But, in the end, was he willing to show it?
At that moment, Valk's mind was a battlefield, the two sides warring for supremacy. He wanted to say anything, perhaps even everything, but his throat betrayed him. His breath staggered, feeling his throat tighten the more ticks he heard on the clock behind him. What does he do? His trembling heart couldn’t take it. But, he couldn’t stall anymore. Boombox’s patient yet eager glance was looking at him, waiting. Suddenly, the god-like facade dissolved away, being reduced to who he was: a mere mortal with wings. Feeling his eyes swell up, the clash in his mind broke him once more. He felt the tears trickle down as he attempted to find the words that were fleeing away. His desperation to keep his image still ran rampant, wiping the tears with his trembling hands, but his fragility simply let all the tears fall. It was the river that festered within his soul, the tears that ached to be noticed by Boombox, for him to, at last, see all of Valk. His heart was on fire once more, the ember’s glow being noticed by the other. Boombox could finally see the Valk beneath, the burned match that sustained the fire, the crumbles of ivory, the bulb disguising itself within the flooding light, the verdant DJ was seeing all of him. He tried to raise his arm, attempting to touch the other’s shoulder, but his hand retracted at the other’s words.
“I… I don’t know.” Valk replied between his cries, genuine rivulets leaking from his eyes. This was the curse of fame, the one that has followed him ever since birth. He had to bear it all, yet the idol noticed that despite his pitiful display, Boombox stayed in front of him.
“I don’t know!” Valk repeated, exclaiming his frustrations to the other. His heart remained ablaze, letting himself cry further. He felt like a child, letting out their frustrations and troubles instead of letting it fester like an adult. At that moment, he wished to be seen, his vulnerable side to be displayed. However, it was already being shown, the constant spotlight being lit for the musician to observe, the star burning brightly for him.
As Boombox approached Valk's trembling form, his heart ached at the sight of tears rushing down the other's cheeks. "Valk..." He uttered in a hushed tone, his voice laced with empathy. Before he could keep leaving the demon sobbing, he slowly wrapped his arms around Valk, feeling the weight of his head rest on his shoulder. One hand rested on Valk’s back, the other on the back of his head. The smaller male responded, surprised at the sudden contact but welcoming it as if it were familiar, raising his arms to reciprocate the hug. The warmth of Boombox's embrace enveloped Valk like a comforting blanket, encasing him with the warmth the idol missed and loved. He could feel the steady rhythm of Boombox's heartbeat against his own chest, a soothing sound that made his hands unfurl behind the other’s back. No longer holding back, Valk let his tears flow out, no longer resisting to keep his confident facade. His breath steadied, feeling the other’s hand rub his back in comfort. For the first time in a while, he let himself melt within Boombox’s affection. Although it was familiar, he felt it as if it were foreign. Even if he was fragile at this moment, a far cry from his idolic persona, he was receiving the same affection, providing a new effect for the radiant demon. No matter how confident or vulnerable he was, Valk still received the same amount of love from the other, showcasing Boombox’s closeness to him. As he took a few deep breaths, Valk felt his tears slowly subside, replaced by a sense of calmness and relief. The moment felt like an eternity for the both of them, yet it was only a few seconds.
Boombox was successful in shaking Valk’s world again, an effect that soothed the fire in his heart.
Valk’s previous tensions faded away, the grip on the other loosening as he calmed himself. He finally doused the fire in his body, the war concluding heart and mind’s brawl. Valk raised their head up, seeing the other’s sentimental gaze. Boombox raised one of their hands, wiping the tears off the demon’s cheeks. Although their moment of intimacy quickly ended as they began to let go, Boombox let his fingers trace the other’s arms, landing on Valk’s hands to hold them tenderly. Valk responded, staring down at their soon intertwined hands, throwing a melancholic smile at the DJ as he looked up. Boombox reciprocated the sombre feeling. Before the other opened his mouth, Valk took the lead, finally letting out what he wished to say to the other. In the end, he chose to betray his title, the selfish yet right choice to mend himself.
“I’m not exactly the person you imagine, maybe not even the idol you think I am. Sure, being an idol is part of the real me, but right now, I’m… me. I’m a person who can be vulnerable and in pain. I’m not exactly flawless or perfect, even if I have the fame. And honestly, I think the only thing I can say to you at the moment is that I’m... sorry.” Valk explained, letting his guilt settle in, evidenced by his gaze lowering back to their hands. “I’m sorry that I’ve lied to you and I’m sorry that I struggled this entire time. I wasn’t sure how to present myself to you, be it confidently or… like this. I don’t really know what you think of me, and it’s not like you have to say it, but I finally got to be honest with you and that’s all I wanted this entire time. So, I suppose in essence, you know all of me this time around.
And well, I hope you can still accept me, even if I disappeared for a week or so.”
Boombox gave a small smile to the other’s confession, a gaze of empathy reappearing on their visor’s lights. Listening to the other’s words, he shook his head at them, somewhat amused by the other’s apologetic attitude. “Of course, I’ll accept you. I know you’re an idol, but I’ve been wanting to know you beyond that. I want to know all of you, even if it’s like this. I don’t date you just because you’re an idol. That would be pretty mean.” A chuckle permeated through his lips. “I date you because I love you. Not you as an idol but simply… you.”
“Even if I cry at times?” Valk replied, a small hopeful smile on his lips
“Of course.” Boombox nodded, giving the other a reassuring squeeze on the hand. Comforting the other, he quickly gave a sombre chuckle, attempting to cover a small sniffle. “Though, I think I’ve been lying to you as well.”
“Hm? What do you mean?” Valk co*cked an eyebrow, confused at the sudden topic change.
“Well, I… here, let me just…” Boombox broke his hands away from the other, lifting them to grasp his visor. Taking them off with a small click, he placed them down a nearby counter. Valk saw the other’s eyes for the first time, surprised at the sudden motion. What the other saw was a pair of viridescent irises staring at him, paired with a jagged, uneven pattern of skin just above the other’s eyebrow, seemingly from an injury—the dark river of skin reaching down his eyelid. Although the sight was new, something familiar was the puffy eyes the other had, with Boombox quickly rubbing them. “I cried as well…”
The aureate boy brought up their hand to cover their mouth, letting out a small chuckle at the other’s abruptness. Despite this, he also looked amazed at the new sight. Wrapping his arms around the other’s neck, Valk lightly brought the other down to eye level. Looking at Boombox’s sentimental face, he gave a small peck to both of his cheeks, planting kisses just below the musician’s puffy eyes. The sunny demon felt his heart flutter, realizing how much he missed peppering the other with soft indications of his love. Boombox chuckled at the action, returning Valk’s affection with a kiss on the other’s cheek. Their faces brightened as they gazed into each other’s eyes again, letting their time of reunion drag on. The two missed each other’s presence and it showed through their relearning of each other. Although they spilled new things, their affection for each other was still the same—still shown through their warm touches, innocent banter, and grazing of lips.
Even if they were in fate and destiny’s game, the two spent the time the two gave them to their fullest.
✦ ✦ ✦
“Valk! Come on! I don’t want to miss my friend’s game!” Boombox chuckled, sauntering into the spectator room, growing amazed at the decorated room. Valk followed along, hollering a small “Coming!” before walking inside. It wasn’t long before Dom trailed behind, entering the room as well for their routine spectating. A jovial smile made its way to the golden idol’s face, chuckling at the other’s excited disposition, knowing how much the other’s eyes practically sparkled behind the visor.
“Your boyfriend seems excited,” Dom commented, a small chuckle escaping from him. Walking towards the pair of bean bag chairs, he sat on the lilac one as he paid attention to the monitor. Valk followed suit, sitting in the amber-hued one beside Dom. However, he quickly had to shift to the side of the chair to let Boombox sit beside him, the two sitting on the plush seating. Golden and verdant horns bumped into each other, and a burst of soft laughter was shared among the two in response. The taller brother looked at the other two, almost failing to resist scoffing at the display of touch. Nevertheless, he couldn’t stop himself from commenting on it, raising an eyebrow at them playfully. “Looks like you two are getting cozy. Valk, you have to seriously catch me up regarding you two.”
“I don’t see how that’s any of your business. We’re just sitting, that’s all.” Valk retorted, feeling Boombox’s shoulder brush against his. The two intertwined their hands in response as if it were automatic. Looking back at Boombox, he let out a small chuckle at the instantaneous touch. Even if it was a small action, Valk caught himself mildly blushing as he turned back. Unbeknownst to him though, Dom skillfully noticed and leaked parts of a snicker out of his mouth. His brother retaliated, punching his brother’s shoulder in playful banter. Sometimes, Valk thought it was a curse as to how well his brother knew him. “Don’t laugh at me like that!” The golden boy replied.
Dom laughed, a break from usual formalities. “Sitting, huh? Whatever you say.” The brother shrugged nonchalantly at the obvious display of affection. Before Valk could retort, the monitor switched to the game, Boombox’s attention being caught by it.
“There he is! Go Skateboard!” Boombox cheered, despite the phighter not even having a chance at hearing him. Nevertheless, he quickly settled in and didn’t let up on his cheery attitude. The two brothers hastily grew engaged alongside him, all turning their focus to the screen. The match soon went underway at the holler of a “Go get ‘em!” playing through the speakers. Amidst the match’s chaos, the three shared opinions and reactions—a myriad of cheers, scoffs, and laughter echoing through the gameplay as they observed.
However, the saffron boy quickly found something new again from the presence of Boombox. Even if viewing matches was something he did routinely, Boombox made him enjoy this part of his routine even more. He shared Valk’s adrenaline, their hearts beating at the same rates as they watched phighters triumph or sigh in defeat. It was another experience Boombox rewrote for him, allowing him to see the small things of viewing games, making him chipper and appreciate the beauty of it. Giving the other's hand a small squeeze as the match progressed, he chuckled again—not towards the match this time, though, but instead towards Boombox and his infectious energy, paired with a hint of his charm. Looking at the DJ, he gave the other a small kiss, appreciating the other’s presence. Boombox, surprised at the kiss, looked at the sunny male and gave a wide grin before reciprocating it, giving a small peck on Valk’s cheek. However, they both quickly focused their attention on the game, with the two brushing each other’s knuckles with their thumbs on occasion.
Valk finally knew what those people looked like—the individuals who saw past the veil, the ones who looked past the fame. Even if it’s only two people, he smiles nonetheless.
They may look formal and soft, adorning themselves with a lilac ensemble and hat that exemplified their brooding yet introverted self.
Or his newest and surprising revelation.
They may look verdant, glistening in the colour of jade and yet, can also have clashing styles and contrasting formality.
Both he was satisfied with.
