Brawl Stars: Lights, Camera, Brawl!

Part 9

"Unbelievable," said Janet.

She and Fang sat across from each other, the latest issue of Starr Life lying in front of them. The cover picture was a close-up of Fang and Lola. They were both turned toward the camera; Fang looked shocked, while Lola appeared more prepared. She was more accustomed to posing for paparazzi. Lola's hands were wrapped around Fang. Her immaculate crimson lipstick was smeared, and traces of it were visible on Fang's mouth. There were three more lipstick prints on his cheeks.

The magazine was printed the day after the unfortunate mishap. A photographer covering the festival in Retropolis had come across them and sent a photo to Starr Life. He reported that he had discovered Fang and Lola making out in Lola's car, and Starr Park was already buzzing with scandalous rumors. The first article in the magazine described them in great detail, all of which were obviously untrue.

Fang thought about what had happened last night.

Lola, ashamed and panicked, threw Fang out of her car and sped away, leaving him stranded at the diner. He was forced to take the bus back to Janet's house, where he would later cry on her shoulder, explaining and apologizing while Janet comforted him and told him they'd deal with it in the morning. They would spend the night together, which gave Fang some comfort.

Fang arrived at the bus stop minutes before the scheduled arrival time of the bus. Panicked and dazed, he barely processed his surroundings and crashed into the girl in front of him as he followed her toward the back of the bus.

"Oh my god, I'm so sorry!" He said, starting to snap out of his trance.

His trance completely dissolved when he realized who it was– his acquaintance, Amber.

"No, no, you're fine," said Amber. She seemed different since the last time Fang had seen her. At the moment, she seemed tired, drained.

The bus lurched forward. Amber stumbled and grabbed onto Fang's arm. An awkward moment passed before she let go.

"Um, wanna sit together?" Fang asked.

"Sure."

They filed into two seats near the back. The bus was almost empty at this unusual hour.

"So..." Fang started. How was he supposed to talk to Amber? They had a tumultuous history, but Fang wanted to remain civil. "Were you just at the festival?"

"Huh? Yeah, yeah I was. I left early."

"I see," Fang said.

They passed the next three minutes in silence.

"Are you all right?" Amber asked. "You seem, um, really worried about something."

How was Fang supposed to explain? He thought about what had just happened.

"Well," he started, "A friend just did something terrible to me. I feel awful and betrayed. People warned me she might take advantage of me, but I brushed it off. Now I have to deal with the consequences."

Amber nodded. "I know how that feels. A lot of times, we don't see all sides to people. There's the good and the bad. It's up to you to decide if you can overlook the bad stuff and realize if the friendship is worth it."

Fang sighed. "I've always been aware of the bad stuff, but I chose to ignore it. I like to see the best in people."

"Really? I envy that." Amber shifted her gaze downward, and her eyes were suddenly misty. "I had a falling-out with a friend because I didn't trust her enough. I accused her of some... not very nice things, but now I realize how unfair I was being. I need to make things right now."

"Good luck."

"You too."

"Oh yeah– how are things going with Buster? You guys seem to have it good. He never talks about you, though, and he always changes the subject when I ask."

"Oh, it's going great! Um... are you okay with it? You know– us being together?"

"Yeah, of course! Whatever makes my friend happy."

He meant it– Amber was a good person who was perfect for Buster. But now he had his own predicament to worry about.