Heart Buffs, Coffees & Cats

26

I glared at my phone, dreading yet another rejection from a landlord. The message sat there, waiting for me to open it like a bad grade waiting to ruin my day. Bracing myself, I finally read it.

Landlord : Hello, Ocean! Thanks for your interest in the property. Unfortunately, we can only consider applicants who attend an in-person tour. Best of luck in your search!

I groaned and tossed my phone onto the bed. The universe was having way too much fun with my misery. Just how many times would I have to explain that I was trying to show my gratitude towards the 'scowlfaced bobcat' on the provided visiting hours.

It wasn't like skipping a single house tour meant I'd get lost in it, unable to locate the bathroom.

Humanity had left Earth.

Taking a breath, I typed back a polite,

O : Totally get it. Thanks anyway.

Though, I muttered a less-than-friendly farewell under my breath.

I was mid-rant to myself when my stomach growled, snapping me back to reality. Right— lunch. Or rather, the lack of it. Sighing, I plugged in my phone and made my way downstairs, hoping to find something edible.

To my surprise, I walked into a scene straight out of a reality show. Ryan, Luca, and Chris were lined up on the couch, staring at the TV with an intensity usually reserved for bomb diffusing. Ayden was nearby, looking about as interested as a cat at a dog park with biscotto attached to his leg, though I noticed him sneaking glances at the screen.

"Um, what's happening?" I asked, stepping cautiously into the room.

Ryan's face lit up like he'd been waiting for this moment his whole life. "Oh, you're just in time for The Great Hot Sauce Challenge!"

"The what?"

Chris, practically shaking with excitement, held up an intimidating row of hot sauce bottles. "Each round, we go up a level in spice. Last one standing wins… respect, glory, and maybe a stomach ulcer with a trip to ER."

From somewhere, I heard the girliest meow on Earth from Canella, as if she'd heard Chris and decided to agree with him— or maybe she was just pointing out how stupid they were being.

Either way, I couldn't help but agree with her. So, I snorted. "And here I thought I was living with adults."

Luca grinned, patting the spot next to him. "Come on, don't be scared. You in or out?"

"Oh, I'm in." I settled in, grinning back. "But don't say I didn't warn you."

Ayden finally glanced up, a small smirk tugging at his lips. "I'll get the milk and ice. Oh, the fire extinguisher too, just in case."

They groaned like Ayden had cracked a joke.

Round one started easy, just a mild jalapeño sauce. Everyone handled it like pros, which only inflated the guys' confidence. By round three — ghost pepper — things were unraveling. Chris was sweating like he'd run a marathon, Luca looked like he was reconsidering his life choices, and Ryan's voice was a strangled gasp as he muttered something about his taste buds needing an exorcism. Ayden leaned on the couch, arms crossed, looking like he'd just given up on us.

Ryan puffed up his chest, still trying to play it cool. "I could handle—"

And then he choked, his eyes watering as he gasped for air. Luca slapped him on the back, which only made him splutter more.

"I'm dying," Ryan croaked, reaching for the milk bottle with a shaking hand.

Chris, snickering, nodded solemnly. "Totally worth it."