Peach Silhouette

16 | Would you be so kind

I sighed, not sure what to think. I slipped on my second favorite hoodie and ran a hand through my wild dirty blonde hair. I hurried down the stairs, not wanting to catch any of the others on my way out. I closed the door behind me, and let out a sigh.

I looked around for a moment, deciding not to take my car, instead walking towards downtown Lincoln City. It wasn't exactly a city, perhaps more of a town. I breathed in the salty autumn air, admiring the vibrant colors surrounding me. There was a wonderful aroma and a lighthearted melody coming from a nearby Cafe. I pushed the door open, admiring the small and cozy coffee shop. I ordered a simple latte from the charismatic young man at the counter and sat down with the warm drink.

It was then when I realized that the music wasn't coming from speakers, instead, there was a young person at a piano in the corner, their face vaguely familiar. Their hands danced across the keys, and a smile graced their face as they sang.

"I have a question, it may seem strange."

I let the unfamiliar song surround me like a blanket, and looked out the window.

"How are your lungs, are they in pain?"

I sipped my coffee, thinking of that night on the beach. The way the stars danced across the sky like they paid no mind to the two people below.

"Cause mine are aching, think I know why."

I remembered how carefree George was. George was never carefree, he was cautious and wary. Something was up, and I should've known.

"I kinda like it though, you wanna try?"

I recalled how George had smiled when I spoke. I hadn't noticed that before, but maybe our fans had a point. Something about the way I felt about George was so much different than Sapnap or Wilbur, or any of the others.

"Oh would you be so kind as to fall in love with me? You see, I'm trying, I know you know that I like you but that's not enough, so if you will please fall in love?

I think it's only fair, there's gotta be some butterflies somewhere, wanna share? Cause I like you but that's not enough, so if you will please fall in love?"

The rest of the song faded into a hum as I zoned out, thinking about everything.

Am I in love?

I frowned, playing with the handle of my mug. I sipped the wonderfully flavored coffee. I heard the song end and a couple claps from the few people in the room. I stood up, and made my way over to the pianist. They were drinking a coffee of their own, readying their voice for the next song.

"Hi! I just wanted to say you did really good." They smiled, fiddling with the shimmering ring on their finger.

"Thank you so much. I learned from the best. I'm assuming your name is Dream?" They said slyly. "Or I'm sure, Clay, in public?" I panicked and stuttered, rubbing the back of my neck.

"Is my voice really that noticeable?" They laughed, their sweet voice carrying through the calm air.

"No, but I've been watching you for a long time. I'm sure no one else can tell."

"Whew, I was a little worried there. It's my first time out even though we've been living here since June." They nodded, meeting my eyes. "What's your name?" I said suddenly, not sure why I was drawn to the person.

"It's Afrinita Moore, but my friends call me Afri."

"That's a very unusual name," I mused. A look of sadness crossed their face but quickly left.

"Well, it's not what I was born as. That's classified," they chuckled while looking at the floor, "but it was my online name for a long time. Afriwastaken - dream team twitter saved my life, and probably my marriage too." I felt incredibly happy to hear that my crazy, a little too pushy, and sometimes toxic fanbase had made a difference in their life. I was also surprised that they were married, given their age. Or what I assumed to be their age, at least.

"Wow, that's pretty pog." My face reddened as I realized what I had just said. They broke out laughing at my stupidity. They held their hand out, and began to speak through the wheezes.

"No no, it's fine. I do it all the time, it's just I've never heard anyone else do it." I began to laugh too.

"Man, I'm really dumb sometimes."

"Yes, you are."

"Anyways, what I meant to say was," I let out one last wheeze, "you seem a little young to be married, no offense." Their blue eyes reflected the gray sky, making them seem almost silver. They nodded.

"I married when I was sixteen, it made it easier to escape my parents. Not that I don't love my husband of course," they gestured to the light spirited barista, who caught their eye and winked.
"But anyways, I never would've stuck with the stubborn fool if it weren't for dttwt." I shook my head. Everyone had a story; I had forgotten that in my long days inside with the same people. It was nice to talk to someone I didn't know as well.

"Weird question, but do you think soulmates exist?" They thought for a moment.

"I'm not sure. I wouldn't be surprised with the way he and I are perfect for each other, but it could be one big coincidence. Could've just been the right place, circumstances, and the right time. Why, do you have someone in mind?" Their eyes glittered with mischief as they asked.

"No, not necessarily." I said quickly.

"Dream, with all due respect, I've loved you and your content for a long time. Ever since you moved into NSHH, you and George have been acting differently. I'm not a creepy dnf shipper, I don't want to intrude, but the way you talk to him and even the way he talks to you has changed. Could just be the lack of distance and you're closer now, but it could be something else."

I looked to the side, a blush lightly dusting my cheeks. "Either way, it's none of my business, but cherish what you have. It may take some time but trust me, playing the long game is so so worth it."

They glanced at the ring again, grinning. "I know from experience. Now stop whatever brooding that was at the window and go and work out whatever the hell happened. Because as crazy and out of their minds as dttwt is, we might've had a point with how perfect you and George are together, platonically or not." They grinned. I smiled.

"Ok. Ok, I will. Thank you Afri, thank you so much." As I turned away to leave, they murmured something under their breath.

"No, thank you." I exited the cafe, hurrying back towards town as the person carried on playing. 

~

inspiring song(s)

would you be so kind - dodie

absolutely smitten - dodie

she - dodie

~

an: hi yes, did i steal the title? indeed i did. but yall better shut up about it because ive been excited for this chapter since july because we finally FINALLY have our author cameo :))))
HIIII OK HIIII I JUST WANTED TO SAY HI SAY IT BACK I NEED FRIENDS
i love you all, and afri out <3