Shopping and Green Tea

Collin wrestled with a particularly stubborn hanger, the offending garment twisting like a rogue vine. "Leo, for the love of all things holy, just pick something normal."

Leo sprawled across a plush armchair in the men's section and scoffed. "Normal? Where's the fun in that? Look at this!" He held up a crimson shirt, the fabric shimmering with an almost metallic sheen. "This screams Leo!"

Collin winced. "It screams 'fire hazard' more like. Fire Chief Leo wouldn't be caught dead in that."

Leo rolled his eyes, a playful glint in them. "Since when did you become the fashion police? Besides, tonight's about expressing myself, not blending in."

Collin sighed. Leo, his younger brother, was a walking contradiction. In the online world, he might be an Inferno – a fire-wielding warrior known for his flamboyant armour and fierce tactics, but in real life, Leo was much quieter and more reserved. This date with Molly was a big step for Leo who was much more interested in two-dimensional game worlds rather than three-dimensional people.

"Look," Collin said, kneeling in front of Leo, "Molly isn't into your fiery avatar. She likes you, Leo, the real you." The playful defiance in Leo's eyes faltered. He stared at the flamboyant shirt in his hand, then back at Collin. A small, vulnerable sigh escaped him. "Maybe you're right."

Three hours later, Collin emerged from the dressing room, a triumphant grin plastered on his face. Leo, who had been subjected to a relentless parade of shirts and pants, perked up for the first time.

"Alright, alright," Leo grumbled, but he couldn't hide the flicker of curiosity.

Collin held up a dark teal button-down shirt. It wasn't flashy, but the colour complemented Leo's tan skin, bringing out the warm hazel in his eyes. Alongside it were a pair of well-fitted charcoal chinos and a pair of brown leather shoes that looked both casual and stylish.

Leo slipped them on, his initial resistance melting away. The clothes fit perfectly, accentuating his lean build without being restrictive. He looked… well, like himself, but somehow, a more confident, polished version.

"See?" Collin nudged him playfully. "This screams Leo, the cool, laid-back guy Molly fell for."Leo met his gaze, a wry smile pulling at his lips.

"You alright, big bro? Suddenly turned into a fashion oracle?

"Collin chuckled. "Hey, I just know what looks good. Besides," he added, a playful glint in his eyes, "someone needs to keep Inferno's fiery personality in check, right?"

Leo rolled his eyes, but a genuine laugh escaped him. "Alright, alright, you win. Thanks, big brother. For everything."

Collin nodded, a warm feeling blooming in his chest.

__ __ __

The air crackled with nervous excitement as Cereus bounced on the balls of her feet, clutching the popcorn bucket Matthew had generously bought. "This is amazing, Matt! I haven't been to the movies in ages!"Matthew, practically vibrating with joy, grinned.

"Me neither! I can't wait to share this with you, Cereus."

The trailers flickered on the screen, casting a colourful glow over Cereus' face. She bounced in her seat, barely containing her excitement. "Gosh, I haven't been this hyped in ages."

Matthew grinned back, his own enthusiasm mirroring hers. He loved seeing Cereus so happy. "Me neither! I bet it'll be awesome."

He glanced at his watch. "Hey, how about we grab some drinks before the previews start? I'm kinda parched."

Cereus bit her lip, suddenly feeling a pang of thirst. "Actually, that's a great idea," she admitted. "Could you possibly grab me a drink?"

Matthew's smile widened. "Green tea, light ice, and jelly stars? Coming right up, Cereus! Be right back." He winked playfully and hopped out of his seat, disappearing into the concession stand crowd.

Cereus watched him go, a warm feeling blossoming in her chest. It felt so easy being around Matthew. He remembered the little details, like her usual drink order. A smile tugged at her lips as she leaned back in her seat, eager to see the movie and spend more time with Matthew.

__ __ __

Boba Tea Shop

Collin arrived slowly with his younger brother Leo's constant nagging to get his a chocolate milk tea with boba. His younger brother loved boba for some reason he could not fathom.

As Collin gets into the line, he notices a young boy standing in front of him. Just as the line passed further, the boy's chance to order came. "Um, excuse me," Matthew fumbled, leaning back slightly. "Can I get a large strawberry milk tea with extra tapioca pearls? And another one, smaller size, green tea with no sugar and light ice, with those, uh... those jelly stars, please?"

Hearing the order of the person in front of him, Collin's heart plummeted. The green tea, no sugar, light ice - it was Cereus' special order, down to the tiniest detail. A wave of anger and sadness crashed over him.

Cereus. The girl he'd dated back in college when she was still in high school. They'd been inseparable until a family emergency forced him to disappear for a while. When he came back after six months, desperate to see her, she didn't want him anymore.

The bittersweet memories of his past now flashed before his eyes, and as Collin was lost in the past, Collin didn't hear the cashier call his name. "Sir? Can I take your order, please?"

Three, maybe four calls snapped Collin back to reality. Matthew, holding both drinks, turned back with a raised eyebrow. Collin cleared his throat, forcing a smile."Right, yeah, sorry," he mumbled, ignoring the churning in his stomach.

"One chocolate milk tea with boba, please. Large."He grabbed the drink and quickly walked away to join Leo, purposefully not looking at the young boy.

"With this many people in the world, surely there couldn't be just one person who ordered green tea with light ice and jelly stars, right?" He shook that thought away, as didn't want to relive that past, and kept telling himself to focus on the present. "Tonight was about Leo, not ghosts from his past." Collin reminded himself as he made his way to his younger brother.