Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Knock knock knock! The sound came rapidly. Though Winner wasn't expecting any guests nor deliveries. It could be a neighbor's guest mixing up their apartment number for someone else's again. Until it returned not even a minute later.

“Ah, geez…” Winner got up from the comfort of the sofa. They hurried over to the door as the knocking became more urgent. As soon as they twisted the knob, the door swung open by itself. “Alright I swear that I didnt—”

“Winner!” A familiar yet raspy voice exclaimed right in front of them. The person brushed back his golden blonde hair which was dark brown at the roots, bangs falling over his white-framed shades. “Nice to see you again, old pal!”

“Loser…?” Winner found themself engulfed by a tight hug and their old friend's thick fur coat before they could ask one of the hundreds of questions circling in their head.

“Listen, can I come in for a bit first?” Loser asked pleadingly. He walked in when Winner didn't immediately refuse and slam the door on his face. The superstar then gave them a charming grin.

“How did you find my address?” Asked Winner, shoving behind the fact that Loser just walked into their apartment uninvited and unannounced. Their thoughts were primarily focused on the fact that Loser was even here, after years.

“Uh…” Loser scratched the back of his head sheepishly. Then suddenly he clasped his hands together. “Don't you wanna catch up first, pal?” He said, keeping up the charismatic smile.

Their lips pressed into a thin line from hesitation. Were they really ready to let Loser back into their life like this? Moreover, surely that's not all he wanted right?

The awkward silence prompted Loser to speak up again. “I'm kind of hiding right now. I just thought… it’d be okay to stay here. Just for a while?” He pleaded with them once again.

Winner sighed. “Just that?” They said with their one arm on their hip.

“Of course not! But I’m still being honest with you.”

“Sure, buddy… you can come in. Even though you've settled that for yourself.” Winner chuckled nervously. Gosh, what were they even supposed to say? Loser placed an arm over their shoulder, making them tense up from the sudden contact. He then pulled out his phone, encased in a phone case of his own design. Like a piece of his merchandise.

“What are you doing?” Winner asked, peering over whatever Loser was scrolling through.

“Ordering food! Kinda hungry right now—”

“Wait– wait what!? At my apartment? You know I could just cook.”

“Nah, no need. Besides, I usually prefer takeout anyway.” Loser responded, not looking up from his phone. “So you want Chipotle or Wingstop?”

Winner's shoulders raised from the tension pooling in their gut. Just as they did, Loser seemed to notice and tilted his head up to look at them with an eyebrow raised. Those probably expensive shades reflecting their own nervous expression right back at them.

“Either is fine.” Winner said before sighing when Loser let go of them to go order his food with his back suddenly turned towards them.

“Great! Done. So while we wait, what've you been up to lately? As in without me.” Loser's shades tilted down a bit and they caught a glimpse of his actual eyes, relaxed and half-lidded like he barely cared.

“Well I've just been doing work earlier. Before you showed up.” Winner responded, gesturing to their laptop that was left sitting on the table in front of their sofa.

“Oh you’re actually employed now?” Loser chuckled before his face fell flat from realisation. “Like under a company?” Of course Loser would never enjoy the idea of working under someone besides himself. They don’t mean to phrase that in a selfish-jerk way, Loser’s just always been self-motivated. And with his profile it would be pretty hard to find a normal job.

“Kind of? Definitely not your kind of lifestyle though.” Winner rolled their eyes. They still returned his smile to keep the awkwardness down and can he let go of them now?

.
.
.

Loser eventually discarded his coat onto the sofa, nearly engulfing it like a blanket sheet. Still, he told Winner to avoid sitting on it or even touching it like he wasn’t the one in their house and that wasn’t their sofa.But giving the benefit of the doubt, maybe he didn’t notice the coat-racket near the front door?

The delivery food came in, which Winner also had to get after obliging Loser’s request to do so. They placed the paper bag on the kitchen counter where two chairs stood in front of and where their only guest decided to wait for his order. The superstar looked up from his phone. He hadn’t taken off his shades since he got here. Loser quickly got his hands on the paper bag.

“Why are you just standing there? Sit down.” Loser said. He really did have that kind of effect like making you feel welcome in your own house, not that it was working on them.

“Oh don’t worry about me, I can eat later.”

“No seriously, sit down.” Loser gestured by tilting his head to the chair next to him. “Come on! I ordered for the both of us. I definitely can’t finish this on my own, not with the stuff my new management team put me through.”

“Wait, management team?” Winner raised an eyebrow as they sat down beside him.

“Yeah, I’ve decided to take it a step further besides having just one agent. But come on, I didn’t come all this way and then not talk to you.” He pulled the small box of chicken tenders out of the paper bag. Loser’s last words brought some warmth to their chest.

“You came here… for me?” Winner had to press his hands against their cheeks to hide their slowly rising smile. Loser had to pretend not to notice. That was partially true. He could still always tell them later that he really came here to stay. It's just that it's been so long. Would they really accept?

“I mean if you wanted to see me then why didn't you call?” They asked him something he hoped they wouldn't bring up.

Loser just shrugged. “Rising stars get lots of contacts. I was busy. Trust me, I wanted to call. I just… didn’t wanna get you involved.” He noticed that Winner had averted eye contact from him. When talking with fans he gained the habit of being too conscious of how they looked at him so he couldn’t help but do the same with Winner. Always squinting behind his shades which went unnoticed because his gaze was hidden.

“Come on pal, don’t make me sad over the chicken tenders. Brings back memories doesn’t it? Makes me think that maybe I should’ve ordered chicken nuggets instead.” His elbows rested on the counter surface, tilting his head a bit to seem emotional about recalling their old memories together.

“Yeah, I guess.” That seemed to cheer them up. Winner took a chicken tender from the box. Alright great! That created some emotional space for him to mention that other thing he wanted to ask from them. “I just hope you know that things aren’t just going to be fine and dandy after all this time.”

“I know.” Loser muttered.

“But look, I’d love to talk more but I’ve really gotta get back to the things I need to work on.” Winner scratched the back of their head as they apologised for not being able to talk more. They stood from the chair. “I could’ve made some time but I didn’t know that you were coming over so maybe you can come back later?” There was something in their tone and Loser couldn’t tell if they were trying to avoid him or were really just busy. He quickly grabbed their long sleeve.

‘Wait! I– that’s kind of the thing. I can’t really just leave right now.“ His fist closed around Winner’s sleeve. Thankfully they didn’t seem mad so he took the chance to look up at them. “I wanted to ask if I could stay here for a while.”

“W-wait what!? Why?” Winner pulled their arm away from them. Their eyebrows were furrowed as they faced him down, leaning forward. No one’s ever looked at him like that. Loser was always careful to be on level when talking with his fans. It made him look small besides the fact that he is considered to be rather short. But this wasn’t just a fan, this was Winner, and they were seething.

“I’m on hiatus!” He clasped his hands together, both as a way to seem innocent and as a plea for Winner to not kick him out. “I’m kind of being cancelled right now, and trust me it’s nothing bad like whatever you might be thinking. My team just told me to lay low for a while until the situation dies down, and since I have the time now I thought I could use it well.” Loser spoke so fast that he could almost start a secret rap career.

Winner leaned back and away from his face. Their hand firmly placed on their hip which Loser learned back then was a sign that they were letting him explain himself.

“What exactly are you being cancelled for?” They asked him.

“Well I was a tester for some toys and no one believes me, and the company won’t say anything. So everyone just thinks I’m a big liar for saying I used to play with them all the time.” He crossed his arms. “I mean maybe I did exaggerate just to seem relatable but—”

He heard a snicker from his friend.

“Sorry sorry. It just sounds ridiculous.” Winner covered their smile with their hand. Well at least they weren’t mad at him anymore. “But seriously, if you want to stay close why don’t you just book a hotel?”

“Cause I wanna stay with you obviously.” Loser grinned again. “Just think of it as a temporary roommate thing. It’s only for a few weeks, please?”

Winner was genuinely thinking about it. They could be able to catch up on all the lost time they’ve spent apart, but then they would be living with a whole separate person.

“What if I pay you for the trouble?” Loser added and Winner visibly lit up.

“Oh, really?” They smirked at him to tease. “How much?”
“I mean it’s only for a few weeks so I could do your rent and stuff for this month?” He saw Winner tilt their head as they thought about it. “Aw come on, Win. It’s been a while but I know with that face you’re trying to mess with me!” Loser pointed at them.

“I’m kidding. I guess you can stay—” Winner said, their voice squeaking a bit when Loser suddenly pulled them into a hug that was tighter than the last. At least the fur coat wasn’t brushing against their face this time.

“Thanks so much, pal.” He said and it made their chest swell. But they still didn’t hug back.

“Just a warning though, I don’t have an extra bed.”

“I’ll manage.”

“You’re sleeping on the couch.”

“I’ll still manage.”

“Okay, Loser let me go, you're suffocating me…”

“Whoops.”

.
.
.

The two of them didn’t exactly talk until night time. Since Winner claimed to be ‘busy’ and uninterested in any questions about what exactly they were working on. Maybe that’s because some people just don’t like talking about their job. Loser wouldn’t know because he loved his career. Just hard to imagine about the people who don’t love theirs, or maybe it really is just that dull and boring to talk about.

“So are you planning to bring in your stuff? You weren’t exactly carrying anything when you came in.” Winner asked him after finally closing their laptop. The best part about wearing sunglasses was that no one could see what he was looking at. Like when Loser’s glance shifts between his phone on the counter, playing K-dramas, and his very busy pal. So when they finally put down their laptop on the sofa, he immediately took the chance to sit next to them after shoving his fur coat aside to make room.

“That reminds me. What time do you get off work tomorrow?” He asked.

“Uh… tomorrow after five. Why?” Winner responded.

“Well I was thinking that after I grab my stuff you could drive over and pick me up?”
“I mean I know that you don’t really drive but can’t you just call an uber?”

Shit. Quick, Loser, think of an excuse. He had to pause before speaking. “I really, really want to keep a low profile while I’m on my hiatus.”

“Wow that is…” Winner squinted their eyes at him, tilting their head in suspicion. “So unlike you.”

Loser played it off with a laugh and the casual hand gesture of throwing his hand forward and letting his wrist go limp. “I’m not gonna let some crazed fans secretly follow me to your apartment, Win.” He then felt himself grimace from a memory when he was once actually followed home…

“Okay I get it. I can do that for you.” They force a smile like his. At least he still respected their wishes. As much as it stung when Loser continued Losercake without them and without even saying goodbye, he never exactly forced them into the life that he wanted. That’s good for something right? They felt their right eye twitch.

“Are you okay?” Loser asked them, noticing their tension.

“I’m okay. It’s just late. Do you need a change of clothes?” Winner asked as they tried to shift the topic. Loser shook his head.

“Nah, I’m plenty comfy. Thanks again for letting me stay by the way.” He leaned against them a bit, his shoulder nudging against theirs. Winner let out a huff before standing from the sofa.

Would it be worth it to risk it and ask them if they were still mad at him?

Chapter Text

The morning after...

He should’ve assumed that they were at work when he woke up on their sofa to no Winner at all. His own fur coat laid over him like a blanket which he delicately took off as he got up. His hair was a mess, like he’d been through a storm. And the room had never looked brighter. Loser then made his way to the kitchen area when he noticed that Winner seemed to have left a sticky note on their kitchen counter.

‘You can call me after 5 when you’ve got your stuff. Help yourself to whatever for breakfast, and no, I don’t have Loser-o’s. — Winner’ Damn, not even the nickname he uses for them? They left their new phone number on the note in case he needed to call. Loser held the note in his hand longer than he should’ve. They weren’t here for him to squint at and see if they were mad at him for anything at all. It made sense if they still were but didn’t show it. In that case, he’d find a way to make it up to them. After all, he was here to make up for lost time.
‘Properly catching up would be a good first step.’ He thought. Loser crumpled the note in his hand and tossed it aside. He’s had to learn not to let extra comments get to him. Kind of…

‘Wait, where are my shades?’ Loser thought to himself when he finally noticed. He looked back at the sofa that he fell asleep on, under it, around it and its vicinity. He was sure that he slept with his shades on like a sleeping mask. That specific pair was expensive too. Whatever, he’ll ask Winner before deciding to replace it. Firstly, he should really get some coffee to clear his head. Iced coffee. It’s routine.

On an occasional blue-moon kind of rare moment where Loser didn’t want to bask in the attention from fans he ran into in public, he’d wear the opposite of what he usually does. Hoodies and comfy long pants that were in no way stylish. He slipped the hood on before the face mask that he kept in his hoodie pocket.

Loser ditched his fur-coat last minute before standing by the front door, waiting for a text from Winner. It was cold outside but it was so fancy and so like himself compared to what he was wearing underneath. It was still too early to get his stuff but he figured that he could still find something to do by himself in the meantime. With enough money of course.

‘You have your keys right? Cause I’m gonna lock the door.’ seen

Five minutes later… ‘Yeah.’ They responded. That’s it? Just yeah?

.
.
.

Anywhere is a walking distance if you have enough time. Such as the hotel that he originally planned to stay at on his ‘hiatus’. Twenty minutes. While he still had some free time he first went to a small cafe within the city to get his iced coffee. Maybe he could start thinking about how he can make up for lost time with Winner… Loser thought about the sticky note again. Well maybe it was his fault. It’s not that he never called them, it’s that he did it so late he thought they were ignoring him. Turns out they just got a new phone number. He thought about how they walked away when he tried to get close like they previously were. How could he make it up to them?

That was when he found a possible answer right in front of him. Loser sprung up from his seat, his drink in his hand as he walked up to one of the cafe’s patrons who was lining up to order her drink.

“Hey Bottle!” He kept his voice down to avoid anyone recognising him. Considering that he may be the only person that sounds like they haven’t touched water in ten years. “Aren’t you Co-workers with Winner? I thought you guys started work at like nine or something.”

“Oh, is that… Loser?” Bottle squinted at the hooded figure, she managed to recognise him when he pulled the mask down. “Well hi there! It’s only eight fifty and Two is usually fine with me being five to ten minutes late.” She chuckled. "It's just that you're usually wearing your shades."

“I’m surprised that you’re out here pretty early though? Were you looking to buy another stash?”

“What? Aha– Nononononono!” Loser frantically shook his head at Bottle mentioning ‘dealing’ when they were both in public. “I just want to ask something.”

“About Winner again? Hehe, just guessed.” She smiled, and such a gleeful girl she was. She was too nice for her own good that he assumed providing him with edibles was just something she did for fun. Oh he wasn’t exaggerating because she does do that.

“Uh, yeah actually.” Damn, how did she guess? Other than the fact that he never asked for anything else besides how much he owed her. “I just really really need to ask again. But since you guys are also friends…” He reluctantly said the last part. “What do you usually do together?”

“Uhh, I don't know. We kinda just hang out? I thought you guys were friends?” Bottle said, tilting her head.

“We are! I mean— it’s just been a really long time. I don’t know if everything about them has changed and when I try to talk they kinda just tell me that they’re busy.” Loser tucked his hair back. “That or they try to change the topic, and I don’t wanna be pushy towards them.”

“So why didn’t you tell them that?”

“I—” Wait a minute, she's right. Why didn’t he? “I don’t know.” He said blankly from the realization.

“Then tell them, silly!” Bottle grinned, nudging his arm with hers. “Winner would definitely tell you if they were mad at you.”

That brought out a chuckle from him. “Yeah they definitely would.” He remembered how intensely they stared him down when he abruptly told them he wanted to stay. It kinda made him smile under his mask. Maybe it just brought back old memories.

‘Hang out huh?’ He started thinking about the times they used to hang out together. Of course, a performance together right now wouldn’t be the best thing even though it was one of the things they did together all the time. Loser pulled out his phone, opening the notes app. For now maybe he can prepare a proper apology.

“Thanks, Bottle. See ya!” He waved to her before walking out of the cafe.

“Good luck!” She waved back at him.

Earlier that day

7am. Winner walked into the living room, spotting their late-night guest asleep on the couch. They weren’t used to another person staying over and nearly thought it was an intruder. They stepped closer. Good thing their startlement didn’t wake him up. Loser had his coat laid over himself like a blanket. Well at least sleeping on the couch wasn’t a problem for him.

Did it really have to start sinking in now about what they were getting themselves into? Did they really want Loser back into their life? It wasn’t a bad idea. They’ve surely moved on but they still miss their friendship occasionally. They’ve moved on… and then he comes crashing right back while acting so casual. It wouldn’t be as hard to tell if Loser genuinely meant what he was saying if it weren’t for those shades that he wore even indoors. Seriously, he was even wearing them right now. It definitely wouldn’t be comfortable once he woke up.

Winner slowly reached out, gently taking off Loser’s shades without waking them up, their touch light as a feather. He shifted in his sleep which caused them to flinch back but he didn’t wake up. They let out a sigh of relief, folding up the sunglasses with one hand and placing them on the countertop which wasn’t too far from the living room.

Winner took a sticky note from their room and stuck it on the counter, writing: ‘You can call me after 5 when you’ve got your stuff. Help yourself to whatever for breakfast, and no, I don’t have Loser-o’s. — Win…ner’ They reluctantly added. It really is a sweet nickname, but it brought back what they weren’t ready to come back to yet.

As much as they struggled to think of what to talk about with Loser later on, they did feel bad to just get mad after saying he could stay last night. They didn’t want to lose him again but ended up impulsively doing something they weren’t prepared for. Ugh, this wasn’t like them. They turned their head back towards the sleeping idol. Yeah, they can’t risk the former.

“I suppose I’ll just have to wait when you’re ready to apologise.” Winner won’t ask one from him. Because Loser should know that they deserve one. Better late than never.

They needed to get ready for work…

Once they came out of their room, freshly dressed with their periwinkle purple hair tied neatly and having eaten breakfast, the sunglasses on the counter caught Winner’s attention again. They couldn’t help but scoff before taking it, hanging the shades on their collar before taking a coat, their apartment keys, and heading out. The door closed quietly behind them.

.
.
.

5:30 pm.

“Hiiii Winner! Are you taking a break?” Bottle said as she peeked over the office partition that separated them.

“I’m not… Uh, I have to make time to leave early.” Winner responded, leaning back in their chair.

“Really? What’s the occasion?” She tilted her head curiously.

“Nothing. Just…” Right, they can’t exactly tell her that there was a superstar in their apartment. “New roommate stuff. I have to pick him up later.”

“Ooh!” Bottle came down before sliding her office chair over to Winner’s side of the desk, spinning a bit. “You don’t seem super happy about that though.”

Winner suddenly turned towards her. ”Do I?”

She shook her head. “Nope! Is it cause he’s a jerk?”

“It’s not that.” It’s definitely that. “It’s just really sudden, but at least it’s only for a while.” They sighed. Winner then noticed Bottle paying specific attention to the thing dangling on their shirt collar. Loser’s shades. “Oh, and uh… I bought these recently.”

Her eyes twinkled. “I have an idea! You can wear those for a good look when you go out to the movies with us!” Bottle exclaimed, a bit too loudly that it echoed within the room. “It’s been a long time since all of the S hung out at the same time. It’ll be all of us, except for Rocky… for well he kinda already gets sick almost regularly.”

Bottle held up her hand to count those of them who would be coming. “So it would be me, Clock, Cloudy, Ice Cube, Yellow Face - since he said he’ll be paying for the tickets, and you! Whaddya say?” She grinned at them.

“You know what? I could totally use that. When are you guys going?” Winner pushed themselves back from their desk.

“5pm this Saturday! Which is uh…”

“...tomorrow?” Winner said with an eyebrow raised.

“Right! Tomorrow!” She laughed it off which made them chuckle lightly too. They check the time on their computer. 5:03 pm. Winner took their phone from the desk and sighed in relief that Loser hadn’t called them yet.

“Looks like my hours are nearly over. I need to wrap things up and update the Project manager before she kills me or something.”

“Is that about the new…” Bottle started waving her hands around to gesture. “Thing-thing?”

“Thing-thing…?” Winner was about to ask further when the doors suddenly bursted open which caused them and Bottle to check who just came rushing in

“HR! Has anyone seen Golf Ball!? I know she has a thousand projects right now but I swear it’s really important this time!” Two almost screamed out. “Someone call her pleeeaaaaaase!”

Winner sighed. “Guess I have to help out with that first.” They pointed a thumb at their very panicked boss.

“Suresies. Good luck with your— uh– roommate stuff!” Bottle responded. They wondered why she suddenly brought that up again. Then again it’s Bottle.

.
.
.

The car window on the passenger seat rolled down. It took the sound of the car horn to make Loser look up from his phone, wearing a facemask and his clothes from yesterday. Turns out he was wearing a loose hoodie and baggy pants under that thick furcoat. He probably didn’t plan on attracting any attention while he was here. For someone like Loser, that’s a blue-moon type of rare moment.

“Oh, Winner! You weren’t answering my calls and I thought something happened.”

“I don’t usually check my phone when I drive. So that’s all your stuff?” They looked over at the luggage to Loser’s side, and the one he was carrying on his shoulders.

“Yup!” He opened the car’s back door, throwing his suitcase and heavy shoulder bag onto the back seat before shutting it. Loser then hopped into the passenger seat next to Winner.

“Your seatbelt.” They reminded him before rolling up the open window and driving off.

“Thanks so much for agreeing to pick me up by the way. I promise I’ll pay you back for all the favors!” Loser took off the facemask, relieved that he could breathe freely without it.

“Yeah you will.” Winner mumbled. Loser suddenly began leaning forward, visibly squinting at something on their neck.

“Are those my shades?” He pointed out.

“Huh? Oh…” Winner glanced at Loser before keeping their eyes on the road again. “You were sleeping with them on. I don’t know why you use them indoors.”

Loser tilted his head. “Aura.” He answered bluntly. The superstar reaches for his shades that were hanging on Winner’s shirt collar. “It would’ve looked good on you.”

“Loser, if we crash, I’m making you pay for everything.” Winner deadpanned. Their grip on the wheel tightened.

“Sorry…” He slipped the shades on before looking forward again. The silence didn’t last long because Loser had to open his mouth again. “Are you mad at me?”

They let out a sigh. “No. I’m not mad at you.”

“Oh, Thank goodness then.” He leaned back against the car seat. Loser smiled softly. “If you want… I can pay for dinner again.”

“Seriously? I appreciate it. But I don’t want to feel like I’m just using you for money. Maybe you can just help me out instead. You can pay for stuff wherever and whenever, but it’s not gonna make up for what we used to be. If you’re gonna be a roommate then you might as well act like one while you’re here.”

Loser’s smile didn’t fade, instead he seemed joyed at the proposal “Sure.” For now, he just subtly gazed at them the whole car ride back.

“Anything else you want to say to me?” Winner said, deciding to go for it.

“Um… thank you, again?” He said with the continued ever so oblivious beam. Loser then returned his attention to his phone.

‘Does he really have no idea?’ Winner faced away to keep the other from seeing their expression. “You’re welcome.” They tried to say nicely.

Chapter Text

Light steam quite literally emerged from the bathroom as the door opened, and of course came out the superstar who was responsible.

“Did you take another forty-minute hot shower?” Winner asked him. Loser ruffled the towel against his light blond hair to dry it.

“Yeah, why?” He swung the towel over his shoulder. After-showers were one of the rare moments (besides yesterday because his shades were taken) where Loser’s whole face was actually visible to another person.

“Because I just don’t want to feel like I’m entering a sauna in my own bathroom.” Winner deadpanned, rolling their eyes.

“I can’t really help it.” He scratched the back of his head sheepishly. Loser noticed that they tied their hair, and were wearing those gold-colored hoop earrings. They had put on their white long-sleeved blouse with a sweater vest in their main color layered over it. Though it looked comfy it wasn’t the kind of outfit they would wear if they were just going to stay at home.
Which led Loser to ask, “What’s the occasion?”

“Oh, I’m just going outside with some friends. We’re just gonna watch a movie and maybe eat somewhere.” Winner checked their phone probably for any messages from the others.

‘Other friends?’ He thought internally. Loser fidgeted with the tie of his bath robe. Maybe it was a bit stupid not to think that maybe just maybe, they had moved on without him. But that doesn't mean the two of them don’t have a chance to be friends again. That would just mean he’d have to try harder. Loser must only do the best.

“Can I come with you?” He spoke up abruptly, the question catching Winner off-guard. They tensed up and turned around to face him.

“Y-you want to come along? I’m not sure…”

“I can pay for my own ticket. Plus I can pay for the snaaacks.” He dragged on with ‘snacks’ to make an appealing offer. “And I promise that I’ll make myself utterly unrecognizable! I won’t even talk.”

“Well uh—” Winner averted eye contact from him. Like they were trying to say something they either didn’t know how to explain or it felt too awkward to.

Loser clasped his hands together almost like he was begging to let him go with them. He was. “I promise I won’t slip up!”

“It’s not that. I’m just not sure if you’d want to watch something kind of like… a kids movie.”

“Why not? We used to do all kinds of silly things together. This one is just some harmless fun.” He threw his hand forward in that kind of casual gesture again. “If anything, it would just be like old times!”
“Are you sure?” They asked again. With their tone he might suspect that they really just don’t want him to come along.

“Hey don’t ask me. I’m the one that’s supposed to be offering to come along.” Loser crossed his arms.

“I guess you can…” Winner shrugged. “I don't know if I can say the same for the others though.” They took out their phone, opening the group chat between them and the others. It would be pretty rude to just invite some random stranger to come with them without telling the others first.

“Great! I'll put something on!” He hurried to when they both got back to the apartment last night, right next to the couch. The super star had slipped on a different hoodie and some jogging pants along with the face mask he used previously. All depressingly dull in color. Perfect! Utterly unrecognizable once again.

“Oh, and one more thing.” Winner said, unexpectedly.

“Uh, what is it?” Loser had suddenly stopped in his tracks. What’s wrong? Were they adding extra conditions or maybe even changing their mind?

“I need to borrow your sunglasses again.” They continued. The weight in Loser’s chest had lightened. He was so relieved that he let out a chuckle.

“You know I could just buy you your own pair.” Loser says with a slight tilt of his head, reaching for his shades laying on the couch that he slept on each night he stayed here. He was starting to get used to it now that he was actually given a blanket. One day at a time.

“Well there’s no need. I just wanna wear them for tonight. Besides, they’re custom made aren’t they? I still know you well enough.” Winner was handed the pair of shades while the superstar’s fond gaze and smile went unnoticed. Seeing something wear something specifically made for himself. It’s like years didn’t just agonizingly fly by. A steady warmth grew in his chest as a wave of nostalgia suddenly flooded him.

“You ready?” They slipped on the sunglasses. His sunglasses. The shape of the frame was a pentagon, like how a 3d cube would look at a tilted angle. “I really don’t know how you see whenever you wear these indoors.

The reality had snapped him back. And they weren’t asking him how they looked before doing a fun show for what used to be a small audience, but instead it was Loser pleading to be abl e to go with Winner while they hung out with their friends.

But he just shrugged. “You’ll get used to it. Like I said, it’s about the aura.” Loser gestures like how someone would flip their hair even though his wasn't long enough to do so. Most people imagine a golden aura surrounding him whenever he does this. Winner though, usually just laughs. Nonetheless, it always brings out his fondness for them.

.
.
.

“I’m sorry! Am I late?” Winner clasped their hands as they apologised, letting out a huff since they just ran from the far side of the parking lot over to the inside of the building where the others were. The thing is, both of them ended up running late because somebody had to make a last-minute stop. Everyone else was already there.

“It’s totally okay! I just got here too!” Bottle said casually to ease their worry.

“...”

“...” They noticed that some of the others had suddenly shifted to something or someone past them. They could feel a bead of sweat rolling down. Would they be able to tell?

“Hey Winner! Who’s this?” Clock was the first to ask.

“Ah…” Winner had thought about how to explain this during the car ride here. “They’re just a roommate that I’m gonna be dealing with for a while. They just wanted to see the movie too. Hope you guys don’t mind? He’ll be paying for his own ticket anyway.” Winner bit their tongue when they let the pronoun slip, silently pleading that they won’t ask further questions.

“No problem. Nice to meet ya!” Cloudy said, and Loser just gave a nod of courtesy before waving politely to the rest of their friends. Since Winner was borrowing his shades he decided to buy a pair of gradeless glasses with a clear frame.

“He doesn’t talk much.” Winner added. The others just nodded to show their understanding. But Bottle, she started looking between the two of them.

‘Crap, Bottle is here too?’ Loser thought. His hands clawed against the fabric of his hoodie’s pocket out of nervousness. Winner was wearing the accessory that Bottle usually recognised him by. Enough transactions with her in this outfit would make him recognizable enough for her even if he looked nothing like he would when he puts on the persona of a perfect superstar. She squinted at him. Yup, she knew, he was so dead. Loser rapidly shook his head for her not to expose him.

Someone suddenly came up between them. “Aren’t you guys eager to get inside already!? Time is ticking and we need to get the good seats!” His weird bright yellow smiley mask matched the color of his hair.
“Yellow Face! It’s been a while.” Their expression suddenly lit up. “Great to see you again, pal!” Winner said as they nudged his arm with theirs while Loser just watched the exchange and the bright smile on their face. One that he hasn’t really seen since he arrived. Pal… Gosh, no. He can’t think that way. They were allowed to have other friends too. Winner was about to follow along with the others when someone held their hand.

“...what?” They turned back to face Loser. He subconsciously brushed a thumb over their knuckles before speaking.

“I did say that I’d buy some snacks for you guys right?” Loser whispered, just a little bit too close behind them.

“Oh, right. But it’s already getting pretty late and the movie might start soon…” They trailed off.

“Save me a seat then?” His light grip subtly tightened like a silent plea. “Next to you, maybe.” He lowered his head to avoid any looks being shot at him, almost looking like he was leaning on their shoulder.

“You sure?” Winner wanted to double check if he was fine with staying behind for a bit. They didn’t rip their hand away and it felt like they were holding his hand too.

“Yeah. You guys go ahead.” He decided to take the chance to look up and return their gaze. “Thanks for thinking about me, Win.” He winked at them before reluctantly letting go. They actually smiled back before telling the others and walking off with them. Loser noticed them tucking a stray part of their side bangs behind their ear. Kinda cute…

“Bottle!! Are you coming?” Called a girl with a softer voice. Bottle kept looking at Loser, with an interested look on her face.

“Yup! Hold on!” She whispered a ‘Good luck again’ to him before hurrying to walk beside Ice Cube.

Loser quickly slipped his phone out of his hoodie pocket as he walked to the snack bar.

He opened the notes app again.

.
.
.

“Hey Winner, I know that I've been here for a few days and I should've said this sooner. Years ago, actually… but I really want you to know that I'm really really sorry and I should've told you this sooner.—”

A hand was suddenly placed over his phone, making him jolt. Gosh, please tell him that Winner didn't just see what he was typing—

“You okay? You haven't said anything since we got out. I know you said you wouldn't talk for the sake of the disguise, but you can still talk to me.” They said with a concerned expression.

The group was just loitering outside the building for half an hour just chatting, catching up with each other after the movie. Loser however, spent that whole time on his phone separated from the rest of them, in his own personal world, and while they were looking at him he swiftly turned his phone off.

“I mean it’s starting to get a bit dark. Could we maybe head ba—” Loser cut himself off when a random hand touched his shoulder from behind and a startled shout escaped from him. He instinctively covered his mouth, afraid that he just gave himself away.

“Oops! Sorry for startling you guys! But Winner, the Dairy Queen nearby might close soon! Oh, and you can invite your mystery roommate too!” Said Yellow face while urgently gesturing with his arms. Nothing wrong with indulging in some ice-cream even after just having snacks earlier at the theatre. They shrugged and agreed to go with everyone else, but when they turned to ask Loser if that would be okay with him, they noticed him dusting off his shoulder.

“You okay? You seem a little… shaken.” Somehow they could tell exactly that because his expression was half-visible, and now the others were looking at him too, concerned, but thankfully clueless. Loser nodded.

“Uh, you need to tell me something?” Winner asked. He nodded again. The rest of the group let them talk separately. It at least brought him solace that Winner had b̶e̶t̶t̶e̶r great friends when he wasn’t there. Maybe it’s a bit funny that for all the fans he had, they were still surrounded by more people who were safe to come close. Not that he didn’t have anyone while he was gone…

“I just wanted to let you know. I don’t really feel comfortable walking around a lot before it starts getting dark.” He scratched the back of his neck sheepishly.

“You were alright with it yesterday though?” Winner raised a brow.

“Well that was before it was seven, almost eight.” Loser crossed his arms, his eyes focused elsewhere. He felt vulnerable without his shades.

“You can take the car back if you want.” They slipped their hand into their pocket, about to take out the car keys when Loser spoke again.

“That’s not— Uh, I just wanna know if it’s okay to stay close to you? Look, your… friends are really nice and I wanna get to know them too.”

They gave him a reassuring smile. “If it makes you feel safe then I'm alright with it.” Internally, they feel the tension in their chest lessen after Loser admitted that he felt safe close to them. Even after so long.

And night fell, but unlike a completely different night, his heart wasn't hammering in his chest. The giggles, the chatter, it felt like the paranoia was slipping away. No one pressured him to talk even though he wanted nothing more than to do so. Until…

Right. He couldn't really eat with the mask on…

Loser subtly lifted the face mask without taking it off, but it still got some ice cream on it every time the spoon got close to his mouth. Of course he didn't want to breathe through a cold soggy mask for the rest of the night.

“Uh, excuse me for a bit. Sorry.” He said, slithering out of his seat and over to the unoccupied corner where he could privately eat ice cream. That's it. Since his back was facing the group then he could finally take the mask off just for a few minutes.

‘He can talk normally?’ Winner thought.

“Do you think they’re okay?” Clock wondered, turning to check on the mystery person.

“Oh he's fine. Just uh… conscious about eating in front of others.” Winner explained, trying to ease Clock's concern. Though they had a concerned expression of their own. No one else commented on how they kept their eyes on him for the rest of the time.

“Actually, can we talk about him? Mainly because you've been acting differently whenever he’s close to us.” Ice Cube suddenly spoke up, pointing at Winner.

“What are you talking about, Icy?” They raised a brow, their heart rate started picking up.

“Well she kinda has a point.” Clock responded.

“Oh come on, it's really nothing!” Winner tried to push the matter aside, a nervous smile on their face.

“Aw come on. You can tell us!” Cloudy tried to reassure them.

“I–It's not me. It's him…” They rested their head on the palm of their hand. “I don't even know how I feel about it or how I can word it.”

“So not just a roommate then?” Clock deadpanned.

Winner tensed from hearing how Clock phrased it that way. “What!?”

“Look, maybe you just unconsciously have a thing for being close to people with yellow hair!” Bottle added.

“How many people with the same hair color do you think I’m close with!?” Winner tapped their spoon against the table. Clock shrugged before looking away while Bottle started thinking of two probably obvious names to mention before.
They hadn't noticed yet that Loser had slipped away from where he was.

.
.

The stall door closed too loudly for a quiet bathroom. He'd kill to get a smoke right now. He hated wearing this mask too actually. He just did it for them. The comfort rooms were empty and miraculously didn't smell like piss and despair. So he took the chance to breathe without it.

Loser rolled up the sleeves of his hoodie to wash his hands.

“Woah, Loser! What are you doing here?” Said Yellow Face. Shit. Shitshishit. His eyes widened at horror. Not at Yellow Face but at what he was looking at. Him.

“Oh! Ohhhhh. You were with us the whole time!” He chuckled in a lighthearted manner. “Wait a minute– You're the reason Winner's been so tense and worried the whole time!”

Loser quickly shushed him. “I’m kinda… undercover right now.” He slipped the mask back on. “Don't tell everyone else. Wait, what do you mean by that?”

“What you couldn't tell that you've been stressing them out and making them keep you a secret from us!?” Yellow Face huffed, crossing his arms.

I have..? Yellow Face's words repeated like an echo. “Oh.” Did he really think that them saying ‘they weren't mad’ would be it? All fun and dandy from there? And he could proceed to make them wait even longer just for a ‘sorry’. Gosh, how could he be this oblivious?

“I have to… uh.” He straightened himself. A small habit when being in front of someone. Loser pushed past Yellow Face, who tilted his head in confusion at Loser's sudden change in demeanor. He quickly strutted outside of the building. He went through the side to prevent the others from seeing him. Maybe he cleared his head a little too much actually and it was only now he realised how dark it was outside. Loser let out a sigh, leaning against the wall. The door that he just went through opened, startling him again.

“Hey! You just left without letting me say anything else!!”

“Doesn’t it bother you that I’ve been here the whole time? With all of you, acting like nothing has happened.” He looked up at Yellow Face. The mask was off now.

“Hmmm… are you planning to make us like you and then disappear without a word?” Yellow face asked, walking over to stand next to him.

“Funny. I’m trying to make it work past that I’ll have you know.” Loser scoffed, shoving his hands into his hoodie pocket.

“Then I guess I’m fine with it.”

“Do you think they’d say that too?” Loser pointed behind him, referring to the rest of the group.

Yellow face started reaching for something inside of his coat. “Well I can’t complain too much about a patron. Business is business.”

“..what?” Loser’s eyes squinted in confusion. An open box of cigarettes was being held in front of him.

“Where do you think your provider gets her supply?”

“You’re joking… What’s it with Winner’s friends being drug dealers?” Loser shook his head. He took one from the box anyway, along with the offered flame from Yellow Face’s lighter. “How did you even sneak this stuff around?”

“You’d have to pay for the secrets.” Said Yellow Face with a light chuckle. “This part of the business is a secret to the others. Except Bottle. Said she just wanted to help sell for the extra cash and knew someone who could be a regular. Never thought I’d meet him today though.”

Loser brought the filter end to his lips, taking a few seconds before sighing. He didn’t cough which brought some surprise from Yellow Face from the way his shoulders lifted.

“Gosh, they’d kill me if they knew I still did this.” He closed his eyes, the guilt sinking in like the nicotine.

“Then why are you doing it!?” Yellow Face snapped his head towards Loser.

“I-I don’t know? It’s like I never needed it this badly. Ever since we got out of that theatre, everything just felt off like I started realising how out of place I felt here and I just needed something to feel right. It’s not your guys’ fault though. You’re all great.” Loser then nearly gasped at the realisation of something. “You don’t think this is exactly how I made them feel, right!?” He almost grabbed to tug at Yellow Face’s sleeve, closing his fist to stop himself.

“Uhhhhh一” Yellow Face monotoned.

“Did they tell you? About us…” Loser’s eyebrows furrowed like he already knew the answer he’d receive and just needed the confirmation.

“Yup, almost everything.” The other just shrugged.

Loser took another long huff from the cigarette between his fingers. “But you’re not gonna tell them about this, are you?”

Yellow Face, to his relief, shook his head without mentioning any strings attached.

“I mean the smell is gonna make it obvious anyway so–” He suddenly coughed as the strong scent of Febreeze invaded his lungs, mixing in with the smoke. When he turned to look at Yellow Face, the seller was suddenly holding a spray bottle of it.

“What the hell!? That’s—” He sniffed. “Slightly working..?”

“Yellow Face branded cherry blossom!! Special discount for a limited time only!!!” He brought the spray bottle closer to Loser’s face.

He couldn’t help but laugh at his antics. “I’ll take two then. Do I also owe you for the cigarette?” Loser felt that he could finally smile naturally, comfortable without the mask.

“Not at all! Since you’re planning to buy anyway! Just don’t make your own history repeat itself.” Yellow Face tilted his head, a daring tone around his last sentence.

.
.

Loser: ‘Hey, I’ll just be in the car. Lost my face mask. :P’

Seen by you

The conversation had thankfully moved past the topic of their ‘roommate’ and they were back to light smiles and giggling with their friends. Even though they saw Loser and Yellow Face walking side-by-side outside, talking lightheartedly and Loser holding a bottle of Fabreeze..? Probably Yellow Face managed to sell something to him. It made them smile. That two of their close friends are getting along. Even after what they told the others about their past with Loser. People with yellow hair…

Okay, maybe they were seeing the point the others were trying to make.