The Bartender Of Sun

Chapters

The Sun’s Embrace--The Moon’s Shadow
Not Your Retirement Plan
Trading a Throne for Freedom
Knock, Knock—It’s Your New Roommate
Boss, Roommate, Pain in the Neck
The Heat of the Moment
A Web of Lies

The Sun’s Embrace--The Moon’s Shadow

"Hello?" A warm, familiar voice answered on the other end of the line. "Who is this?"

My mind was still racing from everything that had just happened. My hands were shaking slightly as I held the phone, the weight of the last conversation with my mother pressed down on my chest.

"Hello?" Celestia’s voice came again, this time with mild concern.Then it faded in the background, like she was talking to someone else.

"Luna, if you used my number to register on another dating website, I swea—"

I couldn't help it. I snorted, a short, surprised laugh escaped me. That was all I needed. Just that tiny break of tension.

"It's me" I said, still trying to shake off the remnants of my amusement. "James. From the bar. You remember?"

"I do," Celestia replied, but before she could continue, Luna's groggy, slightly pained voice drifted through the phone.

"Quieter, please…"

I smirked. "Miss Drunk in her full performance?"

"Oh, you have no idea."

"Hangover?"

"Hangover doesn’t even begin to describe it," Celestia groaned. "She came home with me declaring herself the ‘Queen of the Moon’ before dramatically collapsing on the couch. I had to carry her to bed. Now she’s acting like she just returned from war."

In the background, Luna groaned louder. "You don’t understand… I have seen things, Tia… horrible things."

"You drank half a bottle of martini." Celestia shot back.

There was silence. Then a muffled, "Did I win?"

I chuckled, shaking my head. "Sounds like a hell of a morning."

Celestia sighed dramatically. "You have no idea. So, what’s up, James? You decided?."

"Yes... I… I want to transfer."

There was silence on the other end. A long, thoughtful silence.

I could almost see Celestia smiling.

"Of course," she finally said. "Today's Saturday, so school is closed, but we can start the paperwork. Think of it as me repaying the debt for all the times you've taken care of my sister when she's causing trouble at your bar."

"Yupi, first I get a hundred dollars in tips from you, then I get the pleasure of babysitting her when she decides that shots on an empty stomach are a great idea"

Oh crap the realization hitting me like a truck. Will I need to sleep at the bar? I left my house...

I can’t exactly just crash in the backroom health inspectors would probably burst in through the door like a SWAT team the second they got a whiff of it. Sleeping in my car? Not an option. I can already feel my spine aching at the thought. Maybe I could—

“Miss Cele—” I begin, but Celestia interrupts me before I can even get the words out.

“Cut the 'Miss,' we’re not in school right now,” she chides playfully, but there’s an unmistakable warmth in her voice.

“Celestia” I correct, swallowing my lingering formality. “Do schools offer any... housing or rooms for students?”

Silence.

Then, from the distance on the other end of the line, I hear Luna’s voice, slurred but unmistakably dramatic.

“Oooooh, the cute bartender killed someone” she sings, her words come out slow and exaggerated.

A loud smack echoes through the receiver, followed by a whine of protest.

“Mercy!” Luna groans.

Whatever was going on in their house, it was certainly... dynamic. I picture Luna sprawled out on a couch, clutching her head while Celestia scolds her with the energy of a long-suffering older sister.

“You should be grateful,” I say, still smiling. “At least she’s not puking on your carpet.”

Celestia groans. “Not yet.” Then, her tone shifts, becoming a little more serious. “Okay, we can talk about this, but I don’t think the phone is the best way. Meet me in person, and we’ll figure something out.”

I was hoping to open the bar today. But I’ve got some money stashed away I was saving it to buy Mom a new car so she wouldn’t end up in a ditch somewhere. But the bar covers itself, and I have just enough to get by.

“Can we talk about this at the bar?”

“No.”

“Why not?” I ask, genuinely confused.

“Not because it’s a bad place,” she clarifies, her voice dropping as if she’s making sure Luna won’t hear. “But if we go there, she’ll want to come with me. And I am not dealing with her in her full hungover glory today.”

As if to prove her point, Luna’s voice rings out again.

“WE ARE GOING TO THE BAR? Tell him I want a Bloody Mary!”

Another thump, followed by a groan.

“Luna, I swear ” Celestia grumbles. Then, back to me, “See what I mean? I’ve had enough of holding her hair back when she pukes. I refuse to enable this today.”

“Okay, fair point. So, where do we meet?”

Celestia gives me her address, along with a promise that she’ll have all the documents ready.

“If Cadance has time” she adds, “I’ll get her to handle the transfer stuff, so you won’t even have to step foot in Crystal Prep again.”

“Win-win” I say, grinning. “Good to know I have connections with the government.”

She laughs. “Don’t push it.”

I end the call, staring at my phone for a long moment. This was it. No turning back now. I had made my decision, It felt like I was doing something for me. No expectations, no obligations—just my future, on my terms.

At least, that’s what I kept telling myself.

But even as I sat there, I could feel the weight of reality creeping in. The reality that I had no home to go back to. That I had just walked away from everything I’d ever known, no, ran away. And now, here I was, trying to pretend I had a plan.

I had to be relentless. I had to move forward.

10 AM. It was still early. If I left now, I’d be knocking on Celestia’s door within twenty minutes. And I wasn’t exactly in the mood to show up desperate. They needed time to get ready anyway, right? I didn’t want to just barge in like some lost puppy.

A humorless chuckle left my lips. Like that’s not exactly what I was right now.

But this wasn’t the worst thing I’d been through. I could handle this.

The bar was technically mine, and I could use it as my home base, but let’s be real. Sleeping here would be one thing, but showering? I’d have to make do with the sink in the bathroom, scrub myself down like some degenerate, and cover it up with cheap cologne. Yeah, because that would definitely work.

No, I needed a real place. A roof over my head. A place to sleep that didn’t involve me waking up to the sound of a police raid because someone thought the bar was abandoned.

Maybe CHS had dorms. That would solve my biggest problem. If they didn’t, then I’d have to figure something else out. Maybe get a second job, something stable like working at the school? I’d never worked anywhere but my own bar before. I didn’t know how to take orders from someone else. But that was a problem for later.

For now, I needed to move.

Wonder how I’ll pay rent.

Wonder how the days went so fast.

My mother must’ve worked real hard for us to last.

I groaned, running a hand down my face. Damn it, even when I wanted to hate her, I couldn’t. She had a point, as much as I didn’t want to admit it. Her delivery was a train wreck, but the message? It was buried somewhere in there.

She was just trying to be the voice of reason, trying to get me to see things logically. But she never stopped to consider what I wanted. She should’ve helped me move forward, not hold me back.

She could have been on my side.

She should have been on my side.

But it didn’t matter now. I made my choice.

I stood up, grabbed the "CLOSED" sign, and hung it up outside.

No turning back.

Sliding into my car, I gripped the steering wheel and exhaled.

This was it. The start of something new.

I put the key in the ignition and drove off toward the address Celestia had given me.

Twenty minutes later, I arrived at… a villa. A fucking villa.

I had to blink a few times just to process what I was looking at. This wasn’t just a big house. This wasn’t just some high-end, upper-middle-class kind of deal. No, this was on another level. A literal estate. The kind of place that looked like it had been plucked straight out of a movie.

A grand driveway stretched before me, leading up to a massive fountain. A fountain. Running water just sitting there, spraying into the air for no goddamn reason. Meanwhile, back home, we sometimes didn’t even have running water when the pipes froze over.

Yeah. Real fair.

I pulled my car forward slowly, feeling out of place. It wasn’t just the size of the place it was the atmosphere. Everything was pristine, well-maintained, expensive. This was the kind of place where people had staff.

And speaking of…

Oh, no fucking way.

They had a guardhouse.

Not just a security camera. Not just a fancy intercom. No, they had a guy stationed at the gate, watching who comes in.

So this is how rich people live?

I approached slowly, rolling down my window as I pulled up to the gate. The guy inside probably in his late 50s, half-asleep—gave me a look like I was a stray dog wandering into the neighborhood.

"Uh… hey," I said, forcing a casual tone. "I’m here to see Celestia."

The guy did not look convinced.

"Yeah?" he muttered, squinting at me like I was about to pull a heist. "And you are?"

"James. She should’ve mentioned—"

The guy slowly checked his phone, making a show of it, as if this was some top-level security clearance. Finally, he nodded.

"Yeah, she typed about someone coming. Go on, but don’t steal anything."

"Excuse me?"

"And if you can," he added, "don’t touch anything either."

… Fucker.

I bit my tongue, watching as he hit a button, and the giant iron gates whirred to life, slowly swinging open.

Shaking my head, I drove forward onto the massive property.

And of course their parking lot was bigger than my entire house.

I pulled into a spot that felt like I was parking at some five-star resort. The morning light made their garden look stupidly beautiful like something straight out of a postcard. Perfectly trimmed hedges, marble statues, a gazebo off in the distance. The whole place screamed "we have money and don’t know what to do with it."

I let out a slow exhale.

Alright. Enough gawking. Time to get this over with.

I climbed out, straightened my jacket, and walked up to the front door, knocking firmly.

From inside, a voice called out.

"Food has arrived!"

… Wait.

I’m not food, right?

Before I could think too much about that, the door swung open, and standing there was—

Luna.

I hesitated for a second. Not because she was intimidating, but because…

She looked normal.

No fancy suit, no regal air. Just casual clothes. A loose hoodie and some sweatpants. If I didn’t know better, I’d guess she was just another random person in their 30s, not the Vice Principal of CHS.

Her tired eyes studied me for a moment before she sighed.

"Oh. It’s you" she muttered, rubbing her forehead.

"Nice to see you too."

"And don’t look at me like that" she added, pointing a finger at me. "You made me like this."

"Yeah, right. I was just taking orders at the bar. You did that to yourself."

"Whatever" she grumbled, waving me inside.

I stepped in, shutting the door behind me. First thing’s first I took off my shoes and coat.

Second thing—

Holy shit.

They had a giant TV.

Not just big. Not just ‘home theater setup’ big. No, this thing took up half a wall. The kind of screen you’d see in a sports bar or a private cinema.

No. Focus.

I shook it off and followed Luna through the house, and yeah. Everything here was huge. I didn’t know what room we were going to because every room was massive.

At one point, we passed through a hallway that led into what I could only describe as a Viking eating hall.

Okay, maybe I was exaggerating a little.

But seriously, this dining room? It was ridiculous. The table could easily seat Eleven people. Massive windows let the sunlight pour in, and the ceiling? High enough to make me feel small.

At the far end of the table, Celestia sat with a mountain of papers in front of her.

"Ah" she said, looking up. "You’re alone?"

"...Yeah?"

She sighed, setting her pen down. "James, we need a parent or guardian present."

… Fuck.

I completely forgot.

I opened my mouth, then stopped.

I couldn’t call my mom. I wouldn’t call my mom. Even if I wanted to, that wasn’t an option anymore. And my dad?

Gone.

I swallowed. I could feel the tension in the room shift.

"I…" My voice came out quieter than I wanted. "I don’t have one."

Celestia’s eyes softened, but I pushed forward before she could say anything.

"My dad left. A long time ago." I swallowed again. "And… my mom passed away after that. So it’s just me. I’ve been doing this whole ‘living’ thing alone for a while now."

Silence.

A flicker of emotion passed over Celestia’s face. Pity.

Luna, for once, didn’t say anything.

Finally, Celestia leaned back in her chair and let out a small sigh.

"Alright" she said. "Then I’ll sign as your guardian."

My eyes widened slightly. "You—?"

"But" she continued, leveling me with a firm look, "if you do anything dumb, we both sink down in this ship."

I hesitated for a second, staring at Celestia’s signature on the form.

Getting my ass kicked was one thing. But pulling someone else especially one of my clients into this mess? That was another. Celestia genuinely wanted to help me. That was obvious. Was I overthinking it? Was this too much?

No.

I needed all the help I could get.

So, I sat next to her, my eyes drifting toward the pile of paperwork. Forms, applications, policy agreements, all neatly stacked in front of her. And then, one caught my eye a single page sticking out from the middle.

Dorm Application.

Oh, hell yes. No sleeping in the car.

Celestia coughed lightly, smirking at my not-so-subtle enthusiasm. "Alright, let’s get started."

And just like that, the fiesta began.

Name here. Signature here. Another signature. More paperwork. And then came the fun part actually talking about how the school worked.

"You can choose your own classes," Celestia explained as she flipped through a thick booklet.

"Wait, really?" I raised an eyebrow. "Like, I get a say in this?"

"Of course. Crystal Prep has a rigid curriculum, but CHS allows students to explore their interests."

"Huh. That’s... kinda neat."

My eyes scanned the list. English, Math, Science, Art—nothing too surprising. But as I kept looking, something became very clear.

No bartending classes.

"Damn."

Celestia glanced at me. "Something wrong?"

"No mixology courses? No 'Advanced Cocktail Crafting'?" I sighed dramatically. "Tragic."

Nothing. Not even a chuckle.

Luna, sitting across from us, didn’t even look up from her coffee.

"Tough crowd"

"Perhaps Chemistry would interest you?" Celestia suggested. "It does involve mixing reactions."

"Hey. Hey. I see what you did there." I grinned, pointing at her. "Respect."

Still nothing.

These women.

After a while and a lot of talking I finally gathered the courage to ask, "Hey, if Cadenza isn’t here, does that mean…?"

Celestia barely looked up. "Exactly. She couldn’t make it today. Had a date with, uh… Shining? I think that’s his name?"

"Mhm."

"Her boyfriend, right?"

"Correct." I leaned back. "Well, she’s done enough anyway. Getting you involved is already more than I could’ve asked for. I can handle quitting Crystal Prep myself."

Celestia gave me a look. "Are you sure?"

I nodded. "Yeah."

We talked a little more. She wanted to be really sure I wasn’t making some impulsive, regret-laden decision. And while she knew how miserable Crystal Prep was, she still had to acknowledge that it was one of the best schools in the city.

But I had already made up my mind. And when she realized that, she actually smiled.

"Well then" she said. "That’s settled."

Luna, who had been mostly silent, decided to chime in.

"But you know…" Luna started.

"Here it comes"

"You can’t talk to us like you do now."

I blinked. "What?"

Luna smirked. "I mean, in school."

Celestia nodded. "When you’re at the bar, you’re a principal to us. In any other place, it’s common ground. But in school?" She leaned forward slightly. "We are above you."

I scoffed. "Oh, come on. How am I supposed to look at Luna like a vice principal after everything she’s told me?"

Luna chuckled. "You’ll just have to try. All of our talks? Confidential."

Celestia looked between us, narrowed her eyes, and sighed. "I don’t even want to know."

And then—finally—we got to the part I had been waiting for.

Celestia reached into the stack, pulled out the dorm application, and placed it in front of me. "Here. Fill this out with your current address, and I’ll sign it."

I stared at it for a second.

A dorm.

I had a place to live.

I swallowed, trying not to show how much it actually meant to me. No more worrying about where I’d be the next night. Just a bed. A roof. Security.

I immediately grabbed a pen and started writing. Celestia began signing, and—

"There’s one small thing," she said casually.

I paused. "What small thing?"

"It’s about your roommate."

I raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

"All the dorms are already occupied. Every single one."

I stared at her. "Then… where am I staying?"

Celestia placed the signed form down and met my gaze. "There’s only one spot left."

"Well… three, technically" Luna added. "But no one wants them."

I frowned. "Why not?"

Celestia sighed. "Because the only available dorm is with…"

A pause.

"Sunset Shimmer."

My brain stopped working for a second.

Then I laughed. "Oh, cool! I can live with my coworker. That’s not so ba—"

"James." Celestia’s tone shifted. "I’m not the one who should talk to you about this," she admitted. "But Sunset… has a bad reputation."

I slowly set my pen down.

Celestia’s expression told me everything.

This? This wasn’t just a normal dorm assignment.

This was going to be complicated.

“But why?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. “Ooooh, is Sunset like… you know.” I gestured vaguely, lowering my voice. “I can’t say it out loud, but like… is she a whore or something?”

Luna actually let out a laugh at that, while Celestia shook her head, looking unimpressed.

“No, nothing like that, she was just… a bad girl in the past.”

“Bad girl?” I repeated.

“Yes. But that was the past. She’s reformed now,” Celestia continued. “She still has a temper, but she’s willing to improve.”

I frowned slightly. “Huh. She’s been working for me for two weeks now, and she just looks like… a shy little girl.” I shrugged. “She’s also alone, like me, I think.”

Celestia nodded. “Yes. But she still holds a grudge against herself for everything she’s done. That’s why she acts that way around others. She probably didn’t want you to know so you wouldn’t fire her.”

“Fire her? Because she had a bad past?”

I actually laughed at the thought.

“Celestia, come on, for real?” I grinned, shaking my head. “I literally have criminals sitting in my bar. Murderers. Literal offenders. People way worse than the one sitting right there.” I pointed at Luna, who just smirked at the accusation while Celestia let out a small smile.

Luna rolled her eyes. “Wow, thanks.”

“I don’t mind. Short answer—if I have a place to sleep, that’s good enough for me.” I tilted my head slightly. “Do I need to pay or—?”

“No” Celestia cut me off, her voice firm. “The school pays for your living… if your grades are good enough.”

She leaned forward slightly, her eyes studying me, like she was trying to see through me. “Tell me, James” she said smoothly, “what kind of guy are you, really? The kind who thinks school is for losers and blames teachers for his bad grades? Or the kind who’s dumb as hell but still thinks he’s a genius?”

I blinked at her bluntness. “Okay, don’t be scary, Celestia.”

She didn’t move, waiting for an actual answer.

“Let’s just say… Crystal Prep never wanted to throw me out, okay? Despite my absences and everything else.” I met her gaze, deciding to be at least half-honest. “Straight A student. Where I grew up, I had to have everything under control, or at least try to. So if I ever fell behind in school, I knew how to fix it.”

Celestia clapped her hands once, the serious atmosphere disappearing as quickly as it had come. “Just asking.”

I let out a breath, glancing at Luna. “She’s scary,” I muttered, nodding toward Celestia.

Luna nodded back, sipping her coffee. “I know.”

Celestia ignored both of us. “So, this is settled, then? You’ll live with Sunset in the four-person dorm, and the school will cover your expenses”

“Not for everything,” Luna added casually, taking another sip of her drink.... Wait where is coffe? It was there just a.. eh who cares at this point.

“Food is on you. There’s a cafeteria before and after school, but outside of that, you’re responsible for your own meals.”

I exhaled, but it wasn’t a dealbreaker. “Okay, I can settle for this.” I was about to ask if I could go check out the dorm when Celestia suddenly laughed.

“What?”

“Of course not,” she said, shaking her head.

I frowned. Why?

“You’re only a student on paper, not officially.”

“What’s the difference?”

“It means I can let you go, but if you do anything bad…” Her smirk faded into something more serious. “That would mean I don’t look at you like a student, but like a random person.”

That made me pause. “And I’m still a Crystal Prep student.”

Celestia nodded.

“Oh. Right. That makes sense,” I muttered.

I leaned back in my seat, processing that. I wasn’t really a CHS student yet. They were letting me in, letting me stay, but I wasn’t part of the system like the others. If I messed up, I’d be on my own.

Soo… Monday, I can get my thi—

Oh, fuck.

My things are still at my mom’s house.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

I’d have to go back. Despite everything.

I didn’t want to.

I really didn’t want to.

But I needed my stuff. I had barely anything at the bar aside from a few changes of clothes and my work uniform. I couldn’t live out of a duffel bag forever.

Okay. I can figure this out. Yeah, that’s a plan.

I exhaled through my nose and tried to focus on something else.

“I have a question” I said, looking at Celestia.

She gave a small nod, signaling me to go ahead.

“…Is there a dress code at CHS?”

At that, Luna actually laughed.

Celestia, on the other hand, answered seriously. “Everything that is acceptable, we tolerate.”

I blinked. “So, like… anything goes?”

“You might be a little shocked when you see students walking around in sunglasses in school, and mohawks, but yes, what you want to wear is most likely tolerable.”

“Oh.” I let that sink in. “Thanks.”

I hesitated before continuing. “It’s just… kinda awkward to ask because, at Crystal Prep, we had school uniforms, and, well… I don’t have a lot of my own clo—”

“We get it” Luna interrupted, her tone was softer than usual. “It’s okay.”

I exhaled, relaxing a little. “So it won’t be weird if I just walk around in my bartender uniform? Y’know, the black shirt and suit pants?”

“Oh, it’d be like having an actual bartender at school,” Luna teased. Then her eyes lit up, and she smirked. “I should show you my little private cabinet, and we cou—”

“If I see you two preparing alcohol at school, I will kick both of you out.”

Celestia’s voice cut through Luna’s words like a knife.

Luna’s reaction: :<

Mine: :>

“Of course, I’d never do anything like that,” I said, trying to sound as innocent as possible. “You’re above me at school, right? Like you said.”

Celestia narrowed her eyes slightly, like she didn’t trust me, but after a second, she sighed and let it go.

With that, everything was finally done.

“Okay, so… I guess I can go sleep in my car now.”

Celestia’s head snapped toward me. “Car?”

I nodded. “Yeah. Doing all this paperwork is exhausting, and I don’t have anywhere else to crash. I could sleep at the bar, but, uh… I’d probably get eaten alive by rats.”

Luna made a noise that sounded half like a groan, half like a sigh.

“You can stay with us for the night” she muttered.

“Wait. Seriously?”

“But,” she added, her tone sharpening, “if we see you peeking at us, we’re calling the cops.”

I snorted. “Good?”

“Good.”

Celestia gave a small sigh, but she didn’t argue. Instead, she glanced down at my paperwork one last time before something caught her eye.

“…James.”

I looked up. “Yeah?”

She held up the form, tilting it slightly. “Did you seriously list your workplace as your home address?”

I scratched the back of my neck. “Uh… yeah?”

Celestia and Luna exchanged a look.

“You really don’t have anywhere else, do you?” Celestia asked.

I hesitated. “Not anywhere I want to go.”

And to be honest, I didn’t want to talk about it.

I didn’t want to talk about it because I didn’t have a plan. Right now, I was just running on instinct, telling myself I’d figure something out later. That’s what I always did just keep moving forward, one step at a time, even if I had no idea where I was going.

Yeah, leaving my mom alone in a bad neighborhood wasn’t the best decision I’ve ever made, but I’d already taken the risk. It was too late to turn back now.

I forced a smile and looked at Celestia.

“Don’t worry, I’m all right. And with this dorm, I’ll be secure… maybe even make some friends.”

Celestia gave me a look, like she wasn’t fully convinced, but she didn’t push it.

Before anything else could be said, Luna barged in our little moment

“Oh, don’t worry, I’ll be checking in on you every day,” she said, smirking. “Gotta make sure you’re not molesting Sunset.”

Oh. Oh shit.

Sunset.

I suddenly remembered she was supposed to have a night shift tonight with me.

Pulling out my old, beat-up Xiaomi phone, I quickly typed out a message.

Hey, something came up. Bar won’t be open tonight. Don’t worry, I’ll still pay you.

A few seconds later, my phone vibrated with a response.

Is everything okay?

I hesitated, then glanced at Celestia.

“Should I tell Sunset now that I’ll be her roommate?” I asked. “Or should I make it a surprise?”

Without missing a beat, both Celestia and Luna said,“Surprise her.”

I snorted. “Nice synchro.”

They giggled.

Turning back to my phone, I sent a reply.

Yeah, everything’s good. Just have something to take care of.

With that, my responsibilities were finally handled. The papers were done, the bar was taken care of, and-

“Ohhhh,” I groaned as I flopped onto the bed in the spare bedroom.

I sank into the mattress, my whole body went slack mode.

Holy shit. I had never had a bed like this. Ever.

Celestia stood by the door, watching me with amusement.

I turned my head to look at her. “Thank you. Like, really. Thank you so much for letting me stay.”

Celestia’s expression softened, almost like a proud parent watching their kid open a present.

“You don’t need to rush,” she said. “You can stay tomorrow if you need to.”

“No, no, you’ve already done too much.”

Then I smirked. “And I think I’ll need your help in school. Remember, you’re gonna be my principal, and I’m a kid with… special needs.”

From the other room, Luna shouted at the top of her lungs.

“That's for sure”

I immediately yelled back, “Noone asked drunkie”

Celestia sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose.

I looked at her again, smirking slightly. “Is this a normal relationship with future principals?”

She tilted her head, considering. “I don’t know. You tell me.”

Then something changed in her expression.

Her usual professionalism softened into something warmer. Something… familiar.

I’ve seen this face before.

It was the same face my mother used to have when I was little when she was still warm, still loving, still the person I remember instead of the person she is now.

Celestia smiled, gently but firmly. “I know things have been difficult for you,” she said. “But despite that… we’ll try to help you. As principals. And… well. As friends.”

I stared at her.

The words sat uncomfortably in my chest, pushing against something I didn’t even know was there.

Friends?

It sounded wrong.

Not in a bad way, but in a weird way.

Celestia wasn’t my friend. She was… she was acting like my mom.

Not exactly. But close enough. Close enough that it made something inside me tighten.

I forced myself to joke. “That sounds weird, Celestia,” I muttered. “And remember, I’m underaged.”

She rolled her eyes. “Goodnight, James.”

“The bathroom’s down the hall” she added as she walked out, closing the door behind her.

I stayed where I was, staring up at the ceiling, feeling… strange.

Not just strange. Sad.

This was my new life. A fresh start. Freedom. Independence. No more Crystal Prep uniforms, no more forced socializing with elitist pricks, no more walking on eggshells around my mother.

I should be happy. I should feel free.

And in some ways, I do.

But at the same time…

I’m leaving behind my real home.

I mean, not that it ever felt like home, not in the way it was supposed to. But it was where I came from. It was where I grew up, where I spent years taking care of my mother, picking up the pieces of her life every time she shattered.

And now?

Now I was going to be living somewhere else. With a girl, to add to the weirdness. Sunset Shimmer, no less.

I snorted at the thought, shaking my head against the pillow.

But still, this whole thing was built on lies.

If I hadn’t told Celestia that my parents were dead, she wouldn’t have signed the papers.

And if my mother had been the one making the decision? She definitely wouldn’t have signed them. No chance.

She would’ve fought me tooth and nail. Forced me to stay in school. Probably made me sell the bar, just to get me under her thumb again.

And then what?

I’d go to college, become someone important, someone respectable. Someone with a future.

But I don’t want to be important.

I want to be free.

And now, for the first time in my life, I actually feel free. Is that wrong?

Is it wrong that I’m about to sleep in a comfortable bed while my mom is either working late or crying herself to sleep?

Is it wrong that I don’t feel bad about it?

I spent years taking care of her. Years worrying about her, cleaning up her messes, making sure she didn’t spiral too hard. I did my time.

Is it so bad that I want to be free now?

But freedom will come later. Right now, I need sleep.

I exhaled deeply, letting my body sink further into the mattress.

How long has it been?

I did the math in my head.

I’ve been on my feet for twenty-five hours.

Not my record, but still… pretty damn long.

Tomorrow’s plan:

Open the bar. Stay there until… 5? 6?
Drive to Crystal Prep. Get my things.
And then…?

And then what?

Drive to CHS? Go to the principal’s office like some normal transfer student? Let them give me a tour, introduce me to students, pretend like this whole thing wasn’t a last-minute scheme?

It felt weird.

But the worst part?

I still needed to sneak into my mom’s house just to steal my own damn things.

Dumbass.

I could’ve at least grabbed some extra clothes before I bolted. But no, all I had was my wallet, my phone, and my keys. Just me and Fordie.

(Yeah, I call my Ford “Fordie.” Don’t judge.)

But whatever. That was a problem for future me.

Right now, there was one problem I could actually fix.

Sniff. Sniff.

…Yeah, I reeked of alcohol and sweat.

Would it be wrong to…?

No.

I don’t think so.

Quietly, I got out of bed, moving as lightly as possible so the wooden floor wouldn’t creak under my weight. The hallway was dimly lit by a small nightlight plugged into the wall, just bright enough to guide me to the bathroom at the end of the hall.

The door handle turned smoothly in my grip, and I slipped inside, closing it behind me.

The bathroom was nice. White tiles, a clean countertop, a large mirror above the sink. A shower and a bathtub.

I immediately chose the shower.

As I pulled off my shirt, something on the shelf caught my eye a neatly folded towel, a bottle of shower gel, and… a piece of paper?

I picked it up.

I knew you’d want to take a shower. Here ya go. Love ya. – Luna

I stared at the note for a moment.

Then I smiled.

“Thanks” even though she wasn’t there to hear it, and stepped into the shower.

Warm water. Heated water. Not some barely-functional, lukewarm drizzle like what I had in the bar’s crappy bathroom.

I stood under the spray for a moment, letting it run down my back, washing away everything.

Then I started scrubbing.

I washed like I hadn’t been able to properly wash in weeks. Like I was peeling away all the stress, all the exhaustion, all the weight I’d been carrying since this whole mess started.

Soap. Shampoo. More soap. Another round of shampoo, just in case.

When I finally stepped out, I grabbed the towel Luna had left for me and dried off, wiping the steam off the mirror.

I stared at my reflection.

A new man.

Still me, but… different.

Same sharp jawline. Same deep-set eyes, tired but focused. Hair slightly too long, but I usually just tuck it behind my ears. It’s not crazy long, but just enough to push back when it gets in my face.

I ran a hand through it, pushing it back out of habit.Then I sighed, stepping away from the mirror and quietly making my way back to my borrowed bedroom.

I moved slowly, carefully, not wanting to wake anyone. Luna’s probably still awake, but Celestia’s definitely asleep by now.

When I reached the bed, I slid under the covers.

Warm. Soft. Comfortable.

I want to live like this.

Always.

Author's Note

Hello, nothing to say here i think, i just wrote this cuz i feel the moment, and i think its going good so far? yeah only 2 chapters but pacing is good.. motives are good, it depends what you call good, celestia and luna are here, despite it beeing another fanfic about romance with sunset shes far, i'm kinda proud? it feels just good to write something like this, i hope you liked it :)

Not Your Retirement Plan

The bar smelled like whiskey and old wood and also a mix of familiarity and regret. My hands worked on autopilot arleady, wiping down a glass that had already been cleaned twice over. It was 1 AM, and the place was quiet, just a few of the usual faces scattered at their usual spots, murmuring among themselves.

Business wasn’t booming, but it was enough to keep the lights on, enough to help my mom out with the bills. She wanted me to sell the place. I couldn’t.

Not because it was making me rich. Hell, I barely made enough to keep it running. But it was my father’s. The only damn thing he ever left behind before he walked out on us. It felt wrong to just throw it away, like admitting that he was right to leave.

I sighed, setting the glass down and leaning on the counter. My black shirt was slightly wrinkled, the top two buttons undone because I couldn’t be bothered to fix them. My pants? Beaten-up suit pants. Not exactly the height of fashion, but I wasn’t here to impress anyone.

Then, the door creaked open.

"Hello."

I didn’t have to look up to know who it was—the voice told me everything. I lifted my head. Mi Amore Cadenza.

She stepped inside, her dress hugging her waist just right. It wasn’t anything dramatic, not wedding-gown fancy, but it was enough to make guys turn their heads and wonder if she was looking for a little fun. She wasn’t. I knew her well enough to know that.

Cadance, no, Vice-Principal Cadenza made her way to the bar and took her usual seat in front of me, resting her head on the counter.

"Rough day?" I asked, already guessing the answer.

She sighed. Long. Deep. Tired. Sigh

"I'll take that as a yes." I grabbed a bottle from the shelf. "Let me fix you something."

"Just make it strong"

I arched a brow. That bad?

"Not what you're thinking," she said, rubbing her temples. "It’s not school, it’s... Shining."

Shining Armor. Her boyfriend, the guy she had been with for years. The guy who wanted to join the army.

I slid the drink toward her. "Damn. So, it’s final?"

"He’s serious about it," she said before taking a sip. "And I should be supportive. But... I don’t know. I don’t want to lose him."

I leaned on the counter. "Yeah, makes sense. You don’t want your guy running off to play soldier while you’re stuck at Crystal Prep babysitting rich kids."

She smirked. "And dealing with students who just disappear from class."

I scratched the back of my neck. "Yeah... about that."

"I didn’t see you today" she pointed out, raising a brow.

"Ehh. Sowy?"

She gave me a flat look.

"Look, I needed the extra cash, kay? And let’s be honest, that school? It sucks. I hate the way people walk around like they own the damn world. Makes me sick just looking at them."

"You’re really thinking about quitting, huh?"

"What’s the point? I got this place. I can make money without wasting my time at Crystal Prep. My mom’s the only reason I’m still there. She pays a shit-ton just to keep me in that school, and for what? So I can sit through classes with snobby assholes who think a bar is just a place to get drunk and make bad decisions?"

Cadance took another sip eyeing me. "You’ve got potential, James. You’re smart."

"And you sound like a teacher."

She smirked. "I am a teacher. Well, almost."

"Director."

"Vice-Principal" she corrected. "And you are one of my students, like it or not."

"Funny. Doesn’t stop you from drinking here," I shot back.

She grinned. "Touché."

Yeah, this was our dynamic. She came here often more than someone in her position probably should. But it wasn’t about the drinks. It was about the conversation. About stepping away from the polished, prestigious walls of Crystal Prep and sitting in a dimly lit bar where she could just be... Cadance.

And me? I didn’t mind. It was entertaining as hell watching the Vice-Principal of Crystal Prep get wasted in my bar while I reminded her that, technically, she was drinking under a student’s care.

She sighed again, staring at her glass. "You really don’t like Crystal Prep, do you?"

I scoffed. "I like you just fine. The rest of it? Garbage."

She laughed. "Flatterer."

"Just saying the truth, princess."

"Don’t call me that," she groaned, downing her drink.

"Yes, ma’am."

We sat in silence for a moment. The bar was quiet, the usual hum of conversation fading into the background. It was late, and we were both just two people stuck between expectations and reality.

She sighed. "I don’t know what to do, James."

I wiped down the counter. "You can’t stop him."

"I know."

"But you also don’t have to like it."

"...Yeah."

I poured her another drink. "Then drink. Talk. You know I’ll listen."

Then, a loud crash rang through the bar. I already knew what happened before I even turned my head.

Cadance, a little drunk but still holding herself together, glanced to her right. "Huh? You hired someone?"

I sighed and looked over at my apprentice Sunset Shimmer.

She stood frozen and her eyes were filled with panic. At her feet, shattered glass and a small pool of spilled beer glistened under the dim lights. She was apologizing rapidly to an older man seated with his two friends at a corner table. They weren’t mad. If anything, they were laughing, shaking their heads as if this was the highlight of their night.

"No worries, sweetheart!" one of them chuckled "Just get us another round, and we’ll call it even!"

"Yeah, yeah, accidents happen" another added with a wink.

His eyes trailed lower than they should have.

Sunset quickly grabbed a rag and crouched to clean up the mess. She was flustered, clearly embarrassed.

"Fucking perverts," I muttered to Cadance under my breath.

She hummed in amusement, swirling her glass. "At least they tip well."

Sunset finished mopping up the spill and rushed to grab another beer for them. When she came back to the bar, she hesitated before looking at me, her hands gripping the bottle a little too tightly. She was scared. Not of the customers, not of Cadance of me.

I sighed. "It’s okay, Sunset. Just... try not to break anything else. In time, you’ll be paying me instead."

Cadance let out a soft giggle, watching the interaction with amusement. Sunset, however, just looked more awkward.

Cadance then tilted her head, curiosity started flashing in her slightly glassy eyes. "So, Sunset, are you still in school like James here, or did you flip your life on a coin too?"

"Funny" I muttered, rolling my eyes.

Sunset shuffled uncomfortably but forced a polite smile. "I go to Canterlot High, Miss Cadenza. I just work here part-time." She kept her tone formal, like she was talking to a real authority figure, which, technically, she was.

Cadance waved a hand. "Please, just Cadance.‘Miss’ makes me feel old."

Sunset gave a hesitant nod but still looked stiff.

Then, something seemed to click in Cadance’s head. She straightened, leaning across the bar with way too much excitement for someone who had been drinking.

"Wait a second! My aunts are the principals at CHS!"

Sunset blinked in surprise. "Oh. Really?" Her voice went up just a little, like something about that caught her off guard.

Cadance turned to me, and I immediately didn’t like the look on her face. "Oh, I have a perfect idea for you, you little quitter."

I scowled. "Hey, I didn’t quit. I’m just... thinking about it."

"Uh-huh." She gave me a knowing smirk, then straightened up and snapped her fingers. "A transfer."

"A what?"

"You should transfer to CHS!" She clapped her hands together like she had just solved all of my life’s problems.

"Cadance, you’re drunk."

"No, no, no, this is actually perfect!" she said, getting even more hyped. "I’ve heard nothing but good things about CHS! It would be a way better fit for you than Crystal Prep."

Sunset visibly tensed. Her fingers tightened slightly around the bottle in her hands. She looked at me, then at Cadance, then back at me again.

Something about what Cadance said clearly got a reaction out of her, but she didn’t say a word. Weird.

I shook my head. "Cadance, it’s almost 2 AM. Do not call your aunts."

She waved me off and pulled out her phone. "Oh, come on, just let me—"

"Cadance. Every time you start calling people at this hour, it ends with you making a mess and Shining Armor dragging your drunk ass home."

"No, no, no! This time is different!" she insisted, unlocking her phone, or trying to unlock it."I need to do this now! This is the perfect moment!"

I groaned. "You are so annoying when you drink."

Sunset still looked uncomfortable, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. Why was this bothering her so much?

I exhaled sharply. "Fine. Whatever. Just don’t be obnoxious."

Cadance grinned triumphantly and pressed the call button.

I leaned against the bar, thinking. A transfer?

Crystal Prep sucked. I hated the people there. I hated the way they walked around like the world owed them something. I hated the way I had to pretend to care about pointless assignments when I had a bar to run.

But transfer? To Canterlot High? Just like that?

Sunset’s reaction wasn’t helping, either. Why did she seem so uneasy about the idea? Was CHS really as great as Cadance claimed?

My thoughts were cut off by the sound of someone picking up the call.

Cadance grinned. "Luna! Hey! Guess what? I have a student who needs a transfer!"

I dropped my head onto the bar.They surely wouldn’t come here just to talk about me wanting to transfer, right? Oh no, no, no. The second Cadance ended the call and started typing something, I just knew. I fucking knew. They were going to show up. And they did. At around 2:38 AM. The doors swung open, and in walked the infamous duo Vice-Principal Luna and her sister. Celestia looked like she had been dragged out of bed, her golden hair a little messy, her face tired, but she still had that natural elegance. She was wearing a tight white skirt with a matching long-sleeve top, simple but classy. Luna, on the other hand, looked way more put together, dressed in a deep blue dress similar to the one Cadance was wearing—except, you know, blue instead of pink.

I recognized Luna immediately, and when her eyes landed on me, I smirked. “Welcome, Miss Drunk.”

“Oh, don’t even start,” Luna groaned as she walked toward the bar.

“No, no,” I said, shaking my head. “You did say I could call you that after you vomited right in front of the bar, and I had to clean it up at six in the morning.”

Celestia, despite looking half-asleep, gave her sister a look of pure judgment. “Luna” she started, her voice sharp, “have you been drinking before going to school again?”

Luna looked at me with wide eyes, silently pleading for help. I just shook my head. “Nuh. Only on weekends.”

Yeah, right. Like Luna wasn’t one of my best clients. And unlike Cadance, who at least had some restraint, Luna went for the strong drinks.

They both sat in front of me, and without needing to ask, I slid them both a martini. Luna took hers almost in one go, which made Cadance giggle, and Celestia roll her eyes.Before we could say much more, Sunset walked up to the bar, grabbing some straws for a table. The moment she looked up and saw who was sitting in front of me, she froze. A tense second passed before she awkwardly greeted the two principals with a small, “Uh… hello, Principal Celestia, Vice-Principal Luna.”

Her body language practically screamed please don’t acknowledge me, please don’t talk about me.

Celestia raised a brow. “Well, at least you’ll know someone at school,” she said with a small smile.

“Hihi…” Celestia giggled. “Sunset knows the school very well, let’s say.”

Wait, what? That was a weird way to phrase it. Of course she knew the school, she went there. But Celestia’s tone made it seem like something more.

Before I could think too hard about it, the conversation moved on.

Luna and Cadance continued drinking, though Celestia took her time, already fully aware that she would be the one dragging their drunk asses home later.

And then the inevitable topic came up. My transfer.

Celestia wasted no time listing all the benefits how Canterlot High had a much healthier environment than Crystal Prep, how the school took part-time jobs into consideration, how their whole philosophy was about nurturing students instead of crushing them with competition. “The atmosphere is much better now,” Celestia said, taking another sip of her drink.

That made Sunset shriek. Not loudly, not like a scream, but a sharp, surprised sound.

“Okay, can you both,” I said, looking between Celestia and Luna, but mostly Celestia since Luna was already getting drunk, “explain what this is really about?”

Celestia sighed, setting down her glass. “James, Crystal Prep isn’t the right place for you.”

“Tell me something I don’t know.”

“You hate it there.”

“Again, not exactly breaking news.”

“You’re wasting your time there.”

I leaned back, narrowing my eyes. “That one’s debatable.”

Celestia gave me a look, the kind of look adults give when they know they’re about to drop something they think is profound. “What’s your plan, James? You don’t want to be at Crystal Prep, you’re considering dropping out, and yet, you won’t make a move in either direction. So what’s the plan?”

I exhaled through my nose. “I have a plan.”

Celestia waited.

“I want to be a bartender” I said simply. “Not as some part-time job to get through school, not as a temporary thing. I want to do this for real. I like it. I’m good at it. And I have the opportunity. So why waste my time in school?”

Luna, despite being tipsy, hummed in approval. “He’s got a point.”

Celestia shot her a quick glare before focusing back on me. “James. Do you really think school is for losers?”

“Yeah.” I shrugged. “Losers who don’t know what to do with their life. Me? I know exactly what I want. I have a clear goal, I have a way to get there, so why would I waste time on something that doesn’t matter?”

Celestia crossed her arms. “Because maybe, just maybe, you don’t know everything.”

I rolled my eyes. “Oh, that’s original.”

“James.” Celestia’s tone was firm. “Education isn’t just about finding a career. It’s about experiences, connections, growth. Yes, you could just drop out and bartend. But if you transfer to CHS, you get to meet new people, be in an environment that actually cares about you, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll learn something valuable along the way.”

I stayed silent.

Cadance, despite being a little drunk, leaned toward me and smirked. “And come on, James. Think about it. Crystal Prep sucks. You hate those elitist assholes. At CHS, you’d have a fresh start. A new rep. People who aren’t constantly looking down on you because you don’t fit their ‘standard of excellence.’”

I drummed my fingers against the bar. She wasn’t wrong.

Celestia pushed a little further. “If you want to run your own bar, James, you need business skills. You need to know how to handle people. You need to know how to adapt. You’re good at bartending, but are you good at managing? Are you good at bookkeeping? Are you good at marketing? At CHS, you wouldn’t just be stuck in a box like at Crystal Prep. We actually encourage individuality.”

Damn it. She was making good points.

I exhaled, rubbing my temple. “I need to think about this.”

Celestia nodded. “That’s all I’m asking.”

Luna, meanwhile, downed the rest of her martini and slammed the glass down with a satisfied sigh. “Cadance,” she slurred, “you always take me to the best places.”

Celestia groaned. “Oh, for the love of—”

I just shook my head. This night was going to be long.

And it was.

The last three hours and twenty-two minutes of my life were an absolute mess. A chaotic, drunken, migraine-inducing mess. Luna and Cadance took over my bar, making a disaster out of everything while Celestia kept going on and on about transferring to Canterlot High. Somewhere in the middle of all this, Sunset got dragged right in, and for whatever reason, she didn’t immediately run away.

“Sunset, tell James how wonderful CHS is” cadance slurred, leaning over the bar with the grace of a collapsing tower. “Tell him... tell him how coooool Vice Principal Luna is.”

Sunset, who had been diligently cleaning a glass despite not needing to, stiffened. “Uh… well… I mean, it’s… nice?”

“‘Nice?’ That’s all you’ve got?” Luna gasped, dramatically placing a hand on her chest like Sunset had just personally insulted her bloodline. “You wound me, Shimmer. Deeply. Deeply.”

Cadance waved a hand in front of Sunset’s face, her coordination completely gone. “No, no, tell James… tell him that CHS is, like… super-duper awesome, and so much better than Crystal Pfff—Crystal—whatever that school is.”

“Crystal Prep” I said dryly.

“Yeah, that place,” Cadance said, pointing a little too aggressively at me. “Total hellhole.”

“You work there.”

“Doesn’t mean I like it,” she huffed. “Listen. Listen, James. You—you—are a bartender, right? You listen to people, yeah?”

“Yeah, unfortunately.”

“So listen to me,” she said, poking my chest. “Crystal Prep is garbage. Absolute. Garbage. Principal Cinch? She’s the worst! She—she—she takes bribes, James! Straight-up money from parents so their precious little spawns get good grades.”

Sunset’s head snapped up at that. “Wait, what?”

“Oh, please” I said, rolling my eyes. “You’re telling me this like it’s some big revelation. At Crystal Prep, you could probably kill someone, pay Cinch a hefty sum, and poof! security footage mysteriously disappears.”

Cadance let out an exaggerated gasp. “See?! Even you know! That’s how bad it is!”

Luna, who had been playing with the tiny umbrella in her drink, suddenly perked up. “Wait, wait, wait! James! You should transfer just to witness the greatness that is me.”

I gave her a blank stare. “Your greatness?”

“Yes.” Luna dramatically flipped her hair, nearly falling off the barstool in the process. “I am the superior vice principal. Everyone loves me. I am adored.”

Sunset coughed. “You suspended me three times.”

“Because you were evil back then” Luna waved off. “And in my defense, you deserved four suspensions.”

Sunset groaned. But she was clearly taken back, huh? rough topic. But i've heard worse here.

Celestia, who had been the only somewhat composed one in the room, sighed and turned back to me. “James, I know you’re stubborn, but you’re considering it, aren’t you?”

I didn’t answer right away. I wasn’t sure how to answer.

Truth be told, I had been thinking about it. Celestia was right about Crystal Prep, about how I was stuck in limbo, about how I wasn’t doing much here except making mistakes and trying to fix them. I liked bartending. I loved bartending. But I wasn’t exactly thriving, was I? The bar wasn’t successful, I wasn’t learning anything new, and I was constantly struggling just to keep things afloat.

Meanwhile, Cadance was now dramatically slumped over the bar. “Ughhhh, I hate Cinch,” she moaned. “If I ever get to be principal, I’m gonna make Crystal Prep actually worth something.”

“Big words, Miss Drunk 2 ”

“I mean it” she whined. “I could so do a better job than that old hag. It’s just a matter of time.”

Celestia sighed and checked the time. “Speaking of time… it’s six. We should go.” She pulled a napkin from the holder, wrote something on it, and slid it toward me. “Call me when you’ve gotten some sleep and thought about it.”

I glanced down at the napkin. A phone number.

Celestia then stood up, gathering Luna under one arm and Cadance under the other. “I apologize for my sister and niece,” she said. “But, uh… we do tip well.” She pulled out a bill and set it on the counter.

A hundred dollars. My stomach grumbled.

Finally, I can eat something other than instant noodles.

They staggered out the door, Luna waving dramatically as she left. “Farewell, James the Bartender! We shall meet again!”

Cadance, already half-asleep, just muttered, “Mmm… Shining…” before disappearing out the door.

Finally. Silence.

I turned around and found Sunset barely standing, exhaustion written all over her face as she continued sweeping. “Sunset, you can go home now. I’ll close up.”

She shook her head. “No, no, I can—”

“I’ll pay you for the full hour. You don’t need to stay those extra twenty minutes.”

She hesitated, clearly wanting to argue, but in the end, exhaustion won. “Alright,” she sighed. “But it’s not about the money.”

I nodded, watching as she grabbed her bag and waved before heading out. I let out a long breath.

Alone at last.

Celestia’s offer wasn’t something I could just brush off. CHS wasn’t Crystal Prep. It wouldn’t be full of entitled rich kids who laughed at me for actually working. I wouldn’t have to deal with people sneering at my job like it was beneath them.

And, if I was being honest with myself… maybe I could learn something there. Something that could actually help me keep this bar alive.

I sighed, glancing at the napkin with Celestia’s number.

“Guess I’ll have to think about it.”

The bar was finally clean. Floors mopped, glasses washed, tables wiped down, and the ice machine stocked up. I sighed, stretching my arms over my head until I heard a faint pop in my shoulder. My body ached from standing all night and day, my brain felt like mush, and my eyelids were heavy as hell.

I walked outside, locking up the bar with stiff fingers, making sure the damn door was actually closed. The lock was old, finicky, and had a nasty habit of pretending to be locked when it wasn’t. I jiggled the handle a few times.

“Alright, you stubborn piece of shit, don’t make me come back here”

Satisfied it was secure, I turned toward the parking lot where my car was waiting. And by "car," I meant my barely-functional, dying junk heap of a Ford. The old beast sat there, rusting proudly, its chipped paint and duct-taped mirror making it look like something you’d find abandoned on the side of the highway.

I got in, rubbing my gloved hands together as I shoved the key into the ignition. First try nothing. Second try still nothing. I let my forehead rest against the freezing steering wheel, muttering, “Come on, don’t do this to me.”

On the third attempt, the engine coughed, sputtered, and finally came to life.

“Nice, New record.”

Usually, I had to sit in the cold for thirty minutes, coaxing the damn thing to wake up like a stubborn old man refusing to get out of bed. The heating didn’t work, of course, because why would it? I gave the dashboard a pat, pretending it could hear me. “You got spirit, I’ll give you that. But push it past three kilometers, I know you’re giving up on me.”

I slowly pulled out of the parking lot and started driving home, half-asleep at the wheel. The streets were mostly empty at this hour. The streetlights cast an orange glow on the pavement, making everything feel oddly surreal. I kept the radio off. Not working btw. No music, no background noise. Just the hum of the engine and the occasional creak of the car like it was complaining.

By the time I pulled into the driveway of my house a small, old thing with chipped paint and a front porch that needed fixing I saw my mom’s car already parked. She was home. That meant her double shift was over.

I turned off the engine, opened the door, and stepped out into the freezing night air. I locked the door out of habit, even though the locks didn’t actually work. Not like anyone would want to steal this thing anyway. If anything, I’d pay someone to take it off my hands.

Pulling my coat tighter around me, I hurried inside, rubbing my arms to keep warm.

The moment I stepped into the house, I was hit with the familiar smell of cheap coffee and exhaustion.

Mom was sitting at the small kitchen table, a steaming cup of coffee in front of her. She looked tired, hell, more than tired. Dark circles under her eyes, her hair pulled back messily, wearing one of her old sweaters that had seen better days. She must’ve gotten home not too long ago, but instead of going straight to bed, she was here, drinking coffee, staring at nothing in particular.

She looked up when I came in. “Hey, sweetie”

“Hey, Ma” I said, toeing off my boots and shrugging out of my coat.

I moved to the kitchen, grabbing a cup from the cabinet and pouring myself some of the leftover coffee. It wasn’t fresh, but I didn’t care. Caffeine was caffeine.

Mom watched me, her tired eyes softened. “Long night?”

I scoffed, taking a sip. The coffee was bitter, but it kept me awake. “You have no idea. I had to deal with a drunk vice-principal, a drunker Luna, and a Celestia who was very serious about getting me to transfer.”

Mom raised an eyebrow, amused. “A drunk vice-principal?”

“Cadance. She and Luna made a mess at the bar. I had to practically babysit them. And Celestia… she just kept going on about Canterlot High.”

Mom hummed, taking a slow sip of her coffee. She wasn’t saying anything, but I knew she was thinking.

I took a deep breath, gripping my cup tighter. Now was my chance.

I had to say it.

I had to tell her.

I pulled out the chair across from her and sat down. “Mom, I… I want to quit Crystal Prep.”

She blinked. Once. Twice. Like I had just spoken another language.

I swallowed, forcing myself to keep talking before she could react. “I’ve been thinking about it for a while, and… I just don’t see the point. I don’t fit in there. Those rich kids laugh at me because I have a job. They think I’m pathetic because I work instead of living off my parents’ money.And yeah, they’re assholes, but… they’re not wrong. I don’t belong in that school.”

Mom still didn’t say anything.

“I know you’ve been working yourself to the bone just to keep me in Crystal Prep. And I get it. It’s a prestigious school, a good education, better opportunities, all that. But what’s the point if I already know what I want to do? I want to run the bar, Mom. Not as a part-time gig. Not as some side thing. I want it to be my job.”

She was still staring at me, her hands curled around her coffee cup. Speechless.

“You and I both work our asses off just to afford food. I know how hard you work, I know how much you sacrifice. But school isn’t going to change anything for me. I don’t need some fancy diploma to run the bar. I don’t need to waste more time in a place where I don’t belong.” I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “I just… I just want to stop pretending like Crystal Prep is the right place for me.”

“DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT YOU WANT TO DO?!” she yelled, her voice shaking the quiet of the house.

I opened my mouth to respond, but she wasn’t done—not even close.

“Are you aware of what you’re really saying?” she continued, her voice was rising with every word. “Ruin your life? Oh my God, James, you are this close to a better life closer than I ever was, closer than this!”

She waved her hands around, motioning to the tiny, dimly lit kitchen. The chipped counters, the old table, the second-hand fridge humming in the background. The life we had scraped by in for as long as I could remember.

“I taught you to pursue your goals,” she went on “But is this really what you want? You want to throw everything away for a bar? A BAR?”

I clenched my fists, trying to hold my ground. “Mom, I—”

“You’re stabbing me in the back,” she snapped, her voice breaking for a second before she forced it steady again. “My money, my time, my sweat in the trash!”

I saw the exhaustion in her face, in the deep lines under her eyes, in the way her shoulders sagged—but she still wouldn’t stop.

“I’ve been working my ass off every night until seven in the morning so you could have food, an education, a bed to sleep in! Everything I never had, I gave to you, and this is how you repay me?!”

She took a shaky breath, but it wasn’t to calm down. She wasn’t done.

Her voice dropped, but the words hit even harder.

“I’ve been scrubbing floors since before you were born just to make sure your future would never be torn. Every shirt you've ever worn? That’s me. Every loss you've never mourned? That was free. Because I made sure you’d never have to worry about it. I killed myself so you wouldn't have to live like this.”

Her hands clenched at her sides, and I saw the tears starting to form in her eyes.

“Do you really want to end up like me?” she whispered, her voice trembling now. “It’s a hard life, James. Can’t you see?”

I knew what she meant. I knew. She was afraid. Afraid I’d end up overworked, underpaid, stuck in the same endless cycle she had been trapped in her whole life.

But I couldn’t stop now.

I had to make her see.

“Whoa, Mom!” I said, raising my hands. “If you’d just listen for one second just one second you’d see! I’m too stressed going to that fucking Crystal Prep! This isn’t for me! I feel like a prisoner there, not a student! But the bar the bar is the solution!”

I reached into my coat pocket, pulling out the notes I had stuffed in there some days ago. Slipping papers, scribbled-down ideas, notes on new drinks I had been experimenting with things I had worked on for weeks.

I spread them out on the table.

“Look!” I said, pointing to the recipes. “These are new drinks! Every single one every single one releases dopamine! Do you get it?! I’m not just serving alcohol, Mom. I’m creating something. Something that makes people happy!”

She blinked, still trying to process what I was saying.

I pressed forward.

“With my bar, I can make people smile! I can make something real while I’m earning a financial gain! I’ve created the perfect drink, Mom!” I jabbed my finger at one of the papers. “Everyone who tried it loved it!”

For the first time, she wasn’t yelling.

She was staring.

But I wasn’t done. I had to make her understand.

Then—she played her last card.

Her eyes darkened, her lips trembled, and her voice came out quiet but sharp enough to slice through my chest.

“…What would your father say?”

The papers slipped from my fingers, falling to the floor like dead leaves.

We had promised.

We had sworn never to use Dad against each other.

She knew it.

She knew.

Tears were rolling down her cheeks now, but her voice didn’t waver this time.

“You promised you would never make the same mistakes as your father…” she whispered.

I clenched my jaw so hard it hurt.

Then I looked at her—really looked at her.

Her shoulders were hunched like she was carrying the weight of the world. Her hands trembled slightly as she wiped her face.

She was hurting.

But so was I.

I took a deep breath, my voice cracking as I spoke.

“Well…I believe he’d never stop me from going down this road.”

Mom slowly looked around the room at the table, at the notes scattered across the floor. She looked drained, utterly exhausted.

“…You wouldn’t know.”

Something inside me snapped.

I slammed my fist on the table, making her flinch.

“HE WOULD LET ME GO!” I yelled.

Mom stared at me. Then, softly, she asked,

“…How would you know?”

Tears pricked at my eyes, blurring my vision, but I refused to back down.

“I know because of you!” I shot back. “Every memory of him every story you ever told me! He loved that bar! You said it yourself his bar, his style, his craft, it was everything to him! The one thing that always made him smile, no matter what!”

She didn’t say anything.

But I wasn’t finished.

“…But,” I swallowed hard, my voice faltering, “I can never speak for him. I can never know for sure.”

Then, with a deep breath, I steadied myself and said the words I had never dared to say before.

“Maybe this is what he left.”

Mom’s eyes widened.

“Maybe this is why he left!”

She shook her head, looking at me with pure sadness. “James, no…”

I ignored her.

“Maybe he was done!” I pressed on. “Done with this never-ending cycle, done with breaking his back for something he never wanted, done with—this!”

I gestured around wildly, at the cramped kitchen, at the life we had barely managed to hold together.

Mom just looked at me, her lips parted like she wanted to say something—but nothing came out.

Then, finally, she whispered,

“You want a life full of uphill battles? Because that’s what you’re getting sold. I worked myself to the bone so you wouldn’t have to struggle like me. So you could get a real education, so you could get a real job, and now you want to throw that away?! For what?! You think running a bar is some kind of dream? It’s a grind, James! A lifetime of late nights and stress! I for one wanna retire—not die working old!”

Something inside me snapped.

“STOP TALKING ABOUT ME LIKE I’M JUST AN INVESTMENT TO YOU!” I roared.

Her breath hitched, but I wasn’t done.

“I want to live! I want to feel! I don’t want to be some lifeless Crystal Prep graduate with a degree I don’t care about, getting a job I hate just so I can follow some perfect little plan that you want for me! I want to gain something for myself! I want to do something I actually love!”

Mom squeezed her eyes shut and exhaled shakily, like she was trying to hold herself together.

“Well, I’m sorry your life sucks,” I continued, my voice trembling with rage and something deeper—something wounded. “But I am tired of dealing with all the shit that you regret!”

Her eyes snapped open, wide and full of emotion.

Then, she said the words that broke me.

Words I never thought she’d say.

“I’m ashamed to have you as a son.”

Silence.

Pure, suffocating silence.

I just stared at her, feeling my heart shatter into a million unfixable pieces.

She covered her mouth the second the words escaped, like she hadn’t meant to say them. Like she wanted to take them back.

But it was too late.

The damage was done.

I took a slow, shaking breath, then said, in a quiet, deadly voice,

“You know what? Remember these words.”

Mom’s face twisted in regret, but I didn’t care anymore.

“Remember the look on my face,” I continued, “because this hurts.”

Tears blurred my vision, but I held them back.

“The next time we meet,” I said, my voice shaking, “will be your reimbursement. And the whole world will know you didn’t support me first.”

Mom reached for me, but I stepped back.

“So screw you!” I choked out. “I don’t need you. I’m living my life. I’m leaving.”

Mom let out a soft, broken sob. “James, wait—”

But I was already moving.

I turned and stormed out of the kitchen, my feet pounding against the floor as I grabbed my keys. I heard her footsteps behind me, heard her whisper my name—but I didn’t stop.

I couldn’t stop.

Not anymore.

I threw open the front door, stepping into the cold air. I barely heard the sound of Mom crying behind me as I ran to my car.

My hands were shaking as I fumbled with the keys, my vision blurred from tears that I refused to let fall.

I climbed into the driver’s seat, slammed the door shut, and turned the key.

The engine roared to life. Good that at least you belive in me oldie.

With one last look at the house—at everything I was leaving behind—I pressed my foot to the gas and sped off into the night.

My hands gripped the wheel tightly.

I wasn’t sure where I was going.

No.

That was a lie.

I knew where I was going.

To the bar.

To my future.

To the only thing I had left.

I pulled into the empty lot, skidding to a stop in front of the bar. The neon sign flickered weakly.

I stumbled out of the car and made my way to the entrance.

A stranger was standing there, peering inside.

“Hey, are you guys open?”

I didn’t answer.

I just pushed past him, stepping inside and slamming the door shut behind me.

The lock clicked into place.

I leaned against the door, breathing hard. My whole body felt heavy.

Then, slowly, my eyes drifted to the trash can in the corner.

I walked over.

Reaching down, I dug through the crumpled napkins and discarded receipts until my fingers brushed against something familiar.

A napkin with Celestia’s number.

I pulled out my phone.

I hesitated but only for a second.

Then, before I could talk myself out of it, I dialed the number.

It rang once.

Twice.

Then, finally—

“Hello?” a warm, familiar voice answered. “Who is this?”

I took a deep breath.

And just like that, a new chapter of my life began.

Author's Note

Hello new and old folks, i really wanted to write something like this, annnnnd its my first story where main character have a name! Meet james, a young men who wants to follow his dreams, but will he succed? Who will belive in him when even own mother didn't, maybe his only worker? Maybe the Celestia luna and Cadenza? hmm we will see, i hope you will like something diffrent, i want to write something that doesnt have a lot of fighting, powerfull entites, just normal slice of life. ( and this takes place around 1-2 weeks after battle of bands )

Trading a Throne for Freedom

"Rise and shine, barkeep."

An undignified cry ripped from my throat as I jolted. My surroundings were still blurred, the panic still holding onto me as I wiped my face with my hands, trying to make sense of where I was.

Not the bar. Not my car. Not—oh.

A small chuckle snapped my attention forward.

Luna.

Standing there in the doorway with crossed arms and towel lazily draped around her neck, her dark blue bathrobe hanged loosely over her frame. She was looking at me with this amused smirk, and I followed her gaze—

Oh.

My survival instincts took over before I could even comprehend the horror of what she had just walked in on. I yanked the covers over myself so fast it probably looked like some kind of magic trick.

Luna let out a full laugh, shaking her head. "Relax, kid. It’s not like I haven’t seen worse."

I groaned, dragging a hand down my face. "You could at least knock."

"Could have. Didn’t. My hause" She grinned, leaning against the doorframe. "Besides, what’s there to be embarrassed about? It’s a natural thing for guys your age, isn’t it?"

I wanted to die.

"This is—" I waved a hand vaguely, still gripping the covers like my life depended on them. "This is NOT how I expected my morning to go."

Luna only shrugged "Well, once you're done having your little crisis, you should get dressed and come downstairs. We’ve got breakfast for you. And another present."

"Another present?"

"You’ll see." She winked, turning to leave.

This was weird. Really weird.

Not the Luna-walking-in-on-me part—that was its own level of humiliation—but the way they were treating me.

They took me in. No questions asked.

They were doing so much for me helping me change schools, giving me a place to stay, even making me breakfast and I hadn’t given them a single reason to trust me. They were either the kindest people I’d ever met… or the dumbest. I could’ve been anyone. I could have been dangerous.

Yet they let me in.

They had faith in me.

Ugh. Don’t overthink it, James. Just take the free food.

No. I needed to ask.

I caught Luna before she fully stepped out.

"Hey."

She turned back. "Yeah?"

"Why?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. "Why are you doing all this? Helping me transfer is one thing, but… letting me stay here? Acting like I’m… I don’t know, one of your own? You don’t even know me."

Luna tilted her head, her smirk fading into something softer, something distant.

She looked… hesitant.

Then, with a sigh, she leaned against the doorway.

"You know what?" she murmured, rubbing her eyes. "When I was your age… I wasn't like you."

She took a deep breath.

"I did awful things. Ran with the wrong crowd. Thought I was invincible. Thought I could do whatever I wanted. And I paid for it."

She looked away for a moment, as if the memory itself made her uneasy.

"I ended up in juvie. Got in deep, and by the time I realized how screwed I was, it was too late. I spent years paying for my mistakes. But Celestia? She blamed herself for it. She thought she failed me as a sister."

My stomach twisted.

"She was just a kid herself" Luna continued, her voice quieter now. "But she worked herself to the bone to make sure I had a future when I got out. And after that… she just never stopped. She dedicated her whole life to helping kids like me, like you. She doesn’t want anyone else to take the path I did. And…"

Luna glanced at me, her blue eyes were serious. "She admires you, you know?"

I blinked. "What?"

Luna scoffed. "Oh, don’t play dumb. You’ve been working your ass off, running a damn bar on your own, trying to keep yourself afloat. You fight to live on your own terms. And Celestia—she respects that. She sees someone who refuses to give up. And she wants to help."

I swallowed.

That…

That was a lot.

She barely knew me. But she saw something worth helping?

I wanted to laugh. Or maybe cry.

Luna pushed off the doorframe. "Anyway, that’s your answer. So don’t be a dick about it, alright? Just… be good to Celestia. And she’ll be even better to you."

Then she was gone, disappearing down the hallway like she hadn’t just dropped one of the heaviest conversations of my life on me before breakfast.

I sat there for a moment.

Damn it.

Damn it, Celestia.

I thought back to yesterday, the way she looked at me with such… warmth. The way she spoke to me like I was just some normal kid who deserved kindness.

She reminded me of my mom.

And that made me feel like absolute scum.

Because I lied to her.

She thought I was an orphan. That was part of why they were helping me.

And I let her believe it.

I exhaled sharply, running a hand through my hair.

I couldn’t tell her now. Not yet.

But I would.

The moment the bar got back on its feet, the moment I wasn’t hanging by a thread—I’d tell her the truth.

She deserved that much.

For now, though?

I had breakfast to eat.

I grabbed the same bartender suit from yesterday, smoothing out the wrinkles as best as I could. Maybe I should get some new clothes wait, no, I had bigger things to worry about.

The hallway was long, and for a second, I got turned around, but the smell of food real food, not something microwaved or scavenged led me in the right direction.

When I stepped into the kitchen, Luna and Celestia were already seated at the table.

They were both in casual clothes—Luna in a loose t-shirt and joggers, looking laid-back r, and Celestia…

She had a simple white shirt on, sleeves rolled up slightly, hair still was elegant even in this relaxed state.

They both perked up when I walked in.

"Ah, the sleeping prince finally emerges"

Celestia smiled warmly. "Good morning, James."

I hesitated for a second before sitting down at the table. My usual instinct was to be on edge, to keep my guard up, but something about this whole situation… it made me warm.

Because sitting right in front of me was a fresh plate of pancakes.

Not leftovers.

Not a hastily thrown-together meal.

Just… warm, homemade food, waiting for me like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Shit—I was tearing up.

I quickly wiped my eyes before anyone could see.

But Celestia saw.

But she didn’t say anything, and I was grateful for it.

Instead, I focused on eating. No, devouring—I didn’t even realize how hungry I was until I took the first bite, and after that, it was over. I ate like a man starved, like I hadn’t had a meal in years.

Luna snickered. "Slow down, you’ll choke."

Celestia giggled, watching me with quiet amusement.

I rolled my eyes but kept eating. It was embarrassing, yeah, but I didn’t care. This was the best thing I’d had in a long time, and I wasn’t going to waste it.

By the time I finished, I sat back, finally taking a breath. But te warmth in my chest stayed.

Wait

I was sitting in some strangers’ house.

Eating breakfast with them.

What the hell was happening?

Celestia must have caught the look on my face because she tilted her head.

"Feeling weird now?" she asked. "Yesterday, you were full of emotions."

I looked at Luna. She met my gaze, and I could tell from the look she gave me—we hadn’t talked about juve. She hadn’t told Celestia that I knew.

"I just… don’t know how to repay you for all of this."

She waved a hand. "You don’t have to repay me. But if you insist, let’s start with something simple—attending school on Monday."

"Fair. i can do that"

Then, she hesitated for a moment, as if considering something.

"And… if you want," she added carefully, "You can stay here. With us. Not in the dorms. The mansion could use some life," she said with a soft smile. "And we would love to have you here."

My heart squeezed in my chest.

No.

No, no, no.

That was too much.

"No, no, that would be weird. I—I couldn’t. That’d just…" I trailed off, my mind flashing with images of waking up in this house every morning, of being surrounded by warmth instead of cold, of—

I shut the thought down before it could go any further.

I would kill myself with regret if I said yes.

Celestia giggled, like she had already expected my answer. "Alright," she said simply. "Just thought I’d offer."

Then, she stood up from the table and reached for something on the counter.

A box.

She turned back to me, holding it out.

"A present," she said.

"What? Why?"

Celestia’s expression was unreadable for a moment. Then, she smiled.

"I just thought… you’re starting a new life. You should start it with something special."

I hesitated before reaching out, taking the box into my hands. It was light.

Slowly, carefully, I opened it.

Inside, neatly folded, was a whole new outfit—black pants, a black vest, a crisp, dark shirt… and a red tie.

My breath hitched.

It was… perfect.

Not even my mom had ever given me something like this.

Celestia and Luna still thought I was an orphan.

And I had let them believe it.

Before I could stop it, my eyes burned, and a few tears slipped free.

I clenched the box tighter, gritting my teeth.

Damn it.

Damn it, damn it, damn it.

I tried to hold it back, but Celestia must have seen something in my face because—

She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around me.

Warm.

Gentle.

I stiffened. My whole body locked up because—what?

Why?

Why was she doing this?

Why did she care this much?

My throat closed up.

"It’s okay," Celestia murmured, her voice so soft, so real. "We were in your place once."

I swallowed hard, forcing myself to speak. "What do you mean?"

She pulled back slightly, looking me in the eyes. "We had no one either" she said. "But you don’t have to be alone. Not like we were."

My heart shattered.

I clenched my jaw, trying to hold back the flood of emotions.

This was wrong.

They thought I was like them.

They thought I was an orphan.

But I wasn’t.

I was just a liar.

I squeezed my eyes shut and did the only thing I could think of.

I hugged her back.

I buried my face in her shoulder and whispered, "Thank you."

And I meant it.

More than I had ever meant anything in my life.

She held me for a few more seconds before pulling away, smiling.

I wiped my face quickly, then grabbed the box. "I—I’m gonna go change," I muttered.

Celestia nodded. "Go ahead."

I rushed to another room, practically throwing my old clothes off as I slipped into the new ones.

The fabric was smooth, perfectly fitted. The vest hugged my torso just right, the black shirt sleek and sharp. I fumbled with the tie, tying it as best as I could.

Then, I looked in the mirror.

I didn’t look like a lost kid trying to survive.

I looked like someone new.

Like someone better.

I ran a hand over the vest, exhaling shakily.

I felt like a little kid.

Like someone who had just gotten his first Lego set.

I stepped back into the kitchen straightening my red tie and running a hand over the sleek black vest I struck a pose, bowing like some high-class gentleman, and Luna immediately snorted, covering her mouth as she giggled.

“Oh, my stars” she said, shaking her head. “You look like you just walked out of a movie. A very, very dramatic one.”

I smirked, straightening up. “Dramatic? Please, this is pure class.”

“You know what would make this even better?” Luna leaned forward on the table, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Drinks. You should make us something to drink.”

I was already expecting Celestia to give her a good smack for suggesting alcohol this early in the day, but to my surprise, she just hummed thoughtfully. “That’s actually not a bad idea.”

“Wait, really?”

She nodded, standing up and walking over to a small cabinet near the counter. “I trust you to keep it simple, and besides—nothing for you, you still have to go to bar today right?.” She opened the cabinet, revealing a modest selection of bottles inside. “Show us what you can really do.”

“Alright, but don’t blame me if you get addicted to my skills.”

Luna chuckled. “Oh, please. Impress me.”

I grabbed the necessary ingredients and decided to go with something simple but elegant—a classic Cosmopolitan.

I poured the bright pink mixture into two martini glasses and slid them across the counter. “Your drinks, ladies.”

Celestia took a careful sip while Luna, far less restrained, took a generous gulp. They both hummed in approval, Celestia smiling warmly. “This is delicious.”

Luna smirked. “Yeah, no wonder you run a bar.”

“There’s more where that came from.”

Luna downed more of her drink before giving me an expectant look. “So, what do we owe you?”

I shook my head. “Nothing.”

Celestia raised an eyebrow. “Nothing?”

“Nothing,” I repeated. “For everything you two have done for me, my bar is always open to you. Whatever you want, whenever you want. Free of charge.”

Luna’s eyes practically sparkled. “Oh-ho, now that’s a dangerous offer.”

Celestia shot her a sharp look. “Remember we have work tomorrow, Luna.”

Luna deflated instantly, looking betrayed. “You’re ruining my fun.”

I couldn’t help but laugh, shaking my head. “You’ll live.”

Celestia smiled softly. “Thank you, James”

I exhaled, feeling lighter. “No, really. Thank you.” I stood up, stretching my arms over my head. “I should get going. See you two at school. I hope i can repay you what you two done for me..”

With a smirk still on my face, I grabbed my old bartender suit, tossed it into the car, and climbed into my old Fordie.

The engine roared to life on the first try.

“Hah! Maybe even you, oldie, want to start a new life too?” I murmured, giving the dashboard a pat.

I pulled out of the mansion’s driveway, the gatekeeper didn’t even say a word just opened the gate and let me through. No questioning, no hesitation. It felt different, like I belonged, but I shook the thought away.

By the time I reached the bar, I saw a familiar figure waiting at the entrance shifting from one foot to the other.

Sunset Shimmer.

The second I stepped out of the car, she narrowed her eyes at me. “You’re late.”

“Huh?”

“Fifteen minutes,” she clarified, hugging herself. “And it’s freezing.”

She looked… A little awkward? It was honestly kind of cute.

“Yeah, yeah. I had something to do.”

She tilted her head slightly, eyes flickering over my outfit. “Cool suit, by the way.”

“Thanks” I said, unlocking the door.

Her gaze lingered on me as I pushed the door open, and then she smirked. “Sooo, is that why you couldn’t open yesterday?” Her tone turned teasing. “You were on a date, weren’t you?”

I scoffed, shaking my head. “Yeah, right. Like I have time for that.”

She followed me inside as I flipped the light switch, illuminating the familiar space of my bar.

She stretched her arms above her head before rubbing her hands together. “So… it's my first Sunday working here. How bad can it be?”

I chuckled darkly. “Oh, Sunset…” I turned to her with a smirk. “Prepare for war.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Pfft. It won’t be that bad.”

“Oh, you sweet summer child” I muttered, walking behind the bar to grab a few things.

Sunset slid onto a barstool, leaning forward with her arms folded over the counter. “Alright, enlighten me. What’s so bad about Sundays?”

I placed my hands on the counter, leaning in slightly. “One word:regulars.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah. All the old men who have nowhere else to go? They all show up. The couple that fights every other week? They’ll be here. The guy who swears he’s the best at pool but never actually wins? Also here.”

Sunset winced. “That… does sound like a lot.”

“And that’s before the real crowd arrives.”

She groaned, dropping her head onto the counter. “What have I gotten myself into?”

“Too late to back out now.”

She peeked up at me through her bangs. “Hey, at least I have you to suffer with.”

I smirked, grabbing a clean glass and wiping it with a cloth. “Damn right.”

She sat back up, tilting her head slightly. “But really, what were you doing earlier?”

I hesitated for a moment, then shrugged. “Had breakfast with Celestia and Luna.”

She blinked. “Wait… Celestia and Luna?”

“Yeah.”

“Like, Principal Celestia and Vice-Principal Luna?”

“Yup.”

She frowned. “Okay, now I definitely think you were on a date.”

I chuckled. “Oh, come on.”

She crossed her arms. “So what, you just randomly had breakfast with them?”

I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck. “It’s a long story.”

Sunset studied me for a moment before leaning forward again. “Tell me.”

I paused, considering my options. I didn’t want to go too deep into it—not yet—but something about Sunset made it hard to shut her out completely.

“…I’ll tell you later” I said finally. “Right now, we have work to do.”

She pouted slightly but let it go. “Fine. But I’m holding you to that.”

I smirked. “You do that.”

The bar was only half full, but that was still enough. It wasn’t some crazy hotspot, but it had its regulars, and that was the worst part of the job.

Don’t get me wrong—I love bartending. I love hearing all the weird stories, the drama, the secrets people spill when they’ve had one too many. But when you hear the same ridiculous things over and over, it gets old.

Like, I love finding out that someone left their fiancée at the altar that’s peak entertainment. But when some woman keeps forgiving her cheating boyfriend for the tenth time? Yeah, that’s just depressing.

Still, I nodded along, pouring drinks, cleaning glasses, pretending to be invested. The job had me on my feet the whole time, but I didn’t mind.

By the time 4 Am rolled around, the place started to clear out.

People had jobs, you know?

Yeah, it’s funny—these people start work at 5 or 6 Am and still go drinking before it. I mean, come on.

I was wiping down a glass when I heard Sunset laugh beside me.

She was leaning against the bar, scrolling through her phone, chuckling at something.

“What’s so funny? Your boyfriend texting you?”

Sunset didn’t even look up as she casually replied, “Nope. Girlfriend.”

I blinked. “Wait, what?”

She glanced at me from the corner of her eye, smirking slightly. “Just joking.”

I rolled my eyes. “Right. Sure.”

She laughed, shaking her head, and went back to her phone. I just stood there for a second, processing that whole exchange.

That was… random.

But before I could think too much about it, something else popped into my head.

“Hey, Sunset.”

She hummed in acknowledgment, still looking at her phone.

“What’s up with CHS?”

She blinked and finally looked at me, lowering her phone slightly. “Huh?”

“Is it really as good as that drunk Luna and Cadance were making it sound on Friday?”

Sunset hesitated. It was quick, but I caught it.

Then, she let out a small laugh—awkward. “I mean… it’s just a normal school.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Uh-huh.”

She scratched the back of her neck. “Like, yeah, we have normal classes, and there are some events sometimes…”

She trailed off, laughing weakly.

“You are so hiding something.”

“Nooope,” she said way too quickly.

“Yep. Definitely something.”

She groaned, resting her elbows on the bar. “There’s nothing to talk about! It’s just a school.”

I gave her a look. “Suuure.”

Sunset sighed and shook her head. “Okay, whatever. So what, are you thinking of transferring?”

I hesitated for a second. I was planning to surprise her, so I couldn’t tell her.

So, instead, I shrugged. “Nah.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Really?”

“Yup. Gonna spend the rest of my days right here, in this bar.” I sighed dramatically, placing a hand over my chest like I was some tragic hero.

Sunset laughed. “You make it sound like a prison sentence.”

I smirked. “If it was, you’d be my cellmate.”

She snorted. “As long as you keep paying me, I’ll stay.”

I gasped, mock-offended, clutching my chest. “And here I thought you were here for my company!”

Sunset bursted out laughing. “Oh please.”

“No, but seriously. It’s been kinda nice having you around.”

She blinked at me in surprise.

“You’re not bad company, Sunset.”

Her lips curled into a small smile. “Yeah. You too.”

There was a brief pause, just comfortable silence between us.

Then, I glanced at the clock. 5:20 Am.

I stretched my arms over my head. “Alright, Sunny.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Sunny?”

“We’re closing early today.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Why?”

I waved a hand lazily. “Because I said so.”

Sunset rolled her eyes but didn’t argue.

As she grabbed her stuff, I glanced at her. “By the way, why are you even here when your school starts at 8 AM? Don’t you, like… have homework or something?”

She grinned, tilting her head. “Don’t you start school too?”

“…Okay, fair point”

She smirked, clearly amused.

I sighed. “But unlike you, I don’t really care about school.”

She opened her mouth, then hesitated, as if she wanted to say something but thought better of it.

“What?”

She shook her head. “Nothing.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Mm-hmm.”

Instead of answering, she just smiled.

I sighed, tossing the cloth onto the counter. “Anyway. We’ll come in earlier tomorrow to clean. I think we both don’t wanna deal with it tonight.”

She groaned. “Ugh. Fine.”

I smirked. “You sound so enthusiastic.”

Sunset just rolled her eyes.

With that, I grabbed my coat, and we both stepped out of the bar.

The cold immediately hit us.

Sunset shivered, hugging herself. “Geez, it’s freezing.”

I chuckled. “Yeah, maybe don’t stand outside for fifteen minutes next time?”

She gently punched my arm. “Shut up.”

I stood there for a moment, watching her go, a small smirk on my face.

Then, I sighed, rubbing my hands together as I turned toward my car.

The school office should be open.

I was going to walk in, drop off my papers, get my grade transcripts, and just like that—I’d be free.

If being “free” meant transferring schools, then I’d be as free as I could possibly be.

I pulled into Crystal Prep’s empty parking lot, the only car there belonging to Cadance.

She really was waiting for me.

I stepped out and walked toward the entrance, pushing the heavy doors open.

The hallways were eerily quiet, the sharp contrast between Crystal Prep and my bar.

At the bar, people talked, laughed, yelled, lived.

Here?

Nothing.

Just footsteps echoing through empty halls.

I was halfway to the office when—

"Hey, James."

A familiar voice.

I paused in my tracks turning my head slightly.

There, standing just a few feet away, adjusting her glasses with a tired look in her eyes, was Twilight Sparkle.

I smirked. "Oh, hey, Twilight."

Twilight Sparkle—the one person at Crystal Prep who I could actually call a friend. Well like friend friend, i don't include cadence bcs she is... you know, also twilight brother is there on list but he's more like a friend's friend.

If you could even call it that.

Me and twilight weren't best friends or anything, but out of everyone at this school, she was the one I talked to the most.

Maybe because, in a way, she was just like me.

We were both outcasts, just for different reasons.

I didn’t talk to anyone because I didn’t care to. And they don't want to talk to someone who works.

And she didn’t talk to anyone because she was too focused on her work.

And yet, somehow, we always ended up talking to each other.

“You’re here early, too?”

Twilight nodded, adjusting her glasses again. “Yeah. Cinch wants to talk to me about the upcoming Friendship Games with Canterlot High.”

I snorted. “That’s in months. You’re still not going, right?”

Twilight let out a small sigh. “I… really don’t want to. I have my own studies to focus on. It would just be a waste of time.”

I laughed softly, shaking my head. “You know she won’t let this go, right?”

Twilight let out a defeated sigh. “Yeah. I know.”

I gave her a small pat on the head—just twice, nothing too much. “It’ll be fine. Cinch will get over it after, what… the 70th time?”

Twilight let out a weak chuckle, but I could tell she was still stressed.

Then, I decided to just drop it. No point in pushing her when she was already drowning in everything else.

Instead, I waved my papers in front of her. “Oh yeah, by the way—if Cinch doesn’t let you off the hook and you end up competing, you’ll be against me.”

Twilight’s eyebrows furrowed. “What?”

“I’m transferring to Canterlot High.”

She tilted her head slightly. “Really?”

I nodded. “Yeah. I’ll have more time for my bar, and I won’t have to deal with, you know, this whole upper-class, elitist bullshit.”

Twilight rolled her eyes. “You and that bar. You should be studying like me.”

I looked at her, raising an eyebrow.

She wasn’t wrong.

I was smart. I knew that.

Twilight and I had studied together a lot in the past.

I had helped her with math, she had helped me with science, and in return, I got decent grades without having to put in much effort.

But then…

Magic happened.

Or, well, Twilight’s obsession with magic happened.

At first, it was just curiosity—some project she had been working on, something about strange energy signatures.

I had helped at first. It was interesting, sure.

But then, it started to consume her.

She stopped focusing on everything else.

Her notes were no longer about academics—they were about the unexplained, the impossible, the unnatural.

And I?

I had pulled away.

“Yeah, yeah. I know. But it’s already decided.”

I waved the papers again. “I’m already doing this.”

Twilight stared at me for a moment.

Then, she sighed. “Okay.”

Her voice was soft—a little sad, almost.

“Gonna miss you” she admitted.

I gave her a small smirk. “Don’t get all sappy on me now.”

Twilight shook her head, a tiny smile appearing on her lips.

Twilight gave me a small nod before stepping back. "Go first, ill wait"

I knocked on door to Cinch’s office.

A second passed.

Then, a voice curt, sharp, and utterly devoid of warmth.

“Come in.”

I pushed the door open slowly, stepping inside.

Principal Abacus Cinch’s office was as cold and lifeless as ever.

Dim lighting. A massive, mahogany desk cluttered with neatly stacked papers. Bookshelves lined the walls, filled with nothing but academic journals and records—no personal touches, no warmth, no sign of humanity.

And there she sat.

Principal Cinch.

She didn’t even bother looking up as I entered.

I scanned the room once, and my heart sank.

Cadance wasn’t here.

I had hoped—maybe even expected—that she’d be here, backing me up, making this easier.

But no.

I was alone.

I swallowed my disappointment and straightened my shoulders.

“Good morning, Principal Cinch,” I greeted, keeping my tone neutral.

She continued writing something, still not looking at me.

"What's the matter, James?" she asked, voice as dry as ever. "Your past absences have already been… overlooked. If you’re here about another, you’ll need to perform better on your tests to compensate.”

There was no concern in her voice. No annoyance, either. Just pragmatism.

Cinch didn’t care if I showed up to class.

She only cared about results.

I stepped forward, placing a neatly stacked pile of papers onto her desk.

“It’s about something else” I said, my voice steady.

Finally, she paused.

Her hand stopped writing, and after a slow, deliberate moment, she set her pen down.

Her gaze lifted.

Cold, piercing eyes settled on mine.

I didn’t waver.

"I want to transfer to Canterlot High."

Silence.

Then, for the first time since I walked in, she looked genuinely interested.

Not surprised.

Not angry.

Just... interested.

She studied me, as if I were a particularly odd experiment under a microscope.

Then, she smirked.

"Hm? What's the matter?" she asked, adjusting her glasses. "Not enough money to pay for this semester?"

Her tone was mocking, but there was calculation behind it.

"We can arrange a payment plan, if that's the issue," she added, already dismissing the matter with a wave of her hand.

She thought she had already won.

I clenched my jaw.

"No, Miss Cinch" I cut in.

Her brows twitched slightly. She did not appreciate being interrupted.

"I want to transfer to Canterlot High."

The words lingered in the air this time.

And now I saw it.

A flicker of something in her eyes—something displeased.

Slowly, she leaned back in her chair, steepling her fingers in front of her face.

Then, she gave me a look like I had just spat on her floor.

“Why?”

The word was simple. Direct.

But behind it was something much sharper.

Disgust.

I didn’t flinch. "Because I want to."

Cinch sighed through her nose, adjusting her glasses once more.

"I understand that our institution is meant for... gifted students," she said slowly.

She scanned me up and down, her gaze landing on my suit—the one I got as a gift from Celestia and Luna to work at the bar.

Then, she let out a small, disdainful hum.

"And despite your... particular job, I still believe this is a place for someone like you."

She leaned forward slightly.

"Despite this horrendous hobby of yours."

I clenched my fists. "It's not a hobby, Miss Cinch."

Her lips curled into something between a sneer and a smirk.

"Oh?" she chuckled. "Then what is it?"

I met her gaze, unwavering.

"It's my dream."

For a moment, there was silence.

Then, she laughed.

It was sharp, mocking, and filled with nothing but scorn.

She covered her mouth, as if she had just heard the most ridiculous thing imaginable.

"A dream?" she echoed. "Oh, James, that’s rich. That’s truly, truly rich."

She shook her head, still smirking. "You always were clever. But I never took you for a fool."

I said nothing.

Because I knew she wasn’t finished.

"Despite your... misguided ambitions," she continued, "you are intelligent, James. You think critically. You understand the rules of the world, and how to use them to your advantage. That is why I find this decision of yours so... disappointing."

She let out another long sigh, shaking her head.

"Did you even think this through?"

I opened my mouth to answer, but—

"Ah," she cut me off. "Let me guess. Cadenza suggested this to you. Doesn't her family hold the position of principals there? "

I stiffened.

And her eyes gleamed.

"So that's it," she said, more to herself than to me.

Then, she chuckled.

A low, cold laugh, utterly devoid of humor.

"What lies did they tell you, that Mediocare principals Celestia and Luna?" she sneered. "That being ‘equal’ is better? That mediocrity is noble? That you should abandon ambition in favor of ‘friendship’?"

I said nothing.

Because I could already tell where this was going.

Cinch stood up, walking around her desk, circling me like a predator.

"You are throwing away your potential, James."

She passed behind me.

"Your legacy."

Her footsteps were slow, deliberate.

"The very thing you are building will fall."

I gritted my teeth, but she wasn’t finished.

"Here, at Crystal Prep, your future is just a few steps away."

Her voice was almost gentle now.

"Celestia thinks you’re just like the others. She underestimates you."

Then, she leaned in, her voice dropping to a whisper.

"I do not."

I turned my head slightly, meeting her gaze.

"I know my place, Miss Cinch," I said.

Her smirk returned. "Do you?"

She took a step back.

"Students like you," she said coolly, "should not... rot in Canterlot."

That was the moment when I realized—

She wasn’t asking me to stay.

She was telling me.

"Enough, Principal Cinch."

A new voice cut through the tension.

Cinch and I both turned.

Standing at the doorway, with eyes burning with pure fury, was Cadance.

She stepped forward, her presence immediately making the room feel less suffocating.

"That's his decision" she said firmly. "The school has nothing to do with this."

Cinch’s expression froze for a moment.

Then, with a sigh, she sat back down.

"Of course, Cadenza," she said smoothly. "I can't stop him."

She folded her hands, looking at me once more.

"But..."

A slow, cruel smirk spread across her face.

"I do wonder how your little bar would hold up if... certain people started saying the wrong things about it."

My blood ran cold.

I narrowed my eyes. "You wouldn’t dare."

Cinch let out a soft chuckle.

"Oh, James, of course not."

Her smile widened.

"But someone might."

I felt Cadance tense beside me.

She was furious, but she couldn’t say anything.

Because Cinch was still her boss.

After a moment, Cadance walked to a shelf, grabbed a folder, and handed it to me.

"Here, James."

Her voice was gentle.

"Your papers. You're free to go."

I took them, nodding. "Thank you."

Cinch leaned back in her chair.

"Good luck, James."

Her smirk never faded.

"You're going to need it."

I stormed out of the office.

That witch. That fucking witch.

I was so lost in my own fury that I barely registered Twilight standing outside, deep in conversation with her brother, Shining Armor. She turned to me immediately with concern flashing in her eyes.

"James? What happened in there?"

I exhaled sharply, running a hand through my hair before looking at her.

"Cinch happened."

Twilight frowned. "What do you mean?"

I shook my head. "You're a genius, Twilight. And this place isn't for you. Cinch will use you like she tried to use me. She'll drain everything out of you and take all the credit. She doesn't care about us—only what we can do for her."

I didn’t wait for her reply. My patience had run dry.

"Don’t let her leech off you," I said low and serious. "Don’t let her control your future."

Then, without another word, I walked away.

I would never step foot in this place again.

But i know one thing—if I ever saw that woman again, I would spit in her face...

I pulled out my phone, typing fast.

Everything’s done. I need CHS’s address. I’ll be there today.

Celestia’s reply came almost instantly.

I’m glad to hear that. I hope your talk with Principal Cinch went well. I’ll be waiting for you. Welcome to Canterlot High, James.

I let out a slow breath. The shift from Cinch’s world to Celestia’s felt like climbing out of molten lava and sinking into warm water.

I got into my car and started driving, following the address Celestia had sent me. The road stretched ahead, each passing mile putting more distance between me and Crystal Prep.

Between me and her.

Then, finally, I arrived.

Canterlot High School.

I pulled into the parking lot, killing the engine and stepping out. The air here felt different freer, lighter, alive. Students milled about the front yard, talking, laughing, living their lives without the weight of Cinch’s expectations crushing them.

I took a deep breath

This was it.

The start of something new.

A new school.

A new life.

And no matter what happened...

I would never let anyone control me again.

Author's Note

Helol again so much fun, even going full auto mode writing story just comes, i have a big plans for this story, hmmm james know twilight thats interesting... also the friendship games are in months... wonder what will happend at them.... alsoo whaaaaat james knows something about magic? Helping the big twilight with her study? Sad that he left it finding it disturbing... I hope you liked the chapter :)

Knock, Knock—It’s Your New Roommate

I sighed and straightened my vest as I stood in front of Canterlot High School. I was comfortable with the black button-up shirt because I had worn it plenty, but the vest and tie? That was a different matter. The uniform didn't feel right.

But Celestia had assured me that it wouldn’t look weird. And really, after the exhausting conversation with Cinch, I didn’t have the energy to go back to the car and ditch them. Besides, first impressions mattered, right?

I shoved my hands into my pockets and paused to look at the marble statue of a rearing horse in front of the school.Weird choice, but whatever. It was surrounded by a handful of students a girl with elegant violet hair, a country-looking blonde, two different pink girls, and one with rainbow-colored hair.

They sat together, talking about something, but as I made my way toward the school doors, I could feel their eyes on me.

Sizing me up.

They didn’t say anything, though.

Huh.

Maybe Celestia was right.

At Crystal Prep, everything was rigid and calculated. If you didn’t belong to a group, you were a nobody. Here? Students dressed however they wanted. They laughed and talked openly in ways I wasn’t used to. Of course, there were still groups—cliques always existed. But something about this place felt... different.

There was no tension. No sense of constant competition.

If Crystal Prep was a chessboard where everyone played to win, Canterlot High was more like a coffee shop where everyone just existed together.

I wasn’t sure how I felt about that yet.

Okey, where’s the office?

I walked down the hall, taking in the layout. Bright, colorful lockers. Posters about school dances and friendship. That was another thing—everyone talked to each other. Some groups leaned against lockers, others strolled casually while laughing. Even total opposites seemed to interact.

I had never seen that before.

I turned a corner and realized

—yeah, I had no idea where I was.

I exhaled through my nose, scanning the hallway for someone who didn’t look busy. Most students were already engaged in conversation, except—

A girl, that stood near a row of lockers, nodding her head to music blasting through large headphones. She had light blue hair with electric blue streaks styled in a spiky, messy way.

She looked effortlessly cool.

Alright, let’s see how this goes.

I approached her.

"Hey" I said, keeping my voice clear but not too loud.

No response.

Her fingers tapped against the locker in rhythm with her music.

"Hey" I tried again, a bit louder. "I’m new here. Do you know where the principal’s office is?"

This time, she turned her head slightly, looking at me through purple-tinted sunglasses. She didn’t take off her headphones—she didn’t even pause her music. Instead, she just tilted her head back, gestured with her thumb to the left, then pointed forward.

That was… efficient.

"Uh. Thanks"

She responded with a simple finger-gun gesture before returning to her music.

I stared for a second before shaking my head.Weird, but thanks for the help, I guess.

I followed her directions, and sure enough, after turning left, I spotted a door with a big sign reading ‘Principal’s Office.’

Well. Could’ve probably found it myself, But I guess a guy in a bartender outfit aimlessly walking around would’ve looked weird.

Well.

Weirder than usual.

I adjusted my vest, took a deep breath, and knocked.

The door almost immediately swung open.

Celestia stood there, smiling.

"He—" I started but quickly caught myself.

"Welcome, Principal" I corrected.

Her smile widened slightly. "Good that you remember our talk. Come in."

I stepped inside.

The office… screamed Celestia.

Warm colors. A few framed pictures. Her desk was organized, but not in a strict way—like she wanted things neat but not intimidating.

I sat in the chair across from her desk as she took her seat opposite me.

"So" she began, her voice measured but laced with curiosity, "how did your talk with Cinch go?"

I let out a breath through my nose.

"Oh, Ce—" I caught myself mid-word and sighed. "We’re alone, right? Can I just talk normally? I don’t want to use up all my formality in one conversation, and trust me, there’s a lot to say."

Celestia tilted her head slightly with a hint of amusement in her expression. "Okey?" she said, a little hesitant but allowing it. "I think when we’re alone, I can permit that. But what? Cinch did something?"

"Oh, she did" I answered immediately, leaning back in my chair. "The whole talk—all of it—was bad."

Celestia simply watched, waiting for me to elaborate. I did.

"She threatened me. She had the nerve to sit there in that office of hers, all stiff and proper, and tell me that if I left, my bar would suffer ‘consequences.’ Like she thinks she has that kind of power over me. Like she really believes she can control me. What a joke."

Celestia’s brows knit together in concern, but I wasn’t finished.

"And the way she said it" I continued, the memory of her cold, condescending tone made my skin crawl. "That I’m intelligent, but that I’d rot outside of Crystal Prep? Do you understand what that means?" I leaned forward, my voice growing more animated. "She didn’t see me as a student. She didn’t see me as a person. She saw me as a resource. A tool. A machine she could polish up and show off. That’s all I ever was to her."

Celestia remained silent, letting me speak.

"She never cared about me," I went on. "Not my life, not my struggles, not the fact that I work two shifts just to keep my place running. She only cared about my mind. My grades. Nothing less, nothing more."

I exhaled sharply, running a hand through my hair. "It’s disgusting. The way she looked at me, Celestia. Like I was a prize that had just slipped out of her grasp. She even tried to get inside my head—tried to make me doubt myself. Like I was making some kind of terrible mistake by leaving."

Celestia’s expression softened.

"You know what?" I said, shifting back in my chair, my voice calmer was now but still firm. "I follow the words my dad gave me when I was little. He told me:

Follow your heart. Do what you love, and every workday won’t even feel like work.

"And I’ve lived by that. I don’t know what my future is gonna be, but I know one thing—I couldn’t stay there. I couldn’t let her dictate my life just because she wanted another student to add to her success stories. You were right. Just being here—just sitting in this chair—it already feels different. It already feels like everything is changing."

Celestia finally spoke "And… you really think she can do something bad to your bar?"

That was the one thing that lingered in the back of my mind. Cinch was powerful. Not in a supernatural way, not in an actual way, but in the way people like her always seemed to be. Connections. Influence. The ability to make things harder for people she didn’t like.

Celestia gently touched her chin, considering. "Hmm. Cinch talks a lot but does little," she said thoughtfully. "Maybe? Who knows. But I would stay on guard."

"Okey"

There was a pause.

"So?" I finally asked, exhaling and straightening up. "How are we doing this? Do I just… start my school day today?"

Celestia smiled, shaking her head. "Oh no, not today. You don’t even have your lesson plan, and I don’t have it with me either." She tapped her desk. "Your school day will start tomorrow. But for today, what do you think about someone giving you a tour? That way, you can get familiar with the school before you start."

I raised a brow. "A tour?"

She nodded. "And then, I’ll take you to your dorm."

I stared at her for a moment, then leaned back, exhaling.

"So, let me get this straight," I said, a slow grin forming. "You’re telling me that I won’t have to sit through classes today, and instead, I get a free tour of the school before I go to lay in bed after pulling two shifts at the bar?"

Celestia gave a small, knowing smile.

I huffed a quiet laugh.

"You had me at beggining."

Celestia chuckled softly at my words, then pressed a button on her desk. A faint buzz followed before she spoke into the microphone.

"Aria, could you come to my office?"

"Who’s Aria?"

Celestia clasped her hands together, tilting her head slightly. "Just one of our new students. She and her sisters enrolled here after the Battle of the Bands. I was hoping you’d get along with them."

"And… what exactly was this Battle of the Bands?" I asked, frowning slightly.

Celestia smiled knowingly, as if she’d been expecting the question. "I think Sunset would be happy to tell you all about it," she said with a small, amused smirk. "She was quite literally at the center of it."

I narrowed my eyes. "Oookay… weird," I muttered. "But who knows."

Before I could push the subject further, the door suddenly swung open without so much as a knock. A girl strolled in like she owned the place, her hands stuffed into the pockets of a purple hoodie. Her long, dark teal pigtails cascaded over her shoulders, and her sharp, bored eyes scanned the room.

She looked at me. Then at Celestia.

Then back at me again.

"So, the feds finally came to get us, huh?" she deadpanned, barely sounding concerned. She sighed dramatically and then—to my complete confusion—held out her wrists in front of her as if she was waiting for me to cuff her. "Alright, fine. I’ll go. But leave my sisters out of this."

I turned to Celestia.

Then back to her.

"What?" was all I managed to say.

Celestia just sighed, rubbing her temples. "Aria."

"What?" Aria shot back. "I see some guy in a formal suit sitting in your office, looking all serious. How was I not supposed to think he’s some kind of government agent?"

I let out a small, incredulous laugh. "H-hey, I’m James," I introduced myself, still thrown off by her reaction. "Nice to meet you?"

She gave me a long, unimpressed stare. Then sighed. "Ugh. That outfit is a little too clean-cut for a high school student. But whatever." She jerked a thumb toward the door. "Come on, then. I’ll show you around."

"Oookay?" I muttered, glancing at Celestia. "If I don’t come back in an hour, assume the worst and start searching for my body."

Celestia let out a quiet laugh, shaking her head. "I’ll be sure to do that."

Aria sighed again. "Drama queen," she muttered, turning on her heel and walking out.

I followed her into the halls.

The students turned their heads as we walked by, their gazes lingering longer than I was comfortable with. I could feel their eyes on me, analyzing, whispering, nudging their friends.

Then, out of nowhere, someone threw a crumpled-up piece of paper at Aria.

It hit her shoulder, bounced off, and landed on the ground.

She didn’t even flinch.

Didn’t react. Didn’t stop walking. Didn’t even acknowledge that it had happened. She just kept moving, completely unfazed.

"You’re just gonna ignore that?"

Aria shrugged. "Happens all the time.Alright," she said, stopping in front of a set of double doors. "Library’s in here."

I barely glanced at it before shaking my head. "Yeah, not really my thing."

Aria smirked slightly, leaning her elbow into my side. "Okay, so you’re not some kind of nerd. Cool."

"Guess not."

She led me through a few more hallways, occasionally pointing out classrooms, the gym, and the cafeteria. But one thing kept nagging at me.

The way people looked at her.

It wasn’t just the occasional glance. No, it was more than that.

It was hostility.

Murmurs followed her wherever she walked. Some students shot her looks of disgust. A few even scoffed under their breath. I caught one girl rolling her eyes dramatically, and another muttering something I couldn’t make out.

Aria didn’t react.

Not once.

Not even a little.

She just kept walking. Like she was used to it. Like it was normal.

Finally, after another long hallway, I decided to ask.

"Alright, Why does everyone look at you like you’re some kind of monster?"

Aria stopped.

She turned her head, locking eyes with me. "Oh yeah. You’re new."

There was a brief pause before she stuffed her hands back into her hoodie pockets.

"Okay," she said casually. "So, here’s the thing. A while back, my sisters—Sonata and Adagio—and I tried to take over the school with magic. It was kinda our thing. We used to be sirens—actual, magical sirens from another world. We fed on negativity, manipulating people with our voices to stir up conflict, and basically used their bad emotions as our food source. And for a while? We were pretty damn good at it."

She glanced at me, watching my reaction.

I gave her a slow blink.

She smirked slightly and kept going.

"But then Sunset and some other dumb girls had to go and ruin everything. They hit us with their stupid rainbow magic or whatever, and bam—we lost our powers. Now we’re stuck here. Mortal. Pathetic." She made a vague gesture toward the students around us. "And since we kinda, y’know, brainwashed the whole school into fighting each other… yeah. No one really likes us now."

She said it so casually. Like it was just another Tuesday.

I stared at her for a solid five seconds before—

—I bursted out laughing.

"Okay, okay," I said between chuckles. "Another magic thing? Seriously?" I wiped at my eye, still grinning. "You almost got me with that whole ‘my worker Sunset has magic’ bit, but come on, really?"

Aria narrowed her eyes. "Believe what you want. I’m just saying the truth."

"Magic doesn’t exist. Trust me—I know."

She raised an eyebrow. "Oh yeah? And how’s that?"

I shrugged. "Back at Crystal Prep, I had this one friend who was obsessed with magic. Thought it was the secret to everything. But here’s the thing—she never proved anything. It was all just theories. Fantasy."

Aria snorted. "Sounds like a nerd."

"Oh, big nerd. But smart. Smarter than me, even. And if she couldn’t prove magic was real? Then no one can."

Aria crossed her arms. "Well, you’re in for a rude awakening, then."

"Sure," I said, grinning. "I’ll believe in magic when I see it."

Aria just smirked.

"Careful what you wish for."

We completed the loop around the school, finding ourselves once again outside Principal Celestia’s office. Despite how the conversation had started, I had to admit, the tour had actually been pretty fun. Aria wasn’t nearly as bad as I had assumed she’d be when she first strutted into the office.

“Thanks, that was actually fu,” I said as I turned to her.

She rolled her eyes but didn’t immediately walk away. “No worries. Good to know at least one student here doesn’t treat me like a monster.” Her tone was casual, but there was something behind it—something I recognized. She wasn’t just making a throwaway comment. She had meant that.

Sure, I had noticed the way students had thrown looks her way, the way some of them whispered, and, of course, the paper that had been tossed at her. It was obvious she and her sisters weren’t exactly popular around here, but the way she said it made it seem like she’d gotten used to it. That wasn’t normal.

I made a mental note to ask Sunset about it later.

“Well, we’ll be in touch, ‘kay?” Aria said, stuffing her hands into the pockets of her hoodie.

“Yeah, see you later, Aria,” I replied.

She gave me one last look before walking away, and I turned back to Celestia’s office, knocking again before stepping inside.

This time, instead of Celestia, Vice Principal Luna was sitting behind the desk, her boots propped up like she had no care in the world, and had sandwich in one hand.

“Heeey, barkeep,” she greeted through a mouthful of food.

“I thought we were formal here?”

She swallowed before grinning. “Yeah, yeah, but we’re alone. And to be honest i dont care”

It was hard not to smirk at that. Unlike Celestia, who carried herself with a composed and professional demeanor at all times, Luna was much more relaxed. Some might even say lazy. She gave off the vibe of someone who had once been rebellious but had been forced to take a position of authority—probably against her will. And yet, despite her apparent lack of discipline, there was something about her that made me believe she was actually good at her job when she wanted to be. She just… didn’t always want to be.

“So, where’s Celestia?” I asked, noting her absence.

“She had something to do, so I’m the one giving you the rest of the details,” Luna said, shifting in her chair before tossing something onto the desk with a clink.

I looked down to see a set of keys.

“These are for your dorm,” Luna said, motioning to them. “You be staying there, so don’t lose them. Somebody will take you there,”

“I hope it’s not you,” I joked, folding my arms.

“Oh, I have too much work even if I wanted to,” she said, waving me off before taking another bite of her sandwich.

I chuckled. “Yeah, sure. You seem real busy.”

She shot me a look but didn’t argue. Instead, she leaned back further in her chair.

“Okay, so, is it Aria again?” I asked, figuring she’d be the one to show me around some more.

“No” Luna said between bites, “Applejack will do it.”

I blinked. “Apple… what?”

Luna rolled her eyes. “A girl with a hat. You probably saw her in front of the school.”

I thought back and vaguely recalled a blonde girl wearing a Stetson. “Oh yeah.”

“She’s one of Sunset’s friends” Luna added.

That made sense. Celestia had mentioned Sunset having a close group of friends. Though, now that I thought about it, I hadn’t actually seen Sunset at all since I arrived.

“Wait" I said, frowning, “why isn’t Sunset at school?”

Luna took a second to answer, as if considering her words. “She probably overslept. It happens sometimes. If her boss didn’t give her night hours, I think it wouldn’t happen.” She gave me a pointed look, clearly teasing.

I sighed, rubbing the bridge of my nose. “Luna, I need help. I can’t work alone at the bar.”

She shrugged. “Yeah, yeah, no need to get mad. I’m just joking.”

But she wasn’t joking. Sure, I could handle the bar, but it wasn’t easy managing everything on my own. And Sunset… she had school. She actually cared about school, which meant she should be focusing on it instead of picking up night shifts just to keep things running.

Luna must’ve noticed my serious expression because she let out a small sigh, finally putting her sandwich down.

“Alright, alright, I get it. You’re probably right. She’s got school to focus on, so I should let her go earlier sometimes. I’ll keep that in mind. So,” I said, deciding to change the subject, “are you gonna call this Applejack or what?”

Luna suddenly looked like she was choking on her food. “Oh no, no, no,” she coughed. “I can’t use the microphone. After last time, Celestia gave me a big ‘no’ on that.”

I raised an eyebrow. “What happened last time?”

She waved a hand dismissively. “Long story. Let’s just say it involved the entire school being dismissed at the wrong time.”

I snorted. “Of course.”

“So,” Luna continued, “you’ll have to search for her yourself.”

“Great,” I muttered. “Guess I’ll start looking.”

As I turned to leave, I glanced back at her, noticing that her boots were still resting on the desk.

“You know,” I said with a smirk, “you should probably take your boots off the desk before Celestia finds out.”

Luna smirked back. “And who’s gonna tell her?”

I tapped my chin, pretending to think. “Hmm. Maybe someone who values authority and rules.”

She rolled her eyes before finally taking her boots off the desk. “Alright, alright, good luck finding Applejack.”

“Thanks,” I said, heading for the door.

Just as I stepped out, she called after me, “Oh, and remember—you’re gonna be living with a girl, so don’t just barge into the dorm without knocking.”

I waved her off. “Yeah, yeah.”

She grinned. “Good. Now get going, barkeep.”

With that, I stepped out into the hallway, ready to start my search.

Alright, think, James. If I were a girl, where would I be?

I checked the time on my phone—8:34 AM.

Okay, so she’s probably in class.

That immediately ruled out wandering the halls blindly. I wasn’t about to go from classroom to classroom only to strike out five or six times in a row, looking like a complete idiot. No, I needed a better plan. Somewhere she might naturally show up.

The cafeteria.

That made sense. If she was free, she might stop by to grab something. Plus, I was kind of hungry myself. I reached into my pocket to check for my wallet—some spare change. Yeah, that’ll do.

Following the path Aria had shown me earlier, I found my way to the cafeteria without much trouble. My memory was sharp—I rarely forgot details once I’d seen them. One of the perks of tending bar.

Stepping inside, I quickly took stock of the room. It was nearly empty, which made sense given the time. There were only three students sitting at different tables. One was a guy with blue hair, sitting across from a girl with an over-the-top magician’s hat and cape. She was talking animatedly, waving her hands around like she was telling some grand tale. Across the room, sitting alone, was another girl—long black hair, refined posture, a cup of tea in hand. She looked like the kind of person who’d listen to classical music and judge you silently.

I ignored them and walked up to the food counter, where an older woman stood behind the register. She had white hair, tied in a bun, and wore an apron over her clothes. Her wrinkled face carried a certain warmth, the kind you only see in grandmothers who have been through life and still find ways to laugh about it.

Before I could say anything, she took one look at me and immediately shook her head.

“Food ain’t ready yet, sugar. You’re a lil’ too early.”

Damn. I had been hoping for at least a piece of toast or something. I sighed, preparing to turn around and find a seat when she spoke again.

“Wait a minute…” She squinted at me. “You new ‘round here? I know all the students at CHS, but I don’t recognize yer face.”

Something about her gave off the impression that she could read people like a book, and I had no reason to lie anyway.

“Yeah, I’m new,” I said, shrugging. “Someone showed me around, but right now I’m looking for Applejack. She’s supposed to take me to my dorm.”

The woman’s eyes lit up with recognition. “Ooooh, Applejack, huh? Well, ya don’t gotta worry ‘bout that—I’ll text her for ya.”

She pulled out a phone—one of those old-fashioned flip phones—and started typing with surprising speed. I couldn’t help but find that amusing.

Even with all these students using the latest smartphones, she sticks with that old thing.

“Now, young man,” she said, “just keep yer eyes on that door and enjoy the spectacle.”

That raised a red flag in my mind.

Spectacle? What the hell did she text her?

Before I could ask, I heard the rapid sound of footsteps approaching.

Then, bam!

A girl in a cowboy hat rushed through the cafeteria doors, clearly out of breath from running. She looked around frantically before making a beeline for the older woman.

“Granny!” she panted, her hands on her knees as she caught her breath. “What happened? Somethin’ wrong? Are ya okay?”

Oh, hell.

I suddenly had the sinking realization that this woman who I now knew was Granny Smith had texted Applejack something vague enough to make her think there was an emergency.

Granny just laughed, patting Applejack’s arm like it was no big deal. “Oh, don’t you fret none, sweetheart! Everythin’s fine.”

Applejack blinked. “Wait… what?”

Granny Smith grinned and pointed toward me. “I just needed ya to come quick, that’s all.”

Applejack turned her head to look at me, tilting it slightly in confusion.

I had about half a second to process my next move. On one hand, I could call Granny out for overreacting and sending an unnecessary text. On the other hand, Applejack already looked frustrated—probably from the unnecessary sprint across campus.

Yeah, thanks, Granny. Really appreciate that.

I cleared my throat, shifting slightly under Applejack’s sharp gaze.

Before I could say anything, though, her expression softened. She walked up to me and extended her hand.

“The name’s Applejack,” she said.

Relieved that I wasn’t about to get tackled, I reached out and shook her hand.

“James,” I introduced myself.

The moment our hands met, I realized something—her grip was strong.

Like, farmhand-level strong.

I wasn’t exactly weak, but I could tell she had a hell of a lot more experience with physical labor than I did.

She raised an eyebrow at my suit. “Ya work here or somethin’? Yer awfully dressed up for school.”

“No, I just didn’t have time to change after work.”

Applejack’s expression shifted, like she was reassessing me. “Work, huh? You got a job already?”

I nodded. “Yeah. I run a bar.”

That clearly caught her off guard. She blinked. “You run a bar?”

I smirked. “It’s a family business.”

She let out a low whistle. “Well, shoot. That’s somethin’ ya don’t hear every day.”

Granny Smith chuckled. “He’s a hard-workin’ fella, I tell ya. That’s why I figured you’d be a good one to help him get settled.”

Applejack gave her grandmother a look. “Yeah, but did ya have to make me think it was an emergency?”

Granny shrugged. “I wanted ya to come quick, didn’t I?”

Applejack sighed, rubbing her temples. “Granny, ya can’t just go scarin’ me like that. I thought somethin’ happened.”

Granny reached over and patted her shoulder. “Aww, ya worry too much. Besides, yer here now, ain't ya?”

Applejack let out another sigh but didn’t argue further.

At this point, I was just standing there awkwardly, watching the exchange. It was clear that Applejack genuinely cared about her grandmother’s well-being—probably more than Granny let on. Despite her frustration, there was real concern in her voice when she first arrived, and I could tell she had probably dropped everything the moment she got the text.

Granny went a little too far with that one.

Shaking her head, Applejack turned her attention back to me. “Alright, James. Let’s get ya to yer dorm.”

I nodded, ready to follow her lead.

Then she hesitated, narrowing her eyes slightly. “Wait, who are ya roomin’ with?”

“Sunset Shimmer,” I answered. “I’m assigned to her dorm.”

Applejack’s entire demeanor changed in an instant. She looked downright puzzled.

“So…” she said slowly, tilting her head, “you’re her… boyfriend?”

I immediately felt my brain hit the brakes.

Oh, crap.

This was about to get awkward.

“So, you’re that James,” she said.

“That James?”

She let out a chuckle and patted my back—hard. “The one Sunset talks about.”

I frowned. “Wait, she talks about me?”

Applejack grinned, clearly enjoying my confusion. “Nothin’ bad, sugarcube. Don’t you go worryin’ ‘bout that.”

That’s not reassuring at all, I thought, but I laughed along anyway. “Now I’m definitely worried.”

“Relax,” she said, waving a hand. “I’ll take ya to her. She’s prob’ly still sleepin’, though.” Then she raised an eyebrow. “Why ain’t you sleepin’? Sunset said y’all worked the same shift.”

I shrugged. “I guess I’m just used to it. One day on, one day off. I run the bar by myself, so I gotta work hard.”

That seemed to hit her differently. The teasing grin on her face faltered just a little, and she gave me a more thoughtful look. “Oh… I guess that’s been rough on ya.”

I shook my head. “I wouldn’t say rough, just… tiring, y’know?”

Applejack didn’t respond right away. Instead, she just nodded, like she was turning that over in her head.

With that, we left the school building, stepping out into the cool morning air.

Outside, the dorms were tucked behind the main school grounds, separate from the usual traffic of students coming and going. The buildings were lined up neatly, like a little neighborhood—small, but functional.

“Didn’t expect CHS to have its own little town,” I said, taking in the sight. The houses weren’t huge, but they weren’t cramped either. They had a cozy, practical look—nothing too fancy, but well-maintained.

Applejack smirked. “Yeah, it’s nice an’ all, but I wouldn’t wanna live here. Feels like bein’ on a leash. I prefer the scent of apples over hearin’ folks yellin’ outside my window.”

“Yeah, you do seem like a country girl.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

The dirt path between the dorms was lined with patches of grass and a few small trees that tried their best to look decorative. There were benches scattered around, probably for students to sit and talk after class. It had that school-funded-but-we-tried aesthetic.

The dorm buildings themselves were made of brick, each one with a small porch and a single window facing the front. They weren’t identical, though—some had decorations, like a string of lights or a few potted plants, while others were plain. Sunset’s dorm, however, was slightly bigger than the rest.

“Looks kinda big for one person” I

Applejack nodded. “It’s meant for four folks, but she’s got it all to herself.”

That was interesting. Most dorms were cramped enough as it was.

“Well, I guess I should knock” I said, stepping up to the door. “Oh, also, she doesn’t know I transferred. Celestia and Luna thought it’d be a fun surprise.”

Applejack’s smirk returned. “Ooooh, I get it. Yeah, ya should probably knock. And more than once it’s real hard to wake her up sometimes.”

With that in mind, I gave the door a few solid knocks.

…Nothing.

I waited.

Still nothing.

I knocked again—harder this time.

Five minutes. No response.

Applejack let out a groan. “Oh, for the love of—”

She stepped past me and slammed her fist against the door several times, hard enough to shake it in its frame.

From inside, we finally heard movement. A groggy, half-asleep groan. Rustling sheets.

And then, a muffled voice.

“…Ughhh… I swear, if this is another salesperson—”

The door creaked open just a little, and there stood Sunset Shimmer, rubbing one eye with the sleeve of her pajama shirt. The fabric was a soft purple, loose-fitting, with a faded sun emblem printed in the center probably an old favorite of hers. Her hair was an absolute mess, strands sticking out in random directions, and she had that unmistakable expression of someone who had just been dragged out of a very deep sleep.

She squinted at us, barely registering who was standing at her door.

“Oh hey, James… AJ…” she mumbled through a half-yawn. “Why are you he—”

Then her sleepy brain caught up with reality.

Her teal eyes shot open in recognition, and in a split second, she slammed the door almost completely shut, leaving only a tiny gap for her to peek through.

“Wait. James?” she repeated, her voice suddenly laced with confusion.

“Uh… yeah?” I said, raising an eyebrow at her reaction.

She frowned, still trying to process what was happening. “What are you doing here? I haven’t overslept, right? It’s not my shift? Please tell me it’s not my shift…”

Her voice wavered with concern, and I could practically see the gears turning in her head.

I shook my head quickly. “No, no, nothing like that. You’re good.”

She let out a relieved sigh. “Oh, thank Celestia…”

“I actually came here because… well, I live here now,” I explained. “I wanted to bring my stuff in.” Well like i had a lot of stuff anyway, i still need to get it from my mother hause.

Sunset, still half-asleep, nodded along as if that made perfect sense.

“Yeah, that makes sen—” she stopped mid-sentence.

The next second, her tired eyes widened. Her brain finally caught up.

“Wait. You what?”

SLAM.

The door shut in my face.

I blinked, turning to Applejack, who just chuckled.

“That’s how she is” AJ said, leaning casually against the doorframe. “Give her a sec. She ain’t exactly a mornin’ person.”

I sighed. “Noted.”

From inside, I could hear frantic movement—papers shuffling, probably a few objects being shoved under the bed, and the distinct sound of fabric rustling. Sunset was scrambling to get changed.

“Did she just—?”

“Yup,” Applejack confirmed.

“She does realize she just left us standing out here, right?”

“Eeyup.”

I sighed, stuffing my hands into my pockets while we waited. “At least she cares about appearances, I guess.”

Applejack snickered. “You have no idea.”

After about five minutes—maybe longer—the door creaked open again.

Sunset now stood in front of us in her usual outfit, though her hair still had a few rogue strands sticking up. She must’ve thrown her clothes on in record time because there was no way she fully brushed it out. Despite her best efforts, she still had that sleepy, slightly frazzled look.

She folded her arms, eyeing me carefully.

“Okay. Explain.”

I took a deep breath. “Alright, so… I transferred to CHS.”

She nodded slowly, still waking up. “Okay…”

“And this dorm? It’s my dorm now too.”

Pause.

Her eyes darted to Applejack, then back to me.

“…Sooo…” she started, narrowing her eyes slightly. “We’re… roommates?”

I nodded. “Yeah. Is that a problem?”

Sunset immediately shook her head. “No! No, no, no—” she cut me off quickly. “It’s just… random.”

Her voice was somewhere between confused and overwhelmed. She ran a hand through her hair—probably regretting not brushing it properly—before sighing.

“But it’s okay,” she finally said, giving a small nod. “Just… unexpected.”

I gave her a half-smile. “Yeah, you’re definitely still waking up.”

She shot me a tired glare. “Shut up.”

Applejack chuckled. “He’s got ya there, sugarcube.”

Sunset groaned, but there was no real annoyance in her voice. Instead, she glanced back at her dorm, as if suddenly remembering the state she left it in.

“Oh, uh—sorry about the mess,” she said, stepping aside to let us in.

“Like always,” Applejack muttered under her breath.

Sunset shot her a sharp look. “AJ.”

Applejack smirked, holding up her hands. “Just sayin’.”

Rolling her eyes, Sunset gestured for me to come inside. “C’mon, James. Welcome home, I guess.”

And with that, I stepped inside my new home.

Author's Note

Helo, im tired today, sleepless night but i've put all the effort i could, maybe a little more rushed than i wanted but, james saw saw some students, he also met aria, its just a little portion and in speed like this the story will have more than 300k words. have fun reading i go sleepin mode now

Boss, Roommate, Pain in the Neck

I stepped inside with Applejack. Not bad. The first thing I noticed was the scent, clean but lived-in, a mix of fresh air and something warm, almost like cinnamon.

The kitchen was on the left small but sleek. Dark countertops, a modern stove, and a fridge covered in random magnets and sticky notes. A couple of empty coffee mugs sat near the sink, and a half-eaten granola bar rested on the counter. Someone wasn’t big on finishing breakfast.

Beyond that, the living room was cozy. A dark gray couch faced a small TV, and a matching armchair sat nearby. A green-striped rug covered part of the floor, and a low coffee table was cluttered with books, a remote, and a few stray papers. It wasn’t messy—just… real. Like someone actually lived here.

Sunset had clearly made the place her own. The walls had a warm orange tint, and above the TV, I noticed a small painted sun symbol.That little details everywhere screamed Sunset lives here.

“Not bad” I said, nodding in approval.

Applejack chuckled as she kicked off her boots near the door. “Yeah, Sunset keeps it nice. Well—” she glanced at the coffee table and the few stray clothes draped over a chair "—most of the time.”

Sunset scratched the back of her head, looking awkward. “Yeah, I, uh… I like to keep things comfortable.”

“Looks comfortable and stylish. Nice details you added.”

Sunset gave a small smile, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. She looked distracted.

“Soo… maybe I should give you a little tour?” she offered, shifting her weight from one foot to the other.

Applejack rolled her eyes. “Oh, for the love of—Sunset, can I have a word with ya real quick?”

Sunset blinked. “Uh… sure?”

Applejack turned to me with a forced smile. “Won’t take but a sec, sugarcube.”

Then, without waiting for a reply, she grabbed Sunset’s wrist and practically dragged her toward the bathroom.

I watched them go, rubbing the back of my neck. That wasn’t weird at all.

The door closed, and suddenly, I was alone in the living room. I let out a breath and glanced around again.

So… this is where I’ll be living?

It wasn’t bad. Actually, it was pretty damn good compared to what I was used to. My last place had a bed that felt like it was made of pure wood, so I wasn’t exactly in a position to complain. But Sunset’s reaction… that was something else. She was clearly uneasy about this arrangement.

I walked over to the couch, glancing at the books stacked on the coffee table. One was a journal, its cover worn with use. I didn’t open it, but I could tell it was personal. Next to it was a half-melted candle, and beside that, an old photo frame faced down.

I sighed and sat down. Maybe this isn’t just weird for her—it’s weird for me too.

My eyes drifted toward the closed bathroom door.

Applejack had definitely noticed something off about Sunset. She wasn’t just surprised—I’d seen surprise before. This was different. She was more nervous then she usually was.

A minute passed. Then two. Then five.

I drummed my fingers against my knee.

Are they talking about me?

I wasn’t stupid, I knew when people were trying to dance around something. It wasn’t like I had some reputation here yet, so what was it? Did Sunset just hate the idea of living with me?

I wasn’t some creep. I wasn’t gonna snoop through her stuff or make things weird. If it was really too much for her, I’d leave.

I sighed and leaned back, muttering, “I’m not some pervert.”

“Are you?”

I nearly jumped out of my skin.

Applejack was standing right there with a teasing smirk on her face.

“Damn it, AappleJack” I groaned. “Don’t sneak up on people like that.”

She chuckled. “Ain’t my fault you were talkin’ to yourself.”

I ran a hand down my face. “No, I just… Look, if Sunset really doesn’t want me living here, I can find somewhere else. It’d just be easier, y’know?”

Applejack sighed and smacked her forehead, muttering something under her breath. “Boys.”

Sunset stepped forward. “No, it’s not that. I already said it’s fine, but…”

“But?” I prompted.

She hesitated.

Applejack rolled her eyes again. “Y’all need some serious time. Excuse me, sugarcube, gotta hit the bathroom.”

With that, she disappeared down the hall.

I looked back at Sunset, raising an eyebrow. “So?”

She rubbed her arm, eyes flickered to the side. “It’s just… random, that’s all. I wasn’t expecting it.”

“That makes two of us” I admitted. “But if it makes you uncomfortable, say the word. I don’t want this to be weird for you.”

“No, it’s not that, it’s just…”

I raised an eyebrow, waiting.

She hesitated. Again

“Sunset” I sighed, leaning forward on the couch. “Spill the tea. We’re not kids here.”

Her lips twitched, like she was fighting off a smirk. But then her eyes flickered with uncertainty again, and she shifted her weight.

“…It’s just, you’re my boss.”

That caught me off guard.

“And?”

She looked at me like it was obvious. “And now that we’re living together, don’t you think that’s… weird?”

Oh.

Ooooooh.

She wasn’t uncomfortable because she hated the idea of me living here. She wasn’t mad, wasn’t secretly regretting it—she was just… awkward about the whole boss-employee thing.

I stayed quiet for a second, then let out a short chuckle.

She looked at me funny. “What’s so funny?”

I tried to hold it in, but another laugh slipped out. And then another. Before I knew it, I was full-on laughing.

“Okay—okay—” I held up a hand, catching my breath. “Sunset, let me get this straight.” I gestured between us. “This whole time, you were acting weird around me, even at work, because you thought I’d—I don’t know—fire you?”

Sunset frowned. “Well, not like that—”

“Oh my gosh,” I groaned, covering my face with my hands. “Sunset. We are literally the same age.”

Applejack, who had just stepped back into the room, snorted. “He’s got a point, sugarcube.”

I ignored her, still grinning as I turned back to Sunset. “You seriously thought that just because we’re living together, I’d suddenly become some kind of strict, power-tripping boss? Sunset, have I ever made you treat me like some kind of authority figure?”

She opened her mouth, then shut it.

I smirked. “Uh-huh. That’s what I thought.”

She frowned. “That’s not... it’s different now. Before, if I messed up at work, I could just go home and forget about it. But now… now we live together. If I do something stupid at work, it’s gonna follow me home. If I—if I don’t clean my dishes or something, what if that makes things even worse? What if you actually get mad and—”

“Fire you?” I finished, grinning again.

Sunset let out a slow breath, rubbing the bridge of her nose. “You’re really enjoying this, aren’t you?”

“A little,” I admitted.

She groaned.

Applejack crossed her arms smirking. “I hate to say it, sugarcube, but that was pretty ridiculous. I mean, really? You were scared of gettin’ fired ‘cause you were bein’ yourself in your own dorm?”

“Shut up, AJ,” Sunset muttered, looking away.

Applejack laughed and i stood up from the couch, stretching my arms over my head before looking Sunset dead in the eye. “Alright, let’s make this official.”

Sunset narrowed her eyes. “Official?”

I placed a hand over my heart. “I solemnly swear that our private lives—meaning the time we spend in this apartment—will not affect our jobs. I will not fire you for forgetting to wash a dish. I will not fire you for talking back to me. And I definitely will not fire you for existing.”

She stared at me.

“Men, to think I actually have to say this out loud… Sunset, I’m not a fifty-year-old creep.”

That finally got a small chuckle out of her. She looked down, rubbing the back of her neck. “Alright. I won’t hold back anymore.” Then, she shot me a look. “But you better mean what you say.”

I met her gaze. “I do.”

Sunset sighed, her shoulders finally releasied some of the stress.

Applejack clapped her hands together. “Well, that was somethin’. I gotta say, I’m embarrassed for you, Sunset.”

Sunset groaned. “It’s fine now, okay?”

Applejack grinned. “Yeah, yeah. But next time, maybe just tell James what’s botherin’ you instead of gettin’ all weird about it.”

I crossed my arms, raising an eyebrow. “Yeah, seriously. You’re almost an adult, y’know.”

Sunset huffed, shoving me playfully. “Oh, shut up.”

“Wasn’t that hard, was it?” I smirked.

She rolled her eyes. “I guess.”

Applejack stretched, cracking her back before grabbing her bag. “Welp, it’s ‘bout time I head out. If I hurry, I might still make it back for my last couple classes.”

Sunset raised an eyebrow. “You’re actually going back?”

Applejack shrugged. “Ain’t no point in skippin’ the whole day if I don’t gotta.” She slung her bag over her shoulder, tipping her hat at me. “You take care now, city boy. And Sunset—try not to overthink every little thing, will ya?”

Sunset groaned. “Just go already.”

Applejack chuckled before heading out the door, leaving me alone with Sunset in our dorm.

For a moment, it was quiet. The air was still, like we were both just now realizing we were roommates—not just coworkers, not just classmates, but two people who would be sharing the same space, day in and day out.

Sunset sighed and pushed off the wall. “C’mon, let me show you your room.”

I followed her down the short hall. She stopped in front of a door—the one right next to hers. “Here you go” she said, stepping aside so I could take a look.

I pushed the door open and took in my new space. It was… simple. A bed, a desk, a closet. Nothing fancy, but more than enough. I walked in and without hesitation, flopped down onto the bed.

It was comfy.

“Nice” I muttered, stretching out.

Sunset leaned against the doorframe and watched me for a moment before shaking her head. “By the way you act at work, I thought you’d be… I don’t know, more serious in private.”

“Whaaa? Why would I?” I sat up, grinning. “I always live my life fully. You know what I mean?”

Sunset’s expression softened, but she didn’t nod. Instead, she shifted her weight, looking thoughtful. “To be honest… I don’t know.”

I tilted my head. “What do you mean?”

She sighed, rubbing her arm. “I get that you were miserable at Crystal Prep and all, but just transferring… isn’t this just running away?”

I considered that.

Then, I shook my head. “Nah” I said, standing up. “This was literally the last stand between the old me—” I pointed at myself. “—and this man.”

Sunset raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “And who exactly is this man?”

I smirked but didn’t answer right away. Instead, I turned, staring at the wall as I let my thoughts drift. “You know, when I wasn’t at the bar, but stuck in Crystal Prep, I was always thinking to myself…”

Sunset leaned in slightly. “About what?”

I took a slow breath.

“My mom” I said.

Sunset stiffened. I could feel her hesitation, her uncertainty about whether to press further.

“When she was…” My throat tightened. I swallowed hard. This is my new lore now. This is my story. Gotta get used to talking about it like it is truth.

I pushed forward. “When she was alive, she wanted me to be a surgeon. You know—blood, scalpels, cutting people open. Real Doctor McDreamy kind of stuff.”

Sunset’s eyebrows shot up. “What?”

I chuckled. “Yeah. I hated it. But, y’know, mom and everything. So, I started learning, trying to live up to her expectations.” I turned to Sunset and smirked. “For example, did you know the heart actually generates enough electricity to power a lightbulb?”

Her lips parted slightly. “Wait, seriously?”

“Yep. Your heart produces electrical impulses strong enough to keep a small light on. Kinda poetic, don’t you think?”

She nodded slowly with eyes full of curiosity. "Actually cool"

I watched her for a second, then walked up to her and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. “No, Sunset. It’s not cool.”

She looked up at me, confused.

I let out a slow breath and stepped toward the kitchen. “Imagine having the mental capacity only to question the things you’ve learned. That was me. I was studying, memorizing medical textbooks, learning every artery, every nerve… but it didn’t mean anything to me. I didn’t care that in the future i could be saving lives. I didn’t feel anything.”

Sunset followed me but her expression had changed. It wasn’t just curiosity anymore.

“This only led to stress,” I continued. “My body was sitting in a classroom, listening to all this crap—” I waved a hand dismissively. “—but my mind? My mind was waiting for me at the bar.”

Sunset stared at me, really seeing me for the first time.

“You could’ve been a surgeon” she said after a moment. Then, to my surprise, she bursted into laughter. “Oh my gosh, James. You’re really dumb.”

I turned to her, mock-offended. “Excuse me?”

She grinned. “You could’ve been a doctor, making six figures, wearing a fancy coat, saving lives—but nooo, you chose to be a bartender. A bartender.”

I shrugged. “Maybe.” Then, with a small smile, I added, “But I can’t say I’m not free.”

Sunset’s smirk faltered.

I leaned against the counter, watching her carefully. “Have you ever followed your dreams?”

She didn’t answer right away.

"I did" she finally admitted with quiet voice, like she was thinking about something from a long time ago. "I followed my dream." But then she exhaled, her lips pressing into a thin line. "But it ended… bad. So, I don’t know if you’ve made a good choice."

There was something serious in her tone, something that made me pause. I tilted my head at her.

"Hm… Is this about this whole ‘mean’ thing?" I asked.

That got a reaction.

Sunset’s eyes locked onto mine in an instant. She pushed off the wall, stepping toward me with an intensity I wasn’t expecting.

"Wait—how much do you know?"

She was inches from my face, close enough that I instinctively leaned back a little.

"Pretty much nothing," I admitted, raising a brow at her reaction. "Just that you were mean, and that you changed. That’s all. Nothing more."

She stayed like that for a second, watching me, searching my face for something. Then, with a sigh, she ran a hand through her hair and took a step back.

"Tell me the truth," she said, still watching me carefully. "Are you really telling the truth?"

I met her gaze without hesitation. "Yeah. If you really want to know, when I was at breakfast at Celestia and Luna’s place, they just said that your dorm was all to yourself 'cause no one wanted to live with you. That’s it. Nothing more. I mean it." I went to living room and sat on couch. "Luna and Celestia said it’d be better if you told me yourself. Buuuut…"

She tensed slightly, like she was bracing herself for whatever came next.

"I don’t care what you did," I said simply.

She blinked.

"What?" Sunset asked, genuinely confused. "How can you not?"

I shrugged. "I mean… I don’t know what happened. But who cares? Whatever you did, I haven’t seen you do it. It didn’t affect me in any way, so why should I judge you based on what someone else might tell me?"

She frowned, shifting uncomfortably. Her fingers scratched at her shoulder. "Maybe you’re right…"

I let out a breath and propped my feet up on the table. "Sooo, anyway what did you do? Just curious. I mean, everyone here seems like they get along. What was so bad that your reputation is soooo baaaaaaaaaaaaaad" I stretched out my arms to emphasize just how bad she was making it sound.

Sunset hesitated, leaning back against the wall again. "I was a real bully," she admitted. "Like… I ruined friendships. I was power-hungry. Thought I was better than everyone else. I took everything I could from the students here and..."

She stopped.

She was holding something back. I could see it—the way her shoulders tensed, the way her jaw tightened. There was more she wanted to say, something she didn’t want me to know.

I caught on, but I didn’t push. Instead, I tilted my head.

"That’s all?"

Sunset’s eyes widened slightly, like she hadn’t expected that response. "That’s not enough for you to see me differently?" Her voice shook slightly. "I was disgusting."

"And?" I said seriously, meeting her gaze.

She stared at me, unsure of what to say.

"You changed, right?" I continued. "You reformed yourself? You got a new friend group people who saw your mistakes but still chose you?" I spread my hands. "Doesn’t that prove that what happened is in the past and shouldn’t define you anymore?"

Sunset looked at me like I had just spoken in some alien language.

"You don’t get it," she muttered, shaking her head. "James, I.. what I did, it wasn’t just being mean. I hurt people. I made them hate each other. I made them hate themselves." She clenched her fists. "I was selfish, I was manipulative, I was cruel."

Her voice cracked slightly. It was like she was waiting for me to pull away, to finally look at her the way she clearly saw herself.

But I didn’t move.

Instead, I just exhaled and leaned back into the couch again.

"Okay"

Sunset blinked. "...What?"

"Okay" I repeated, shrugging. "So you were awful. What do you want me to do about it?"

She flinched. Not like I had hurt her, more like she had never heard someone respond like that before.

"You should care," she insisted, voice almost desperate. "You should hate me. Everyone else did. Or at least, they did for a long time. And even now, most people still don’t trust me."

"That’s their problem, not mine."

She gave me this look, like I was the strangest person she’d ever met.

"You’re unbelievable."

I leaned forward , resting my elbows on my knees."Sunset, you said you hurt people. You said you ruined friendships. But what I see what I’ve seen since I met you isn’t some manipulative monster. It’s someone who goes out of her way to help people. It’s someone who makes sure others feel comfortable. It’s someone who clearly cares about how she’s perceived now."

She swallowed hard, looking down. Her fingers fidgeted like she didn’t know what to do with them.

"You say you were cruel" I continued. "You say you were manipulative. Fine. I’ll take your word for it. But you know what else I see?"

She hesitated. "...What?"

"I see Applejack treating you like a friend" I said simply. "I see customers at work joking with you, trusting you to have their backs. And I see you, right now, hating yourself for something that isn’t even who you are anymore."

Her breath hitched slightly.

"That tells me everything I need to know," I said. "You changed. You became someone better. And from what I’ve seen, you are better."

Sunset was silent. Completely still.

"Look," I continued more casual now " I don’t give a damn about some nad memory of you, I care about the person standing in front of me. And right now? That person isn’t some bully. She’s just Sunset."

"You..."

"You really don’t care?"

I shook my head. "Nope. Not even a little."

She let out a weak, shaky chuckle. "...You’re so weird."

"Yeah, I get that a lot."

“But.. Thanks, James.” She let out a dry chuckle, but it didn’t hold any real amusement. “Hah, it’s sad… despite everything you said, people in school still think I’m the same person.”

I tilted my head, thinking. “Hmm. You know what you should do? Let me give you some advice.”

She glanced at me suspiciously. “What advice?”

“Talk less. Do less.”

She blinked. “...What?”

“Smile more” I added.

That got an eye roll out of her. “Really? This was a serious moment, and you ruined it.”

“No, no, hear me out” I insisted, holding up a hand. “Don’t let them know what you’re against or what you’re for. They’ll talk, they’ll judge, that’s just how people work” I gestured vaguely, like I could point to an invisible audience whispering behind our backs. “Knowing you, you probably tried to fix everything, right?”

She sighed. “What else could I do?”

“You could’ve just let them be” I said simply. “People aren’t gonna suddenly think, Oh, she’s good now because she wants to be. That’s not how this works. You don’t change their minds by telling them you’re different. They have to figure it out on their own.” I tapped my head. “It’s gotta get in their heads. That’s how messed up this world is.”

She bit her lip. “But… what if they never see me differently? What if they reject me forever?”

“Sunset, fear is what holds us down. We all feel it, fear of judgment, fear of failure, fear of regret. We spend so much time worrying about what other people think that we forget something important, it’s okay to be reckless sometimes. We’re human. We screw up. We fix things. And then we move on.”

Sunset snorted, shaking her head. “Easy ways never made a good tailor.”

I grinned. “See? Now you’re getting it.”

She smiled—small, but real. Still, there was something in her eyes, something deep, something she wasn’t saying. I could tell.

“What are you waiting for, Sunset?” I asked, my voice softer now. “You already did your part. You changed. You’re still changing. It’s not on you anymore. It’s on them to catch up.”

She tensed slightly, glancing away, like she was staring at something far off that only she could see. Then, after a long pause, she spoke.

“James… there’s something more to the story.”

I stayed quiet, letting her talk.

“I was po—” She hesitated, took a breath, then tried again. “There was this thing at the Fall Formal—”

“Actually.. No, no” I interrupted, shaking my head. “I don’t wanna hear it.”

She flinched slightly. “But it’s important—”

“No, it’s not.” I kept my tone firm but even. “You’re making it sound like it’s just another Oh, I was so bad story.”

She huffed and punched my shoulder lightly. “Hey!”

I smirked, rubbing the spot. “Sorry, sorry. But I mean it. I don’t wanna hear it.”

She frowned at me, confused. “Why?”

“Because it doesn’t matter,” I said simply. “Not to me.”

"I just… I feel like I have to explain myself. Like I owe it to people to tell them everything.”

I shrugged. “Maybe you do. Maybe you don’t. But do you owe it to me?”

She hesitated. “I… I don’t know.”

I flashed Sunset a half-smile, letting out a small, dramatic sigh. “Exactly. Ehhh, it’s boring being this serious , you get me?”

She arched an eyebrow at me. “Maybe you really should’ve been that surgeon. You’re ruining your mind on this bar.”

I pretended to think it over. “Nah. I prefer being coated in stray drops of whiskey over blood.”

She broke into a laugh, and for a second, she seemed genuinely at ease—until her stomach growled, loud enough for both of us to hear. Her cheeks went pink, and she cleared her throat.

“You hungry?”

“Maybe a little,” she admitted sheepishly.

"So maybe we order something? I will have to go somewhere later and tomorrow’s my first day at CHS, so as much as I want—really want—to go work at the bar tonight, I’m gonna have to skip. Gotta, y’know, be an actual student now.”

Sunset gave a sympathetic nod. “Probably for the best. We both could use a decent night’s sleep.”

I rolled my eyes, pretending to look stern. “Don’t get too happy. This time, I’m not paying you for any shift.”

She snorted. “That’s fine, boss. Not everything’s about money, you know.”

"Yeah, yeah so…” I changed the subject, glancing toward the kitchen area. “What are we gonna eat?”

Sunset’s face brightened a bit. “Maybe noodles?”

“With chicken?” I asked.

That was when she held up her hands, a small cringe tugging at her features. “I… don’t eat meat.”

I blinked, surprised. “Oh, for real?”

“Yeah” she said with a shrug.

I eyed her skeptically, crossing my arms. “And here I was, imagining this ‘giant bully who ruled the school’ inhaling steaks and stuff. Contradiction much?”

She rolled her eyes again. “I’ve never been able to eat meat. It’s just… I don’t know. It doesn’t sit right with me.”

“Not judging,” I promised, palms raised. “You got me curious, though. Since when?”

Sunset hesitated, fiddling with a stray thread on her jacket. “Since… I can remember, I guess.”

“Bet that’s a lie” I teased. “Come on, you must’ve tried it once.”

Her posture stiffened for a second. “No, I’m serious. It’s just—eh, it’s a topic for another day, okay?”

“Sure, weirdo” I said, shrugging. Her reaction was weird, but I decided not to push it.

“You’re weird,” she accused, though her eyes held a playful glint. “Mr. Intelligent Bartender or something.”

I spread my hands in mock modesty. “I can’t help my brilliance.”

She snorted. “Yeah, well, I’ll see how brilliant you are when you’re forking out the cash for these noodles.”

That settled it. We ordered a vegetarian option, noodles loaded with veggies, tofu maybe, anything to keep it meat-free. I would feel weird eating meat in front of her when she apparently vener eaten meat, and ordering delivery to the school dorm wasn’t as bizarre as I’d have thought, but it still felt weird to me. Sunset just assured me it was completely normal.

Unfortunately, my wallet did not thank me. Rest in peace, precious dollars I mumbled under my breath, thinking about the tip I’d gotten from Celestia that morning. Goodbye, sweet gift.

We ended up sprawled on the living room couch, watching some random sitcom Friends, ironically enough while slurping noodles out of plastic takeout containers. Every so often, Sunset would snicker at something on screen, and I’d throw in my own sarcastic commentary just to get her to roll her eyes at me again.

When we finished, Sunset gathered up our trash and took it to the bin. I stood up, and put on my coat.

“Gonna be… well, I don’t know when I’ll be back, but I’m heading out” I said, forcing a casual tone.

She frowned slightly, turning from the garbage can. “Will you find your way back here?”

“Eh, I’ll manage,” I answered. “I have my key, right?”

I patted my pocket, feeling the solid shape of the small dorm key.

“Okay, I’m locking the door once you’re gone” she warned, hands on her hips. “So don’t lose that key.”

I flashed a grin. “Duly noted.”

Her gaze lingered on me for a moment, curiosity flickering in her eyes. It was almost like she wanted to ask where I was going, but maybe she sensed she wouldn’t get a straight answer.

I turned and opened the door, the hallway outside quiet and dimly lit. “Later, Shimmer.”

She waved, stepping aside to let me pass. “Yeah, see you.”

Then, the door closed softly behind me.

As I made my way down to the parking lot, my thoughts started racing. Time to confront my mother—if she’s even home, that is. Either way, I’m getting my things. I just… can’t tell Sunset that. She doesn’t need to be dragged into this.

I pulled into the driveway of my old house a little past one in the afternoon. My mother’s car was not in the driveway thank every lucky star for that. Dealing with her was the last thing I wanted right now.

The place looked the same on the outside peeling paint, cracked front steps, that overgrown bush I’d always promised to trim tomorrow. Seeing it again felt like stepping into a memory.

In and out, I reminded myself.

Grab clothes, get out, done.

Digging through my keychain, I found the one for the front door, still there. It felt weird unlocking a home I’d spent half my life in, knowing I was only here to say a final goodbye.

When I walked inside, the first thing that hit me was the mess. Plates in the sink, junk mail piled on the kitchen table, random clothes scattered over chairs and counters. It hadn’t been this bad when I left actually, I’d cleaned the place day before storming out. She clearly hadn’t bothered to do it herself.

Figures. No point in dwelling on it, though. I moved fast, heading straight to my old bedroom.

It was all still there my bed unmade from the day I left, my posters, the cracked mirror I’d meant to replace, and the faded paint on the walls I’d once begged Mom to let me redo. The place looked… smaller than I remembered.

I popped open the old suitcase from my wardrobe and started shoving clothes inside shirts, pants, socks, anything I could get my hands on. No time to fold or be neat.

Mom could come back any minute.

I wasn’t planning on returning. Ever.

Once the suitcase was about half full, I took a second to glance around. What else am I missing? Then my eyes fell on an old photo Mom, Dad, and me, back when we were sort of a family.

I swallowed, grabbing the framed picture off my nightstand. “Okay” I mumbled, stuffing it carefully between my clothes.

“You’re coming with me.”

Everything else? Didn’t matter.

That was when I heard it—a car engine, sputtering in the driveway.

My stomach clenched. “Fuck” I hissed under my breath.

She’s here.

Desperation kicked in. I glanced around.

Hide?

No, that was stupid. I had to leave.

I wanted to leave.

Suitcase in one hand, I yanked open the bedroom window. It was a short drop to the side yard—nothing I couldn’t handle.

“S—son?”

Her voice froze me in place. I turned and there she was, standing just a few feet away, the front door half-open behind her. Mom.

Her eyes went wide, flicking from the open window to my suitcase in hand. Her mouth parted, like she was struggling to speak.

I threw one leg over the windowsill, ignoring the twisting in my gut. “Don’t say anything” I warned with my voice harsher
beeing than I intended. “I’m just here for my stuff. I’m not coming back.”

She took a step forward. “Son, I’m so—”

“Don’t.” My throat was tight, my free hand balled into a fist. “Don’t even start. You didn’t bother calling. You didn’t bother anything, so let’s not pretend.”

“I thought… I thought you’d cool off, realize how crazy this all is, and come back home.”

I let out a short, bitter laugh. “Well, guess not. I’m leaving—if I left anything, text me. Otherwise, don’t.”

“Please, s—”

“No!” I spat, turning my back on her, swinging the other leg over the windowsill.

I can’t do this.

But she followed.

“It’s about your father.”

Her words stabbed the air like a knife, stopping me mid-movement. For a heartbeat, I just hung there, half-in, half-out of the window, suitcase clutched tightly in my grip.

Everything in me wanted to run, to vanish, to erase this place from my life. But the mention of him… it made my chest feel like it was caving in.

My mother stood there, tears in her eyes, her hand reaching out as if to grab me, to keep me from leaving. The silence between us weighed more than the suitcase in my hand.

Author's Note

Hmmm i don't know what to write here, 7:38 am in my country, i'll think if i post it now or i will reread it later, this needs more polishing i think, also i think i'm trying to hard to slow it down, in other story mh knew about magic and everything by now, hm, and no. He's father isn't discord sombra, god or anything like that, idk for now let's call him mark. Men i'm sleppy. okey its now 17.37 pm and i forgot to publish it oof, also i have the same way of thining as james, i think i did pretty good job

The Heat of the Moment

The window frame scraped against my palms as I swung my legs over, hitting the ground with a dull thump. The cold earth greeted my worn-out shoes, and a bitter wind nipped at my face, but the heat boiling inside me drowned out the chill.

Are you serious right now? You’re bringing him up?” My voice was raw, every word laced with disbelief and fury. “Is that supposed to make me stay? To make me listen to more of your bullshit?”

She stood in the doorway, her face half-shadowed but her eyes were bright with something—regret? Guilt? No. It was never guilt with her.

"I've had enough" I continued, my voice was shaking from the sheer force of holding everything back. “Seventeen years. Seventeen years I’ve taken every punishment you had, every disappointment, every bit of pain you shoved on me because of your unfinished dreams.” I took a step closer rising my voice. “And now, when I come back—just to grab my things and be done—you ruin this, too. For what? You think that talking about him is going to make me stay?”

Her voice cracked as she tried to reach me. “James, you’ve—"

“No. Don’t.” My hand shot up to silence her. “You’ve made your point. A thousand times over. I get it. I was your project. Your golden ticket. The thing that was supposed to fix your life.”

Her voice dropped, shaking now. “You’re wrong. Come back inside,” she pleaded, her tone slipping into something softer—something almost vulnerable. “Maybe… maybe you were right. Maybe I was wrong to push you. Maybe you… you don’t quit school. There’s a very good one in—”

I cut her off, the heat flaring up again. “I already quit.”

Her eyes widened, and for a second—a second—I thought I saw something break in her.

But then, her face twisted. The sadness, the soft mask of the 'concerned mother,' slipped away. And there it was—the woman I knew. Sharp. Cold. Judging.

“Ohhh…” She exhaled through her teeth, her arms folding tightly. “So that’s who you really are.” Her voice dropped into a scornful whisper. “Throwing your life away. Ruining everything you were meant to be.” She pressed her hand against her forehead, her voice dripping with disappointment, with blame. “You—you were meant to save lives. You were meant to be someone. I—” She broke off, then spat bitterly, “I don’t know where I went wrong with you.”

My fists shook at my sides. “Oh, there you is” I snapped, my voice dripping with venom. “I should’ve known. It was fake. All of it. For one second—one second—I thought you actually cared. That you actually wanted something better for me.” I took a step toward her burning my eyes into hers. “But no. You just wanted more from me. More ways to fill that empty life of yours. I was never a son to you. I was a tool.”

“I warned you” she hissed. “I told you what would happen if you walked away from that life! You’ll never find your place in the world like this! And when you finally crawl back, when this little fantasy of yours falls apart—” She jabbed a finger toward me, her voice rising, shaking, “—You’ll come back. To me. And we’ll have to start over from scratch, and God help me, I don’t know if I’ll have the strength to fix the disaster you’re making of your life!”

My chest heaved, my vision blurring with heat and frustration, and then something in me snapped. The words tore out of me, raw and unforgiving.

“That’s just like you,” I seethed. “Why am I surprised? You were faking from the beginning.” My voice cracked, my anger blazing through every word. “You don’t want me to be better. You want me to be useful. You picked a path for me—a future you wanted, not one I chose! And for what?” I took another step, and my voice dropped, cold and sharp. “So you could live through me? So you could have something to brag about?”

Her eyes narrowed, her voice cutting. “You’re a waste of everything I gave.”

I felt the fire rise to my throat, and I roared back: “At least I know what I’m fighting for!” My voice echoed off the empty walls, my chest heaving with every word. “You—you were never fighting for me. You were fighting for the idea of me. You wanted to use me to make yourself feel important! To be known!” My voice hit the sharpest edge as the words—the truth—poured out of me.

“You act like you know everything, like you’re so much wiser—” I felt my throat burn as I screamed, “ then tell me, Mom, if you’re so damn wise, if you’re so right—” I took a step, my voice raw and shaking— “Why are you alone?”

The words struck like a hammer, and I saw the flicker—the crack in her expression.

“Why do you think I left?!” I demanded, my voice breaking now, every word dragging out the years I had swallowed down. “Why do you think Dad” my voice caught on the name, but I forced it out, “had enough of you?! Why did he leave?”

The air went still, the only sound my ragged breaths and the wild, furious pounding of my heart.

Her face—once cold, once hardened—crumpled. I saw her lips tremble.

“You—” Her voice shook, venomous and broken. “You think you’re so clever. You think you know everything. But you don’t.” Her chest heaved, and her voice dropped into something cold and sharp and ugly.

“He left because he was weak.”

The words came out like a whip crack, and the air seemed to freeze.

My blood went cold.

“He left because he couldn’t handle it,” she spat, her voice tight with bitterness. “Because he ran from responsibility—from you. From me. And you’re just like him.”

My voice came out low, but every word carried a weight that pressed against the air between us.

“Like him?” I repeated, my teeth clenched. “No. No, in one thing, you’re right.” I stepped forward, my finger pointing at her, my voice rising with every word, raw and cutting.

“He had something you’ll never understand—passion, coupled with care. Yeah, he screwed up. He got carried away. He hurt us, I won't deny that. But that doesn't erase everything. It doesn't mean anything about his heart.”

“He didn’t leave because he was weak. It wasn’t running. It wasn’t cowardice. He…” I took a breath “He did what I’m doing. He chose a better path.”

The words felt like fire on my tongue, burning with every syllable.

“The words” I continued, my voice steady and sharp, “they burn. They stab. They scar.” I felt the ache in my chest, the years of resentment and confusion clawing their way out of me. “But you can only see the stars when it’s perfectly dark.”

I looked her dead in the eyes. “He saw it. He saw that the world had something more to offer. And I see it, too.” My voice hardened. “I forgave him for leaving.”

A beat passed. My chest heaved. Then, I dropped the last piece—the one thing that would sever everything between us.

“But…” My eyes narrowed. “I will never forgive you.”

The air felt like it had been sucked from the world. I saw her face shift, her mouth trembling, her breath shallow. She opened her lips.

“Son…” she whispered, her voice fragile, cracking under the tension.

But then—just like always—her mask slipped back into place. And with it, the venom returned.

"Don't forget how this world really works” she said, her voice colder now. “How much longer until your luck runs out?” Her eyes sharpened, and her tone turned calculating. “How much longer until the show goes south? How much longer until you—” her lips curled, “—fall down?”

I felt my rage bubbling to the surface, but I refused to let it cloud my mind. My reply came, calm and cutting.

“I don't know.” I said, tilting my head slightly, my voice dripping with a sharp, biting edge.

Her eyes narrowed. “What?”

“And I don’t care.” My words hit the air like a hammer. “I’ll figure it out. Because I’m not you. And thank you” my lips twisted into a sharp, sarcastic smirk “—for your concern, Mother.” I spat the last word with venom, every syllable soaked in disdain. “But I can assure you—” I stepped closer, towering over her— “my journey has only just started.”

Her brows furrowed, and her voice wavered as she tried to regain ground. “James—”

But I cut her off.

“I have a new school. Yeah, screw you,” I snapped, my eyes blazing. “I didn’t quit, I transferred.” I watched her eyes widen in shock as the reality hit her.

“I have a friend.” I drove the word home. “I have a job. And you” I laughed, cold and mockingly, the sound sharp and hollow in the air. “You are, and always will be, on a downhill spiral.”

I stepped even closer to her. “You’re paying for what you did to me. For what you did to him. You always doubted us. You always clipped our wings before we could even fly. You called it guidance, but it was a leash. You told yourself you were helping me, but you were feeding off me. And now?”

I leaned in, my eyes blazing into hers. “Now you’ll rot here.” My voice was cold, final, a sentence delivered without appeal. “You’ll rot in this place—alone.”

I saw it—the crack behind her eyes, the sheer panic, the terror of losing the only thing that mattered to her—me. I wasn’t her son to her. I was her way out. Her last chance to be something more than this bitter, hollow woman in a falling-apart house.

She realized, in that moment—I was gone. She was losing me. She was losing control.

And so, the mask shifted again.

Her voice trembled, shaking, desperate, dripping with false warmth. “Son…” she pleaded, her voice cracking as she switched tactics. The manipulator was back, clawing for her final card.

“This—” she started, her voice softening, false compassion coating every word, “—this went too far.”

I felt the air tighten. She was trying to reel me in. Trying to pretend.

“Please…” Her voice dropped into a whisper. “I know you didn’t mean to say that.” Her hands reached forward slightly—reaching. “You know it was just the heat of the moment.”

Her voice softened even more, her tone dipping into something sickeningly sweet. “Come home,” she whispered. “It’s okay. We’ll fix this. We’ll talk with your… new school principals.” A smile twitched at the corner of her lips, hopeful, manipulative. “You’ll be back at Crystal Prep in no time. We’ll pay for clin—”

I moved without hesitation.

I bent down, my hands seizing the handle of my suitcase—the same suitcase that had been lying under the window since I jumped from my room. The one filled with everything I needed from this place. Everything that was mine.

I turned from her, my footsteps heavy but certain, and headed straight for my car parked in the cracked driveway.

Her voice cut through the air one last time—desperate, pleading. “James—”

I didn’t stop.

I reached the car door, my hand on the handle. But before I opened it, I spoke, my voice steady, final, cutting through her like ice.

“Don’t bother calling. Don’t bother looking for me.” I paused, just a fraction of a second. Then, cold and clear—

“We are finished.”

I opened the door. I slid into the seat. The engine roared to life, a low, growling promise of my escape.

I didn’t look back. Not at her. Not at the house. Not at the shattered remnants of something that could have been family but never was.

The tires crunched over the driveway as I pulled away, and her silhouette in the rearview mirror grew smaller and smaller—until it vanished.

The tension in my chest burned and burned—but there was no relief. No triumph. Only the cold, hollow ache that comes after a war is fought.

I felt the wheel under my palms, my knuckles white from gripping too tightly. My jaw ached from being clenched so hard. My heart pounded, fast and heavy, but not from fear.

I didn’t know where else to go. But there was one place I could breathe.

I drove.

I drove to the only place that ever let my mind go quiet.

The bar.

As i was driving there something came on my mind. A memory

The hum of the bar felt warm, alive a chorus of chatter, clinking glasses, and soft music from a jukebox in the corner. The air smelled of aged wood, citrus from squeezed limes. The golden glow from the hanging lights gave everything a soft, honeyed hue. And there, behind the bar, stood the man who meant everything to me.

My dad.

I was six. Barely tall enough to see over the counter, but my heart felt ten feet high. I clung to the edge of the polished wood, the surface worn smooth from years of stories and laughter shared across it.

Dad’s eyes met mine—warm, deep, and filled with something I couldn’t name back then but now know was love. Pure, unconditional love. His hands, rough from years of work, always felt so gentle when they ruffled through my messy hair.

“I look into your eyes” he said softly, his voice deep but carrying that familiar warmth that always made me feel safe, “and I see myself in the past.” His lips curled into a small, proud smile. “You’ve got that same burning passion, James.”

I beamed up at him, my chest swelling with pride at those words. “Daaaaaad!” I chirped, my voice high and full of excitement. “Will I work here when I’m old like you?”

He chuckled—that deep, hearty laugh that I adored—and scratched the top of my head, making me giggle from the ticklish sensation.

“Yes, son,” he said simply, and those two words felt like a promise, a truth already written into the stars.

My eyes lit up, and without thinking, I scrambled up onto one of the barstools, gripping the counter to steady myself. My little legs dangled, nowhere near the floor, but I didn’t care. I wanted everyone to know.

I stood as tall as I could and shouted with all the pride my six-year-old heart could hold:

“Did you hear? You’re gonna be my customers soon!”

The whole bar—men and women from all walks of life, regulars who knew my dad like family—paused, and then the room erupted into laughter. But it wasn’t mocking. It was warm, genuine, the kind of laughter that felt like a hug.

“Sure thing, kiddo!” called out a man with a deep, gravelly voice. “If that’s true, I’ll be here every day in the future!”

Another chimed in, “I’ll take my usual—on the house, yeah?”

Dad’s laughter joined theirs, rich and full of joy. His strong hands found my sides, lifting me gently off the stool and setting me back on the floor. Then he knelt down so we were eye-level.

His hands, warm and calloused, rested on my small shoulders.

“Son” he began, and there was something softer, heavier in his voice now. The laughter in his eyes hadn’t vanished, but something else had joined it. Something… wistful. “Remember this—my actions don’t need to haunt you. Don’t ever feel like you’re chained to my path.”

I blinked up at him, confused. “Huh?”

His thumbs rubbed over my shoulders, grounding me. “Close your eyes,” he said softly, “and listen.”

I obeyed.

The sounds of the bar filled my ears, the laughter, the clink of glasses, the soft hum of conversation. But under all of it, I felt something else, a rhythm, a heartbeat. Life.

“Hear that?” Dad asked quietly. “The happy people. The joy, the stories, the friendship. This—” his voice dipped lower, as if telling me a secret meant just for me, “this is life, son. Not the job. Not the money. This.”

I opened my eyes and found his waiting for me, soft and serious.

“Even when I’m gone,” he continued, his voice tightening just a little, “I want you to follow your dreams. Your dreams. Not mine. Live your life to the fullest. Laugh loud. Love hard. Fail boldly. And…” He pinched my cheek playfully, making me squirm and giggle, “...never hide your soft side. It’s what makes you you.”

I wrinkled my nose, rubbing my cheek where he’d pinched me. “But what if people think I’m dumb for it?” I asked, my voice small.

He smiled that smile. The one that could fix anything. “Then you show them. You show everyone who doubts you that you can do anything. And you show them with kindness. Because that’s the strongest thing you can ever be.”

Then his voice softened, and something I didn’t understand flickered behind his eyes.

“And… I hope you’ll forgive me someday,” he said, almost to himself. His thumb brushed my shoulder as though he was memorizing me, every inch, every freckle. “I hope you’ll understand.”

I didn’t understand.

But I wanted to. And my little heart, so full of love for him, couldn’t bear the sad look in his eyes.

So I grinned, big and wide. “If you let me stand here as bartender like you, Daddy…” I declared, my voice high and certain, “...then I’ll forgive you for everything.”

It was a child’s promise—simple, pure.

But Dad’s face changed. The smile faltered. His eyes—those steady, strong eyes—suddenly filled with something I had never seen before.

A tear.

A single tear slipped free, trailing down his cheek.

I froze, my little chest tightening with something unfamiliar. “W-what’s wrong, Dad?” I whispered, suddenly afraid.

His voice cracked. “Oh, son…”

His hand cupped my cheek—warm, rough, shaking.

“I’d rather bleed for you,” he said, his voice low and raw, thick with emotion. “I’d beg God to let me stay with you forever.”

The tear fell, landing on his hand. “But… the blood on my hands… it’s something I won’t lose. And this—” his voice dropped to a whisper, “—this will be better. For you.”

I didn’t understand his words. But they hurt. They hurt somewhere deep in my chest.

My lip trembled. “Then stay” I pleaded, my voice small and cracking. “I don’t want better. I want you.”

He paused, his breath shaky.

Then, in a heartbeat, he wiped his eyes and—just like that—his smile returned, bright and playful, as if nothing had happened. As if the sadness had never been there.

He stood, ruffling my hair. “C’mon, buddy,” he said, his voice warm again, steady again. “We’ve got thirsty customers. Can’t have them waiting, can we?”

I blinked, my fear washing away in his smile.

I smiled back, wide and full of joy, wiping my own cheek with the back of my tiny hand. “Nope! Let’s go!” I chirped, bouncing on my heels.

He laughed—our laugh—and turned, leading the way back behind the bar.

I grabbed his hand—his big, strong hand—and squeezed it tight, my little heart full and bright and safe.

“Yes, Daddy”

I leaned against the counter, my hands resting on the polished surface that had seen more laughter, tears, and whispered confessions than I could ever count. Across from me, Snowdrop sat on one of the worn barstools, her chin resting on her folded arms. Her sky-blue eyes—soft, curious—were slightly puffy, fresh from wiping away tears. She sniffled, her voice breaking the silence between us.

“Tha—That’s… beautiful,” she managed, her voice barely above a whisper. She brushed the last of her tears away with her sleeve, her hands trembling slightly. “Your dad… he still loved you. But… why did he leave?”

The question hung in the air, heavier than any drink I’d ever poured. My fingers tapped lightly against the counter, and I felt the tension in my chest the same knot that had been there for years, the same ache that never really went away.

I exhaled slowly. “Well…” I said, my voice lower, softer than usual, “no one really knows.”

I paused, feeling the weight of my words before continuing, “But deep down… I do.”

Snowdrop, still wiping her cheeks, looked at me with wide, searching eyes. “You… do?” she asked, her voice gentle but curious.

I nodded, my eyes dropping to the surface of the bar. The amber reflection of the lights shimmered across the polished wood. “Yeah,” I said, my voice tightening with something old and painful, “that’s why I left too.”

Snowdrop shot up, her eyes wide with shock. “YOU LEFT YOUR HOUSE?!” she blurted, leaning forward over the counter, her hands gripping the edge as if my story had suddenly pulled her to the edge of her seat.

“Shhhh!” I hissed quickly, my eyes darting to the few patrons scattered around the bar. The jukebox played softly in the background, and the murmur of conversations blended into the warm hum of the room. Still, I wasn’t taking any chances.

I leaned in, lowering my voice. “This is only between you and me. No one else.”

She froze, suddenly aware of the gravity in my voice. “I—” she stammered, “I won’t say anything.”

I searched her eyes for a second longer, then nodded. “Good” I said, my voice soft but firm. “I’ve told everyone—at school, at work that my mom died when my dad left.” I paused, feeling the weight of my next words. “But that’s a lie. You… you’re one of the only people who knows the truth.”

Snowdrop’s lips parted slightly in surprise. Her voice lowered, matching my tone, as if the secret itself demanded her respect. “You mean… your mom’s still…?”

“Alive. And… no one can know. You, a couple of customers here who’ve been with me since the start—you’re the only ones who know. So…” My voice dropped to a warning. “Never. Tell. Anyone.”

Snowdrop sat back, her expression softening from shock to something warmer—something almost protective. “O-okay, “I promise.”

She folded her arms on the counter and rested her head down for a second, the gravity of the story settling in her chest. Then, after a moment, she lifted her head slightly, her lips curling into the smallest, teasing smile.

“Buuuut… lemme get this straight,” she said, tilting her head with playful curiosity. “You… left your house. You transferred schools. You’re living with a beautiful girl your age—” she wiggled her eyebrows for emphasis, making me groan, “—and you’ve got this—” she swept her hand around, gesturing to the entire bar, “—all of this… because… you decided to follow your dreams?”

The way she put it—so simple, so clear—made me stop and think.

“...I guess?” I said, half-laughing, half-admitting.

Snowdrop sighed dramatically and let her forehead thunk against the counter, her voice muffled against the wood. “Maaaan” she groaned, “maybe I should follow my dreams too…”

I chuckled softly at her over-the-top defeat. “Yeah,” I said, my voice softening again as I glanced down at her, “...but don’t try too hard. You’ve got to greet the world with open arms first.”

She peeked up at me, her eyes curious. “Open arms, huh?”

“Yeah. You don’t wrestle your dreams to the ground. You let them come to you.” I tapped the counter lightly. “But… when they do, you grab on tight and don’t let go.”

Snowdrop’s lips curled into a soft, knowing smile. “You’re way too poetic for a bartender, James.”

“Yeah, well,” I said with a grin, wiping down an already clean glass, “it’s part of the job.”

The familiar creak of the front door broke our moment, and my eyes flicked up on instinct.

The warm light from outside briefly spilled into the bar, and through it walked a face I hadn’t seen in a while—but one I’d never forget.

Michel.

The street kid. My old crew.

His swagger was unmistakable, the slight tilt in his step, the way his hood hung loose over his tousled brown hair. His jeans, ripped at the knees, looked more worn than usual, and his leather jacket—scuffed from more than just wear and tear, spoke of a life lived in the cracks between pavement and opportunity.

“YOOOO, Big J!” he called out, his voice was loud and easy, carrying that familiar playful edge.

My brows shot up, and I couldn’t help the smirk that tugged at my lips. “Hey, Michel. Didn’t I tell you not to come into my bar high?”

Snowdrop, startled by his sudden entrance, tensed slightly. Her hands gripped the edge of the counter, and her eyes flicked toward me, unsure.

Michel’s grin didn’t waver, but something in his eyes sharpened as he approached the counter, a different kind of seriousness settling into his face.

And then—quick as a snap—his fist came up.

I raised mine.

And we bumped them together with a solid, familiar tap.

“Missed you, bro” I said, my voice low, honest.

Michel’s smirk eased into something relieved. “Yeah. Same”

Snowdrop, finally exhaling, let her shoulders drop. “Jeez” she muttered under her breath, “Thought you guys were about to throw down.”

Michel flashed her a grin, his teeth sharp with playful menace. “Aww, scared ya?”

Snowdrop shot him a dry look. “No. Just annoyed.”

He laughed, leaning on the counter beside her, his sharp eyes sweeping over her. “Soooo… a date, J? While you’re workin’? Bold move, bro. Real bold.”

I shot him a flat look. “Leave her alone, Michel. She’s my childhood friend.”

Michel immediately threw up his hands, fingers splayed in surrender. “Okay, okay!” he said with an exaggerated wince. “Reserved. Not touchin’. I get it.”

Snowdrop rolled her eyes. “Like you could handle me anyway.”

Michel barked a laugh. “Oh, feisty. I like it.”

“Michel” I warned, the weight in my voice enough to make his smirk ease.

“Alright, alright” he said, waving off my glare. “I’m just messing.”

But then his grin faltered, and something colder slid into his eyes.

The mood shifted.

He straightened up slightly, his voice lowering just enough that only I could hear.

“Yo” he said, his tone soft, almost cautious “Mr. S is askin’... if your bar needs protection.”

I froze, my fingers tightening subtly on the glass I was holding. “Mr. S” I repeated.

Michel nodded slowly, his lips pressed into a thin line. “Yeah. You know…” He hesitated,

But I cut him off, my voice sharp.

“Yeah. I know.”

Snowdrop’s eyes flicked between us, confused but suddenly on edge.

“They’re here already, Michel,” I said firmly. “A lot of my regulars? They’re from… that world.”

Michel’s jaw tightened, but he listened.

“They come here” I continued, “and they don’t cause trouble. They respect my rules. And you know why?”

Michel’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Why?”

“Because” I said, meeting his gaze with iron, “I let them in. And as long as they’re in, they’re protecting me.”

I set the glass down with a soft clink.

“So no” I finished, my voice a quiet, final blade, “I don’t need more.”

For a beat, Michel just stared at me, reading my face, measuring the steel behind my words.

Then, slowly, a lopsided smirk returned to his lips.

“You little bartender” he muttered, almost amused. “Always gotta be the smartest guy in the room, huh?”

I smirked back, but there was no warmth in it. “It’s my bar. I have to be.”

Michel chuckled softly, his tension easing, but that sharp edge of the street, of the life we both knew, never really left his eyes.

“Well then” he said, his voice lilting back to its playful swagger, “you should visit us sometime. Catch up, y’know?”

I wiped down the counter, my eyes never leaving his.

“Yeah” I said quietly, my voice even. “Maybe.”

“Oh, fuck.”

The cloth hit the floor as I immediately scrambled for my phone. My fingers moved quickly, typing out a message to Sunset:

Sorry. Had a bad... talk with someone. I’m at the bar. Gonna get to the dorm soon. Sorry for lying that I wouldn’t open.

Barely a second passed before my phone buzzed with a reply:

It’s okay.

I stared at the screen. Just two words. That was it?

“How fucked am I” I muttered under my breath, “if my dormmate responds with just ‘okay’?”

Michel’s voice cut through the air. “Girl or guy?”

“Girl” I replied without looking up.

Immediately, both Michel and Snowdrop, sitting side by side, spoke in perfect sync:

“Very fucked.”

I wiped my forehead, exhaling sharply. “Fuck.”

Michel, leaning back on his stool with his carefree grin tilted his head. “So, you’re living at a school now? Since when were you a nerd?”

I paused. My gut told me to keep things quiet, fewer people knowing about my transfer, the better. But… this was Michel. Despite the crowd he ran with, he was still a normal kid, just like me, another guy trying to find his place in the world.

“I’m not” I said firmly. “I just… had enough of Crystal Prep and transferred, that’s all.”

Michel nodded, the teasing glint in his eye softening into something more understanding. “Yeah, can’t blame you there. I've heard the place fells like a prison.”

The bell above the bar door chimed, and a lone customer approached the counter, placing down a couple of bills. “Thanks for today,” they said with a small smile.

“You’re welcome” I replied with a nod.

The door closed with a soft click, leaving just the three of us—me, Snowdrop, and Michel. The air felt a little heavier, the usual buzz of conversation replaced by the comfortable quiet of old friends.

“Alright” I said, wiping my hands on my towel. “Hate to be that guy, but—”

“Yeah, yeah, we’re heading out,” Michel said, hopping off the stool with a stretch. “But hey, we gotta meet up sometime. For real.”

“Yeah” I agreed, giving him a nod. “We should.”

Michel clapped my shoulder once, a firm, brotherly squeeze, then shot a wink at Snowdrop. “Later, little star.”

“Don’t call me that” she shot back, but her lips twitched into a half-smile.

Michel chuckled and walked out, leaving just me and Snowdrop.

The mood shifted immediately. The playful banter melted away into something more... fragile. Snowdrop rested her elbows on the counter, her chin on her hands, and her eyes—those pale, sky-colored eyes—watched me with something that felt heavier than her usual sarcasm.

“James,” she asked softly, her voice careful, “are you really happy?”

The question caught me off guard. I raised a brow. “Yeah. Why wouldn’t I be?”

But she didn’t answer. Her expression softened—like she wanted to believe me, but couldn’t quite convince herself. Her gaze dipped, and the faint smile she’d worn all night faded.

My voice dropped. “...Is it about your dad?”

Her lips pressed into a thin line. She hesitated, but then nodded. “Yeah. He’s… better now. Really. He hasn’t touched a bottle in months. But…”

I leaned forward, resting my arms on the counter. “But you’re scared.”

Her voice was barely above a whisper. “Yeah.”

“If he ever…” I paused, making sure she saw how serious I was, “If he ever goes back to that bottle, you call me. I’ll beat his ass myself.”

A small smirk tugged at her lips. “Heh. Honestly? He’d probably beat both of us.”

“That’s actually kinda sad” I admitted with a lopsided grin. “But hey. Life’s not perfect. Never is.”

Her fingers toyed with the rim of her empty glass. “No… it’s not.”

A silence stretched between us, not awkward, but thick with unspoken things—fears, memories, hopes. And in that silence, something sparked in me.

“Hey” I said suddenly, the idea forming even as I spoke it, “how about this? You wanna be my assistant for a while?”

She blinked, surprised. “Huh?”

“No pay for now, bu—”

“No money, no working,” she shot back immediately, grinning.

I laughed. “Okay, okay, fair. But listen—”

But Snowdrop cut me off,. “James” she said“First, get yourself known. Then hire a crew. You’re already paying that other girl, right? And now you’re in school too. You’re stretching yourself thin.”

I paused, taken aback by her bluntness. But… she wasn’t wrong.

“Yeah,” I said slowly, rubbing the back of my neck. “I guess I will be.”

We talked a little longer, her usual sarcasm keeping the air light, but eventually, I pushed back from the counter with a sigh. “Alright, enough. You should get home.”

She rolled her eyes. “You’re kicking me out?”

“I’m escorting you out,” I teased. “You helped me clean up enough. Time to rest, Snowdrop.”

She stood up, grabbing her jacket with a mock salute. “Yes, sir.”

But as she passed by, I caught her in a quick hug. “Thanks”

She paused, then hugged me back, her voice soft. “Anytime, James.”

With that, she headed to the door, tossing a little wave over her shoulder. “Don’t burn the place down without me.”

I chuckled, watching her leave. The door clicked shut, and the bar was finally, truly empty.

A long breath escaped me as I leaned back against the counter, the weight of the day finally hitted me all at once. My shoulders felt heavy, but my heart…

My heart felt lighter.

I locked up, flicking off the neon sign above the window and quickly ran to my car. Sliding into my car, I gripped the steering wheel for a long moment, my eyes flicking up to the reflection of the bar’s sign in the rearview mirror.

“Today was a lot,” I muttered to myself.

The engine rumbled to life beneath my hands. I pulled away from the curb, the glow of the bar fading in my rearview.

But its warmth stayed with me.

Author's Note

Hey, i liked the name snowdrop and her character sooo, here she is, i think someone will like this :), some of the events are based on real experiencies, it works for the story, i had a tear in eye while writting James flashback. Hope you liked, cheers

A Web of Lies

Do I knock?

My fingers hover over the key.

It’s my place too, right?

I stared at the door, suitcase handle was cold in my grip.

Why the hell should I knock?

Still…

I imagine knocking. Like some polite guest, waiting for permission.

No. Screw that.

The key slides into the lock with a soft click. I twist, push the door open, and step inside. The familiar scent of Sunset’s cinnamon-scented candles lingers in the air—comforting and warm. Too warm. Like it’s trying to melt through the ice under my skin.

The sound of a page turning pulled my attention. Sunset’s sprawled on the couch in the living room, a book resting on her lap. She glances up, eyebrows arching when she spots me.

The suitcase in my hand. The look on my face.

"Shopping?" she asks casually, setting the book aside.

My grip tightens on the handle.

Think, James. Think fast.

“Nah.” I forced a smile, dropping the suitcase on the floor with a dull thud. “I was at a friend’s place. One I used to crash at.”

Sunset tilts her head. She doesn’t buy it. I keep going.

“Went to grab some clothes… we, uh…”

Careful now.

“…had a little argument about some stuff. My decisions, mostly. I needed to cool off, so I figured I’d open the bar for a bit. Sorry for lying about not working tonight.”

Wow. Two lies in one sentence. Fantastic work, James.

The words leave a sour taste.

Each syllable feelt heavier than it should.

Life built on lies. Every word now feels just as meaningless.

Am I really like her?

That thought gnaws at the edges of my mind. I shake it off.

"Hello? You still here?"

Sunset’s voice snaps me back. She’s standing now, arms folded, looking at me with that mix of concern and curiosity that she wears so naturally.

“What?”

She rolls her eyes. “I said it’s okay. But seriously, James, you’ll burn yourself out if you work every time someone gets under your skin.”

I force a chuckle, running a hand through my hair. "Yeah, yeah. Just… I knew him for a long time, you know? But turns out, he was just using me. If that’s the right word for it.”

Her expression softens. She steps closer, arms still folded but her gaze sharp. “Using you? What do you mean?”

Shit.

I glance away, focusing on the suitcase instead. “Eh. That’s a story for another time.” I nudge the suitcase with my foot. “Anyway, I think we’re done. I don’t want to see him anytime soon.”

Sunset bites her lip, studying me. "Was it really that bad?"

"Yeah" I mutter, going deeper and sitting on the couch. The cushions sink under my weight. I lean forward resting elbows on my knees.

"He said… he said I was gonna rot in that bar."

Sunset's brows knit together. She moves closer, perching on the armrest beside me.

"You loved your friend that much?" she asks, a teasing lilt in her voice. But there’s something behind it—a test.

I glance at her. The smirk on her lips fades when she sees the look in my eyes.

"Guess I did" I say quietly, looking away.

Her smirk vanishes completely. The room feels colder.

There’s a pause. The air between us stretches thin.

"Were you... and your friend... like this?"

I turn my head sharply. Sunset’s looking away, scratching the back of her head. Her cheeks are tinged pink. The question hangs there.

For a moment, I just stare. Then—

I laugh. A short, bitter bark of a laugh.

“No. I’m not gay, if that’s what you’re asking.”

Sunset blinks. The tension in her shoulders eases, and she lets out a soft breath, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Right. Sorry, that was dumb. I didn’t mean to assume."

But she’s watching me again. Carefully. Like she knows there’s more I’m not saying. Like she’s waiting for the cracks to show.

Her gaze flickers to the suitcase. Then to me. Back to the suitcase.

“You know…” she starts, voice softer now. “It’s okay not to tell me everything. But you don’t have to lie either.”

I glance at her. My smile doesn’t reach my eyes.

“I’m not lying.”

Another lie.

She doesn’t call me out on it. She just sits there, watching me like she knows.

This is how it works, right? Lie about the big stuff. Let them think they’re getting somewhere with the small stuff. As long as they don’t dig too deep, it’s fine. It’s all fine.

But if I keep doing this... if I keep lying...

How long before the whole thing comes crashing down?

“Well” she says, breaking the silence with a small smile, “if you ever feel like telling the real story, you know where I am.”

I glance at her again. There’s no pressure in her voice, no judgment. Just… patience.

Too patient.

I nod, standing up and grabbing the suitcase.

“Maybe someday,” I mutter with a smirk, knocking my knuckles lightly against the top of the suitcase. “But hey, got what I came for. No way I’m ruining this shirt.”

I flash a grin at Sunset, lifting the corner of the suitcase for emphasis.

“This one? Celestia and Luna gave it to me. No way I’m letting it get messed up that quickly.”

Sunset, still lounging on the couch, raises an eyebrow. Then she laughs.

“What?” I ask, tilting my head, a grin still tugging at my lips.

“Oh, nothing” she says, waving a hand but still smiling. “It’s just funny. When I first came here, they did something similar for me.”

She tugs lightly at the black jacket draped over her shoulders.

“See this? Celestia gave it to me. Luna used to wear it when she was our age.”

My smile falters—just for a heartbeat—as my mind runs back to what I know.

If you only knew the story behind that jacket.

Luna probably wore it during her rebellious years… back when things were rougher.

I glance at the jacket again. Funny how things connect.

“Yeah” I say finally, forcing the grin back onto my face. “It’s cool.”

Sunset smiles, brushing her hair over her shoulder as she sinks back into the couch.

I head toward my room, dragging the suitcase beside me. The hallway feels longer than usual. Every step echoes a little too loud in my ears. My hand brushes the wall briefly steadying myself or just reminding myself I’m still here.

This is fine.

Everything’s fine.

But halfway through, something nags at me. A thought I can’t shake.

I stop.

The weight of the suitcase in my hand feels heavier now. Not because of the clothes inside—but because of everything it represents.

There’s a part of me—deep down—that wants to let it all out. To just... be real. For once.

And maybe, I glance back over my shoulder, catching a glimpse of Sunset still sitting there, maybe with her?

I take a breath.

“Hey, Sunset?”

She perks up instantly, looking over with a curious expression.

“Yeah?”

I take a few steps back toward the living room, leaning casually against the wall, though I don’t feel casual at all.

“You know… there’s this part of me,” I start, my voice steady but softer than before, “that always wanted life to be simple. Like… right or wrong. Black or white. Something clean. Easy.”

Sunset tilts her head. “Okay…”

I rub the back of my neck, glancing down before meeting her eyes again.

“And I’ve always been sure of myself. About the bar, about my choices. But…” My voice trails off. I tighten my grip on the suitcase handle. “What if I chose wrong?”

Sunset’s eyes narrow slightly, the playful glint in them fading into something more serious. She rises from the couch, stepping toward me.

“You?” she says slowly. “You’re doubting yourself?”

I shrug, looking away.

“This bar… this dream… it always felt so clear to me. Like, this was it. The only thing that made sense. But what if…” I pause, exhaling. “What if it’s just a kid’s dream? Something I’m clinging to because I don’t know what else to do?”

The room goes quiet for a moment.

I can feel her watching me.

And then—

“Talk less.”

I blink, glancing at her. “What?”

Sunset grins, stepping closer.

“Talk less. Do less.”

I stare at her, confused for a second. Then it hits me.

She grins wider, pointing at me. “You said that. To me. Earlier today.”

I pause. Then laugh—soft, surprised.

“Oh, you little—” I shake my head, running a hand through my hair again. “Using my own words against me?”

Sunset shrugs, her smile warm now. “Hey, if the shoe fits.”

I lean back against the wall again, letting out a long breath.

“Yeah. Guess I forgot about that.”

My gaze drifts back to the suitcase.

Was I really doubting myself?

Me?

I glance back at Sunset.

“You’re right” I say finally. “I’m dumb for doubting myself.”

Sunset raises an eyebrow, leaning against the opposite wall, arms folded but with smirk on her lips.

“Didn’t expect you to admit that so fast.”

I laugh again. It feels real this time.

“Well, you know me. I don’t plan on living as some untold story. I’d rather go out in a blaze of glory.”

My voice steadies. I look her dead in the eyes.

“I don’t fear it. I’ll live because the bad die last. Wrapped in years of regret? That’s a waste of effort spent.”

Sunset’s smirk softens.

“James…”

I lift the suitcase again, heading toward my room.

“Guess you’re stuck with me for a while.”

As I walk, Sunset pushes off from the wall, following behind.

“I wanna taste love and pain… wanna feel pride and shame. I don’t wanna take my time—don’t wanna waste on a line. I wanna live better days. Never look back and say, it could have been me.”

Sunset raised an eyebrow, trailing a few steps behind.

“So what? You’re just gonna doubt yourself over your life choices, and the next second you’re back to normal?”

I stopped at my bedroom door, glancing back at her with a smirk.

“Yeah.”

“Yeah?” she repeated, crossing her arms.

“Why shouldn’t I?” I leaned on the doorframe, looking at her with a grin that didn’t quite reach my eyes. “Everyone has those moments. I just had a feeling and wanted to talk it out. Is that so wrong?”

Sunset shook her head, hands raised as if surrendering.

“No, no. Of course not. It’s just… you don’t talk about how you feel. I’m used to you spouting facts, not sitting around wondering what if.”

“Oh, stop. You’re flattering me” I shot back with a grin, pushing the door open and walking inside. I placed the suitcase on the bed, popping it open. Clothes, a few books, and one thing I hesitated before pulling out—a photo.

A young me, standing between my mother and father. A family, frozen in time.

I quickly placed the photo on the drawer, hoping Sunset wouldn’t see it. As I grabbed some clothes—underwear included—I tried to shove them into the drawer faster than a magician hiding a trick.

But her sharp smirk told me I wasn’t fast enough.

“Oh, stop,” I said, shooting her a glare as she leaned on the doorframe.

“ What, were you walking around in the same underwear for days?”

Before she could tease further, I pointed at the photo.

“Look how cute I looked when I was young.”

A mistake. The worst possible topic to change to.

Sunset’s teasing expression faded. She stepped inside, drawn to the photo. Her fingers brushed over the frame before she picked it up, staring.

“It’s you… and your…?”

“Yeah.” My voice came out sharper than I intended. “Mom and Dad. But I mostly keep it for him.”

“For your dad?” she asked.

I didn’t respond immediately. Sunset glanced back at me, searching my face for an answer I wasn’t ready to give.

After a long pause, she seemed to understand.

“So… this is the former owner of the bar?” she asked, breaking the tension.

“Pretty much.” I shrugged, trying to sound casual. “He was a wise man. Everyone who knew him says I remind them of him.”

“Really?” Sunset smiled softly, studying the photo again. “You do look like him. Just… I don’t know. Different.”

“Yeah, yeah. I know. I’m smaller.” I waved her off, chuckling.

But the smile didn’t last.

“I loved him. I still do.”

The words left my mouth before I could stop them.

Sunset looked at me again. Her gaze softened, and I could see the unspoken question lingering there.

I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck.

“Go on. Ask.”

“Are you sure?” she asked, hesitant.

“Yeah. You want to know, right? So, yes—he’s gone.”

My voice dropped lower, softer.

“He chose a better life. I don’t judge him for it. I’d do the same if I were him.”

Sunset lowered the photo back onto the drawer with care.

“James…”

I forced a grin, trying to keep the air light despite the weight in my chest.

“Yeah. The happy family package—comes with a discount on trauma.”

Sunset raised an eyebrow but didn’t laugh.

I turned away, busying myself with unpacking.

“He remind me of what I really am” I continued. “He’s on a different story now. And I wish him the best.”

The silence that followed felt longer than it probably was. I could feel Sunset watching me again, reading the cracks in my carefully built walls.

Finally, she spoke.

“So? What really happened today?”

I stiffened.

“What do you mean?”

“Don’t even try it.” She stepped closer, her voice gentle but firm. “You’re acting different. The bar having problems? You having problems? You’re talking about your feelings, sharing things you usually keep locked up. And now you’re just… casually talking about your father?”

I stayed silent, keeping my back to her.

“This isn’t you.”

I chuckled dryly, trying to shrug it off. “You make it sound like I’m some robot.”

“No” Sunset said quietly. “I’m saying you joke when it hurts.”

That stopped me.

I turned slightly, meeting her gaze.

“You joke when it hurts.” She repeated, softer this time. “Because it’s easier than saying what’s really on your mind.”

I tried to smirk again.

“Well, gotta keep my reputation intact.”

“James.” Her voice held no judgment—only concern. “I… I can try to help you.”

Her eyes searched mine, looking for the truth I wasn’t sure I wanted to give.

For a moment, I considered it. Really considered it.

But the words caught in my throat.

So instead, I laughed—a hollow sound.

“C’mon, Sunset. I’m fine.”

“Are you?”

“I am.” I looked her straight in the eyes, offering a smile that didn’t quite reach my own. “Yes.”

But the smile wasn’t real.

“It’s better to face these kinds of things with a sense of poise and rationality, don’t you think?” I continued, keeping my tone light. “In fact, look at this super family in the photo.”

I gestured lazily toward the picture sitting on the drawer.

“The happy family package” I chuckled hollowly. “except, you know, technically it doesn’t exist anymore. Ha! I’m the only one actually here. This calls for a toast. So, come on, Sunset. Pour the champagne.”

My forced enthusiasm echoed in the room, a little too loud in the quiet space.

Sunset tilted her head, narrowing her eyes.

“You’re dumb”

“Ooh! So when I’m enthusiastic, it’s wrong too?” I grinned, pointing a playful finger at her. “Man, it’s hard to please you, my lady.”

I caught the faintest tint of pink coloring her cheeks.

“Oh, stop”

I laughed again—too easily, too quickly—and clapped my hands together. But even I could feel how forced it sounded.

That sinking feeling returned. Like a hollow pit, opening slowly in the back of my mind.

It wasn’t loud. Not yet. But it was there.

“I mean” I continued with a grin that felt more like a grimace, “this isn’t so bad, right? It’s not hard. I don’t feel like I’m trapped.”

Sunset’s smile faded. She watched me carefully.

“Why?” I asked suddenly, sitting on the edge of the bed. “Please, tell me—why should I worry? Why should I be concerned about them?”

I pointed vaguely toward the photo without looking at it.

Sunset’s eyes softened, but there was confusion there too.

“Okay, now you’re acting weird,” she said cautiously.

“Oh please.” I waved a dismissive hand, leaning forward.

“Quick story, really.”

I let the smile linger on my face for just a second longer before letting it fall.

“My dad left because of my mom.” My voice dropped, losing its playful edge. “I hate her. That’s all. Nothing complicated.”

The room seemed to quiet even further.

Sunset’s teasing expression faded entirely, replaced by something sadder.

“That’s… sad.” She said it gently, like she was handling glass that might shatter.

“No. It’s actually not.”

I looked up at her, forcing a grin again.

“I get it. I do. I would’ve done the same thing.”

The words came too easily, but each syllable tasted bitter.

I leaned back, stretching, trying to dismiss the tension building in the room.

“Okay, Sunny, enough of me.” I looked at her with a wide grin, but the cracks in it were obvious. “I’m good now. Back to normal, promise. So tell me what were you doing while I was gone?”

I leaned forward again pretending like I was genuinely interested.

But Sunset didn’t respond right away. She just stared at me, her brow slightly furrowed, like she was trying to figure out a puzzle that didn’t have all its pieces.

“Uh… I was reading” she finally said, voice slower than usual. “And writing in my journal.”

“Ooh! The journal!” I perked up instantly, snapping my fingers. “I saw it when I was waiting for you and Applejack earlier. You writing something juicy in there?”

She looked at me, still confused by my sudden mood shift.

“You could say that.”

“Oh, c’mon, don’t be shy” I grinned. “A little sneak peek for your favorite bartender?”

Sunset didn’t laugh. She didn’t tease me back.

Instead, she smiled softly, but there was a sadness in her eyes now.

“Maybe tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?” I feigned disappointment, letting my shoulders slump dramatically. “What, no special access for your roommate?”

She shook her head with a faint smile.

“No. I just think…” She hesitated, stepping toward the doorway. “Whatever happened today had a bigger impact on you than you think. You’re just… saying random things to keep yourself guarded.”

I opened my mouth to protest, but she cut me off with a raised hand.

“When you start thinking clearly, you know where to find me.” She pointed toward her room with a small smirk. “Maybe I’ll even get up from sleeping if you knock.”

I watched her leave, the door clicking softly behind her.

What? Anyway

Maybe I should take a shower. The last one was… when? Celestia and Luna’s place? I lifted my shirt to my nose. Yeah. It stinks. Perfect.

Dragging my feet to the drawer, I yanked it open. The underwear I had just put away stared back at me. Now I was pulling it out again.

“Productivity at its finest”

The words felt hollow. I grabbed a shirt and some shorts. No way I’d sleep in just underwear. Can’t risk Sunset catching a glimpse of my big muscles. I smirked at my own joke. Empty. Pointless.

The bathroom was small. Cramped. No one would bother me here.

“Oh, right.” I stared at the empty shelf. Shampoo. I forgot it. “Sunset won’t mind if I borrow hers, right?” Another joke. Another distraction. The words came easily, too easily.

I stripped and stepped into the shower. The water hit me. Warm, almost comforting. But distant. Like it wasn’t meant for me.

I stood still. Letting the water run over me. Watching it slip down my arms. It looked like tears.

Today was something, right? Another day. Another performance. Another lie.

I don’t have a mother. Not anymore.

I’ve been trying for so long. Trying to prove myself. To show her something

Anything

That would make her proud. The bar. My dream. My passion. I thought maybe if I showed her the right thing, she’d see me. She’d understand.

But no. Always defensive. Always dismissive. She listened like I was some puzzle she didn’t care enough to solve. Pieces she refused to put together.

Why? Was it because I’m like him? Like my father? Is that why she looked at me like that?

Her mistakes broke us. Not his. She couldn’t be fixed. But still… why does it feel like my chest is caving in? Why do I feel like I’m breaking right along with her?

I’m running out of patience.

Out of energy.

Out of excuses.

This is how it should end.

But am I… mourning her? Mourning what? The idea of her? The hope that she ever cared?

How could I lose control like that? I don’t act on emotions. Never have. And yet… there I was. Exploding. Screaming. Bleeding emotions I never wanted anyone to see.

And Sunset. What was that back in my room? Talking about myself? Opening up? Who the hell am I turning into?

The thoughts came faster. Crashing into each other. My breath hitched.

I slammed my fist into the wall.

Once.

Twice.

The dull ache crawled up my arm. Not enough.

The tears came.

No. No, no. I can’t. Sunset might hear. She can’t hear this.

Desperate, I bit down on my palm. Hard. The sharp sting shot through me. Blood. I tasted it.

But the tears didn’t stop.

The pain wasn’t enough.

I slid down the wall.

The cold tiles pressing against my back.

No. I can’t. I have to stop.

But I couldn’t.

The tears poured out. Hot. Relentless. My vision blurred. My chest tightened.

No air.

My hand trembled against my mouth. The bite marks deepened. Red streaks bloomed across my skin.

What’s wrong with me?

I tried to breathe. Couldn’t. My chest felt too tight. The room spun. The water roared in my ears.

I wasn’t supposed to feel like this.

Not me.

I was the one who always had a plan. The one who joked. The one who stayed in control.

But right now?

Right now, I was just a broken boy.

But that wasn’t right, was it?

I’m a mastermind.

I whispered it aloud, my voice rasping against the walls.

The master of my fate.

This was my path. This bar. This life. I chose it. No one else.

Only death could take it from me.

And yet…

Fuck her.

My nails scraped the tiled wall. The bite marks on my palm stung. I welcomed the pain.

She did this to me.

It felt like I was hitting every mark in a script I didn’t write.

Like I was an actor in her play.

That’s what she wanted.

To get into my head. Twist my thoughts. Make me doubt.

This isn’t me.

I shook my head, water flying from my hair. My vision blurred. I wasn’t sure if it was from the steam or the tears.

This isn’t me.

I clenched my jaw. Hard.

I’m like a software program. Efficient. Precise. Not some kid who can’t handle his emotions.

But the thoughts kept coming.

Is this when it ends?

My fingers curled into fists again.

How did I not see this coming?

My mind’s camera, once so clear, now felt foggy.

A clouded lens taking darker pictures than ever before.

I know now.

I laughed, hollow and bitter.

I was just a pawn. A piece she moved whenever she pleased. She’s won the game.

She got what she wanted.

Tears welled up again.

Unstoppable.

I’m doubting everything. My choices. My future. My dream.

Things I never doubted before. She was still there, haunting my mind.

No.

The word came out a snarl.

No.

I hit the wall again. Harder this time. Pain bloomed up my arm. Still not enough.

I won’t let her win.

My life will go on. Exactly how I planned. My bar—my bar—will break the system.

I will break the system.

I breathed hard. Shaky.

My reflection in the shower’s metal tap blurred. I barely recognized myself.

I’ve always stayed a step ahead.

But she was there. The whole way. Holding me back. Dragging me down.

Not anymore.

“This is where it ends.”

I whispered it like a vow.

My hands trembled. I looked down.

Blood mixed with water on my palm from the bite marks.

The sight grounded me.

I see it now.

She’s in the past.

She’ll never come back.

She’ll never have the chance to drag me down again.

I lifted my hand to my face, running my bloodied palm over my features.

A twisted grin pulled at my lips.

I got away.

She’s behind a closed door, and I’ve thrown away the key.

My life is my own now.

I let the water wash over me one last time.

The sting of the cuts on my hand reminded me of the truth.

No one will see this side of me again.

Not Sunset.

Not anyone.

That wasn’t me.

This—this—is me.

I laughed again, louder this time.

The sound bounced off the walls. Almost convincing.

I’m too intelligent for this.

I’m above it.

I have priorities.

A plan.

A life I built with my own two hands.

Why bother looking back when everything I need is ahead?

Tomorrow is another day.

Another me.

And this time?

There are no lies in that.

I have everything now.

I will stand proud.

I will make something of myself. My bar will become what I dreamed. I will matter.

I stared at my reflection in the tap again.

You’ll be proud of me, Dad.

You’ll see.

The water stopped. The room fell silent.

Slowly, I stepped out of the shower,

I reached for a towel and dried myself, feeling the rough fabric scrape against my arms. I wiped the fog from the mirror with a single swipe of my hand. The reflection that stared back at me wasn’t one I expected.

My eyes were bloodshot, rimmed with red from tears I hadn’t wanted to shed. My face was pink, raw from the heat of the water and…everything else.

Fuck.

The palm I had bitten was still bleeding faintly. My knuckles were red and split, evidence of the fists I had thrown against the cold, unfeeling tiles.

I really let myself go, huh?

For years I’d been holding everything in. Every doubt. Every frustration. Every hurt. Bottled up, hidden behind smiles and sarcasm.

But not anymore. I wasn’t going to let it weigh me down again.

A smile pulled at my lips—small but real.

No more regrets. Not ever again.

I wouldn’t regret my choices. I wouldn’t regret this life. I wouldn’t cry again over things I couldn’t change.

And then—

In the mirror, right there, I saw him.

My dad.

His hand resting gently on my shoulder. The same warm smile he always wore when he looked at me.

I spun around.

Nothing.

Just the empty bathroom. The same cracked tiles. The faint smell of Sunset’s shampoo lingering in the air.

...Okay. Losing my mind now. Fantastic.

Shaking my head, I slipped on my shorts and shirt. I gave the mirror one last look. The reflection looked back. Tired, but standing.

Weird.

I opened the bathroom door, ready to head to my room. But before I could take a step—

Sunset’s door creaked open.

She stepped out, her fiery hair slightly messy, eyes squinting in the dim hallway light.

“What was that banging on the wa—”

Her words cut off the moment her eyes landed on me.

I knew exactly what she saw.

A mess. A guy with blood still drying on his knuckles. Eyes red from crying. Someone who looked nothing like the confident, teasing James she’d gotten used to.

Her expression shifted instantly. From curiosity to fear.

“What… what did you do?” she asked.

I met her gaze. And I smiled. Wide. Carefree. Like nothing had happened.

“I let go.”

Her brows knitted together.

“I wasn’t fine before, Sunny,” I said, running a hand through my damp hair. “But now? Now I truly am. Something was dragging me down. But it’s gone. For good.”

She looked at me for a long moment, searching my face for something—anything.

Then—

Sniff. Sniff.

“…Did you take my shampoo?”

Seriously?

I crossed my arms and raised a brow. “That’s what concerns you? Not the fact that I look like I went ten rounds with a brick wall? Not why I was in there looking like a wreck?”

She shrugged, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. “Well, you’re standing, aren’t you? And besides… I knew whatever was bothering you wouldn’t stay for long.”

I stared at her. “Okay, you don’t make sense now.”

Sunset rolled her eyes and stepped closer.

“This was about your parents, wasn’t it?” she asked softly. “You were… different when you talked about them. If it’s a bad topic for you, why should I push it?”

Her words hit a little harder than I expected.

I hesitated.

“Because…” I started, scratching the back of my head, “...because we’re friends?”

Her eyes widened for a second, surprised by the word, before softening into a smile.

“Yeah. We are.”

I didn’t know why that felt… good to hear.

“So?” she continued, leaning against the doorframe with that signature smirk of hers. “You gonna tell me what really happened in there?”

I smirked right back.

“Nah. You lost your chance.”

“Hey!” She shot upright, pointing an accusing finger at me. “You never wanted to tell me!”

“Yeah,” I said, backing toward my room, “but you could’ve asked sooner.”

“Ugh, you’re the worst!”

“Goodnight, Sunset!”

I grinned, watching her face twist in frustration. She huffed, crossing her arms, but I could tell she wasn’t really mad.

With a final wave, I closed my bedroom door.

Leaning against it for a moment, I chuckled to myself.

Man, I love getting her riled up.

I flopped onto my bed, staring at the ceiling. The room felt quieter now. More peaceful.

Wonder if we’ll ever get close enough for me to tell her the truth.

Author's Note

Hey, again can't sleep so i write, checked this 6 times all from beggining, i hope you like it.... Its diffrent than other of my stories, maybe this feels like repeat from other one of my stories but, who hadn't had a talk with himself while having a shower? tommorow the first day of school starts.