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Coiny sat in his room as he listened to music through his headphones. Tomorrow was the last day of break, Coiny hated school. Most people don't usually suspect that though as he's an A-B student. What they don't realize is that he could care less about good grades, he just keeps his grades good to rub it into some kid's face. And that kid is best friends with the student council president so it's even more embarrassing that compared to his perfect friend he's nothing. Coiny reached into his desk drawer, pulled out his sketchbook, and grabbed a pencil. He began to sketch mindlessly, not thinking about what he was drawing. Coiny didn't actually know the boy's name, and that was probably because he didn't care who he was. After all, he was just another person in this world filled with billions of people. Coiny didn't have any friends either, so he'd doubt if anyone even knew his own name. He always sat in the very back of each of his classes, so the teachers never called on him either. Less attention drawn to him, that's the way he liked it. He did like the attention he got when the orange-haired boy got annoyed. He always tried putting on this tough guy act when Coiny teased him that was so pathetic it was funny. The boy had actually been working to get his grades up more probably due to Coiny's teasing. How did Coiny know he was doing this? Well because sometimes when Coiny was in the library he'd see the boy staring at an English book like it was written by an Alien, which to him, it probably was. Coiny began to ponder what he would do tomorrow. Should he go to the library? Nah, he's been going there all week. He probably has more books to read than any sane person needs.

Coiny began to add details to his drawing. Maybe he could look up a bunch of fun facts to tease the boy with? Start plotting how to make him mad next? Coiny sighed, he took off his headphones and unplugged them from his phone. He looked down at his sketchbook. All this thinking about the boy must have gotten to his head because that's what he drew. He reached
to rip it out, but he paused. It's a nice drawing.. maybe he should just leave it, even if he didn't like the person in the drawing, it's not worth wasting his skills. He closed the sketchbook and returned it along with the pencil in its home inside of his desk. He glanced at the clock, 10:30 pm. He groaned before dragging himself to his bed. He didn't feel like changing, besides no one would care anyways. He'd decide what he wants to do tomorrow. He closed his eyes and waited for sleep to take him. His alarm began screaming. Coiny quickly shot up, wide awake already. He turned to his clock '9:30'. He stood up quickly and turned off his alarm. He didn't even remember falling asleep. He turned on his light and began to start stretching. He took a shower and started getting ready for life, or hell as he called it. Coiny quickly brushed his hair rushing to get every little knot out. He put his goggles on and pushed them up so they sat on his head. He thought they made him look cool. (they did) He grabbed his phone, wallet, headphones, and his sketchbook, and pencil. He ran downstairs and out the front door.

He probably should have stopped to say bye to his mom, but it was too late now. He was already at the bus stop, he didn't like public transportation that much. Especially because of the transportation around where he has had this thing. They'd make you pay extra to sit with friends. Luckily for Coiny, he didn't have any friends to need to be next to. So, it was still a win for him. Though he mostly got to sit with strangers, sometimes if he was lucky, he'd be by himself the entire time. (he wasn't usually lucky) The bus arrived, and he stepped on. He paid the driver and he told him where to sit. He sighed, the bus was pretty full today so he assumed he'd be sitting next to someone, and he was right. He sat down and didn't pay attention to who he was sitting next to. "Hey, Coiny right?" He turned to the person next to him. "Yeah." The person there was Leafy, student council president. She had like, almost all of the boys at school all over her, as well as a quarter of the girls. Coiny would admit, he didn't mind her at first. But then she made all the snacks in the school vending machine sugar-free. He did like some of the sugar-free ones, but he definitely missed the sugar. "I'm Leafy! It's great to finally chat with you!" She held her hand out to Coiny. He shook her hand hesitantly "Yeah, I guess so." "Where are you heading?" She asked, her eyes filled with curiosity. "The coffee shop, the one on huckleberry street." She smiled big. "No way! Me too!" Coiny dreaded the thought of being in the same place as this girl for a long time. "How about you join me?" Coiny mumbled something to himself before replying with "Sure."

He knew that if he said no she'd tell someone and then people would start coming up to him and going "oH cOiNy, HoW cOuLd YoU hAvE sAiD nO tO lEaFy?!" Leafy began to rant to him about a million different things, he could barely keep up with what she was saying. After a while of her chatter, he put on his headphones, turned on his music, and tuned her out. Leafy didn't seem to even notice, really showed how much attention she was giving him. After like 3 songs they made it. He put away his headphones and walked off, Leafy trailing behind him. Once they got in front of the building Leafy held the door open for him. He said a quick thanks and stepped in. He watched as Leafy scanned the room seemingly looking at all the seats. She grabbed Coiny's wrist and began dragging him towards one of the tables. She let him go. "Hey, guys!" Leafy said with a smile. (She always did.) Coiny suddenly became more aware of the situation. Was she coming here with friends? He noticed them talking, but neither of them noticed him yet. He looked at the one on the right side of the table. A girl, she has 3 eyes, silver hair, and a pretty tomboyish style. He turned to the other person. "Shit." He whispered to himself. It was the boy. Leafy's best friend. He'd definitely tell Leafy about the teasing. Just what he needed. He did not want to be scolded by Leafy for an hour, especially when he didn't even have breakfast yet. Coiny averted his eyes, already tired of looking at him. "Oh! Guys, this is Coiny!" Leafy gestured to him. The orange-haired boy looked shocked, well the silver-haired girl said hi. Coiny waved awkwardly. Leafy sat next to the Silver-haired girl and told Coiny to sit across. Which meant he was sitting next to the orange-haired boy. 'Fan fucking tastic' Coiny thought.

Leafy introduced the girl as Needle and the boy as Firey. Firey glared at Coiny. Coiny did the same. Coiny began to ponder why life hated him, he was interrupted, however, when Leafy asked what he wanted, he responded with a chocolate donut and a coffee. Leafy skipped off towards the counter. Firey cleared his throat to try and get Coiny's attention. "What? Is your throat as bad as your grades?" Firey made an insulted face. "My grades aren't that bad!" Coiny smirked "Really? I heard that you were failing every class." Needle pulled out her phone and began ignoring Firey and Coiny. Firey scoffed. "You're probably cheating." Coiny looked at Firey, "I am not!" Just then Leafy came back. However, Firey and Coiny were too busy arguing like children to notice. Leafy tapped both of them. "What in the Yolyeberry are you on about?" "HE'S MAKING FUN OF MY GRADES!" "ONLY BECAUSE HE SUCKS!" "I DO NOT!" Leafy facepalmed "Both of you take a deep breath." Coiny groaned but did as Leafy said. "Coiny?" "What?" "If you're making fun of Firey, you must have good grades, right?" Coiny thought about running out right then and there, but for some reason he didn't. "Yeah? So what? You gonna accuse me of cheating too?" Leafy ignored the comment and turned to Firey. "I think we just solved your bad grades problem!" Oh fuck no. "I'm not letting him cheat off me." "What?- No that's not what I meant. You should tutor him!" "Haha, no." "Yeah, no way I'm learning from him!" "Oh c'mon!!" "No and that's final." "Finee." Leafy sighed and went to collect her order. She came back with four coffees, two bagels and a donut. She handed everyone their food. The scent of coffee filled Coinys nose. It made him feel content. "I'm leaving." Coiny said "Do you want me to pay you back?" Leafy shook her head. 'Didnt think so.' Coiny just nodded and left. Needle gave him a strange look well Firey crossed his arms and glared at him. Leafy quickly lightly shoved Firey after noticing the glaring.

Coiny sighed as he felt the wind on his neck. It wasn't cold though, just breezy. Coiny didn't feel like going home yet. He didn't want to deal with that. He began walking to the nearest park. This park was designed for children, but Coiny didn't really care. A park was a park. He sat on one of the swings and closed his eyes. He felt the warmth of the sun on his back. "Hey..." Coiny snapped back into reality at the sound of the voice. "Huh?" He responded automatically. Coiny turned his head to see Firey messing with his fingers. "What the hell are you doing here?" He sighed and averted his eyes. "Leafy wanted me to apologize." He paused, "So here I am?" Coiny rolled his eyes. "You could've just not gone." He returned eye contact with Coiny. "I know but Leafy would have let me hear the end of it." Ain't that the truth, Coiny thought. Firey rubbed the back of his neck. Coiny groaned. "Tell you what, you leave me alone and I'll pretend you apologized to me." Firey let out a sigh of relief. "I was hoping you'd say that." "Cya la- wait no. Cya never!" Firey smiled big and ran off. 'He's such an idiot.'

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Coiny stayed at the park for as long as he could. He couldn’t stay too long though as buses around here only come so late. And Coiny was sure he did not feel like walking home. Especially when he had school tomorrow. Despite Coiny’s death wish, he was not willing to go that far for it. Not yet at least. So he got on the bus, sat with a stranger who thankfully didn’t recognize him this time, and finally went home. As he opened the door he was immediately greeted with the sound of arguing. He sighed and made his way to the kitchen. He mumbled things to himself as he walked towards the freezer. He got a corndog from the freezer. Put it on a plate and put it in the microwave for about a minute. Coiny hated this house. No matter what those people didn’t shut up. He ate his food, put his stuff away, and went to bed. He put his Pillow over his face in order to block the noise. His alarm went off, He showered, dried his hair, brushed it out, grabbed his things, and just barely caught the bus. He noticed someone new on the bus this time, a girl with longish straight bright red hair and a headband with some sort of spike on it. Coiny wanted to say something but decided against it, he hated people. Why would he want to talk to someone now? The bus made it to the school and Coiny got off, an annoyed look on his face. Why did break have to end? If he thought hard enough, could he go back in time? What no- he was thinking like an idiot, maybe break fried his brain. Though, after all that reading, he did that’d be surprising, unless it was the reading that fried his brain. He started walking through the hallways, not really paying attention to his surroundings.

How many new people would there even be this year, besides freshmen, of course, that red-haired girl didn’t seem like a freshman- Coiny fell, shit he ran into someone. He looked across from him to see a guy with black hair and strange-looking eyes, the ends of his hoodie fading into purple from the black it started as. Coiny stood up, sighing and offering his hand to the guy. The guy accepted it. “Thank you… do you know where the art room is..?” That was strange, what kind of person moves on that quickly. “Yeah, I'll show ya, follow me.” Coiny walked towards the room. This kid must have been new. Maybe from out of town? Coiny normally wouldn’t help people like this but he kind of felt bad for running into him. He listened to the people talking in the hallway intently. ”Did you hear some new kid is already trying to start a club?” “I know! Who does she think she is?” “I bet she’s a bitch!” The girls talking all snickered. Coiny walked past them. Already starting a club? That's an interesting one, school hasn’t even been back for a day yet. “What’s your name by the way?” “Black Hole..” Coiny hummed as he stopped in front of the art room and pointed inside. “Here we are.” Coiny walked Black Hole inside. “Hey Mx. X, can I have a pass I was helping this new kid get here.” X smiled and nodded. “No wonder you're a top student! You're so well… on top of things?” X giggled. “Uh-huh.” Coiny leaned against the whiteboard noticing all the different people looking at each other and chatting. Except for one kid. The girl from the bus was staring directly at him. Her eyes softened as they made eye contact. “Done!! Here you go Coiny!!” “Thank you.” X waved Coiny goodbye, and he sighed as he left. Who even was that girl?

He slowly walked to the Algebra 2 classroom, already knowing he had advisory with Four. He knocked on the closed door of the classroom. Four opened the door slowly and peeked his head out. “Pass..?” He squinted his eyes as if inspecting Coiny. “I have it.” He hands it to Four who looks it over and then nods opening the door. He sat in his usual seat and listened to Four explain how they’d be doing stuff today. He silently prayed he’d have no classes with Leafy. Her annoying voice is enough to kill somebody. According to Four, however, the morning would be spent getting to know new people. Great. Because we all know how much Coiny loves people. Coiny felt bad though, whoever that new kid is, is bound to be smothered by Leafy the whole time. Then again, there are multiple new kids, maybe she’ll be too distracted? “You all will be dismissed in around 3 minutes, got that?” Most of them nodded. Coiny started to put his stuff away. Why did he have a huge feeling that someone was going to approach him? He did not want to do this. Maybe he could sneak away? No. He’d get caught for sure. “Alright, you may leave.” Four said, seemingly messing with Papers on their desk. Coiny walked to the Cafe, and it seemed like all the other classes were already there. Having Four for advisory was not fun. How is Coiny supposed to avoid people now? He groaned walking up to the corner furthest away from the other students and leaning on the wall. He closed his eyes, letting himself space out. “Excuse me?” Coiny opened his eyes. New kid. Of course it was. He crossed his arms. “Do you need something?” It was that girl that he had seen in Black Hole’s advisory. What did she want? Hopefully not to ask him out, because one, it’s the first day. And two, Coiny and dating don’t go together. Or in other words, gross. “I’m” Pin, what’s your name?” Coiny averted his eyes, was he really going to talk to her? I mean he’s spoken to Leafy so Pin can’t be that bad..

“Coiny.” “I heard Mx. X call you a top student earlier, is that right?” Coiny nodded slowly, he didn’t really like where this was going. “I’m trying to start a club for smart kids and I was wondering if you’d be interested?” Coiny’s eyes widened slightly. Oh. He wasn’t expecting that. “Have you gotten anyone else for this?” “No.” She looked down shamefully. It was probably due to those rumors from earlier. People were probably trying to stay clear of her. Coiny groaned. “Fine.” Pin’s eyes lit up, though her facial expression stayed the same. She pulled out a paper and a pencil and started writing something down. She handed it to Coiny. “Here, so we can discuss more details since this would technically make you vice-president.” It was her phone number. He pulled out his phone and put the number in. Pin sat at the table next to them, gesturing for Coiny to sit down. He sat down and laid his head on the table, making sure he was still looking up. Pin pulled out her phone and seemingly started to text someone. “Yo, Coiny.” Coiny averted his eyes, recognizing that voice, Needle was hard to recognize yesterday. Coiny didn’t think anyone could change that much over one summer. She sure proved him wrong. Honestly, until today he was sure that it had to be a different Needle. “Hey, Needle.” Pin looked up. Needle sat on the other side of Coiny. “Who’s she?” Coiny looked at Pin, gesturing for her to say something herself. “I'm Pin, I'm new here.” Needle made a face of realization. “Oh, I heard of you! You're the kid tryna start her own club right?” Who hasn’t heard of her? “Yes..?” “I’m in.” “You are?” Coiny said, starting to pay more attention. “Sure, student council is a boring after-school thing and I've been needing something new.” Coiny and Needle weren't really friends, but Coiny could tolerate her better than other kids. Every time they worked with partners he normally worked with her as they had most classes together last year.

“Could I have your number?” Pin nodded, seemingly relieved that someone besides Coiny was willing to join. Pin put her number into Needle's phone. “There. I made a group chat with you, me, and Coiny.” Coiny looked at her. “How did you know that I-” “I'm just that good.” Coiny rolled his eyes. “We need at least 4 members to start a club right?” Coiny nodded. “I know where we could get one more. I can stop by his place tonight.” “That works, thank you.” “Coiny you better not ruin this club with your moody-ness.” “Hey!” Coiny crossed his arms. “I’ll be fine as long as Firey’s not here!” “Firey?” “He’s a kid Coiny hates for no reason.” “There is a reason.” “Sure there is. Well, we have tomorrow off due to the heat.” “Already? But it was freezing yesterday-” “You know how it is around here.” “I guess that’s fair.” “We could have a sleepover at my house if you wanna start figuring out stuff, Pin?” “That’d be great. Thank you.” Needle began to talk about how she was pretty sure Leafy and Firey were dating and that it was “so obvious.” Needle eventually asked Pin about hobbies which brought up her being some sort of baker. “That’d be fun. Coiny here loves sugar.” Coiny rolled his eyes. “Nu-uh.” “Is he always like this?” “From what I've seen, yeah, kinda.” Coiny raised an eyebrow. “He can be fun sometimes.” Coiny scoffed. “Sometimes?” “Sometimes.” Needle repeated playfully. Pin giggled. Coiny laughed slightly himself. “Oh my god, you laughed! It’s a damn miracle!” “Shut the fuck up Needle!” She started laughing hysterically at his reaction and Pin just kept giggling. “I’m going to sleep now.” He said with an annoyed face laying his head back on the table and closing his eyes.

“Dramatic much.” Needle rolled her eyes. Coiny was always tired, he wasn’t really aware of why. Needle always told him he probably just wasn’t comfortable sleeping in his bed. She said it could be his house or just his mattress, Coiny wasn't sure though. There was nothing wrong with his house, besides the fact that his parents constantly yelled at each other. Could that be it? Coiny always had a complicated relationship with his parents, especially his dad. He never really got to see his dad and when he did he was normally arguing with his mother. He remembers one day his dad tried throwing out his goggles and he flipped. Those goggles were a gift from someone important to Coiny. He got them from a neighbor on his street who was pretty much a grandfather to him. He passed away a while ago, but Coiny sometimes still visits to see Jam, his wife. Coiny’s mother wasn’t perfect either though, she tried to interact with Coiny as much as possible but recently she’d gotten a cold and has been taking time off from work. She normally worked a lot so she could buy Coiny stuff, which included food, clothes, etc. His dad paid for the house, and she did food that was always what they’d done. Well until this cold, Coiny’s pretty sure it's the reason they’ve been arguing so much. Coiny’s birthday was in a bit, October 9th. He’s turning 16, and he was considering getting a job to prevent their yelling. Coiny had been trying his best to check on his mother when she wasn’t asleep or busy. He’d be cleaning up the house well she couldn’t so his dad wouldn’t get mad at her. Now his dad wasn’t a bad person, he just wasn’t really good at understanding other's emotions and situations.

Coiny never held this against him, as much as he wanted to. He just couldn’t, he was still his dad after all. Coiny could barely hear the chatter of Needle and Pin as it was being muffled by his thoughts. Coiny thought about what Needle said earlier, Leafy and Firey dating? Yeah right. He was pretty sure the L in Leafy stands for lesbian sooo, he doesn’t really see that happening. Besides, he thought Leafy liked Needle- if she did it’d be very ironic. Coiny thought about Pin. He wasn’t really sure if she was tolerable yet, nor was he really sure about sleeping over at Needle’s house. He wondered who else Needle was planning to invite. Coiny sighed quietly, finally managing to sleep. Coiny groaned slightly, rubbing his head and opening his eyes, the lights of the cafe messing with him slightly. “Oh, look who’s awake.” “Shut up.” Coiny noticed that he was leaning on Pin slightly, so he moved. That probably happened well he was asleep. That’s awkward, hopefully, she didn’t care too much. “How long until we actually get lunch?” Coiny asked, rubbing his eyes. “Like 7 minutes, you woke up just in time.” He yawned. “Good.” Coiny notices someone else at the table, a boy with tannish brown hair and green eyes. God did everyone at this school, but Coiny have green eyes? Needles were green, Pin’s were Green and so were this kid’s, all different shades but still. “Who’s he?” “This is Donut, he’s the kid I'm forcing to join the club. “Oh.” At Least Coiny wouldn’t be the only guy at the sleepover? No offense to the girls, of course, most of the time Coiny just can’t seem to click with them. But then again, he’s not really good at clicking with the guys either.

“Oh they're letting us get lunch now, we should hurry up before we’re last in line.” “Yeah, you're right.” They all stood up, Coiny sighed. This was going to be a long week.

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Coiny sighed as he stood outside Needle's house. He was wearing his extra bag that should have anything he needs for this occasion. He wanted to go home already. He rang the doorbell and waited. Needle opened it and invited him in. He’s been here before so he just went and sat on the couch. “Where’s Pin?” “How did you know she was here?-” “Intuition.” “She’s in the kitchen.” He nodded. “Gotcha.” Coiny wasn’t super excited for this. He’d never even been to a sleepover before. He was worried. Most things were very predictable for him but with sleepovers his mind drew a blank. It freaked him out. Pin came into the living room not long after and put a tray of cupcakes on the coffee table. “Oh! When did he get here?” “He loves to be on time.” Needle scoffed. “I was late ONE TIME.” He yelled. Needle rolled her eyes. Pin glanced at the two. “Well thank you for coming.” Pin smiled. “Don’t mention it.” Coiny put his bag down by the couch “He means that literally.” “Needle shut the fuck up.” She laughed, turned on her phone and seemingly texted someone. “Okay. So, Donuts' car won't start, I'm gonna go pick him up. So bond well, I'm out.” Coiny stuck his tongue out at her as she walked towards the door. “Over my dead body.” Was all he seemed to mumble. Pin didn’t quite hear him so she smiled at him regardless. Needle rolled her eyes, spinning her keys around her finger and heading out the door.

Coiny turned to Pin and the two stared awkwardly at each other. Pin opened her month to speak but nothing seemed to come out. Coiny wasn’t really sure what to say. Pin was beautiful, that he knew, the kind of girl he’d make fun of just so he’d be left alone. But Pin? Something was unique about her. Pins presence was bold yet gentle, despite what people think of her Coiny thought it was really obvious that she was a leader. She decided on her first day to a new school that she would make a club. If that wasn’t dedication, Coiny really couldn’t tell you what it was. ”Do you like sugar at all?” He blinked. “What?” “I have cookies and cupcakes in the kitchen if you’d like to try.” Coiny just let out a soft “Oh” before nodding. As far as he could read, Pin didn’t seem to mind him, she led him to the kitchen with ease. Coiny however, knew Needle's house easily but let her have it. She put a cookie and a cupcake on a paper plate and then handed it to Coiny. Coiny wasn’t really used to sugar, not to say he didn’t like them but his parents never really had the money for treats. They got by though. He finally took note of Pin staring expectantly and bit into the cookie. “Holy shit?” Pin was taken aback by his reaction now seemingly wondering if her baking was disgusting. “This is the best cookie I’ve ever tasted!” Pin let out a sigh of relief, now the only thing confusing her was how open Coiny was being as he finished the Cookie and finished the cupcake twice as fast. “Where did you learn to bake like this? It's incredible?!” Pin was even more surprised by the openness of Coiny compared to his harsh tone of insults; this was a nice change of pace. “I taught myself.” she smiled a bit. “Shit! You’re kidding?” She shook her laughing. “I’d take it, you'd like some more?” He nodded and she laughed slightly, giving him a couple more of both.

Coiny was practically beaming now. Pin smiled. “So for my club…” Coiny hummed in acknowledgement as he ate. “I’m thinking we gather students with all sorts of different smarts, for example Needle’s very book smart and from what I’ve heard your very book smart.” Coiny rolled eyes which caused Pin to laugh again. Coiny froze, Pin continued to babble on but Coiny had to pause. When was the last time he was this comfortable with someone new? He’d known Needle and donut since middle school (although he hardly remembered Needle at first) but Pin? He hardly knew her and yet he felt like they both had an understanding of each other, a friendship, when was the last time he ever wanted a friend? He hated making friends, he hated other people! Or atleast, he usually did. But Pin was so respectful, not too pushy, not annoying like Firey. Just uniquely herself, and for once Coiny didn’t think that was a bad thing. He liked Pin, he liked her leadership, her gothic aesthetic, her green eyes the way they were still paleish yet held a lot of pigment, the way her long red hair ran a little over her waist despite her being 6 footish, and her pointy headband that’d probably look stupid on anyone else or by itself. Coiny hadn’t thought so positively in a long time. Was it sugar? Was it getting to his head? Do people get kinder after having sugar? Surely not that sounds stupid. But stupid or not it was the only excuse he could find. Or reason as Coiny wanted to believe. “So what do you think?”

He zoned out again. “Oh uh- sure.” She smiled. “Awesome! I’ll have to make more Cookies for you another day, you’ve definitely had too much.” Coiny wanted to protest for his dignity but- “That sounds nice.” Pin picked up the tray of cupcakes. “Would you be willing to take the cookie tray to the coffee table?” He nodded, picking up the other tray and then walking with her to the living room. As the two set the trays down they could hear the door open as Donut went on about how calculus is a product activity to outside of class even when your a head as Needle went on about how maybe he should focus more on psychical activity instead of going over the same calculus problems a million times. “Are you calling me unfit?!” Needle rolled her eyes. “I'm saying you have no muscle. I could own you in a fight.” “Look at your body type!” Needle snickered knowing he’d run out of insults. “Look at yours!” Coiny shook his head disapprovingly. “Ladies ladies you’re both beautiful.” Needle blanked at him a little well Donut looked offended. “I'm not a lady- and that joke has underlying misogyny!” That made Needle laugh. “You’re not even a girl.” Donut crossed his arms. “Since when can men not be feminists?! Geez!” Needle looked like you’d just told her the grass was orange. “You cannot be serious? I don’t need you representing my kind?” Donut stared flabbergasted. “Representing your kind?!” He blinked. “What does that even mean?!!”

Needle was laughing so hard she was practically on the floor and Pin wasn’t quite sure how to react. Coiny finally properly interrupted. “Guys we’re here about club stuff? Sit your asses down and let Pin speak. Needle and Donut both sat on the couch but Coiny stayed standing next to Pin almost as if he was body guarding her. She gave him a smile of appreciation, a smile that made Coiny feel funny, almost a little endeared. “Thank you, now, we need to come up with a club na-” “How about,” Donut adjusts his bowtie glaring to Needle. “Needle sucks.” “Well I'm not sur-” Need rolls her eyes again. “How about Donut is a boykisser.” “A what?” Pin spoke. “GUYS. Serious suggestions come on! Like uhh.. W.O.A.H. Bunch.” “W.O.A.H. Bunch?” Donut panned. “We’ll own at highschool..?” Needle started. “That's ridiculo-” This time, Pin interrupted. “I love it!” Coiny was surprised at that, he hadn’t made many things people loved but he smiled regardless. It made Coiny feel needed in a way he hasn’t felt in awhile. For the next few hours the group would talk about a bunch of stuff like a club logo and more. “Alright! I think that concludes our first unofficial meeting! Everyone ready for bed?” Donut who was already half asleep mumbled a “yesss..” Needle shook her head and carried him upstairs. Coiny grabbed his bag and gestured for Pin to follow, she did.

Needle dropped Donut off in the guest room. “Coiny you sleep in there with Donut, me and Pin are gonna be in mine. “I figured, no worries.” Pin took her bag into Needle's room and as Coiny was going to go into the guest room Needle grabbed his arm. “Can we talk for a second?” “Uh yeah?” She dragged him into the bathroom and locked the door. “What’s wrong with you?” “Wha-” “Why are you acting so overly happy? I haven’t ever seen you this invested in anything- not even in middle school! Are you sick? Dying?!!” Coiny slapped Needle's arm. “I'm fine! What the heck are you even on about?!” “You just said heck instead of fuck- you love swearing!” Coiny groaned. “So I'm in a good mood ONE time-” “You’re never in a good mood!” Coiny stared at Needle analyzing her features as she ranted, she seemed genuinely concerned it almost made Coiny feel bad. Wait, feel bad?! Maybe she's right- maybe there was something wrong with him! “Wait. Is it Pin?” “What?” “Do you think you have a chance with the hot new girl if you switch up now?” “Needle, that's ridiculous! I’ve never liked anyone let alone someone like her- she's too- too- nice!” “That’s seriously the only excuse you can find?!” Coiny unlocked the door “Its not an excuse and I'm done talking about this! Goodnight!” Coiny stormed off. He opened the guest room door and locked it behind him. Unpacking his blanket and laying on the floor he sighed.

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Coiny couldn’t sleep; he wasn’t sure how long he’d been lying down, but it was at least an hour or two. He quietly got up, it’s not as if he wasn’t tired, more like his brain was refusing to entertain even the smallest bit of sleep. He sighed,, stretching ever slightly,, opening the door, and going downstairs to the kitchen. He had no reason to be there, but he couldn’t lie on the floor any longer; he needed to stretch his legs at least. He leaned against the counter, feeling the coolness seep through his shirt against his back. He shivered slightly. He’d stood there for at least 10 minutes. He turned to leave and ran into something. He took a step back to let his eyes adjust to the darkness so he could see what it was. “Pin?” He could faintly make out her red hair and her pajama pants,, the black tank top she wore instead of her goth getup or whatever it was. “Sorry- I didn’t see you,, I didn’t think anyone else would be down here this early.” Coiny felt a little embarrassed; it wasn’t his house he probably shouldn’t have. “Early?” She walked around him, opening the cabinet and grabbing a mug, and then filling it with water. “It’s around 2am.” “Oh. I couldn’t sleep.” He mumbled. Her gaze seemed to soften if only a little. “Me too, if I’m being honest.” She sighed, sipping her water and leaning against the counter just as Coiny had been moments before.

​

“Needle talks about you a lot,, and we’ve just met, so that says something.” “We’ve known each other for a long time.” He watched as Pin traced the top of the glass as if she’d find a response by touching it. “I’ve heard. It’s starting to sound like she likes you, but don’t quote me on that.” Coiny shook his head. “Needle’s always been independent, plus relationships are a bit much; they cause trouble.” Coiny’s answer piqued Pin’s interest. He sounded defensive, as if this was something obvious to him, like someone had repeated it a million times till he accepted it as law. It was intriguing. She’d learned from other students that Coiny, was one of, if not the smartest, student in the school. He seemed perfect, but she also learned he was mean, occasionally putting down peers. Maybe she would’ve been more concerned for this if Coiny didn’t seem so timid. She couldn’t read him. “I see. Well, nothing wrong with waiting,” she answered vaguely but honestly. He nodded. Feeling sorta awkward at the time it’d taken her to answer. “I’m going to go try to sleep now, goodnight, Pin.” She gave a light smile. “Goodnight, Coiny. He started to walk back upstairs, his thoughts racing; he felt like she was looking at him. Not his persona, but as if she’d actually looked at who he was underneath for a moment, he didn’t like that. He opened the door, inhaling before closing it behind him. He needed to be more guarded around her; he was too tired, too vulnerable. He lay down and closed his eyes. What would he do?

​

Donut and Coiny sat on the ground. The two had both woken up extremely early and were trying to occupy themselves with card games. Donut said some chick he hardly knew convinced him that he needed to buy playing cards. He says he doesn’t know why he believed her or why he bought them, but he has them now. Donut shifted slightly; he seemed sorta preoccupied. Sure, he was physically in the room with Coiny, but he was somewhere else too. Coiny took notice of this rather fast, which was unusual of him; maybe it was just because this wasn’t a very Donut thing to do. Donut was always very professional and well-rounded, so seeing him distracted was confusing. “Do you think we’re doing the right thing entertaining her club idea?” Oh. “I don’t know,” Coiny answered honestly, the girl had confidence, but he wasn’t sure if, beyond baking, she was really even intelligent. “I mean, I’ve been doing debate since freshman year, I’m a little worried about those interfering, y’know?” Donut sighed,, putting his cards down and lying back, keeping his knees firm in place from when he was sitting. “That’s not all, there’s clearly something bothering you.” He glanced to the side. “It’s that girl who made me buy these stupid cards. She can’t even remember my name.” Coiny raised an eyebrow. Donut abruptly sat up. “She called me PASTRY.” Coiny started laughing. “That’s NOT funny. That’s one of the better things I’ve been called. It’s like she puts all her thoughts into Google Translate before saying them.” Coiny made eye contact with Donut. “Like what?”

​

“She called me cream cheese. MY NAME IS DONUT. IT’S NOT EVEN BAGEL. “ Coiny snorted, laughing harder. “She’s technically called me a bagel before, but she also said ‘Bagel Brain’ so I think that time was a purposeful insult.” Coiny rolled his eyes. “You think so?” Donut nodded instantly. “I do!!! Who knows, maybe she’s doing them all on purpose.” Coiny put his cards down, he’d never seen Donut like this, it was funny but different. It's as if Donut went from a well-respected member of society to a guy who broke down doors demanding their GPA. Okay, maybe that metaphor didn’t make a lot of sense. Coiny would think about that. “If she irritates you that much, stop hanging out with her..?” Donut huffed. “That’s part of the PROBLEM. I’m not hanging out with her!! She follows Gelatin around- or they follow each other.. either way! Not only that, she JOINED the debate team recently! It’s like I can’t escape her. She’s like following me all the way to here from Scissor City.” Donut deadpanned. “What..? Can you say stuff like that?” He shrugged, “I have no idea! But if that girl is straight, I might as well be Batman.” Donut crossed his arms. “Maybe we think about something else then?” Donut stared. “Like what? We’re both A students with basically no social life.” “I have a social life!” Donut shook his head. “In another life, maybe.” Donut gathered his cards, returning them to their box, and lying on his back.

​

“What do you think the girls are doing?” Coiny shifted his head. “Probably painting their nails or something.” “Them?” They both started laughing. “Yeah, you’re right..” Donut put on his reading glasses and opened his phone. “Ugh.” He looked up. “Coiny, would you be willing to go somewhere with me later today?” Coiny tilted his head. “Like what?” “I have debate practice later,, could use someone to fall back on.. Lollipop will be there.” He chuckled. “Sure.” Coiny didn’t like events or people or the debate team, but he liked drama, and if breaking a few things he didn’t like meant seeing some funny shit, he’d attend. Needle opened the door suddenly, hair frizzy, still in her pajamas. “You two losers, downstairs now.” She left as fast as she came, leaving the two there. Donut and Coiny had both slept in their actual clothes, not finding a use for pajamas if everything they wore was soft-textured anyway. If Donut and Coiny had one thing in common, it was that they were both sensory problematic, finding certain textures uncomfortable and disgusting. Coiny and Donut had a lot of history, even if they barely recalled it, after being reintroduced to each other. Coiny recognized that they had gone to middle school together. They weren’t really friends at the time. Not like him and Needle, but they’d also gone to elementary together, so it was sort of embarrassing on Coiny's half to not recognize him.

​

He guessed he didn’t pay that much attention to too many other people. Did that make him weird? He found himself enjoying what was happening for the first time in a while. Finding himself to be surrounded by friends, a word that still under most circumstances, leaves distaste in his mouth. Needle was right, he was changing. But he certainly didn’t think it was Pin making him change. Pin and he hardly knew each other; the only thing he knew about Pin so far was that she had more balls than most girls he knew (which arguably wasn’t many) and that she could bake. He really found himself starting to enjoy Donut’s presence; however, he liked to rant a lot. Coiny learned. Mostly silly stuff,, it was fun to watch. Donut was more than a bunch of freak-outs, though; he was passionate. He loved writing, consistently keeping notebooks on him. He, under normal circumstances, would have been the perfect bully target. Why wasn’t he? Because he was mean. Donut like him was flat, upfront, and considered rude. It was almost comforting to have someone like himself around. He hadn’t realized it- but Donut with a notebook tucked on his arm had started dragging him downstairs. Pin was there with Needle, although the two abruptly stopped chatting when they came downstairs. Figures. The boys sat down on the couch next to Needle.

​

“Okay so I understand we haven’t gotten much productive done so far… but I have a plan that will change everything!” Donut raised an eyebrow. “And what’s that?” Pin smiled. “We need to show the other clubs and the school that we are serious and not to be messed with!” Coiny looked a little confused. “Haven’t you been trying to do that this whole time?” Pin looked to the side. “Well… yes. But we need to do more showing than speaking.” She turned to Donut. “You’re on the debate team, aren’t you?” “Here it goes.” “I need a favor.. I made flyers, I want you to give them out advertising W.O.A.H bunch as an exclusive club, with incredibly intelligent club mates!” Donut looked appalled. “Are you being serious right now?” Pin looked a little nervous at his response. “Would anyone actually take that seriously?” “I can help.” Coinys mouth moved automatically,, before he could really think about it. “Donut invited me to go with him to their practice today, I could strike up a conversation.” Needle gave him a look. “Are you sure about that? You’re not exactly a social butterfly.” Coiny huffed. “I can be social!” “Prove it!” “I will!” Coiny yelled back. Donut rolled his eyes. “Okay then.. Donut and Coiny will give out flyers to advertise our practice to show others that this isn’t a silly dream.”

​

“Needle and I will send a very detailed email to the principal about potentially letting our club do an open house type thing.” “Isn’t that a little forward?” “Any better ideas, bagel?” Donut turned to Needle, furrowing his eyebrows. “Excuse me?” She crossed her arms and smirked, "I've heard your conversations with Lollipop.” Donut glared, then leaned back face relaxing. “Okay, Needy.” Needle reached across the couch over Coiny and slapped Donut. “Don’t call me Needy!” She huffed, voice squeaky as ever. Donut sighed. “No one’s gonna join this club, Pin. Have you seen us? We’re a mess.” Pin paused, as if thoroughly calculating what she was going to say next. “Even if no one does, we’ll still be here, won’t we?” Donut processed her words for a second before nodding. “I suppose we will.” She gave a soft smile. “Maybe that’s what matters.” Donut paused before responding. “Well if anyone does join we’d probably be superior to them anyway.” He huffed, crossing his arms. “Donut, I swear one day someone's gonna cancel you.” He laughed and then smirked at Coiny's words. “They can sure as hell try!” Needle hit Donut again. “What was that for?!” “Please.” she announced. “GET A DIAGNOSIS.” He stared at her. “I don’t need a diagnosis!” She rolled her eyes. “I know you have something, I just can’t prove it yet.” “What..? WHAT?!” Coiny started laughing, and he could’ve sworn he heard Pin quietly chuckle.

​

“Sorry to disrupt- whatever the following conversation is, but when are you two leaving?” Donut looked down on the watch on his arm. Somehow, Coiny had never noticed it till now. Seemed a little plot convenient. “About a half hour.” Pin nodded. “Who’s driving you?” Donut looked to the side, slightly flushed at the question. “I asked Barf Bag.” Pin nodded before speaking again. “You two should start getting ready to go, and then we can all hang out until you guys have to go.” Coiny and Donut went back upstairs. Coiny really only brought his messenger bag, so he just sat on the bed as Donut got his multitude of things together. “Sooo” Coiny dragged out. “Do you like Barf Bag?” Donut took a moment before responding. “Honestly, I don’t know. I can’t tell if I love her or if it’s just infatuation. “Infatuatuion?” Donut thought for a moment. “I can’t say I've actually ever personally loved someone as weird as that sounds. I’ve found it hard to..” He paused, shifting his focus to his bag; “Understand other people on a personal level and develop the kind of connection that draws someone to another.” Coiny paused; he never realized Donut fell so dull on romance. Honestly, it reminded him of himself. Coiny found love unnecessary, and frankly, he thought it sounded draining. He didn’t have time for other people.

​

“It’s hard to love other people when you can’t love yourself,” Donut added, his voice soft, but it wasn’t just directed at Coiny. Coiny could tell who the comment was intended for. That didn’t make him feel much better about it. “I’m not allowed to wear the boys' uniform for the debate club.” Coiny blanked. “But why, you’re-’ Coiny stopped. The look of sadness. No. Something more than that plastered itself on Donut’s face. “Do other people know..?” Coiny asks slowly, sitting next to Donut and leaning on him. He sighed. “Not really. Some do, from teachers deadnaming me or they figured out the uniform sitch.” Coiny felt a way he didn’t normally experience. He felt lost in Donut’s experience. He understood, even though he didn’t. He understood being ostracized for being rude. He understood why Donut was so antisocial and defensive. “Then why tell me?” Donut looked at him. “You just.. felt okay to tell.” Coiny hugged Donut. Coiny was never a touchy person, but he felt the need. Donut understood Coiny as well. Donut understood Coiny could never change his perspective on someone just because they were unusual, and he knew Coiny wouldn’t baby him. Donut wrapped his arms around Coiny in return.