Darn Stupid Brother You Are by Mairee

Chapter 46

(Narrator's POV)

The game room was vast and almost like a cave, with high ceilings that echoed every sound. The walls were dark green and gave the room a cozy yet mysterious feel. Rows of game consoles were lined up against one wall and their screens glowed softly in the dim light, casting an eerie bluish tint across the room. Bean bags and mismatched couches were scattered around and looked worn but still comfortable, with patches and stitches showing years of use but still providing comfort to anyone who sat in them. Posters of old arcade games and retro video game characters covered the walls and added a touch of nostalgia that made the space feel inviting. In one corner, a pool table sat under a low-hanging light where a group of patients played a heated game, their laughter blending with the soft hum of the air conditioner.

The carpet was thick and dark red, muffling the sounds of footsteps and making the room feel like a sanctuary away from the stupid reality of the center. An old jukebox sat in another corner and sometimes crackled to life with a song from decades ago, its neon lights flickering with the beat. A small refreshment stand stood against the far wall and offered snacks and drinks that were surprisingly good compared to the usual bland meals they got in the cafeteria. Bundah lounged on one of the bean bags and stretched his legs out in front of him, with a half-eaten bag of chips on his stomach. He stared up at the ceiling and looked lost in thought before he suddenly turned his attention to Cylan, who sat cross-legged on the floor and fiddled with a deck of cards.

"Hey," Bundah said, cutting through the steady buzz of the game room, "You into anyone here?"

Cylan paused and hovered her fingers over the deck for a moment before she looked up with a faint smile. "That's a bit forward, don't you think?"

"I mean, we're in a weird place so we might as well be honest, right?" Bundah shrugged and crunched down on another chip. "Figured I'd ask."

Cylan sighed and leaned back against the couch behind her. "Yeah, it's just... complicated."

Bundah raised an eyebrow, showing curiosity. "Complicated how?"

"Well," Cylan began as she traced the pattern on the carpet with her finger, "My parents never really accepted me for who I am. I've always been different." She took a deep breath and her words felt heavy. "I mean, they think it's a phase or that I'm just trying to get attention. They're even trying to set me up with this guy from a wealthy family to 'straighten me out.' They did it before and they're doing it yet again. Can you imagine?"

Bundah frowned and looked genuinely interested. "That's messed up. How old were you...when they first tried to set you up?"

"Seventeen," she replied, with bitterness in her tone. "I was just a teenager, still trying to figure myself out, and they were already trying to force me into some box that I never fit into. It wasn't until I was older that I realized they never really cared about what I wanted."

He nodded, like he understood in a way most wouldn't. "Parents, huh? They can be the worst sometimes. My old man's the same, always wanting me to be this perfect version of what he thinks a son should be. It's suffocating."

"Yeah," Cylan agreed and her voice softened. "It's like you're never enough, no matter what you do."

Bundah watched her for a moment, then asked, "And what about now? Here, I mean. You like anyone?"

hesitated and looked away from him. "There was someone. Her

and looked

she went, and no one seems

and flicked her forehead, making her look up in surprise. "You're gonna find her, you know that, right?

chuckled and rubbed her forehead. "Yeah,

Bundah said, more serious than he'd ever been. "If you ever need help, like, I'm not great at stuff

eyes widened. "My

said and grinned. "For the girls. You never know, maybe I've got some hidden

genuinely this time, and the sound was light and soft. "You know what, Bundah? I think I'd

satisfied look on his face. "But you gotta promise to help me with my love

eyes but

felt a spark of hope,

...

(Angel's POV)

Nixon alone and I wasn't going to waste it. She was in her office and scribbled furiously on a stack of papers. Her hair was pulled back

stepped inside as I

but she masked it quickly. Her face was completely healed now.

and tried to keep my

tilted her head and pretended not to

lowered my voice. "You

as simple as

"But you've had days to figure something out and

of scolding. "There are things you don't understand, Angel. There

narrowed my eyes.

as quickly. "The people running this center aren't ordinary, Angel. They have connections and power and influence. You think they'd just let us walk away? There's

I demanded. "What do they

and that faint smile