The next morning came and sunlight seeped through the window blinds, reflecting on Louis’ face. He slowly awoke, and stretched as he lay on top of this stiff bed, which he wasn't used to at all. Steadily, he opened his eyes, one by one, picking off any boogers that lay in the inner corners and scratched his eyes as he sat up. Then, he proceeded to yawn. Afterwards, looking at his phone that lay beside him, reading ‘8:35 A.M.’ he checked the top right hand corner of the screen, rereading ‘no service’ with absolutely no notifications from anyone. ‘Maybe I should connect to the wifi…’ he thought, doing so immediately after. As he waited for notifications to fill the lock screen of his phone, he only ended up getting a message from his younger sister, Winter, on whatsapp, who also happened to be his best friend and only friend.

“ Hey bro, I don’t know if you’ll be receiving this, but mom broke the news to Aven, Dad, And I, this morning. “

“ yea, I figured she would’ve told you guys eventually.” Louis immediately replied after he read the text that was supposedly sent over an hour ago. After sending a quick text, He instantly got a reply from her.

“ It’s okay. I don't know what you’re going through, or what you will be going through, but I didn't think mom would take it this far. She’s too controlling and wants me to take over the business in your place. I don't even know where to start and this isn't what I want either.”

“Is this what you texted me for?” Louis sent, followed by angry face emojis. He then sends another text right after. “ yea, you’re right. I think you should follow your dreams instead of pursuing a legacy that you don't want. I honestly didn’t want to get married, but for that bitch to do this to me, i'll never forgive her.”

“ Hey! I know you’re going through some shit but you shouldn’t be calling mom a bitch. She’s our mom at the end of the day.”

“ Shut up, Winter. You’re only defending her because she babied you the most out of all three of us. Plus, you’re her only daughter. Either way, you can’t deny that what she did, was a bitchy move.”

“Yea, that is true. On both matters. LOL.” Winter then sent another text.

“ where are you??? Where are you staying??? Are you with any of your friends???” Winter mentioned, then added “ I was just texting you to tell you that I wish you the best and that I love you. Also, Aven is having a hard time processing so he might or might not reach out to you.”

“ I love you too, Winter. And honestly, I don’t know where I am specifically, but I do know that I am in a small town that is a couple of hours away from the city, and no, I am not staying with a friend, I am staying in a homeless shelter…. Don’t tell anyone.”

“ WHAT??? A HOMELESS SHELTER??? WTF?!?!?!”

“This is what I have right now.. At least up until I can get on my feet.”

“ okkokokokokok, I won’t tell anyone but please take care of yourself. ): “

“ I will, don’t worry.”

“You don't even know how to wipe your ass right or fold clothes, how’re you going to LIVE??????”

“ ILL FIGURE IT OUT OKAY. STOP GIVING ME SASS.” Louis sighed, sending another text after. “ And about Aven…. It’s okay if Aven doesn’t text or call me. I do not expect him to, since he’s hated me his whole life…. and don’t worry about helping me either. I want to be able to do this on my own and I think to do that, I would have to work on myself first. Also, If mom asks, just tell her I moved to a whole different continent and that I want nothing to do with her.”

“ Okay, but if you ever need anyone to talk too, I am here.”

“ Alright.” followed by another text that Louis sent, “ Please take care of my dog for me. He might not ever see me again, But at least I’ll know that he’s in good hands”

“ Gotcha! And one more thing Louis, just know that mom and dad love you.”

“ yea, sure. I’ll text you later. Goodbye, Winter.”

“ Bye, Louis.”

And with that, their conversation ended.

It wasn't a dream after all.

Louis sighed once more, as he dressed himself in the same clothes as the night before. He decided it was time for him to explore his community, or atleast the community he is staying in. He got up, heading towards the small bathroom that lay no more than five feet in front of him. Louis brushed his teeth with the complimentary toothbrush and toothpaste, which hurt his gums because he wasn't used to having such stiff bristles brush along his teeth and using some cheap ass toothpaste. Then, he headed out the door, going straight for the cafeteria.

Of course he missed breakfast. His tummy was rumbling and he regrets waking up later than he was supposed too. ‘Fuck, I am so hungry but I don’t want to waste money… what can I do? Maybe beg for some food? Fuck, I don't want to do that either.’

Louis walked closer to the cafeteria counter, where it was split by a canteen area with windows and three different sections. One for choosing the protein you would like, along with a dairy, and finally, any fruits. Unfortunately, it was all emptied out. First come, first serve, he guessed. From the corner of his eye, Louis spotted the cutie that he ran into just yesterday, ‘Hinata’ who stood behind the canteen counter and in the kitchen with his coworkers. Or Co-Volunteers. It seemed like Hinata was talking to the other staff that resided there, laughing and smiling to his heart's content. He wasn't sure if he should approach Hinata, after all, he really didn’t know him, but it was a perfect excuse to talk to Hinata. Though Louis didn’t want to interrupt Hinata's’ moment of happiness, he wanted to know what they are talking about. Louis wishes he could see Hinata smile like that more often. ‘HOLD UP. WAIT, WAIT.’ Louis paused in mid thought after he thought about possibly making him happy. ‘ I DO NOT LIKE HIM, WHAT AM I THINKING??? HE’S JUST CUTE AND MY TYPE, THAT’S ALL. C’MON LOUIS, YOU’RE BETTER THAN THIS. YOU AREN'T ALLOWED TO GO AFTER ANYONE. THEY HAVE TO GO AFTER YOU. I DON'T LIKE HIM. I DON'T LIKE HIM. I DON'T LIK-’

“ Excuse me? Are you alright?” Hinata asked from the other side of the counter. Louis felt flustered and didn’t know how to gather himself properly, which he is pretty sure that his face said it all, hence why it probably caught Hinata’s attention.

“YEA, yea, I'm okay.” Louis laughed awkwardly, being completely caught off guard. “Um.. I kinda sorta missed breakfast and was wondering if there are any leftovers, or something that can hold me, at least till lunch.”

“ Of course we do! Even though I am not supposed too, I never deny service to anyone.” Hinata gave a soft smile, which immediately warmed Louis's heart.

“O-okay. What do you have?” Louis asked.

“ We have some fruits, some protein bars, ummmm… I am not too entirely sure, I would have to check, but In the meantime, there's a vending machine by the cafeteria entrance.” Hinata then added, “ oh wait, you’re from yesterday, right?”

“ Hahaha… yea.” Louis chuckled lightly as he scratched the back of his head.

“ Again, I’m sorry for bumping into you. But I didn’t think you’d look like this. You look much different from what I remembered.”

“ It’s okay! I swear! Accidents happen, Y’know. But is that supposed to be a good or bad thing?”

“ I’m not too sure, I’ll leave that for you to find out, But since I do kinda owe you one, what would you like?” Hinata looked over to the counter behind him, quickly Louis’ gazed followed right after. “ We have Fruits, chips, some cereal brands, y’know, typical breakfast stuff.” Hinata mentioned as he pointed to the food displayed on the silver counter top that laid behind him.

“ I’ll take some fruits, any kind. I don't mind, and another thing. Can I have Your number?” Putting his little pride that he has left, Louis decided to be bold. Typically this isn’t something he wouldn’t do. Normally, this is how he hooked ‘them.’ And baited ‘them’ in for some fun.

Surprised by Louis’ response, Hinata Giggled. “ The fruits I can do, But besides that, I am not interested. Sorry. Nice try, though.” Hinata mentioned, acknowledging Louis. Hinata then handed Louis some mangoes and grapes. “Enjoy. I’ll see you for lunch.” Hinata gave a warm smile once more, before closing the shutters for the day.

Louis stood there, dumbfounded. He’s never been rejected before and he honestly didn’t know how to handle it. Louis was instantly put into a bad mood. He sighed, talking to himself and mumbling under his breath as he went to sit down at a nearby table. ‘ Damn, my charm should’ve AT LEAST WORKED. It’s bad enough that I have to use more of my precious fucking energy to suppress my pheromones.’ Louis sighed as he plopped down onto the circular blue chair. ‘It’s weird though, It’s like I'm drawn to him.. Maybe?? It’s like this unexplainable spark that I feel. I’m sure he feels that spark too. I'm probably going to have to search it up later. But for now, I have bigger issues to solve, like my hunger. This should hold me off ‘til lunch, until then, so be it.’

Just as he said, his stomach rumbled even louder, this time drawing attention to himself unintentionally. He didn't care and began to peel the mangoes, which just so happened to be his favorite type of fruit. He took a big bite, then another, engulfing himself in this sweet deliciousness. Louis was going to town on this mango, feeling much better from earlier. Maybe he was just hangry, but that quickly went away when he was disrupted by an elderly woman that decided to sit right next to him, instead of picking another empty space that she could’ve chosen from. She wore a blue and pink polka dot dress, which seemed to be her pajamas, grey-worn-out slippers, she also had bright white hair that was placed into a messy bun with two chopsticks poking out, and faded green eyes. She seemed to be no more than 60-something years old, but Louis wasn’t going to ask. Not on behalf of respect, but because he didn’t care enough to do so.

Louis glared at her when his moment of fucking peace was interrupted. “Don’t tell me, You’re trying to hit on me? I’m not into grannies. You can leave.” Louis scuffed.

“ Oh my, what a foul mouth you have here.” she gasped in disappointment. She then quickly added, “ you should be ashamed of yourself. Has no one taught you to be respectful to your elders???” she questioned him, in a sweet old granny voice.

“ No, I haven't. Well.. I have, I just choose not to care. But that is not any of your business. I honestly don’t need this right now, I am trying to enjoy my mangoes in peace, but clearly, you’re not letting me.” Louis said in a snappy tone.

She then spoke, “ Listen young man, I understand that we are all facing our demons, but you shouldn’t be mean to everyone you see. You keep being this way, and no one will like you. You should put yourself in others’ shoes from time to time before acting self entitled.”

“ HUH? Of course everyone will like me. I have many friends.”

“ Sure you do honey, you wouldn’t be here if that was the case.” she then smiled at him, causing Louis to feel weirded out. “ You have a long way to go young man, let me enlighten you.”