For the first time in a long while, Sohal realized he might actually be happy.

Sohal grew closer to Rune, and instead of their regular visits to Vein, they did other things. They tried an escape room together, they went bowling, and they enjoyed every moment they spent together. Neither brought up Vein even though it was an integral part of how they met. But despite the tension between them, they still had fun.

Rune’s apartment had become something of a second home to Sohal because of how late their hangouts would end. They would end up having dinner and sometimes played a few rounds of Geoborne.

In the middle of one of Rune’s rambles about the last Geoborne update, Sohal’s phone began flashing. Asa was busy with some family issues, so it definitely wasn’t him. And since he was already at Rune’s place, there wasn’t anyone else that would message him.

He looked down and turned on the screen to see a notification from Fated.

Welcome back to Fated. You have been removed from the blacklist.

Relief flooded his senses. There was still a chance for him to be accepted by society. He didn’t have to sneak around forever. Maybe he could find someone he felt proud enough to introduce around as his. Maybe his father would finally be proud of him, too.

“Hey, Sohal? What are you looking at?” Rune asked after a few moments of silence. “Did you even hear what I just asked you? I wanted to know how you liked your food.”

“Huh?” Sohal looked up, his mind preoccupied with Fated. This was what he was waiting for all this time, wasn’t it? So, then, why did he feel so empty?

“The burger. In your hand.” Rune gestured towards it, his own burger already gone.

“Oh, sorry. I got a notification.” Sohal began to slowly scroll on his screen with his thumb. With each word he read, his eyes only began to grow wider and wider.

“A notification?” Rune echoed.

“Yeah, from Fated. I got removed from the blacklist. There was a whole investigation into my last date. I wasn’t the only one who had a bad experience with her. So, everyone that she reported and removed from the app is able to use it again, and she’s gone.”

“Well, good to hear that bitch isn’t getting any more dates.”

“They… also gave me a free premium trial for three months.”

“Well, that’s pointless. You didn’t even like their regular service. What makes them think you want a premium trial, of all things?” Rune scoffed.

Sohal tapped the back of his phone. “I… actually kind of want to use it.”

Rune blinked. “What?”

“It would be nice choosing for once and I really do want to find someone...” Sohal mirrored Rune’s confused face. “What?”

“You still want to use that app?” Rune stared at him with his mouth hanging open. “After everything? After the shit they put you through?”

“What’s wrong with it? I still need to find a partner. It doesn’t hurt to try, right?”

“But Fated will keep giving you matches that will pressure you to stick yourself into them a million times a week. You’ve told me ”

“Maybe… I could find someone who’s also asexual...” Sohal’s mind raced at all of the possibilities. Maybe he could find someone that would understand him now that he knew what he wanted.

“They don’t allow that option at Fated. All the ace people are part of Vein.”

Sohal’s mouth went dry and his face contorted into a frown. “But… I want to be normal.”

“Sohal… am I not normal then?” Rune’s voice wavered.

“That’s not what I meant,” Sohal said, frustration growing in his throat. He rubbed his temple, not liking where the conversation was going. Why didn’t Rune understand? This was great for Sohal.

“It’s what you said though.”

“I can’t do this right now. Do you support me or do you not?”

“I support you but I can’t support Fated, Sohal. It doesn’t care about you.”

“But it can help me find someone that can.”

Rune laughed in disbelief. “So, you think I don’t care about you?”

There was a long pause of silence.

Sohal looked towards the door. “I guess I shouldn’t be here then. Sorry.”

Before Rune could protest, Sohal stormed out of the apartment.