As the days got longer and nights got warmer, Kalmin began to have his daily jogs in the evening. He missed the rink terribly. He missed having school to give him a routine. It helped drone out all these stupid thoughts about relationships and the future that plagued him in the summer nights. When he was in school and hockey season was starting to vamp up, his schedule was swamped and he was overworked. But it was a nice burn that he became addicted to. Days were short but eventful, every day was a challenge, and he was never bored. But, summer break always brought laziness and bore. It was the season of stupid low-paying jobs, excruciatingly long days, hot nights, and painfully frequent masturbation sessions. Everyone around him had fun. Aaron told him one night that Gabriel and he finally talked seriously about a relationship. His voice was distant even though they were sitting on his bed, knees touching and arms around one another.

Apparently, Gabriel was aromantic. Or that’s the closest thing he could make of it. Aaron and Gabriel were fuck buddies, and Gabriel liked that. He didn’t know about a serious relationship with him. He didn’t know if it was possible for him. But, they were going to try and make it work. Aaron seemed nervous. Kalmin was nervous for him.

After that long night, the Baader-Meinhof Phenomenon happened again. He was jogging in the evening through his neighbourhood and hit the eerily lit gas station down the road. The nights were getting stupidly warmer and he chugged the usual blue sports drink. It reminded him of hockey. Then, inside this air conditioned, small little station, Mira came in. Her hair was tied up, she had cut it recently and had a cute undercut. There was paint on her face and her arms, as well as all over her overalls that were rolled up to her knees. She wore a crop top, but Kalmin knew it wasn’t enough to cool off. She fanned her face as she passed through the short aisles decorated in colourful chip bags, candies and chocolates, and went straight for the refrigerators where Kalmin was. She recognized him and laughed, opening up one of the doors and letting the air blast her sweaty skin.

“Hot night,” she snickered.

“Hot night,” he chuckled back. “You look like you’ve been having some fun.”

It took Mira to realize he was referring to the paint streaked across her face and limbs. She laughed again, her laugh was cute, and blushed a little. “We’re having a little art party at my house.” She grabbed several drinks and moved onto the popsicles and ice cream section. Naturally, Kalmin followed.

“An art party?” He cocked an eyebrow.

“An art party,” Mira repeated dramatically. “We’re throwing paint around and people are getting high on paint fumes.”

“You artists and your drug abuse.” He shook his head. Mira burst out laughing.

“Well, you’re not wrong.” She shrugged. Kalmin ended up helping Mira buy a huge load of popsicles, ice cream and drinks, and as a thank you, both of them sat on a curb in the empty parking lot and ate some Oreo ice cream sandwiches. It was nice. A breeze finally set in and cooled the sweat dripping down his back and the treats were sweet and delicious. Mira was easy to talk to as well, her smiles dazzling and adorable.

“So, I heard that your friend is dating Gabriel,” she commented.

“Aaron?”

“Yeah, Aaron.”

He sighed. “Well, yep.” He leaned back and looked at the clear night sky.

“Does Aaron know about Gabriel’s…”

“Lack of romantic attraction?”

“Yeah.”

She stared at him worriedly. He shrugged in response. “Aaron said he’ll take it slow.”

“Does he really like Gabriel?”

“Do you want my honest opinion?”

“Lay it on me.”

“Aaron is very infatuated with him.” Kalmin rubbed his neck nervously. “He’s in love with his looks. There is definite sexual chemistry with them. But, other than that…they act like friends. They joke around at work, slap each other’s asses a lot, and make dumb puns. But I’ve never really seen them…be romantic.”

“Attraction is weird,” she sighed.

“You bet it is.”

“I hope for the best for them though,” she wondered out loud. “Gabriel is really important to me. He deserves happiness. As well does Aaron.”

“Yeah.”

“Yeah.”

Kalmin glanced over at Mira. She looked back at him shyly.

“If…anything happens between them, don’t be afraid to call me,” she said calmly.

“The same goes for you,” he replied.

They traded numbers and afterwards, Kalmin helped carry the bags of melted treats to her house. Surprisingly, she lived close, which was odd since they haven’t crossed paths before. But then again, he never knew her.

The Baader-Meinhof Phenomenon.

Apparently, Mira lived in a little townhouse with her friends, and from the lack of pulsating music shaking the whole neighbourhood, they were definitely not the usual people he hung out with. Their garage door was open and revealed a large group of young adults covered in paint. People were laughing and shouting, splattered in neon colours as the garage walls were covered in plastic wrap and canvases. There was music, but it was drowned out by the sheer laughter and excitement bubbling out of the group. Mira announced her welcome happily, and Gabriel and Deimos came to welcome her.

“Well, hello.” Gabriel winked as he took the cold bags of ice cream from him. Lime green streaked his forehead, and his clothes were covered in colourful powder. “Are you joining us?”

Kalmin peered into the garage. Huge canvases were splattered with colour. Spray cans and water guns littered the floor. Bowls of dye and paint were piled in a corner. Water balloons sat on tables. It looked fun.

But, Kalmin chickened out. He shook his head. “No, maybe not today.” He bit his lip and glanced over at Mira, who had wandered back with Deimos. They were giggling and kissing. His guts twisted. “But, definitely show me the end product.”

“Mira will probably have it on her website, I’ll send you a text,” Gabriel patted him on the back. “Have a great night, Kalmin!”

He didn’t have a great night.