"Look at you, so clumsy," Kelvin said, leaning over to lick the ice cream that had smudged beside Dave's mouth. Dave chuckled, curling his legs on the couch like he was meditating, while Kelvin sat normally, the big bowl of ice cream placed between them.
Kelvin had woken up that morning to Dave saying he craved a huge bowl of vanilla ice cream, and of course—he had to go get it for him.
"Never knew you were the boy who saved me ten years ago," Dave said with a smile, looking at him.
Kelvin chuckled. "Never wanted to let you know. The first day you arrived here and I saw you—I immediately knew you were that chubby little boy I saved."
"Actually, I was suspicious, though," Dave said, shoving a spoonful of ice cream into his mouth.
"Really? How?"
"I saw my bracelet in your cupboard, and I had a feeling it was mine. I lost it that day."
"Oh! That bracelet," Kelvin said. "Yeah, when those teachers came rushing to carry you, it fell off your wrist."
Dave's mouth formed a small "O."
"But why did you pounce on me like that? I was so fucking scared you'd pull off my head too!" he said, making Kelvin burst into laughter.
"I couldn't just walk up to you after transforming right in front of you and be like, 'Oh hey, I'm Kelvin, I just saved your life.' You'd have screamed and run off. Best option? Make you faint."
Dave laughed. "You could've saved all that effort. I'm a strong boy, you know. I would've just replied calmly like, 'Oh! Nice to meet you, Kelvin. Thanks for saving me, hero.' That could've been my reply."
"Nah!" Kelvin shook his head. "Did you see your face? You looked so terrified. I'm sure you'd have fainted before I even introduced myself."
"You never can tell—" Ding-dong! Their conversation was cut off by the doorbell.
"Who could that be?" Dave asked, turning toward the door.
"I'll go get it. Hold on," Kelvin said as he stood and walked toward the door.
When Kelvin got to the door, he opened it—and his mouth fell open at who he saw.
"Surprise, surprise, Kelvin," the voice said playfully as the person threw herself on him, wrapping her arms around his neck in a tight hug before placing a peck on his cheek.
Kelvin froze, stunned, blinking to make sure he wasn't hallucinating. Of all people… "Maelis?! It's been years!" he exclaimed, finally wrapping his arms around her.
She pulled back slightly with a grin and spun around in a full circle, her long curls bouncing. "How have you been? You've changed a lot—look at you!"
Kelvin laughed, his eyes sweeping over her. "You've changed too. Look at your glow, your style." He chuckled as she reached out and squeezed his biceps.
"Wow, your muscles… you look hot," she teased, eyes twinkling.
Kelvin blushed lightly and scratched his neck. "Actually, I didn't think you'd recognize me. It's been twelve years."
"Why wouldn't I recognize you?" she said with a gentle scoff. "Even in my sleep, I would."
That made Kelvin smile warmly. "Come in, feel welcome, please," he said as he reached for her travel bag.
"Oh! How I've missed home," Maelis said with a deep breath, stepping into the living room like she owned the place.
Dave, who was lounging on the couch with a bowl of ice cream, had caught glimpses of their interaction. He watched them with mild curiosity, licking his spoon.
"Who's she?" he muttered to himself, his eyes narrowing.
Kelvin led Maelis further in and then turned toward Dave with a smile. "Dave, this is Maelis—my childhood friend. Maelis, meet Dave, my boyfriend."
The moment those words left his mouth, Maelis's expression faltered. Her smile stiffened, and her eyes darted toward Dave, cold and unreadable.
"Oh... your boyfriend?" she repeated, her tone laced with disbelief. She glanced at Dave, her lips twitching into a tight smile that didn't reach her eyes.
Dave, still holding his ice cream, frowned slightly. "What's wrong with her?" he thought, sitting up straighter as they exchanged glances.
"Oh, hi Dave! I'm Maelis. I'm so happy to meet you," she said in a sing-song voice, moving forward to give him a quick, almost fake hug.
"Yeah, nice to meet you too," Dave replied flatly.
Maelis turned back to Kelvin, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Where are Mom and Dad?"
"They went out of town for some work. They'll be back in a few days," Kelvin explained casually.
"Okay. Let me take your bag to the guest room. You two can catch up," he said, walking off with her luggage.
As soon as Kelvin disappeared down the hallway, Maelis's smile vanished. She turned to Dave slowly, scanning him from head to toe with a venomous look.
"How the fuck did you manage to lure him? You look worthless," she hissed.
Dave's spoon paused mid-air. He blinked, unsure he heard correctly. "Sorry... are you talking to me?"
"Of course. Who else would I be talking to?" she replied, folding her arms.
Dave stood up, eyes narrowed. "I don't even fucking know you. You just walk in here and call me worthless? Are you mad?"
He pointed at her, voice rising. "I don't know what you're on about, but while you're here, stay out of my business. I'm not interested in your messed-up drama."
Her face twisted in rage as she stomped to the other couch, arms crossed tightly, shooting daggers at him. Dave, unfazed, sat back and continued with his ice cream.
'I didn't come all the way here for this,' Maelis fumed silently. 'I came to get Kelvin—he's supposed to be mine. A stranger like Dave won't stand in my way. I'll tear them apart slowly, painfully. Kelvin is mine and only mine.'
Kelvin soon returned, settling beside Dave, who was now scrolling on his phone.
"Your boyfriend looks nice," Maelis said sweetly. "I hope he treats me well."
Dave looked up, unimpressed. 'Keep acting,' he thought.
"Oh yeah, he will," Kelvin said. "I bet you two will enjoy each other's company. Right, Dave?"
"Sure," Dave said dryly, "as long as she acts like she should."
"That's mean! I'm a nice girl," Maelis pouted.
Dave rolled his eyes. 'So this is the game she wants to play,' he thought.