Author's Note: Thanks for all the recent follows, faves, and interactions everyone! Special thanks to Vigatus and ASHYIIY for your reviews! Again, with the holiday season ahead of us, I most likely won't be updating as often, but I'll do my best! I have my Christmas tree set up already, I was a week later than usual, but it's a majestically beautiful 3-foot mess of rainbow lights and Peanuts characters. I'm excited! With all the love and candy,
Lily
Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes (Permission to Dance)
"So, I heard that you lost your job," Izzy asked.
"Yeah, it's so shitty…I should have told him the truth from the start. I need to pay my parents back, but maybe I should take a break from working for a little bit. You know, take a mental break? It's kinda like how people just settle for the first guy who says hi and then they wonder why the guy cheats on her with her entire family at a July picnic. I'm not speaking from my personal experience. I used to have a friend who cheated on a nice girl with everyone in her family, including her brother, mother, father, and cousins. Don't know how he had the time. Couldn't be me though," Mimi flipped through a magazine.
"I'm assuming this was back in New York?" Izzy sternly placed his hand over Mimi's.
"Yeah. He's a weirdo, I stopped talking to him…but surprisingly that's not the reason why," Mimi slipped her hand away and went back to flipping through the magazine.
"You better hurry up with that before Yolei gets here. Otherwise she'll make you pay for it," Izzy warned her.
"Okay, I'm done," Mimi put the magazine back on a shelf.
"Hey Izumi, Izumi's idiot friend," Yolei happily strolled into the store.
"Someone looks like they got lucky," Mimi smirked.
"Oh, maybe cause I did. Check this…," Yolei pulled out two golden tickets from a white envelope.
"Great, you won a trip to the chocolate factory?" Izzy crossed his arms.
"No! The music shop just renovated and they're turning into a nightclub. All the managers get exclusive tickets to the soft opening. VIP only," Yolei smirked.
"What? Matt didn't tell us anything about that," Mimi gasped.
"Like he would know. He's a loser. They canned him," Yolei scoffed.
"They fired him?" Izzy and Mimi looked at each other in shock.
"What? What do you mean Matt got fired…? Do you really trust anything she's got to say? No, I saw him playing guitar the other day when he was supposed to be working, I wonder if that had something to do with it…interesting," Tai clutched onto his cell phone.
"Ahhh! Are you kidding me?!" Megumi screamed.
"Hold on, I should get back to work. Talk to you later. Bye," Tai held on to his cell phone.
"Oh my god!" Megumi squealed.
"What's going on?" Tai ran up to the girls.
"So, I just got tickets to the soft opening of the new nightclub that's replacing that dinky music store and because I have connections, I was able to get you guys tickets as well, including extras for a plus one. You're welcome," Miki coyly waved a handful of golden tickets in front of her face like a fan.
"You're literally the best, thank you sooo much!" Megumi gushed.
"Yes, thank you. That's really awesome of you," Tai gasped.
"Of course. We're the night crew, and I didn't want to do this alone. Just consider this my little reward for neither one of you guys caving on your challenge. Both of you are looking good," Miki handed them the tickets.
"Thanks! I'm just happy I can fit my jeans again!" Megumi said.
"I don't feel like my face looks like hamster cheeks anymore. I do think I'll continue on choosing healthier options for sure, as hard as that is to come by," Tai nodded.
"I'm proud of both of you. I actually had no idea which one of you would have lost the bet, but I'm glad the only thing you did lose was pounds," Miki winked. "Now we've got a new collection launching this Monday so I have the planogram behind the counter, if you want to get a sneak preview of what's to be expected. Come."
"Coming," Megumi followed her to the register.
"I'll be there in a sec," Tai checked his phone.
"Tai! Hey, I was trying to call you!" Kari ran into the store.
"What is it?" Tai put his tickets in his smock pocket.
"Sooo, Catherine wants to know why you've been avoiding her. She's seen you walking around the mall with your coworker, so I think she's getting the wrong impression. Have you guys spoken in a bit?" Kari crossed her arms.
"Oh no, Catherine! No! I forgot! I can't go into the store!" Tai gasped.
"What? Why not?" Kari yelled.
"Because I don't want to get fat again. I was just walking with Megumi because I needed an exercise partner. Here, please give this to her. I'll text her right away and tell her I'm sorry," Tai handed Kari one of the golden tickets.
"What's this?" Kari looked at the ticket.
"So Matt's music store is turning into a nightclub and only certain people are invited to the grand opening or whatever. I was able to get a pair of tickets, and one of them is hers. It's the least I could do," Tai rambled as he tapped on his phone.
"The music store is turning into a nightclub? Matt never mentioned that," Kari frowned.
"Speaking of, according to Yolei, he got fired! Apparently he didn't fit the new vibe, so they fired him," Tai smirked.
"Tai, are you seriously smiling?" Kari crossed her arms.
"What? And don't get on your high horse with me, I heard what you called Izzy," Tai nudged Kari out of the store.
"Did TK tell you?" Kari blushed.
"Surprisingly no, I heard it through the grapevine. Did you really call him autistic?" Tai sternly looked at Kari.
"I did, but I wasn't trying to- he definitely doesn't like me right now," Kari cringed.
"No shit. It's kind of a soft spot for him. I don't know if I should tell you this or not, but maybe I should…but please don't tell anyone else," Tai sighed.
"Oh god, what?" Kari bit her lip.
"Now, whatever I say, you have to pretend you don't know. No one told you, I definitely didn't tell you. Got it?" Tai crossed his arms.
"I'm scared but yes. If you trust me and you think it's something I probably should know, then fine. What is it?" Kari took in a deep breath.
"Izzy actually is autistic. Or something like that. He's got Asperger's. I don't really understand it, but I don't ask questions. To be honest, it's not my business. He's fine, he doesn't need any help from us, but I let him know if he does, he's got me," Tai shrugged.
"Oh my god…no wonder he thinks I'm a huge asshole. I had no idea," Kari gasped.
"That's what you get for throwing around words like that for insults. This isn't the '90s. Besides, what made you even snap at him like that?" Tai shook his head in disapproval.
"It was stupid and petty. He didn't deserve it," Kari clenched her fists.
"Have you tried to apologize?" Tai asked.
"I think he blocked my text messages, and he avoids me now," Kari shrugged.
"Maybe he just needs time to cool off. Sorry. Oh, and speaking of, please send Catherine my apologies too. I'll have to meet up with her soon, just not at the cafe," Tai said.
"Okay, I think she'll definitely be happy when I give her the ticket. Thanks Tai," Kari flashed him a feeble smile.
"No, thank you. I owe you one," Tai said.
"Hey Marcus, how have things been?" Matt playfully elbowed him in the ribs.
"Sorry, can't chit chat. I'm kinda busy," Marcus shook his head.
"Come on, I know what's going on and I don't think it's cool at all," Matt huffed.
"Dude, please don't take it personally. I gave you that expensive guitar, how else can I say sorry?" Marcus gasped.
"If I can go to the soft opening?" Matt nervously smiled.
"Sorry, but no can do," Marcus shook his head.
"What? Come on! I promise, I won't ask you for anything ever again!" Matt pleaded.
"I'm sorry, but I can't," Marcus whispered and immediately turned his back to Matt.
"Hey, are you trying to ignore me?" Matt's jaw dropped.
"Please don't take it personally, but the CEO's kids are here, and they came all the way from LA. They're the ones in charge of the new business model, and they're the reason you're fired. If I keep talking to you, I'll probably be fired next," Marcus talked through the side of his mouth.
"What the fu-"
"If I had it my way, I'd keep you. But these rich kids are little social-media obsessed jerks. I have to go now," Marcus grumbled and stomped away.
"Well, I quit!" Matt yelled.
"He fired you, didn't he?" a girl with wavy blonde highlights pouted. She wore an expensive-looking black jumpsuit and high heels, with a designer bag in the crook of her arms.
"Don't you have lipglosses to buy?" Matt snarkily said.
"Ooh, he totally got fired. Or at least he should have according to the employee files. This soft opening has to be perfect!" a boy with dark hair and striking eyebrows frantically moved his hands around as he talked. He wore a funky-patterned button-down shirt, drawstring pants, and flip-flops despite the fact that it was fall.
"Listen wannabe Jimmy Buffett, who are you and why are you all up in my business?" Matt aggressively shook his index finger at the guy.
"Daniel, I told you that getting rid of him was a good idea! I can sense buzzkill from a continent away," the girl haughtily smiled.
"You're an expert," the boy rolled his eyes.
"Duh, I grew up with you as my brother! Isn't it called exposure therapy or something?" the girl flapped her hands limply and pouted.
"Alana, are you calling me a buzzkill?" the boy gasped.
"If the shoe fits," the girl whistled.
"Ahem, who the hell are you clowns?" Matt cleared his throat.
"Hi! I'm Alana Rosen and this is my brother Daniel. Nice to meet you, Matthew," the girl stuck her hand out.
"You're not the guys in charge of the new nightclub are you?" Matt gasped.
"Yeah. We had to make a lot of new changes. Everybody loves music, but nobody likes paying for it anymore. But you know what people like? Nightclubs!" Alana smiled.
"In the middle of the mall though?" Matt made a face.
"See? I told you that was a stupid fucking idea," Daniel said to Alana.
"Just for that, you're banned from the soft opening now too," Alana held her index finger in front of the boys and tapped on her wireless earbud. "Hi, Alana here. Uh huh…yeah, Daniel's not showing up to the event. No. Not under any circumstances, got it? Thank you!"
"What the fuck, Alana?" Daniel flicked her in the arm.
"Hey, I cannot have any buzzkills at the soft opening. It's a nightclub, not a bitch fest," Alana yawned and began walking away.
"Way to go, you loser. You got me kicked out of my own event!" Daniel poked Matt in the chest.
"Dude, I think that makes you more of a loser than me. Sorry," Matt shrugged.
"I'm gonna make you pay for this!" Daniel shook his fist and stomped away.
"For someone who dresses like a beach bum, you should have considered taking a trip to the tropics," Matt yelled.
"I wanted to but I'm in fucking Japan instead!" Daniel shouted back.
"I was too chicken," Davis sighed.
"Too chicken or too straight?" Suzie Q shook her head.
"Sorry if we got all up in your mind. We were just kidding about the whole boyfriend thing, for what it's worth. We didn't think you would be so worked up about it," Barbie Q pouted.
"Yeah, but I gave my guy friend a flower at the movies. That's pretty gay, right?" Davis raised an eyebrow.
"It could seen be a nice gesture?" Barbie Q unconvincingly shrugged.
"Yep, I knew it. Pretty gay," Davis pulled his hoodie over his head and tightened the strings so that the hood was drawn shut.
"Aww Davis, don't be such a drama king! He probably doesn't even think it's weird at all! You've got nothing to worry about," Suzie Q opened Davis's hood and ruffled his hair.
"You think?" Davis looked at her with hopeful eyes.
"I guarantee it," Suzie Q nodded.
"Interesting choice of pen," Zoe flicked the flower pen.
"Thanks, Davis gave it to me," TK said as he scribbled on a notepad.
"Davis? You mean that tall, dark, and handsome guy who comes in here to hang out with you after your shifts?" Zoe raised her eyebrows in interest.
"You want me to set you guys up? I do have to warn you he's probably still getting over a breakup though," TK said.
"He's interested in girls?" Zoe asked.
"Huh? What are you talking about?" TK leaned against the counter.
"I thought he was your boyfriend," Zoe awkwardly bit her lip.
"My boyfriend?!" TK turned red.
"Yeah, the two of you guys are always hanging out, and he got you a flower pen apparently," Zoe smirked.
"Uh…Kari! You're back! Can you tell Zoe how Davis was obsessed with you for years? Please?" TK begged.
"Not now. Where's Catherine?" Kari walked past them.
"She's in the walk-in. I think she's mad about something," Zoe said.
"Great. I'll be back!" Kari stomped away.
"And when you get back, you'll tell Zoe all the details about how Davis was obsessed with you because he's as heterosexual as they come?" TK nervously laughed.
"Sure, whatever!" Kari yelled.
"Sounds like you have to convince yourself more than you have to convince me. Have fun with your flower pen. I should probably check on these mobile orders," Zoe smirked.
"I like my flower pen," TK pouted.
"So did you hear that Matt got fired?" Tai smirked.
"Oh my god, are you smiling?" Sora gasped.
"What? No…am I smiling?" Tai covered his mouth.
"Tai! You look too happy. Honestly, shame on you! How did you even find out?" Sora sternly said as she folded leggings.
"So maybe I'll have to double-check the source, but it makes sense. The music store is rebranding as a nightclub and only certain people are getting invitations to the grand opening of the first night. We should see if Matt's included in the list," Tai smirked.
"Cut it out," Sora crossed her arms.
"What? Are you defending your boyfriend?" Tai put his hands on his hips.
"No! He's not my boyfriend…," Sora clenched her jaw.
"Sure," Tai shrugged nonchalantly.
"He's not my boyfriend," Sora repeated sternly.
"You want him to be," Tai flashed her a mischevious smile.
"Get out," Sora pointed towards the mall concourse.
"In a minute. Speak of the devil," Tai whistled.
"Hey guys, I think I'm in some deep shit," Matt frantically bit his lip.
"What happened?" Tai raised an eyebrow.
"I pissed off the music store owner's kid," Matt clicked his tongue.
"What did you do?" Sora gasped.
"I happened to get him kicked out of his own party…so he's not too happy with me," Matt wrung his hands.
"Did you get fired?" Tai hummed.
"Uh…I quit," Matt turned red.
"Matt. Just come clean, everyone knows at this rate," Sora sighed.
"Fine. I got fired. Happy? Oh my god Tai, are you kidding me? You're smiling!" Matt gasped.
"Sorry! I don't know how to handle news like that!" Tai covered his mouth.
"I think the proper term for this is schadenfreude," Sora snorted.
"For what it's worth, I'm happier working for myself now," Matt said. "I'm just worried because now I've got a rich kid pissed at me. He may look like a wannabe hippie down-to-earth guy, but at the end of the day, he's no different from any other billionaire."
"That's a valid point. What do you think he could do though?" Sora frowned.
"I don't know, but what should I do? I thought I could come to you, because maybe you'd have a good idea?" Matt asked.
"As honored as I am that you'd come to me, I don't have a solution other than to lay low," Sora said.
"That's actually not a bad idea," Tai nodded.
"I can't just lay low. I play music for a living. How else am I gonna make money?" Matt hissed.
"Actually, I might have another idea," Sora tapped her chin.
"Ugh, I wish I could go to that exclusive nightclub party. It sounds like it would be fun. Do you think there will be celebrities there?" Mimi sighed.
"At a former music store turned nightclub at a random mall in downtown Tokyo? Highly doubt it," Izzy shook his head.
"Here's your lucky day, Izumi. I got grounded, so I can't go anywhere after work," Yolei slammed an envelope on the register counter and stomped away.
"What's this?" Izzy opened the envelope.
"Oh my god, it's the golden tickets!" Mimi bounced up and down.
"Well it's your lucky day. Take them. You'll make a much better use from them than I will," Izzy handed her the envelope.
"Come on! There's two tickets, you should take one at least," Mimi shook the envelope.
"No, that stuff is a bit out of my comfort zone. You have a good time," Izzy shook his head.
"Okay. I guess I have to figure out who else I should go with now," Mimi tapped the envelope with her chin.
"That shouldn't be hard for you to do. Dammit, I forgot I have to put this shipment out for display," Izzy sadly looked at a large cardboard box.
"Isn't that a bummer?" Mimi sighed half-heartedly.
"Psst, hey would you mind putting some of these up in the cafe?" Matt secretly slid a couple of flyers to TK.
"Permission to Dance? What's this?" Zoe snatched up a flyer.
"It's a flyer for a concert that will take place at the same time as that pretentious nightclub opening. There's also a QR code that sends you a link to my music streaming profile so you can check out my stuff," Matt said.
"Let's break our plans and live just like we're golden and roll in like we're dancing fools. We don't need to worry, cause when we fall, we know how to land. Don't need to talk the talk, just walk the walk tonight, cause we don't need permission to dance…," TK turned on the music on his phone.
"Not bad," Zoe made a slight nod.
"When did you record this?" TK paused the music.
"I uploaded that a week ago in my room. I spent a bit on my own studio equipment," Matt shrugged.
"I might go to your little show. Maybe we can get a big crowd of people, so we can stick it to those snobby jerks," Zoe smirked.
"I like your spirit," Matt grinned.
"Hey, not all of us are snobby jerks," Catherine frowned.
"Don't mind her. She's just on cloud nine because her boyfriend managed to get her tickets to the nightclub. As if she didn't already get tickets for the private Kiwis concert," Zoe shot Kari a dirty look.
"Here, take this. I don't want to go anyways," Catherine reached inside her apron and handed Zoe her ticket.
"Thank you! This is awesome!" Zoe squealed and walked off.
"I thought you and Tai were gonna go together?" Kari looked at Catherine in disbelief.
"We're not," Catherine curtly said.
"Does he know this?" Kari raised an eyebrow.
"Not yet. I'll break the news soon," Catherine shrugged and made her way to the stockroom.
"Well, that makes things interesting," Matt whistled.
"You! Loser!" Daniel angrily pointed at Matt from outside the cafe.
"Frick! Mommy!" Matt hopped over the counter and ducked.
"Well this makes things even more interesting…," TK looked down at a cowering Matt.
"Where's that idiot?" Daniel ran to the counter and slammed his hands down.
"What idiot?" Kari nervously smiled.
"You know! That blond idiot who can't even gel his hair right! Kinda looks like him, but more idiotic!" Daniel angrily pointed at TK.
"Hey!" Matt gasped.
"Ahem," TK kicked him from under the counter.
"Ugh Daniel!" Alana angrily stomped into the cafe and hit him with her oversized handbag.
"Alana! What the fuck was that for?" Daniel hissed.
"Excuse me, this is a public place. Can you tone down the language?" Zoe put her hands on her shoulder.
"Here, will this make you happy now?" Alana threw some $100 bills at her.
"Sure," Zoe shrugged and walked away.
"Daniel, can you explain what the fuck this is and why the fuck it's taking place at the same time as the nightclub opening, you jealous bitch?" Alana pulled a flyer out of her bag.
"Ugh! This isn't any of my doing, but I kinda wish it was now! That's what you get for being a cun-!" Daniel retorted.
"So, maybe I was wrong. This makes things much more interesting," TK muttered to Kari.
"Yeah, maybe you should stop saying that. I don't know how much excitement I can take," Kari whispered.
"So I don't know what I'm gonna do. I kinda want to go, but I don't want to go alone. I think the only other person who's going will be Tai, and he's bringing a date," Mimi sighed.
"Yeah. I mean I would go with you, but I'm going to Matt's shindig with TK," Davis shrugged.
"You don't say," Mimi smirked.
"Why does everyone give me the same look when I say I'm hanging out with Teeks?" Davis huffed.
"No reason. It kinda all makes sense though," Mimi pursed her lips.
"Has anyone ever heard of the concept of close friends? I mean, you and Izzy hang out all the time," Davis defensively crossed his arms.
"Oh…I guess you're right," Mimi turned red.
"Everyone's being so stupid about it, I wish they would stop," Davis shook his head.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you," Mimi sighed.
"It's okay. Just please stop joking about it," Davis exhaled.
"Okay," Mimi fiddled with her envelope.
"So what are you planning to do with the tickets?" Davis asked.
"I dunno. Maybe I should give them back to Izzy, and he can find someone else to give them to," Mimi frowned.
"Like who? I highly doubt he talks to many people," Davis tapped his fingers along the countertop.
"Hmm…I guess you're right," Mimi said.
"Ooh, I have an idea. Barbie Q, Suzie Q," Davis called the girls over.
"What's up, Davis?" Suzie Q asked.
"How would you guys like to go to an exclusive party?" Mimi held up the tickets.
"Oh my god, how did you get those?" Barbie Q gasped.
"Do you want them?" Mimi smiled.
"Yes! We'll take them!" the girls excitedly said.
"Hi Catherine, you wanted to meet up here?" Tai waited outside of a kiosk.
"Yes. Did you want anything from here?" Catherine asked.
"No, I'm not in the mood for burgers and cheese…or just cheeseburgers in general, even if they are in paradise. I'm on a diet," Tai frowned.
"Okay. Let's just take a seat then," Catherine pointed at a booth.
"Is everything fine?" Tai asked.
"Actually no. Who do you think you are?" Catherine squinted her eyes at him.
"Excuse me?" Tai looked taken aback.
"I don't appreciate you waving your celebrity status in my face only for you to walk around with other girls behind my back. I'm sorry, but I think I misread your intentions. I'm not interested in being part of a revolving door of girls in your roster," Catherine shook her head.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, slow your ropes! What are you talking about?" Tai waved his hands frantically in front of him.
"I'm not going to be easily impressed simply because you can get tickets to exclusive events at the mall. I'm not that kind of person. It's nice and all, but it's not necessary. I just don't want to waste my time with someone who isn't on the same wavelength as me," Catherine crossed her arms.
"I understand. I feel the same way," Tai said.
"Then why are you walking around the mall with some other girl?" Catherine shouted.
"Oh my goodness, you're not talking about my coworker, are you? The blonde one?" Tai groaned.
"Yes. So what's going on? And why haven't you stopped by to see me?" Catherine asked.
"Oh my gosh. This is so stupid, please don't judge me…," Tai sighed.
"What?" Catherine narrowed her eyes.
"I gained some pounds from drinking those frappes so I thought it was best to avoid the cafe. Megumi was going through the same issue, so we decided to walk around the mall together until we both lost the weight," Tai blushed.
"Really?" Catherine giggled.
"Come on. It's a sensitive subject for me," Tai pulled his smock up to his chin.
"Aww, I'm so sorry. You look fine," Catherine reached across the table for Tai's hand.
"Well I wasn't used to having a double chin, or a baby gut…when your manager pokes you, then maybe it was time for a change," Tai sighed.
"I'm so sorry. I didn't think you were self-conscious. You're not going to be very happy with me even more now," Catherine winced.
"What? Why?" Tai slowly said.
"I kinda gave my ticket away. I was upset," Catherine cringed.
"Oh god…ugh. I'll see what I can do, but I can't guarantee anything. Oh Catherine," Tai sighed.
"Sorry," Catherine bit her lip.
"The coast looks clear here," Matt carefully looked around before he placed his guitar case on the floor.
*vrrrroooom*
"Really? Are you serious?" Matt grumbled.
"Hi, it's been a while," Joe wheeled over to Matt in his scooter.
"Yeah, for a second, I thought I was gonna miss you. I guess I was wrong," Matt flatly said.
"Listen, I've been seeing these posters around and if you want to have this event at the mall, you should have it submitted to the mall security for approval, along with a $100 event permit fee," Joe pulled a flyer out from his shirt pocket.
"Seriously? So even if I fork up the money, there's a chance that you guys would still reject my application?" Matt put his hands on his hips.
"It's a possibility," Joe winced.
"Will I at least get my money back if it's rejected?" Matt leaned in towards Joe menacingly.
"Come on, you know that's not how it works!" Joe gulped.
"Yeah, I know how it works and you guys can-"
"Fine, we'll go through the proper procedures, like we did with the nightclub opening, but you better approve this as well," Daniel walked up towards the boys.
"Oh, is this affiliated with the nightclub?" Joe asked.
"Sorta. I'd still like to provide some sort of entertainment for the general public, even though the nightclub will be opening at the same time. I wouldn't want anyone to feel left out. That would be a bad look, wouldn't it?" Daniel shrugged nonchalantly.
"That's true. We'll be expecting the event paperwork. By the way, you also need a permit to perform in public. That's $500 for the year. I'll let it slide for now since it looks like you're on hard times, but you better get it by the end of the week, otherwise the guitar goes," Joe said.
"Fine. Thanks," Matt gritted his teeth.
"See you around," Joe hopped on his scooter and drove off.
"Ick. Now that guy is a buzzkill," Daniel whispered.
"So… thank you back there, but why are you helping me out? Don't get me wrong, I appreciate it, I'm just shocked," Matt looked stunned.
"Look, don't get me wrong. I wanted to strangle you for getting me kicked out from my own party, but I saw this flyer as my own opportunity to not only piss Alana off, but upstage her as well. Is this something you would be interested in?" Daniel stuck his hand out.
"What's the catch?" Matt raised an eyebrow.
"As far as I know, none really, unless you consider being let go from the music store as the catch," Daniel shrugged.
"Yeah, that was a great moment in my life. I love never being able to live that down," Matt crossed his arms.
"Look, you'll get to perform a concert all on your own, and I'll pay all the fees. Including the permit fee to let you keep performing at the mall for the year. You've got nothing to lose. The only possible thing I'll get from this is getting under Alana's skin, and I think it would be worth it. Is this something you'd like to team up on?" Daniel smirked.
"You got a deal," Matt reached out for Daniel's hand and shook it.
"It's going to be a pleasure doing business with you," Daniel smirked.
"Miki, I need help!" Tai frantically ran up to Miki.
"Highlighter and bronzer are not the same thing," Miki sighed.
"No, not that! Look, my date got pissed at me and gave away the ticket that I gave her. Is there any way you can get a spare ticket from somewhere?" Tai sheepishly asked.
"Tai…I can't ask Marc-I mean, I can't ask my connection to just pull tickets out of his ass. I had to do a lot to get the tickets that I got in the first place. I'm sorry, but that's all the tickets that were available," Miki sighed.
"Miki! Are you telling me that Marcus, the manager at the music store is your 'connection'?" Megumi gasped.
"Be quiet. You're lucky I adore you guys," Miki turned red.
"Is he your connection in more ways than one?" Tai smirked.
"Cut it out or I'm gonna make you both start inventory effective immediately," Miki whirled her index finger in the air and stomped away.
"She's totes dating Marcus," Megumi whispered to Tai.
"Totes," Tai exchanged smirks with her.
"Hey pal…," Mimi timidly walked into the store and placed a large cup of coffee on the register counter.
"What's up? By the way, you really don't have to bring coffee anymore. I moved on to energy drinks," Izzy held up a can of sugar-free Red Bull.
"Aren't those bad for you?" Mimi winced.
"Eh, it's a nice change. I'm assuming the effects of the drinks mimic what it's actually like to feel alive because I can feel my pulse," Izzy nodded.
"Maybe you should keep those to a minimum," Mimi grimaced.
"So are you excited for the party at the nightclub?" Izzy ignored her comment.
"About that, I gave my tickets away," Mimi cocked her head to the side.
"Why? I thought you wanted to go," Izzy scrunched his eyebrows.
"I did, but I didn't have anyone to go with. To be honest, I don't think I would have a better time with anyone other than you anyways," Mimi flashed him a small smile.
"I'm flattered, but-"
"I know, it's out of your comfort zone. But how would going to Matt's concert sound like to you instead?" Mimi pulled a flyer out from her handbag. "It's taking place at the same time as the nightclub, and all of our other friends will be there."
"Well…," Izzy crossed his arms and paused.
"I can't imagine there will be that many people there. So what do you say?" Mimi raised her eyebrows and smiled.
"Wow, there's a lot more people than I thought!" Matt grimaced.
"I know, this is great! Alana can suck it!" Daniel snapped a selfie of himself with the crowd of people behind him in the background.
"I never played with such a large crowd before," Matt gulped.
"You'll be fine! You play in public all the time. The only difference is that all the people are gathered around in one place now to focus on you!" Daniel yawned nonchalantly.
"That's not helping…," Matt said through gritted teeth.
"Come on, gotta change that attitude if you wanna move up to higher places," Daniel put his hand on his hip.
"You know what? I think you're right. Thanks," Matt slowly nodded and hopped onto a table. "Hi everyone, thanks for meeting me here! What a great turnout!"
"Yeaaah!" a couple of people in the crowd screamed.
"Yeah! Love it! I couldn't have done this without your support, including my new pal Daniel. This first song's dedicated to him. It's a little different from what my normal sound is, but it's an overal good message. Sometimes you have to make yourself move to a better place to get a clearer vision of what you need. Changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes," Matt cleared his throat and winked at Daniel.
"Changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes," Kari nodded.
"Hey Kari, I didn't think you'd be here," Davis snuck up behind her, TK following suit.
"Hey guys, what's up?" Kari forced a smile.
"Just here to support Matt. He's not bad, but don't tell him I said that," TK smirked.
"How are you holding up?" Davis looked down at Kari.
"I'm here," Kari shrugged.
"Kari," Davis looked at her disapprovingly.
"Fine. I'm not okay. No matter what angle I stand at, today is just another sign that I need to move on. See?" Kari subtly tilted her chin across the sea of people.
"Huh, Izzy's here too? I definitely didn't expect him to show up tonight. He's with Mim-" TK cluelessly said.
"Hey, Kari…why don't you go and say hi to them for us? We're gonna see if we can find anyone else we know," Davis stomped on TK's foot.
"Ow, you stepped on me," TK pouted.
"Sorry Teeks. Come on, let's see who else we can find. We'll see you around, Kar," Davis forced a smile and pulled TK into the crowd.
"Fuck me, I guess," Kari whispered to herself as she shifted through the mess of people.
"Hey Kari, what's up? I didn't think you'd show up!" Mimi excitedly said.
"Hey," Kari sheepishly waved.
"Oooh, why don't you hang out here? I'll be right back!" Mimi pulled Kari closer to Izzy.
"I'll come with-"
"Nonsense, Izzy! You guys should catch up! I'll see if anyone else made it!" Mimi rambled and disappeared into the crowd.
"Hey…," Kari awkwardly smiled.
"Did Mimi put you up to this?" Izzy put his hands in his pockets.
"What? No, she didn't put me 'up to' anything, but I don't want to bother you. I just wanted to say that I'm sorry for being a big jerk to you. I don't expect you to forgive me, but I'm truly sorry. I just got jealous, but it doesn't make what I said okay," Kari shook her head.
"Jealous?" Izzy raised an eyebrow.
"Weird question, do you still have that heart from the stuffed animal I gave you?" Kari bit her lip.
"Yeah…," Izzy pulled out his wallet and fished out a heart-shaped plush.
"Do you mind if I take it back? I kinda need it for something," Kari winced.
"If you want it, I guess," Izzy handed it to her.
"Thanks. Well, enjoy the rest of your night," Kari forced a smile and squeezed her way inside the crowd.
"Hey, where did Kari go?" Mimi put her hand on Izzy's shoulder.
"I dunno, I guess she went off to find more interesting company," Izzy shrugged.
"Shoot, if she waited like three more seconds, I would have been able to tell her that I saw TK and Davis closer to the new pretzel stand. Oh well," Mimi hummed.
"Now let's get to why we decided to throw this little event together! Sure, that nightclub might be acting like they're exclusive, but remember, we don't need permission to dance! So guys, gals, grab a partner and let's kick it on three! One, two, three… It's the thought of being young, when your heart's just like a drum beating louder with no way to guard it…," Matt began to sing.
"I'm glad we're here instead of the nightclub. This is a lot more fun," Catherine smiled.
"I normally would have been upset at you giving away tickets like that, but you're right. I bet that party sucks," Tai smirked as he danced with Catherine.
"You have no idea," Megumi shook her head.
"Megumi? What are you doing here?" Tai grimaced.
"Ugh, that nightclub was super lame. You like my date? I borrowed him for the night. What's your name again?" Megumi playfully tugged at her suitor's collar.
"It's Conner," a timid-looking boy with disheveled brown hair and glasses winced.
"Catherine, this is my coworker Megumi. Megumi, I don't know if you met her, but this is Catherine," Tai introduced the girls.
"Oh my god! You're Catherine! You're so lucky," Megumi coyly smiled.
"Thanks…it's nice to meet you," Catherine blushed.
"It's finally nice to meet you too! And you smell so scrumptious, like coffee and vanilla sugar! I could drink you right up! But I'm trying to stick to a diet. I won't bother you guys, I know Tai's been looking forward to spending some alone time with you," Megumi winked.
"Oh," Catherine turned red.
"I'll see you later Megumi," Tai forced a smile.
"Bye! Come on, Colby!" Megumi yanked her date by the arm and walked off.
"I swear I'm not a perv," Tai nervously laughed.
"She said I smelled like a snickerdoodle frappuccino, and she's not wrong…that's been the most popular drink we've made since its launch," Catherine sighed.
"But you smell delicious," Tai grabbed a lock of her hair and sniffed it.
"Thanks for tonight, but I think I'm gonna turn in. I have a French exam in the morning," Catherine forced a smile and walked off.
"But tomorrow is Satur…okay, she's gone," Tai sighed.
"Hey Tai," Kari glumly looked up at him.
"You didn't see that, did you?" Tai bit his lip.
"Why don't we just go home? It looks like tonight's a dud," Kari tossed her heart-shaped plush in a trash bin.
"Sounds like a plan," Tai put his arm around Kari's shoulder and led her out of the mall.
"It was amazing, Daniel told me that like five people showed up to the nightclub party! Karma at its finest!" Matt laughed.
"Wow, I can't believe how things have turned up for you. That's awesome," Izzy nodded.
"So are you saying that literally no one showed up to that exclusive party at the 'nightclub'?" Sora asked.
"Actually, Marcus was saying that it was having a good turnout at first, but once I started getting a big gathering, everyone was getting interested and they left Alana's party to show up to my concert instead! Literally five people stayed and danced like idiots to the DJ's lame set list," Matt heckled.
"I can't believe you're still talking to Marcus. You guys don't work together anymore," TK shrugged.
"What? Wouldn't you talk to any of your old coworkers once you leave?" Matt asked.
"Absolutely not," Izzy shook his head.
"Same. I don't talk to any of the jerks at the Sandlot," Sora shook her head.
"Don't ask me," Mimi shrugged.
"Dude, I worked alone until just recently, and to be honest, they're nice but I wouldn't be friends with them outside of work," TK shrugged.
"What? I love my girls!" Davis gasped.
"Same! They're my ride or die girls," Tai nodded.
"Your ride or die girls?" Catherine hummed.
"Whitney Houston, I think we've got a problem," Mimi whispered.
"It's just Houston. Just Houston," Izzy said.