C6 The Rainbow Unicorn

[Shinai Indigo]

“I would like you to meet Russel.” I eyed the guy up and down. He looked at me too. I didn’t back down from gazing at him. Quitters are losers. And I am not a loser- I would not back down. Withdrawal is not the option today, tomorrow, and for the months and years to come.

This guy is a friend of a friend. A not-so-distant friend- but not so close either. I don’t want to portend, but I can sense something. A nuance from how real guys- are the real masculine. While him, the guy in front of me is acting all sensual- it is pleasant in some way but at the same time a little bit odd. I don’t want to judge him too much- my thought of formulating more judgements ended. I met him today. Probably will not going to meet him tomorrow-I don’t know.

Nothing is too sure in this world. Having certainty is not a constant ideal mannerism one should uphold. One should be okay with being uncertain- to dive into the unknown. Just like this one.

Vague and handsome. I mean-I cannot deny what I am seeing.

This guy is gorgeous. Hair is sleek, jawline sharp, lips looked kissable. It is thin, but red. Reddish and plump, it’s moist. I like it- not dry. The more I observe his lips- I notice something distinct. Did he apply a lip balm? Is it a lip gloss?

That made my eyebrow raised- the other one is way higher than the other. My own lip twitched- okay. Maybe- just maybe. This is not that bad- because guys can wear any lip products to keep their lips moisturize. There is nothing wrong with that.

“Ahh- Shinai. I mean- this beautiful lady her is my friend, Shinai. Shinai this is Russel, Russel this is one of my friends in grade school Shinai.”

The guy nodded his head as his form of acknowledging my presence- my vitality. Kidding.

“Hi.” I chirped with full enthusiasm wanting to make a nice impression. I want him to look at me in a bright light. So- we can create a rapport and become friends. I want to add another being into my friend circle. It is been years since I add one.

He nodded his head again. Gave Roone a look before averting his gaze and looked the other side of the room where no one is even around in that spot. Strange. I can sense the strangeness- the way they exchange gazes. It feels like I am the one who is alienated from their world. Like, they share the same world and I am just like someone from the other side of the galaxy- the insignificant alien that wasn’t supposed to have their attention because they are busy. Busy minding each other’s existence.

“It’s still not finished yet?” Someone from behind interlude the gazing game. I tsked, feeling fussed.

Jordan again. Interrupting the moment. Not my moment- but the moment of these two guys in front of me. I want to see more of their moments. Gosh- I want to applaud Jordan for ruining this. I want to wrangle him until his soft- black hair ruffles and looked unruly. No way. That is not going to happen. Because Jordan’s hair is soft and straight that even though it gets disheveled, it still looked neat. Suiting to his facial symmetry.

“Shinai, snap out of this. This is not about Jordan. Erase, eradicate him. This is supposed to be about Russel.”

“Nothing. We are just talking.” Roone laughed. I want to say that; “There’s no point in lying, Roone.’ The tension is too obvious. I want to utter these words after I hear his reply. But-during moments like this it is better to shut your mouth. And see where the situation is going.

“Okay.” Jordan eyed me, wrap his arms around my shoulders. Too close. I can feel his breath on my skin. It’s hot. I shake the thought out of my mind. I am feeling something. His hot breath- feeding the stimulation. “No, no. No. Stop thinking- stop thinking about what Jordan’s breath make you feel.”

“I got to go somewhere- are you sure you’ll stay here with them?” He whispered on my left ear. I can feel him smirking while saying it. I stiffened- my body stiffened. I can feel my throat run dry.

Disabling me from saying anything. The only thing I can manage to do is to nod. So many nodding of heads this day. From Roone, who nodded his head while Russel and I were having our eye contact, from Russel who nods for a few times because this is the only thing he knows to show as a response, and down on me.

Nodding my head- because I am lost for words.

“Okay. Text me when you want to go home.” He kissed my cheek. His lip went into the side of my lip. It brushed its end. The contact lingered for a brief moment before he tucked the strands of my hair behind my ear. “I’ll see you later.” He added, before heading out.

“We’re having a night out in Merlie’s Settee. Are you up for a retreat, Shinai? Russel and I will be there. Luvia and Summer will join us too. You can take Jordan with you.”

“Just the six of us?” I questioned in skepticism. What is this? A pairing activity? Where each of the girls will have their own guy to accompany them throughout the night? A play where one is needing to pick his or her partner through the hold of selection? Unfair. It works best if you choose your partner intentionally. I want to have Roone as my pair for the night. To test something.

“Yes. Why do you want to add more people? If you have someone in mind, you can invite them Nai. Shinai.” He waved his hand in front of my face. I stared into abyss thinking about a more concrete plan. I became busy planning about the next thing I need to do that I become unaware of the words that came out of my mouth. “Roone will be my partner. He will stay with me during the retreat.”

I see the twitching of Russel's mouth—wanting to disagree about what I said. Roone looked like he doesn't mind it that much—because he is all smiles. Excited much? Well—maybe he is indeed excited.

[The Day Of Their Get Together]

“You looked brighter than ever. You’re shining.” I lowered my sunglasses to take a peaked of Jordan in front of me. Wearing a white long sleeve. Buttons are open you can his chest looking bare and welcoming. His chiseled- never mind. Why am I even complimenting him? The sun’s rays reached his brown skin- making it looked golden. I could say between the two of us, he is the one who shines more brighter than me. Why does he always outshine me? I pursed my lip in a grim line. I am frowning. Jordan always steals the limelight.

“And now what? Give me some more. Compliment me more. I need a boost. You know I love positive uplifting affirmations, right? C’mon, don’t be shy say some more.” I lifted my chin, put my hands above my chest. Looking like I love myself so much even though I can get overly-critical sometimes.

“You’re acting all extra. I’m giving you extra points because the acting’s good.” He chuckles, followed by showing me his smile with his set of perfectly-aligned teeth all looking white. Making me jealous. Can you even spot a single flaw on this man? Because- I couldn’t. I am trying too hard to make any hate comments on this guy. I am just trying so hard- only to disappoint my own self. Very sad. I wonder if this guy is doing the same thing too. I eyed him closely. Scrutinize his body- staring directly deep into his soul. Making my presence be injected into his mind. Into the depths of his brain. Making sure he won’t forget about my beauty, my radiance, my existence. Jordan laughed amusingly.

Then he stopped. He looked at me intensely. Making me feel something again for the hundredth time. The stare- the stare is weakening my defenses. Suddenly, I feel I couldn’t breathe. I fanned myself. I used my hands. What am I going to use? My handbag?

“It’s getting hot. It’s so hot in here.” I continue to fan myself.

Pushing my long, smooth, silky hair away from my face. I can feel my face looked wacky right now. Jordan must’ve been laughing secretly. His eyes display a full amusement. If he will give me that kind of look again, I will sue him. Will file a case against him, for having such a lovely stare. He went to walk towards me- paces slow. Or it is me who is seeing his movements in a slow motion? Am I glitching? I tap my cheeks for a few times- I don’t want to be sent into another dimension.

“Shinai.” His voice sounded steady. A little bit rugged. Throaty? I don’t know. It sounded too sexy for my ears. I felt horrified at the thought. It’s disgusting. Absolutely disgusting. Since when do I become thirsty for a guy? This is tarrying. I should exude the prim and proper trait, I am pure. I am innocent. I close my eyes while repeating these words inside my head. Become too entrance to what I am doing that I failed to notice Jordan’s hand touching my shoulders and shaking me lightly. I opened my eyes, only to face him with a smirk plastered on his face.

“What’s wrong? Can’t take the heat?” He said while chuckling. Did I hear this line before? Was it from a movie? An erotic movie? Oh-my-gosh. Does he watch movies like that too? I eyed him, making my eyes squint a little bit. Observing him. I never thought Jordan is like this? Hmm- amusing. Very amusing.

“Go on. Ravish me if you want.” He spread his arms wide open. It’s ready. Like the scene from a movie where I guy looked like this and the girl ran into his arms to hug him. Too bad, we are not in a movie. This is reality. And to see this scenario that you’ve grown familiar with from watching all those television shows and films happening in front of your eyes. It is not my type. It’s cringey. This gesture is outmoded, so old-fashion. It’s funny scenes like this is considered a momentous part of a move.

“Eww, Jordan. Eww.” I throw my handbag at him which he easily caught using his left hand. Jordan is a lefty. Just like me.

When we were younger, we always been placed to seat next into each other by our teacher. It usually didn’t last long because we were always bickering and play-fighting. That our teachers got annoyed of how we were acting so loud and immature that they ended up separating us from being near each other.

Core childhood memory. Oh- to be back in your childhood and to go through your unforgettable moments brings a feeling of nostalgia. Only those- treasured ones. Not those bad memories.

They should be buried deeply, so deep that you won’t even want to try digging it back to see it again playing in your mind.

His hand went to remove my hair to side. I was fix into staring at him openly- until I feel my hair being tied in a low ponytail.

“What? Jordan-.” He cut me off fast. Sealed my mouth with his lips. It’s soft, luscious. He bit my upper lip gently. A moan escaped my lips- which made him smile. He stopped. He didn’t continue the kiss and instead he gave me a one sweet peck. It was a quick one- I want some more.

“We wouldn’t do the make out session?” I asked him in a small pleading voice.

“You’ll probably not like being laid down in the sand, do you?” I punched his chest- exerting a low force. It’s enough to let him know that I am quite mad at it. Just a little.

“Shut up. I hate you.” He pulled me close, into his chest. Put his arms around me, rocking my body gently. He kissed my forehead.

“No, you don’t.” He replied with enough radiance and confidence in his tone. “How can you be so sure?” I retorted back. “Shinai, I know. I just know.”

The day was fun. The usual stuff-splashing waters at each other. Drinking pinacoladas. Sitting under the heat of the sun to get tan. Feeling the burning sensation on the skin and will probably regret the action after the enjoyment.

“Why don’t we play volleyball?” Summer suggested.

“Here?” I asked. She didn’t answer me and instead pass the ball at me.

“Let’s split the team into two, each with three members.” She stated. Jordan was far from me. He joined Summer and Roone. While I have Russel and Luvia with me. I tossed the ball, Jordan knocking it to the other side. Russel seized it and throw it to the other group.

“I got this.” I said to the two of them. As I raised my hands up high, the ball come swirling at me. Aiming to flitch it back I jump with only to see that Russel jumped too. My hand swing and it went down towards the low. I gasped.

I touched something- it’s bulging. I followed the trail of my arm and have the view. Seeing it myself. My hand- touch his thing. I thought I only touch his leg or something. But, touching his thing. His private part. A terrifying feeling to feel. I immediately withdraw my hand out of it. Both of us still haven’t gathered our thoughts. My mouth hanged open, eyes looking big. I close my mouth, and bowed to say sorry. It is a mess.

Russel seemed to looked petrified. He gave me a small smile before walking away acting like it didn’t happen. Good thing no one noticed the details of this unfortunate incident.

What I felt lingered on my hands for a moment. I feel it become numb. This shouldn’t be prolonged. I need some rubbing alcohol. To purify my palm. To cleanse my hand. This hand needs to be properly sanitized. That it’ll forget what it touched. I walk out of the pool.

“What’s wrong? Are you okay?” Jordan asked worriedly.

“I am fine.”

“But why. Why did you walk away?”

I sighed. Feeling my own frustration. I still can’t handle what happened. It’s shocking. Nerve-wracking. But not thrilling.

Because- this is the first time. The first time I accidentally placed my fingers on someone’s egg-. I don’t even wanna go into using that word.

“Gosh, I feel like swearing. I want to scream a single profanity I’ve learned to liked right now. This instant.”

“You don’t swear, Nai.” Jordan answered with some hint of confusion in his tone.

“Right. You’re right. Jordan, can you splash a bucket filled with ice water on me? My goodness- unbelievable.” I dramatically professed.

“C’mon. What happened?”

“I touch it- I mean I accidentally touched it.”

“Touched what?”

I looked down, point the thing using my lip. I can see Jordan’s shocked expression too.

“Nai. Why? And who?” He ran out of words to say. Probably couldn’t even imagine the scene. I think I should be thankful that he didn’t witnessed the happening. He’ll be feeling the hysteria more than I do.

“Russel’s thing.” He nodded his head. “Where’s your bag?” I gave it to him. He rummaged inside of it. Finding something he is been seeking to find.

When he found it, he gently grabbed both of my hands and sprayed my palms with the alcohol spray. He wasn’t contented and sprayed it again for the second time. He frowned while busying himself by spraying my hands. Cute.

“Let’s go. I’ll talk to him.”

“And what? It’s an accident, Jadie. I let it slide, you should probably do that too.”

“But I still want to talk to him.”

“About things. Telling him to back off. Just in case he has plans to take you away from me.”

“Jordan. Stop. I think Russel is gay.”

‘Like you’re sure of it. Let’s go back. We don’t want their minds to wander about what we’ve done.”

“We didn’t do something wrong, Jadie. I hate your mind. You’re implying something.” He smiled after hearing me. And grabbed my hand and intwined our fingers. We are walking. And I am enjoying the fresh air I can inhale. I will inhale tons of this because I’ll cannot have this once I am back home. My area is lacking some fresh air- which I hate. If only I can surround myself in trees, bushes, and flowers. How I wanted that. And to live around Nature. This is what my soul wants. This is what I am craving.

Should I tell Jordan to buy me a cabin near the woods? I glanced at him. He noticed my gaze and looked at me back too. While we are busy looking at each other we suddenly heard whispers near the bush. I covered Jordan’s mouth and pulled him. I pointed the area.

Our bodies discreetly moved towards the bush, hide ourselves. I am sure our physiques are hidden. I removed some of the leaves and took a peaked to see what’s happening. Russel and Roone. Locking lips.

“I know my hunch is right.” I happily said. I was right. Shinai is indeed a spectacular and intelligent human being. They pulled away from each other. Looking scared. Worried of judgement, perhaps?

“Your voice is too loud, Nai. They heard you.” Jordan whispered to my ear. He is too close. I shoved his face away from my cheeks gently. There’s no point in hiding. I pulled Jordan’s hand and we went toward the two of them.

“Hi.” I waved my hand at the two of them. “Don’t worry. It’s just us. You can continue. The lovey-dovey moment. We’re heading in anyway.”

“Shinai. I am sorry.” I finally hear Russel talked. He looked shy.

Roone is just beaming his lip at us. “He’s jealous.” He added.

“Jealous- about?”

“Of you. He thinks I like you.”

“There’s no way you’ll like me. I mean- you like me. You completely love my spirit as a friend. But seeing me in a romantic way. Eww. You will be betraying the rainbow clan.”

“Is she.” Russel’s voice is full of hesitance.

“Don’t worry. I am an ally. I am a completely supporting Roone being one of the members of the rainbow family. Jordan too.” I sneaked my hand to hold Jordan’s veiny arm.

He looked at us. Eyes still filled with doubt.

“They favor us, unicorns.” Roone joked.

Jordan and I both laughed.

“You two are a match.” I clapped my hands in pure merriment.

“Congratulations.” Jordan uttered. He’s happy too.

This is what I like about this guy the most. He is cool with almost everything. His non-judgmental way of seeing things is amazing. It is one of his best assets. His views are neutral, unbiased.

Always looking at the different sides of everything. He can balance the scales. A pleasant trait I find fortunate to have as an individual.

“I am sorry, Nai. I acted in an unfriendly way. I am just- just envious. You’re pretty like what Roone described you in our first meeting. I immediately overthink things.”

“Thank you. Thank you for the compliment. Jordan, please list his name. Another person to admit that I looked pretty.” I glance at him and speak; “You belong now to those thousands of individuals who acknowledged my beauty.” Now I hold Jordan’s arm with both of my hands.

“Don’t mind her. Her energy is fueled by every compliment given to her. It what makes her happy.” Jordan said, eyes fixed on staring at me.

“I am sure she’ll never ran out of energy. You’re there to give her a bunch of it.” Roone mumbled joyfully.