62 promptly followed 25's instructions and stayed very far away from the food truck the next day. You had wondered if he was even coming after a certain amount of time had passed, but upon peeking out of the back of the food truck, you finally spotted him far away waving to capture your attention.
You tisked at this and allowed a smile to play on your lips as you removed your apron and got ready to end your shift. The guys noticed and stared at you a moment, light smirks soon replacing their confused expressions when they realized you were getting ready to leave.
"Ug, is your boyfriend here to pick you up or something?" 52 questioned, attempting to sound annoyed but smiling playfully as you hung up your apron and whirled around in protest.
"He's not my boyfriend, ew," You spoke while gagging in order to better sell your disgust, stomping a bit in irritation at the suggestion and huffing in embarrassment. 19 broke out into laughter after handing a guest their food and wiped his hands on his apron.
"That's right!" He spoke, holding up his water as if calling for agreement, "Bronze tiers are too good for gold tiers!"
"You can say that again," 25 huffed with a smile, holding up his water in response before taking a sip. You laughed at this regardless of your previous embarrassment and felt at peace. Yes a part of you had had fun with 62 the day before, but you also couldn't help but feel the need to pick on him. It calmed your nerves and made you feel less guilty for being a terrible dancer while he was so perfect.
"You should have heard him, he asked why my hotel room didn't have clothes in it when I first got here," you spoke in irritation while rolling your eyes in remembrance. A light blush flooded your cheeks that you quickly tried to dispose of when you looked down to see that you were still in the cat pajamas 62 had pointed out the day before. Would he bring it up again today?
52 scoffed and shook his head at this.
"Wow. I guess he can't fathom not having a walk in closet huh?"
"Something like that."
You gnawed on your lower lip remembering that 62 claimed you would use today as a way of strengthening your bond as dance partners. You ran your fingers through your hair and released a sigh as you prepared yourself for more interactions with the handsome dancer. 19 took notice to your sudden stress and spoke up in order to capture your attention.
"Alright lass, get out of here. Your shift is over," he encouraged with a gleam in his eye. You nodded and obeyed, making your way to the door. "And be easy on the dancer. Don't break his heart too badly."
You laughed nervously; winking and waving farewell to the food truck workers before exiting the food truck.
62 was waiting with a wide smile on his face at the distance he had put between him and the truck, and you took your time in approaching him.
"Peanut," He acknowledged by tilting his head a bit and allowing his eyes to glisten mischievously.
You simply hummed in response and lightly looked around, arching an eyebrow his way when you turned back towards him.
"You know you don't have to stand so far away from the truck, right?" You questioned, watching in amusement when his expression faltered a little.
"Well, one of the guys you work with told me to stay away yesterday," He reminded you awkwardly, you stiffling your own laughter in confirmation that he was scared and obeying 25's orders. The right thing to do right then would have been to clarify that 25 had only said such a thing in order to stop the overwhelming flow of customers that came when 62 ordered from the truck, but you decided to instead have fun with the situation.
"Oh that's right," You spoke thoughtfully, tapping your chin a bit. "25 does have anger issues. Sometimes, for fun, he knocks out gold tiers and we put their fingers in the fryers. Honestly, it's the most exciting thing that happens all day, but considering you sort of need your hands to dance, it's probably best you keep your distance."
62's eyes slowly widened in unsure fear and he took a step back from your form while you bit your lower lip in order to stop yourself from laughing out loud and hummed in anticipation.
"Alright then, where are we going? Isn't it time to bond or something?"
62 cleared his throat and shook his head, attempting to brush off your previous statement even though in the back of his head he wondered what he was doing. Was his new dance partner secretly a psychopath? Your large eyes looking up at him quickly allowed him to drop this notion and he deemed it ridiculous.
You were probably joking.
Right?
"I wanted to play some games and walk around and stuff. Sounds fun, right?" His enthusiasm was blinding. "After last time, I realized you probably haven't been able to fully experience the Between from the prospective of a guest. You're part time, so there's nothing holding you back now."
You wearily looked around while he spoke, unsure of his suggestion. Fun? Maybe he was right, you did need to see and experience more of the Between. What made you nervous was the guy in front of you shuffling expectantly; waiting for you so the both of you could move forward in doing the presumed task together.
He was putting a lot of pressure on you so he could get his name. This in itself was enough, and you hoped there were no other hidden motives behind his friendly smile and soft features. The notion of bonding as dancers seemed to be a bit of a stretch, and you couldn't help but be hesitant and unsure of what he was really after.
Finally, you nodded as an indication that you accepted what he had proposed.
"Lead the way," You motioned, he breaking out into a smile and humming before excitedly running off. You blinked in surprise, not expecting him to move so fast. It was difficult to catch up and your boots clunked on the ground awkwardly while he effortlessly ran past booths, vendors, and rides.
"Hey!" You called in irritation, huffing and not used to running.
"Hurry up, peanut!" was all he said in response, looking back to shoot you a smirk before laughing lightly and outstretching his arms. He allowed the breeze to rush past his fingers as he continued to sneak looks back your way. You sighed and bit your tongue while attempting to do as he said. Eventually he took pity on you and slowed down, waiting for you to catch up as you rushed past the blur of colors and guests.
"Hmm, maybe we should work on your stamina too. That's pretty important for a dancer," he spoke smugly while you attempted to catch your breath. It took everything in your power to not snap at him then. Thinking quickly, you took a deep breath in order to control your emotions and smiled at him instead.
"OK, sure!" You agreed brightly, taking him off guard. He was a bit unsure of how to deal with you when you were so quick to agree, and faltered a bit before he noticed the playful daring look in your eye. It seemed to taunt him into his next words, like a game of risk.
It made his heart skip a beat and he couldn't help but lightly poke your cheek that was flushed from the thrill of running in the slightly chilled night air. This was the kind of excitement and banter he craved. Initially he had only approached you on the prospect of the deal. Now, the more time he spent with you, the more his blood pumped with adrenaline and the more he smiled. It seemed as if maybe he hadn't smiled at all in the Between before you.
You waved off his hand upon the contact and glared, making this thrill intensify.
God, he had craved this. Was this what it had been like? In life? Is this how he had acted with those six names written on a piece of paper that were supposedly his best friends? They were apparently so important to him, but he couldn't even recall their faces.
In 62's short time in the Between as a gold tiered entertainer, the only thing that had seemed out of reach was the one thing that kept him up at night. It felt so wrong, being alone. Loneliness had been eating him alive.
Now, this sharp tongued clumsy food worker that had caught his eye from the beginning was making this craving for something he had been missing worsen. Now it was possible and in his grasp.
A way to cure the loneliness.
"Peanut," He tisked playfully, heart beating in anticipation as you acted as if the male who had poked you had a disease, "You have to get used to me touching you. We're dancing together after all."
"We aren't dancing now, are we?" You were quick to come back, this quickly silencing 62 as he had no response ready. You were right. He hesitated a bit and you rolled your eyes at his silence, walking over to one of the maps in order to study it better. "Alright, what were you wanting to do? Are we just going to run around like idiots or actually do something?"
62 blinked and shook his head, attempting to clear his thoughts and come back to the initial task at hand.
"There's something really cool I wanted to show you," He spoke in excitement, "I'm really good at it too, not to brag. I think you're going to like it."
You laughed a bit, the sound making 62 smile once more even though it was rather sarcastic.
"You are bragging. But whatever, let's go."
"Right this way," He motioned, outstretching his arms in the indicated direction; smile not leaving as a laugh so light it sounded like a giggle escaped his plump lips. You had no idea why he was so happy all the time, but figured maybe it was because of his ranking. Unknown to you, this happiness he displayed then had once been completely foreign in the not so distant past.
He led you now more slowly through the streets before coming to a halt in front of one of the game booths. Light music trickled through the small space as LED lights cast shadows on 62's excited features. The worker had been sitting looking rather bored, but upon your arrival, sat up abruptly. You noticed his silver name tag and furrowed your eye brows a bit.
Why were the game workers silver tiered?
How hard was it to operate a game booth? It was probably easier than the food truck. You bit your tongue in irritation while watching the man recognize 62. He bowed to the higher rank; flustered upon the famous dancers presence.
"6-62!" He stammered smiling in nervous excitement. "Back again?"
"Of course!" The male responded with a chuckle, lightly drawing his tongue against his lower lip while eagerly looking your way for approval. "This is probably my favorite game. I win every time."
You rolled your eyes before taking a better look at the game booth. It looked to be a simple ring toss; red pegs laid out and the silver tiered worker handing matching hoops to 62 that he would be tossing over the pegs in order to win.
You looked up to see that the prizes were... plain white boxes. You blinked a bit in confusion, used to seeing memory papers as the usual prize.
62 pushed the rings that the worker, 03, had given him your way.
"You first," He requested sweetly, smiling and stepping back to watch. You looked at him incredulously before smiling back rather fakely.
"Wow, what a gentleman!" You pretended to swoon, then allowed your expression to drop as you instead hissed in slight irritation. "You just want to watch me do bad."
His eyes glinted playfully before he chuckled.
"No way!" He spoke in what you took as a rather fake tone. Ah, so dancing wasn't enough? He wanted to see more things he was good at but you sucked at? You quickly scolded yourself for being so negative and angry towards your dance partner. It wasn't his fault you were so bad at everything, and you were supposed to be bonding with him. 03 had watched the two of you with surprise written on his features as you bantered back and forth. His gaze made you uncomfortable, so with a sudden urge of confidence, you decided to embrace your own trait.
"Watch this then," You suddenly spoke without thinking, gathering all the rings in your arms and throwing them all at once. 62's eyes widened as they clattered against the pegs. Most of them bounced off, but you watched in excitement as one spun around a peg before fully falling onto it.
"Yes!" You cheered in excitement, happy to have gotten one on. You looked over to 62 in your sudden burst of joy to see him staring at you. You crossed your arms smugly. "Did you see that?"
He blinked at your outburst in surprise before coming back to; smiling at your ridiculous move.
"That was pretty good, peanut." He praised, laughing as you jumped in presumed victory once more. "But I think the goal is to get ALL the rings on the pegs."
Your expression fell.
"Oh."
62 felt bad and almost spoke again, but was interrupted by you.
"I'll just try again then!"
He was shocked at your determination and persistence. It made him stare in curiosity again, not even caring if he was caught doing so. He had discovered in his short stay at the Between that if he was bad at something, he would simply avoid it. You however continued to work hard at and accept the things that you struggled in or made you suffer. He knew you weren't a dancer and how hard it probably was for you. He also saw how hard you worked in the truck. It was... an admirable trait. One that left him stunned, and suddenly feeling guilty.
"Actually miss," the worker cut in, "I guess you're new. Only one attempt at each booth a day. Those are the rules. You can try again tomorrow."
"Darn," you spoke in disappointment, shrugging it off rather quickly however by turning to 62 who was still staring. You tilted your head a bit at this and coughed awkwardly. "What are you looking at? It's your turn."
"Oh... sorry," He laughed a bit, rubbing the back of his neck and pink staining his soft cheeks as the silver worker returned with more rings. 62 looked up at the plain boxes, knowing he had to win one. Not for himself, he had already won quite a few and had them stored in his room. He wanted to win one for you who had still not gotten out and was new to the Between. Hopefully, you would like it.
"Alright, watch this," He spoke teasingly. You crossed your arms and rolled your eyes.
"I am," You assured him, he chuckling at this. The blinking lights from the booth brightened and dimmed to reveal his features in the cascading light before fading off and on again. With a determined look on his face, he carefully tossed the first ring. It effortlessly spun around a peg.
He repeated this process five times, landing them all as you clapped in mocking irritation.
"Yay..." You praised, not so surprised. "You win, a box!"
62 laughed as the worker handed him the plain box and you became surprised when he handed it to you.
"Not just a box. Here, put your finger... here." He placed the box in your hand and directed your hand to rest against the lock on the box. He helped you position your thumb correctly so the box could read your fingerprint. You watched as the number 79 flickered on what appeared to be a number pad.
"W-Wait," You stammered, not knowing what was happening. "What is this? You won this, not me..."
"I already have three," he spoke with a laugh, motioning for you to keep it after you tried to hand it back. "Now, open it!"
You rolled your eyes at his statement and hesitated before gingerly lifting the lid of the plain box. You blinked in surprise at what rested inside. At first, all you saw was pink fur.
When you lifted the item out, you gasped in unsure surprise.
It was a stuffed cat, and you allowed the empty box to fall to the dusty floor as you examined it in excitement.
"It's a memory," 62 explained, "Favorite animal. Except here, the memory comes in the form of a stuffed animal. Cute, right? Looks like I was right, you do like cats."
You were barely listening as you examined the animal before releasing a sigh and clutching it to your chest with a smile. Your happiness was genuine, and the gift in your arms made you forget to be snappy and teasing with the gold tiered guy.
"Wow. I... I really love it. This is so cool! Thanks!"
You were smiling at him. Sudden shyness swept over 62 then before he cleared his throat and smiled back.
"No problem, I'm really glad you like it." Excitement made his pulse race as he quickly tried to think of a way to keep your attention. "What do you want to do now? I was thinking maybe walking around and getting something to eat?"
"Ice cream," you cut in in excitement, "Ice cream and... yeah food too. Anything works."
62 laughed at your excitement, mentally noting that you were enthusiastic about cats and food. Maybe it was fitting that you had ended up in the food truck after all. He nodded and motioned for you to follow him as he lead the way towards the vendor he knew sold ice cream.
The silver worker, 03, watched the two of you with surprise littered across his face as you walked away exuberantly in anticipation with the smiling dancer. In his entire career and time in the Between, he had never seen two people interact like that with each other. Or seen someone offer a memory they had rightfully earned to another. Or seen someone smile for any reason other than receiving a memory. And yet, 62, the famous handsome dancer, was smiling at this random bronze girl with little to no reason at all.
~~~
"Yeah, this is it, oh my gosh so good," you spoke through eating your ice cream as the taste was sensational. In one arm you carried your pink stuffed cat and in the other you held your cone. 62 was carrying his own cone and had been stuck holding the fries the two of you were sharing in the other.
You were walking through the Between while you ate so you would be able to see everything you hadn't yet been able to. It was a lot to take in, and you weren't entirely sure how you felt about it. On one hand, it was thrilling, exciting, and entrancingly beautiful. There was lots to see and do, and the bright lights and music aided in it's enchantment. On the other hand, you were fearful and unsure. The darkness behind the lamp posts was an unknown and chilling territory. Guests walked alone as they scavenged for memories as if it were all they cared about. You could have sworn on occasions you had heard small sounds with inexplicable sources.
Regardless of the sights, you had to admit, you were having fun. You supposed if you were alive, then it would be normal for you to be walking around having fun with people as most girls your presumed age would do. It felt almost relieving to not be working and finally just... enjoying yourself.
Yes, somehow, you really were enjoying yourself.
You told yourself it was only because of the food, but as time trickled on and you continued walking and enjoying his presence, you had to admit you had been wrong to be so nervous and unsure of 62. He wasn't bad, and it was so nice to talk like this to someone. Especially someone who seemed to be a similar age as you.
It was odd. Neither of you had any recollection of your past life. Most would assume this would lead to no conversation. Somehow, you had been talking to each other non stop for what must have been about hours.
"You cried?!" 62 spoke in shock before breaking into laughter as you flushed in embarrassment and licked your ice cream to hide this.
"Yeah? So what!" You retorted, "The trash bag was heavy. I dropped it, and started crying. It was like my second day."
"Awe, poor little peanut," he spoke teasingly, cooing and attempting to poke your cheek again. You quickly waved him away.
"Stop that!" You snapped, "You're going to get ice cream on my face. I bet you'd cry if you had to take out the trash." You interrupted his laughing to add another point. "Also, you know, I never gave you permission to call me peanut."
"But you never stopped me," He retorted with a smirk, you quickly shutting your mouth before retorting to the treat in your hand once more to hide your defeat. 62 chuckled and watched a guest attempting to recover a good memory at a balloon pop game. They didn't seem to be successful and walked away in dismay.
The sight slightly added weight to 62's shoulders before he looked at you once more. You were invested in your ice cream and didn't even notice the despair of the guest.
"I danced that night," He suddenly spoke, unsure of where his words came from. You looked at him in confusion as he quickly attempted to clarify himself. "The night you came. 79. I danced that night."
"Oh," you spoke in understanding, suddenly remembering locking eyes with him after breaking out of the tank and being terrified by the new setting.
"I also remember you were really lucky. I don't think I've ever seen someone spin the wheel and receive such a rare memory on their first night."
Lucky.
That was one way to put it.
You shrugged, not really knowing why he was talking about your first day and the memory you had collected. If you were being honest, you hadn't thought much about it in awhile. With nothing else to go off of, what did it matter if you knew how you died? Why should you care who 'Park Jimin' is? You were dead, and knowing such things wasn't going to change that. This Park Jimin was mostly likely alive and well, so it wasn't like you'd be encountering him any time soon. Without knowing what you were missing, you couldn't even be angry.
"I don't know about luck," You spoke after finishing your ice cream cone and licking your fingers. "Don't get me wrong, I see why everyone wants memories here. But sometimes it sort of feels like a scam. I kid you not, when I received cause of death the only thing on the paper was some guy's name."
"Really?" 62 questioned in curiosity. You motioned for him to come closer and stole one of the fries he was holding. "What, so you think the name is the name of the guy who killed you? You were murdered?!"
"I guess," you shrugged, a bit too nonchalant regarding your own death as 62 breathed out in wonder.
"Woah... that's crazy. We are pretty young, I guess unnatural cases would make sense. But murder? Don't you ever think about it?"
"Only a little. To be honest, what does it matter? All of us here are in the same boat. Natural or unnatural, we're all dead."
Your words seemed to ring in 62's ears as his heart sank a bit.
"Right."
You seemed to notice the sudden mood shift as the usual smile and charming light to 62's eyes drifted away and became replaced by a dull thoughtfulness. You decided to attempt further conversation in hopes he would perk up, not too fond of his sudden silence.
"Well... what about you, gold tier? What memories do you have? Quite a lot?"
It worked. Upon hearing you ask him a question, his lips lightly pulled into a smile once more.
"Sort of," He spoke with a laugh, "But I haven't been here that long. Unlike you, I get paid in bulk after performances. So some days I don't get any, and some days I get a lot. For example, last night I probably got about... ten memories?"
"Ten?!" You spoke in shock, this number quite large compared to the two you received every night.
"Yeah. Last night I got a few good ones, like address and where I grew up."
Your mouth fell open in shock as you heard this and you whirled towards him wide eyed.
"WHAT?" You exclaimed, he watching your surprise in amusement. "I literally got a memory that told me my gender and the length of my big toe last night. And you got an address?!" You scoffed in irritation, 62 trying his absolute hardest not to laugh. He quickly bit his lip to stop the noise from escaping and offered you more fries to calm you down.
"Hmm. Well, what memories do you want then?" He asked quickly, genuinely curious. "Soon you're going to get whatever memory you want, so what are you going to ask for?"
You thought over his question in hesitation, unsure at first. Yes you'd thought about it, but because you had mostly accepted the dancing position for better insight on the Between, the memory had been only a back up motivation. You honestly didn't care so much. However, after looking up to see the way 62 was expectantly looking at you, you knew you should come to some sort of conclusion. Especially because you knew how badly he wanted to achieve his name.
"I think..." You started slowly, remembering your exasperation in Chloe's office when you had first arrived and she had informed you you hadn't been worthy of anything but a food truck job. "I think I want to know if I had any sort of dreams or motivations. Anything I wanted to do."
"Ah," 62 nodded in respect. "That's pretty good. For me, that's dancing. I received the memory, but to be honest I didn't even need it. Dancing is something I don't need a memory to know I love."
You allowed his words to wash over you and knew them to be true. You had seen him on stage. It was what he was made to do. But... was there something you were made to do? Something that didn't need a memory for you to know? You yearned for this entirely. 62 slowed his pace and you looked at him as he seemed to weigh his next words.
"You know," He spoke shyly, throwing the empty fry container in the trashcan as you both passed it, "My favorite memory is probably the one that gave me the names of my best friends."
You watched as his eyes lit upon mentioning the memory.
"I can't remember them, but when I first came here and I felt... alone, receiving that memory helped me a lot."
You barely knew this guy. But the sudden emotion that flooded his eyes made you stop walking as sadness flooded your heart. Alone? The Between was a lonely place, and you suddenly realized something. You WERE lucky. But not because of the wheel that had spun when you first arrived. Because you had managed to find companionship in your fellow workers.
You thought maybe 62 was close to the other performers, but upon remembering him sitting alone in the stands, you realized maybe that hadn't been a correct assumption.
"I have to be honest," 62 piped up, a bit of hesitance in his gaze as you blinked and gripped onto your stuffed cat. "I... I didn't just ask you to come hang out with me today because of the deal and our dancing."
You knew it. So there was something else. You watched as his cheeks danced with a reddened hue and you shifted in anticipation as your heart seemed to stop moving while waiting.
"And... although at first I only approached you because of the deal and because I really wanted my name, I guess even though we didn't interact that much... when we did, for the first time here I felt... alive. I can't lie, I was sort of lonely."
You had observed this to be true. You now felt guilty about all the times you had mocked his riches. Now you were unable to imagine him in any way other than alone in a large hotel room, just informed that he was dead and having no one around.
It sounded haunting.
"And we're similar in age, so... I know I've been sort of annoying but, I was really hoping we can take this opportunity and get to know each other. Yesterday, when we practiced, I noticed I was having a lot of fun. I know we're dead, peanut, and I know we don't even have that much time in the Between, but when we're together I don't feel so lonely. And I was hoping that even though we're working together so we get memories, we can make the most of it and... become friends?"
You supposed it would sound rather silly to an outsider. A handsome 22 year old dancer begging to be friends with a girl in pajamas who barely knew anything about herself. But right then, you realized you had finally identified the emotion 62 had been hiding in his gaze all along, even the first time you had ever met his eyes.
He craved companionship.
"Sure," you attempted to agree as nonchalantly as possible, watching 62's eyes light up in surprise. "I mean, I know I'm not ideal. I'm not a good dancer, and you're stuck with me. But, I'll be your friend. After all, you told me dancers have to have a 'bond'. And as your friend, I'll help you get your name."
Relief, happiness, and other unidentifiable emotions crossed his face as he smiled at you. He released a breath he hadn't known he had been holding, the nerves that had fluttered in his stomach dispersing.
"I'm not gonna lie," he spoke with a laugh, "I was pretty sure you hated me."
You rolled your eyes.
"I don't hate you, you're just annoying sometimes. Like when you touch my face. But... yeah, I think it's been really nice. To be around someone my age and talking with you and stuff. Today has been nice. I don't know if this makes sense, but I feel like I found out more about myself today too."
His eyes twinkled in happiness as he motioned towards the stuffed cat in your arms.
"Well yeah. We figured out your favorite animal."
That wasn't exactly what you meant, but you decided not to fight it as he continued speaking.
"Sorry again for being annoying, peanut. I was just trying to get your attention. Now that we're friends, I think we're going to be great dance partners."
You weakly smiled at this, still unsure about the dancing part but knowing you'd give it your best shot. And hopefully you could still figure out more about the Between in the process.
"I'm so happy, really," He spoke relieved, "Our performance is going to be amazing. I've been planning what we need to do from here. A lot of practice is ahead of us, and I can't wait."
You both listened as the clock tower went off and your eyes widened upon realizing how much time had passed without you realizing it.
"Wow, the show is already over and everything's closing," you noted, 62 looking your way before coming to a conclusion.
"I'll walk you home," he decided, gripping your wrist so you would comply. You began to protest, panicking when you realized you didn't want 62 to see the bronze hotel. Even if it was just the outside. You knew it was ridiculous and that he had already probably seen it, but pride wouldn't permit you to allow him to watch you enter the building.
"That's OK!" You spoke while breaking your arm away, he looking a bit disappointed. "I have to go get my paycheck and-"
"I'll walk you there," he interrupted, about to grab your arm again so you taking a step back in preparation.
"It's fine, really. You don't need to walk me. I'm not a baby."
He bit his inner cheek in thought before smiling playfully.
"But you're afraid of the dark, right?"
"NO I'M NOT!" You protested in irritation, he smirking at your protest as you bit your lower lip and clutched onto your stuffed animal in a huff. "A-And even if I was... there's street lights. Now good night."
"Tomorrow, we're going back to dancing!" He called as you attempted to walk away. "Bonding times over, so we need to get back to work."
You groaned remembering how sore the small amount of dancing had made you. Why had you agreed to this?
62 felt happiness like no other after you had agreed to a friendship. It felt natural, and the fact that he would be going to an empty hotel room didn't hurt anymore at the prospect of teaching you how to dance. Hopefully, the day had been successful and you would be more comfortable around him.
"Meet me at the clock tower when you're done with work," He continued to call out to you as you walked away. "You know, so my hands don't end up in a fryer. And... again, I had fun today."
You looked down at the stuffed animal in your arms and made sure you were far enough away so that he couldn't hear you as you sighed in unsure hesitance.
"Yeah, I did too."
~~~
You were walking back to the bronze hotel building after receiving your paycheck, rather flustered and upset as you usually were upon receiving what you deemed to be useless memories.
Was it really important to know how many bones you had ever broken? Why did that matter? You bit your lower lip in frustration, about to enter the building before something behind you caught your eye.
It was the flickering of a light. You whirled around to see what was causing the blinking light and so easily caught your attention, only to be met with the sight of the main tent.
You looked up to the night sky to see that the spotlight that usually was used to bask performers in light on the inside of the tent was now shooting upwards into the sky. Had it always done this?
It flickered in a rhythmic way, and you were entranced by the blinking but also curious and slightly fearful. What did it mean? You almost took a step closer towards the main tent, but the sudden sound of a voice stopped you.
"79?" questioned a familiar older tone, you whirling around to see 19 sitting on an old bench that rested outside the bronze hotel building. You blinked before thinking quickly and hiding the stuffed cat that had been gifted to you by 62 behind your back. The old man's eyes crinkled upon spotting you and he leaned back on the bench. His voice sounded tired and weary, but he did his best to force kindness into it. "How was dancing?"
"Dancing? U-Um..." You didn't want to explain that you and 62 had taken the day to spend time together instead of dance and found the situation rather embarrassing, so decided to answer in regards to the day before. "Well, I'm not so good at it to be honest." You laughed awkwardly.
"You'll get it. If you put the work in then it will happen."
He looked upwards towards the blinking lights you had been staring at moments prior and released a sigh before allowing his eyes to flicker as he seemed to be slowly mouthing something.
You followed his eyes in curiosity and looked back to him.
"Aren't you... usually at the bar at this time?" You questioned, not remembering seeing him around any nights previously.
"Eh. I don't like going all the time. Some nights I just like to walk around and listen."
You blinked in unsure confusion before he tapped the bench next to him as a way to usher you closer. You quickly complied and sat next to the old man.
"Do you know morse code, girl?" He suddenly questioned, you not expecting such a question and tilting your head in confusion.
"Morse code?"
Why was he asking such a thing? 19 continued to look forward before lightly stroking his wispy beard.
"You probably don't care to know, but I've found if you sit and listen, sometimes the Between speaks. I don't know who it's speaking to, but if you're observant enough, you'll hear it. Or, see it." He motioned towards the spot light that was flickering in the sky and suddenly your heart leaped.
"Morse code?!" You spoke in a shocked whisper, your enthusiasm taking the older man by surprise. "Is that what it is? What's it saying?!"
He chuckled at your hushed excitement and continued to gaze at the sky.
"You know, morse code was something used to communicate in times of war. If this is a war we're in, then communication might just be what saves us. Even if we think we've already lost." Your mind spun as you looked around at the Between in a new sort of light. Your heart raced with the familiar prospect of answers.
19 looked around with a sigh as your heart seemed to beat in it's own sort of rhythmic pattern.
"Tonight, the lights are flickering their usual message. Even the street lights are flickering it. They're saying, CHOOSE WISELY."
It only took you a heartbeat to register this information before you whirled towards the older man with a pleading light in your eyes. You breathed the words out naturally as suddenly you felt as if you would combust.
"Please," you begged, he still rather surprised at your interest as you were not able to stop staring at the flickering light behind him.
"Please, teach me morse code."