“And you know what? They gave me one more week of pay as a bonus!"

“They should be. Actually, I think they should've given you more."

“They did give me a voucher for three nights for the hotel but I don't know, it's good enough, I guess?"

Octo leant forward on the table, a smile on his face as he watched Kevin in front of him. They were hanging out in the city park, now much livelier compared to when they last met. With two plates of fish sticks and scotch eggs on the table, they were catching up with each other after 2 months.

Now, the awkwardness between them was almost gone. Of course, they still avoided talking about what happened to their relationship, but now they feel comfortable just talking. It really felt as if they had finally moved on. He watched the wolf intently as he talked, enthusiastically sharing stories as if nothing had ever happened to them in the first place. If he tried hard enough, he could think that they were still in university, having lunch during the winter holiday in one of the canteens as they told stories about their winter job.

“Now I'm just relaxing at home." finished Kevin. “There's another job but it's for a week from now and not that hard."

“That's good, then." commented Octo. “What's the job?"

The wolf munched his scotch egg. “I'm gonna be a host at a local event." His phone then beeped, and he took and read the message. “Aw shit, sorry dude, time to go home. My brother's shift is coming up."

“Aw, alright." Octo finished his juice and leant back on the chair.

“Oh, hey, Oct…" Kevin started as he finished his juice and collected their paper plates. “…you, uh, wanna come over for a bit? You know, for bread… and stuff?"

That made his ears perk up. Ears lowered, Kevin was smiling rather bashfully as he tidied up their table and walked to the bin. Octo could see his tail wagging gently as if feeling excited yet nervous.

Octo smiled too, and when Kevin was back, he answered, “Sure. I can't stay for long, though. There's something I need to do later."

The wolf thanked the vendor, then threw his jacket on his shoulder. “That's fine. Alright, let's get the bus."

The bus took a while to come as they waited at the bus stop. Once it arrived, they got in and sat down. The bus ride was silent, rather thankfully, and Octo took the time to think. This really felt like they were trying to start again, and he was grateful. They were making up and forgiving each other. Maybe they didn't need to talk about what happened because there simply was nothing to talk about.

What happened, happened. No use in pointing blame.

The setting sun and quiet ride helped his mind to calm down. “We're here." Kevin then said, pressing the button.

Getting off the bus, Kevin led him to a quite run-down but peaceful neighbourhood near the river. As he walked along the road beside the riverbank, he could see the small hill where his own neighbourhood stood across the river. Octo smiled sadly; quite a big divide between them, huh? He knew this area of the city, but he never exactly came inside. His father had always advised him to avoid certain places in the city. He always doubted that, knowing that Ausalt-on-Haye was more-or-less safe.

They came to a small house. He did not want to sound spoilt, but the house seemed to be even smaller than his own bedroom. He hid his concern as Kevin opened the door. “Uh, well, here we are."

As he walked inside, he found that inside was a lot cosier than he expected. It was small, but comfortable and homely. There were several photos hanging on the walls, which had several cracks on them. The paint was scraping and the furniture aged, but overall, the house still looked clean, welcoming, and most importantly, well-loved. He smiled and took his coat off but didn't find any hanger near the door on which he could hang it.

“Uhh, i-it's not the best." Kevin said rather nervously as he walked to the kitchen area. It was separated from the living room just by a small dining table. “Feel free to sit down."

Octo folded his coat neatly and put it on the small table in front of the television. “It's cosy here." He said, sitting down on the worn-down sofa. It smelled like Kevin and someone else who also smelled similar.

A door then opened, revealing another wolf around Kevin's size. “You finally got home—wha-Kev! You just had that fox a few days ago!" Octo turned around and found another wolf with light-red fur who was looking at them accusingly with his arms crossed.

Kevin growled. “That fox was a co-worker, you prick! And he's not here for that!" He almost barked. “Go the fuck to work!"

That lighter-red wolf growled back before going back inside his room, then came back with a coat. “Don't be too loud, mom's sleeping." He said rather roughly as he put his coat on. His eyes met Octo's, but he didn't say anything and quickly walked outside.

Octo just stared at the open door confusedly, then shrugged. Maybe it was not his business. He turned to Kevin who was facepalming. “Is that your brother?"

“Yeah, that's my brother." The wolf mumbled, then wiped his face in exasperation. “How about we ju—oh, hey, mom."

Another door opened, but this time accompanied by an elderly woman's friendly voice. “Kevin, you're back. Oh, you brought a friend!"

Octo turned around and found an elderly brown wolf with a sweet smile walking towards them. The panther stood up and bowed slightly at her, offering a hand and smiling. “Good evening, ma'am."

“Aren't you a polite one." She laughed a bit as Octo kissed the back of her hand. “I'm Kevin's mom. Just call me Cynthia. Do you have classes with Kevin? What's your name?"

“No, ma'am, we're from different classes." He replied, standing back up. “My name is Octo."

“Oh, from class B then." Cynthia looked at Kevin who looked a bit bashful. “Finally you're bringing someone from class B home, Kevin. It's good to make more friends, don't be mean. Dexter told me you're being mean with him again."

He furrowed his brows, but Kevin just whispered to him to just go with it.

“Kevin, where's the drink? Serve your friend some drinks!" She said then looked at the clock. “Oh, just in time. Please wait, I will cook us some dinner."

“Um, that is quite unnecessary—"

“It's okay, sweetie! It's time for dinner." She said as she walked to the kitchen with Kevin behind her, stifling a laugh.

Sitting back down, Octo shook his head with a smile, especially when Cynthia jabbed Kevin's side softly and said, “Why didn't you tell me we're having a guest tonight? I could've prepared some food." to which the red wolf answered, “Ouch! I met him on my way back home!"

Kevin returned and put a glass of water in front of him. He sheepishly scratched his nape and sat back down. “Uh… yeah, she's my mom."

“I can certainly see the resemblance." The panther with a smile.

“Just… um… just think that you're in high school with me, okay? She has Alzheimer's." Kevin sighed a bit, as if wanting to tell him more but too afraid of the fact. “Better not to confuse her too much."

“I… I am terribly sorry to hear that."

“Thanks, man."

A few moments later, Cynthia called the two of them to sit at the dining table. She put two big bowls in the middle of the table, smiling as she did so. “Eat up! Don't worry, we have plenty!"

“Thank you for the food." Octo looked at the dishes. He was served chicken soup and mashed potatoes. He smiled fondly; they looked delicious and smelled great, too. This reminded him of those winter days all those years ago when his mother would cook him some chicken soup.

“C'mon, Oct, eat up."

Now that Kevin had opened the meal, he took his portion onto the plate and dug in. It tasted good. Not as good as when he cooked it himself, but still, there was something different, something nostalgic there, knowing that a mother figure had made it. Still putting the dirty dishes away, Cynthia looked at them as they ate and smiled widely, then sat down and joined the meal.

Over the table, they talked about stuff. Cynthia told him some stories about Kevin and his brother Shaun when they were young. Kevin groaned and urged her to stop but Octo kept listening intently so that she did not stop. He also shared some stories about himself, omitting the detail that he came from one of the richest families in the city. He did not want to impose, not when she was being a good host and a very lovely mother to Kevin.

When the food was done, she took their plates and began washing them. Octo stood up and offered to wash the dishes, but she declined. “It's fine, sweetie. I can handle this. You just do your homework." She leant closer. “Kevin has some problems with maths. Could you help him with that?"

Octo smiled at her. “Of course, ma'am. I will make sure he gets an A."

“Thank you, Octo!" She said brightly. “Now off you go, I need to clean the kitchen."

Kevin nudged him. “Let's get to my room."

Octo nodded at him, but as he walked behind the wolf, his phone beeped with a new message. Unfortunately, it also showed that it was almost 19 along with a message from Nicholas asking where he was. “Kevin, I don't want to be rude but unfortunately I have to leave now."

“Ow, shit, yeah you said that earlier." The wolf scratched his cheek, standing by the doorframe. “Well, thanks for coming, still." He smiled. “Need me to take you to the nearest bus stop?"

“It's back where we got down, right? I think I'll manage. How's the schedule?" He asked as he took his coat.

“Every 15 minutes if I remember correctly."

“You're leaving already?"

They both turned as Cynthia walked towards them, wiping her hand dry with a rag. She looked rather sad.

“Yes, ma'am, sadly I'm needed somewhere else." Octo smiled apologetically at her. “Thank you for the dinner, it was wonderful."

“Aw, thank you for coming, dear." She smiled again. “Alright then. Be careful on your way home. Don't be afraid to come again."

Octo put his coat on. “You're welcome. I'll be leaving now." He turned for the door.

“Oh yeah Oct wait!"

He turned around after Kevin called him. The wolf quickly went into his room, then back with a sheet of paper in hand. He gave it to him and Octo took the paper.

“It's for next week's event where I'll be the MC. You can come join us. It's gonna be at a café in Stánbysel from 20 till 22." explained the wolf rather sheepishly.

Octo read the pamphlet, then pocketed it. “I'll make sure to come." He said, smiling. “I'll be leaving now. Good afternoon."

Kevin smiled back. “Alright. Good afternoon, dude."

Hynaht in Langfårds Kaféhús: inrihtklangsjepenaht mid þíne støwije lévlingsingere! 8 Len 2022 á 20 þårh 22.

Octo flipped the small pamphlet in his hand. The backside was empty, so he flipped it again.

He felt rather relieved that this event wasn't held in the city centre, which meant few people would recognise him. Still, for good measure, he was wearing something he usually didn't wear while going outside in Ausalt-on-Haye; a casual striped shirt and loose jeans covered in a thick cheap-looking jacket that Nicholas recommended to him. Hopefully, he could blend in well.

Nicholas at first insisted on accompanying him or at least driving him there, but Octo assured him that he was going to be fine. He knew Ausalt-on-Haye wasn't as unsafe as the tiger thought, so he decided to go alone. Besides, it was just a regular night in a café, nothing weird.

His phone beeped in his pocket. Octo took it out and read the notification. Kevin Huntington: “Hey, where r u? The events gonna start soon"

The tram then stopped and he went down after tapping his phone at the register. Walking to the café, he typed his reply to Kevin's message. “I'm at the tram stop in Stánbysel." It was immediately read, and Kevin typed his reply almost instantly.

Kevin Huntington: “Nice, just come in and get to the front. I saved a table hehe. Btw you want coffee or smth? Lemme order that now"

He typed his reply. “Coffee would be nice, thanks."

The café stood not far from the tram stop. It was already a big café, but thanks to tonight's event, it seemed almost full with a small queue outside. The panther glanced at his phone again; it was 19.58, just two minutes before the event started.

He told the waiter that he was with a friend inside, so he was let in without needing to queue. Walking through the front door, he looked around. The place was busy with waiters walking here and there delivering food and drinks and people shuffling around to find any available seat. Some waiters were reorganising the tables, telling people to move forward a bit to make more space before telling the others to put more tables and seats in the back.

Octo looked at the small stage on one side of the room; a bit to the side was Kevin at a table, reading a script and sipping coffee with a tired but focused gaze. He wanted to call him, but maybe the wolf wouldn't hear him through the commotion, so he just walked there. “I hope I made it in time." Octo said as he neared, taking his coat off.

Kevin looked up, and his tiredness went away, replaced with glee. He was wearing a casual, not-too-tight patterned light blue shirt and jeans that contrasted with his fur very well. “Hey, you made it!" He glanced at his phone. “And just in time!"

Just in time, indeed, Octo thought to himself when a fox told Kevin that they were on. The wolf nodded, then turned to him. “Well, enjoy the show! Feel free to eat what's on the table, they're my share. Oh, that one's your coffee." said Kevin with a wide smile before walking up the stage.

Settling down to watch, Octo made himself comfortable at the table.

“Gód ávend, léve þyðen! Welkomen te Langfårds Kaféhúse mönþlij klangsjepenaht! Hynaht sjol'm wé mid þíne lévlingsingere av Ösåld-an-Hæij samsingen!"

Oh, crap, the event is in South Icelandic? Octo looked around, slightly panicking as people around them cheered. He shouldn't wonder, though, since the pamphlet was only in South Icelandic, not to mention that South Icelandic is more commonly spoken in this district compared to anywhere else in Ausalt-on-Haye. He hoped his South Icelandic was enough to understand the event.

…what did klangsjep mean again?

Honestly, this made him appreciate Kevin more. Looking up at the wolf on the stage, he could tell that the wolf was very much in his element, explaining the event rundown while rarely looking at the flashcards as if he already memorised it. The wolf exuded strong extrovert energy, anyway, and he didn't look nervous or confused at all. He looked very comfortable there.

Kevin invited the café owner onto the stage and moved aside, letting the old lion open the event. After that, the mic was given back to him and he called the event sponsor. Handing the mic to the band members, Kevin stepped down the stairs and took a gulp from his drink on their table. “Woof, that went well."

Octo smiled in appreciation. “I'm not gonna lie, I didn't know you spoke South Icelandic."

“What do you mean? Everyone speaks South Icelandic! Some just prefer to speak in English instead. It's not like you couldn't speak in it!" Kevin laughed heartily.

He just sipped his coffee, embarrassed.

When Octo didn't reply, Kevin asked him again. “You… speak South Icelandic, right?"

He put his cup down and sighed, ears down. “Well, yeah, but… just enough to hold a conversation. Not sure about this, though."

“Ahh." Kevin crossed his arms. “Well, I'm gonna speak slower then."

“No, no, it's okay."

“Shush, a good host makes their guests comfortable." The wolf chuckled. “Well, just sing along now. Don't think much about it. You wanna order something? My food is free for tonight. Hey, how about some potato fries for snacks?"

“No, Kevin, it's okay—"

The wolf already called someone over. “Oi, jo! Wé wil'm bestælen! To røsted erþapel mid súrröm en tjilisøs, bið! Ja, to!" He then turned to the panther and laughed. “No way I'm letting this panther go hungry tonight!"

Unfortunately, Kevin was called back on the stage before Octo could reply. The audience clapped as an old fox finished her speech and went down from the stage, giving the wolf the mic back. Swiftly, Kevin walked back onto the stage, giving a few stand-up comedy lines before inviting the first band onto the stage. Everyone laughed, and Octo laughed along even though he didn't get the joke.

The rest of the night was spent like that, sadly. Kevin only had maybe 3 to 4 minutes to sit before being called back on stage. They had a fifteen-minute break at 21, but even then, the wolf was called away. Octo didn't want to leave, though, since he must admit, it felt comfortable here. If he didn't look past the windows, he could imagine being in Barrowisle where he heard South Icelandic pretty much everywhere outside campus.

It felt rather nostalgic, honestly.

The second half of the performance then started, and Octo found himself singing along with Kevin when he recognised a song. They sang with everyone else, food forgotten. He looked at Kevin; the wolf was looking at him too, and right after he turned to him, the wolf smiled even wider and sang even louder.

The song ended too soon, and Kevin was again called back onto the stage. Octo sipped his second glass of juice and munched what was left of the potato fries, his attention on the wolf on stage.

“So, nu haven ål sa singere songen, rákjem we anfynder lætest fynd. Hwen awiman hér an stazje wil singen, mæj hit se hand åpmaken! Wé havem tað 23!"

Octo furrowed his brows when he heard the crowd chant “Þi! Þi! Þi!" What did Kevin say again? Why was everyone pointing at him?

Kevin looked confused and rather sheepish. “E, mi? Wilt jé þa í sing?"

Wait, Kevin was going to sing?

“Jooo!"

The wolf then gave a gentle laugh. “Wel, wel, ef wilen jé. Ár!" The crowd cheered, then went silent. “Í sjål án av jy kjésen ym hér mid me te singen!"

Octo drank his juice in amusement. Kevin was choosing someone from the crowd to sing with him on stage. Some of the ladies were frantically putting their hands up, begging to be chosen. Looking at the wolf's face, he was sure he would pick one of them.

That was why Octo was surprised when Kevin pointed his finger at him and said, “Þi! Panter! Wils þú mid me singen?"

He heard some disappointed noises from the crowd, but he couldn't tell them apart when he saw Kevin walking down the stairs and towards him, hand outstretched. The wolf lowered the microphone and asked him, “Well, do you want to sing with me?"

Octo gulped. Kevin really looked so, so handsome right now. Even though his shirt wasn't tight, he could still see his figure, not to mention he was bigger and taller than almost everyone else here. He had many more people to choose from, so why him? Would it be a good idea? They were only friends now.

Still… he took the hand. They might be friends now, but that didn't mean they couldn't have fun singing together.

Kevin's smile widened. Taking his hand, the wolf guided the panther to the stage. The crowd cheered again, making him feel nervous. Octo's ears went down and his tail curled against his leg, but the wolf in front of him was still holding his hand tightly.

“Well, I want to sing 'Everything's Gonna Be Okay'. Can you sing it or do you want to sing another song?" Kevin asked him when they were on stage, giving him another mic.

Rather nervously, Octo replied to the mic. “S-sure, that's fine."

Kevin laughed. “I'm gonna sing the rap part, you sing the rest. You wanna switch?"

Taking a deep breath, he replied. “No. Let's sing!"

“That's the spirit!" The wolf patted his shoulder, then let him go and announced, “Klangsjep!"

Octo saw Kevin staring at him, fondness in his eyes. Unable to hold back a smile, the panther's tail began to wave. As the music started, he began to sing.

“When your beautiful dream, that you worked so hard for, never comes to fruition, just let it go. When you've run all you can, only chasing the sun, and you never come at all, just let it go. Hmm, hmm, hmm."

“Deep in your bedroom you hide, afraid to see when the world knocks at your door. Call me and I'll come running, 'cause everything's gonna be okay."

Kevin's tail wagged, and he began rapping.

“Jo, hit's nar án av þúsend mageliháðen | Þú fåls, þú strampels mid nane høpninger | In þat øgenblink sjål í mín self þe jeven | Þú móts kæn'n þa í sjål kom'n hwen þú róp mín name

Øk hef í æwij wisen, swären sjol'n ús hindern av angáen | Hwo þa krasjend' ýþer wiþ þa stáne in strand | Øk kæn í æwij, kæn í æwij þa þú kans im ró belíven | Mid me standen wiþ þa krasjend' ýþer þa lív ús werpen"

Octo smiled wide and continued his part.

“What you've been longing for, the gentle touch of love | Yet you never had the chance, just let it go | Yeah, come here and sing with me | La la la la la la la ye ye ye ye ye yeah | Doo doo doo doo ri dam | Don't you worry, this is not the end"

Kevin picked right up as they entered the bridge, and Octo was surprised again when the wolf put his arm around his shoulders and hugged him close. The close contact felt wonderful, but this time there were so many eyes watching them.

Unfortunately, Kevin didn't seem to notice the lyrics they were singing. It was platonic, but honestly, given what was between them right now, it felt… rather weird, yet reassuring, as if they were pouring their feelings out in the open. Giving a wide smile, Octo reciprocated the closeness and put his arm around the wolf's shoulders while he was rapping.

The outro of the song began, and Octo sang his part along with the crowd. The café was a lot livelier now, like a small concert. People sang along with him with phones pointed at them, with Kevin rapping his part of the song. This felt… reassuring indeed.

Finally, the music tapered off, signalling the song's end.

“Deep in your bedroom you hide, afraid to see when the world knocks at your door"

“I'll always be right here with you!"

“Call me and I'll come running, cause everything's gonna be okay"

“Yeah, everything's gonna be okay…"

The song ended and they separated. They bowed at the cheering crowd before turning to each other. Looking at each other, they couldn't fight the wide happy smile on their face as they pulled each other into a hug.

Everything was going to be okay indeed.

Notes:

This song holds a special place in my heart ngl. It’s an Indonesian song titled "Ya Sudahlah" from 2010 that I used to sing a lot during high school and university. Here’s a YouTube link if you want to listen to it: https://youtu.be/_WyLVrtLhvk

Hynaht in Langfårds Kaféhús: inrihtklangsjepenaht mid þíne støwije lévlingsingere! 8 Len 2022 á 20 þårh 23. = Tonight at Langfård's Café: live music night featuring your favourite local singers! 8 March 2022 from 20/8pm till 22/10pm.

“Gód ávend, léve þyðen! Welkomen te Langfårds Kaféhúse mönþlij klangsjepenaht! Hynaht sjol'm wé mid þíne lévlingsingere av Ösåld-an-Hæij samsingen!" = “Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to Langfård's Café's monthly music night! Tonight we're gonna sing together with your favourite artists from Ausalt-on-Haye!"

“Oi, jo! Wé wil'm bestælen! To røsted erþapel mid súrröm en tjilisøs, bið! Ja, to!" = “Hey there! We wanna order! Two French fries (=fried potatoes) with sour cream and chilli sauce, please! Yeah, two!"

“So, nu haven ål sa singere songen, rákjem we anfynder lætest fynd. Hwen awiman hér an stazje wil singen, mæj hit se hand åpmaken! Wé havem tað stond 22!" = “So, with all the singers already sung, we reach the final part of the event. If anyone wants to sing here on stage, feel free to raise your hand! We have until 22/10pm!"

“E, mi? Wilt jé þa í sing?" = “Eh, me? Do you want me to sing?"

“Jooo!" = “Yeaaah!"

“Wel, wel, ef wilen jé. Ár! Í sjål án av jy kjésen ym hér mid me te singen!" = “Alright, alright, if that's what you want. But! I will choose one of you to sing here with me!"

“Þi! Panter! Wils þú mid me singen?" = “You! Panther! Do you want to sing with me?"