A little time had passed, and Mal found himself erasing and redrawing parts of his character, trying to tighten it up and smooth out the rough spots. His focus was on making the lines sharper, adding some detail to the eyes, but it wasn’t quite clicking. Next to him, Momo was still sketching with a big grin on his face, seemingly satisfied with whatever he was doing.

Mal glanced over and shook his head. "How’re you always so laid back with this, man? I feel like I’m butchering mine."

Momo chuckled. "Because, dude, it’s all about the vibe. You get too stuck in your head, and it messes with the flow."

Before Mal could respond, Mrs. Mason's voice cut through the room. “Alright, class, I want you to stop erasing and redrawing.”

She wasn’t calling anyone out specifically, but Mal still felt like her words were directed straight at him.

“This exercise isn’t about getting everything perfect right now. I want you to draw naturally. We’ll worry about adding and editing details later. Just get your ideas out on paper.”

Mal huffed quietly, glancing at his eraser like it had betrayed him.

"Looks like someone’s caught," Momo teased. “Should’ve just let it ride, man."

"Shut it,” Mal muttered, but he couldn’t help the small smile creeping onto his face.

"Man, I feel you. I’ve been erasing so much my paper’s gonna rip." Enrique offered.

"Same here," Mal said, chuckling along. "I’m starting to wonder why I thought this would be a good idea."

"Eh, that’s why we’re here, right? To mess up and get better."

Mrs. Mason walked to the front of the class again and clapped her hands for attention.

“Okay, everyone. I want you all to take the comic cell you’ve done and come grab one of the magnets from the whiteboard behind me. Pin your piece up there, and then head back to your seats. Don’t worry about looking at anyone else’s work just yet—we’ll save that for later.”

There was a soft rustling as students stood and made their way to the whiteboard. Mal grabbed his sketch, still feeling a little uncertain, but followed along with the others. As he pinned his work next to Momo’s, he noticed the mix of sketches—some were rough, like his, while others were more polished, more precise. He glanced over at Nezami’s piece for a second, catching the fluidity and ease in her lines. In the short time they had spent in the class, it looked as if she had been working on hers for months. The depth and detail of the scene of a young girl sitting on a bench overlooking a field was incredible.

Damn, he thought, she makes this look so easy.

Once everyone had their drawings pinned up, they returned to their seats, waiting for Mrs. Mason to continue. She stood at the front, hands on her hips, her eyes scanning the various works displayed before her.

Mrs. Mason stood at the front of the class, her voice commanding attention as the students finished up their comic cells. "Now that you’ve all drawn a single comic cell, it's time to take things further," she said with a smile, placing a large, beautifully painted vase on the table. "We’re splitting into groups based on a lottery, of sorts.”

She gestured toward the vase, swirling with vibrant patterns. "Inside are numbers for groups of five. You'll come up, draw a number, and head to the corresponding section of the lecture hall. If you look closely, each section is marked by Roman numerals hidden within the artwork on the walls."

Momo, sitting beside Mal, leaned over with a grin. "Ahh, see? I knew those were numbers."

Mal chuckled, shaking his head. "You guessed."

The room stirred as students exchanged glances, some surprised by the shift in direction. Mrs. Mason's grin widened playfully. "Don’t worry, I won’t be grading this part—it’s just a valuable exercise in teamwork," she said, pausing for effect. Then, with a mock-maniacal laugh, she added, "Or will I? Muhwahaha!"

The class began to stir as students took turns walking to the front to draw their numbers. The quiet rustle of paper and soft murmurs filled the air as each student headed off to their assigned section. When it was finally Mal's turn, he stepped forward, reaching into the vase. His fingers closed around a slip of paper, which he unfolded to reveal: "II."

Momo waved his slip of paper at Mal with an exaggerated grin. "See you on the other side, Foolio!" he called out, getting a few amused glances from their classmates.

Mrs. Mason’s voice was loud enough to keep everyone's attention. "Alright, listen up!" she said with a grin. "You're not going to be using the physical cells you just completed. Instead, you’ll be drawing new scenes together as a group, using your original sketches as loose references. Think of them as a jumping-off point, but I want fresh ideas coming from the collaboration."

She gestured to the sketches on the wall. "You can move your sheets to your new section after class, but you won’t need them during the session. I want you to focus on talking about your ideas, and coming up with a plan based on what you remember of what you’ve already done."

He made his way to the section marked with the Roman numeral II, scanning the faces already there. Nezami was already standing off to the side, her expression as unreadable as ever.

Next to her was Shawna, dressed in a graphic tee tucked into high-waisted jeans, with white sneakers and a tote bag slung casually over her shoulder. Her look was effortlessly cool, the kind of laid-back vibe you’d expect from a college student who balanced academics and a social life without missing a beat. She crossed her arms, scanning the room with a half-interested smirk.

Then there was Kevin, a towering guy whose wild, curly hair seemed to spring out in every direction. He wore a simple hoodie and jeans, his relaxed posture a stark contrast to his imposing height. He gave Mal a nod of acknowledgment as he joined the group.

Enrique stood with them as well, his usual easygoing demeanor present as he surveyed the forming group.

With the group gathered, Mrs. Mason’s voice carried over the room once more. "Now, with your groups, you’ll be combining your individual cells into a cohesive story. This is an exercise in building on each other’s creativity."

Mal shook his head, focusing back on his group. This project was shaping up to be something different, and as he glanced around at the people he’d be working with, he could feel the familiar nervous energy buzzing in his chest.

PG.05A

Mal opened the door for Leanne and Mika who flanked him, their laughter ringing out as they entered.

“Can’t believe we finally made it!” Mika exclaimed, her eyes sparkling as she scanned the room. “I could seriously eat my weight in muffins.”

“Just make sure you save some room for other people, fatty,” Mal said, grinning.

Mika punched him in the arm as they stepped further inside, they spotted Robbie busy at the counter, he looked up and broke into a wide smile. “Hey, you three how were classes today?”

“Whaddup yo, they were good. First week was a success so we are chillin” Mal called, waving.

“You guys super busy now that school is in full swing?” Leanne asked.

“You know it…Busy as ever,” Robbie replied, wiping his hands on his apron. “But you just missed the post-school rush!”

Once they got to the back of the café to order Mal’s gaze landed on Enrique and Kevin sitting at a table near the side. They were animatedly discussing something, both leaning in with enthusiasm.

“Look, it’s Enrique and Kevin! Let’s go invite them to the cool kid’s table.”

As they made their way over, Enrique looked up and grinned. “Hey, you guys! Join us!”

“No you guys come sit with us!” Leanne replied, sliding the reserved sign at the front booth and sliding in.

Kevin glanced around, impressed. “Wow, it seems like you know everyone here.”

“Torah’s like everyone’s dad,” Mal said with a laugh. “This place is like our second home”

“Same here,” Robbie chimed in as he passed by. “It’s where all the cool kids hang out.”

“Haha technically is your home dork,” Mika said shoving him as she passed to sit down.

“Cool kids, huh?” Kevin quipped. “I guess I’m in good company then.”

“We just found this place last week after orientation,” Enrique said sliding comfortably next to Mika.

“You guys skate?” Mal asked.

“Not since junior high,” Kevin said.

“Well, now that we are all homies you’ll have to dust off them skate shoes.”

Once everyone was settled, Mal took a moment to make introductions. “Enrique, Kevin, this is Leanne and Mika. We share a bunch of classes.”

“Nice to meet you,” Leanne said warmly, offering a friendly smile.

“Likewise!” Mika added, her voice cheerful.

“You ladies skate too?” Kevin asked looking at Mika from across the table.

“Yuppers,” She said sheepishly.

Robbie, still busily clearing plates, leaned against the edge of the table. “Where’s Momo? I thought he’d be with you guys.”

Mal sighed. “He’s in some sound theory class, working on a project for the art exhibition. I think they’re all pretty busy with it.”

“Oh, the art exhibition,” Robbie replied, nodding knowingly. “That’s always a big deal around campus. We usually see a ton of the art committee kids here late at night, drinking endless cups of java”

“Really?” Mal said, surprised. “I didn’t know it was such a big deal.”

“Yeah, it is,” Kevin chimed in. “I’m a second-year, so I’ve seen how it goes. There are usually huge sponsors involved who offer scholarships for some of the kids.”

Robbie nodded in agreement.

“My dad sponsors a couple of those kids and the company that Nova rides for also sponsors the event.”

“That’s awesome! I had no idea.”

“Yeah, you should have been involved, bro!” Robbie encouraged. “A lot of it has to do with urban art, and it can help with job opportunities in the industry.”

“What kind of industries?” Mal asked.

“Typically, it’s large brands looking for artists and designers. They want fresh ideas and unique perspectives, especially in the urban art scene.” Kevin said.

Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.

“Sounds like a great opportunity. Any animation or comic studios?”

“Not that I can recall from last year, but I be there has to be. To many kids are studying 3-D, Animation and such like us.” Enrique said.

“Alright, who’s ready for dessert?” Robbie said, bringing out a tray of pastries from behind the counter to the table.

Mika smiled her eyes sparkling as if she was about to drink the milk of paradise.

“Yummmmmmmmm!” She squealed.

“Dang you guys really do have the hookup,” Enrique said.

“Skate or die, we ride and pastry together,” Leanne said smiling, pushing Mika’s hand out of the way of a triple chocolate muffin.

“Ohhh I wanted that one its got the warm center.” Mika pouted.

“Soooo good, I wish I could share… but I just can’t find it in my heart to do so.” Leanne offered back.

As the conversation in the café buzzed on, Nova emerged from the back kitchen, having heard from Robbie that Mal was there, and his face lit up when he spotted him. Without hesitation, he walked over and gave Mal a big, welcoming hug.

“There’s my boy!” Nova exclaimed, squeezing him tightly.

“Nova!” Mal grinned as he returned the hug.

Seeing Nova, both Leanne and Mika quickly stood up and rushed over, wrapping their arms around her as well.

“It’s so good to see you!” Leanne said.

“I’ve been hoping to catch you around campus, but I know the first couple weeks are crazy,” Nova said, smiling warmly at the group. “It feels like forever since we’ve all been in the same place.”

“What are you doing hanging around campus, anyway?” Mal asked, surprised.

Nova sighed and shrugged. “This whole art exhibition thing. I promised a couple of the professors I know that I’d help out.”

Mal blinked, confused.

“Art exhibition? I feel like I’m so out of the loop. I’m in all these art classes and haven’t even heard a word about any of this.”

“That’s because it’s run by the ISH Art Committee. They usually pre-select the participants, most of them during Summer Art Meetups.” Kevin said eating a rather large French cruller with maple and bacon on the top.

“Yeah, you kind of have to be in the upper echelon of artists to get an invite or even know much about it,” Enrique added.

Mal raised an eyebrow, half-jokingly. “Well, maybe in a couple of years, I’ll have stepped my game up as an artist an they’ll let me in.”

Nova chuckled, ruffling his hair. “I wish I would’ve known you wanted to be a part of it. Hell, I didn’t even know you were doing art school! If I had known, I could’ve pushed for a little more graffiti work in the exhibition.”

Enrique perked up at that, looking curious. “Graffiti?”

Before Mal could answer, Robbie chimed in, grinning. “Yeah, my boy here is probably the best graffiti artist around. No joke.”

“No shit? Have you tagged anything around here?” Kevin said excitedly.

Mal rubbed the back of his neck modestly. “Yeah, I’ve done a bunch of stuff under the bridge and on a few buildings, but I mostly stick to places where I’m asked to do it. Keeps me out of trouble.”

Mika leaned over with a smirk. “Yeah, mostly out of trouble. He got arrested a couple of times back in junior high, but his five moms keep his nose pretty clean nowadays.”

Leanne laughed and added, “And Harper lets him spray all over their building, too. So that helps.”

“Only on the top floor outside her room, but still the night air and being up there is like heaven.”

Enrique’s jaw dropped. “Back up—five moms? And free rein to tag a building? You gotta tell me more.”

“Yeah, and her room is the top of a building? I need to hear this story… also how do you end up with five moms?” Kevin said still making solid eye contact with everything Mika said.

Mal chuckled, shaking his head at the familiar reaction.

“Well, it’s not as wild as it sounds. It’s my four older sisters and my oldest sister’s best friend, Harper. Technically we all live with Harper and have since forever..”

Kevin snorted. “Sounds like a harem, man.”

Mal laughed, shaking his head. “Yeah, that’s what everyone says, that or people assume we’re Catholic.”

The table burst into laughter as the conversation continued. Nova, still standing near the group, smiled fondly.

“Honestly, Mal, if you’re serious about the art exhibit, I can talk to the professors. Even if it’s not this year, there’s always next year, and they’re always looking for fresh talent.”

“Yeah, the exhibit’s a big deal, it’s not just about displaying your art. Some major brands and companies sponsor it. They scout for talent in areas like Video Game art, design, you name it. It’s a foot in the door for a lot of careers.”

Robbie, who had returned with a fresh pot of coffee, poured cups for everyone at the table.

“Nova’s right—you should think about it. A lot of people who participate in the exhibition end up with job offers.”

Mal was still processing all of this when the door to the café swung open, and in walked Momo, looking a little worn out but cheerful. He spotted the group and made his way over, a grin spreading across his face as he slid into the booth next to Mal.

“There he is!” Mal greeted him. “How was class?”

Momo groaned. “Long. We’re working on this project for the art exhibition, so it’s been nonstop. Sound production is no joke.”

Robbie laughed, pouring Momo a coffee. “You’ll survive slacker. That exhibition is like the Olympics for art students around here.”

“Yeah, so I’ve been hearing,” Mal said, smirking.

Momo took a sip of his coffee, sighing in relief. “I was just about to ask you about it. Are you submitting anything?”

“Apparently, you have to be in the ‘upper echelon’ to even get considered, so I think I’m out this year. But maybe next year? Why didn’t you tell me you this was such a big deal Mo what the hell man” Mal shrugged.

“Bro I didn’t even realize it was that big until today, those kids are wild…super stiff artists. But your girl Nezami is involved.”

“Does Mal have a crush!??” Leanne asked.

“Oh my boy is having lavender hair dreams if you feel me,” Momo said smiling at Leanne.

“Awww so cute, shooting out of his league as usual.”

“Watch it woman” Mal said sarcastically.

“Please, Mika and I individually can kick your ass, plus we know your sisters…”

“Touche’”

“So, Mal, you gaming with us tonight?” Leanne asked changing the subject.

“Yeah, I’ll jump on as soon as I get home from dropping Momo off.”

“What are you guys playing right now?” Kevin asked

“We’ve been playing Sl33py Hellos for years,” Mal said. “It’s a modern fantasy MMO. Still pretty obsessed with it.”

Kevin’s head snapped away finally from Mika, and Enrique’s eyes widened as they both exclaimed, “Dude, we’ve been playing that game since beta!”

“You’re kidding we’ve all been playing it since around then too!” Mika said

“No way,” Mal said, laughing. “Then we need to add each other’s characters and hit up some dungeons together.”

“Hell yes,” Enrique said with a grin. “Let’s do it tonight.”

Leanne, smiling, jumped back in. “Yeah, I was asking Mal earlier if he was going to hop on. He’s got a pattern for a bottomless bag and was gonna help me gather materials to craft one.”

“Wait, you can make a bottomless bag, bro?” Enrique said in full nerd mode now.

Mal nodded with a smirk. “Sure can. Do you need one? You can join us. I mean, the dungeon is old, so it’s not super hard. But it’s all about coordinating and timing the trash mobs(Monsters) in each of the wings to drop the keys for the iron thread.”

Kevin looked at Mika “So you skate and play games? I think I might be in love with you”

Mika blushed.

Enrique practically threw his hands up. “Hell yeah! I’ve been trying to get one of those bags forever. They’re always ridiculously expensive in the guild stores.”

“I got you, homie,” Mal said with a grin, giving Enrique a fist bump. “We’ll run it tonight.”

They all exchanged in-game names and made plans to team up later. The excitement around the table was explosive as everyone jotted down their character names on their phones.

“So, what time are we logging in?” Kevin asked.

“I’ll be on a bit earlier,” Mal said, slipping his phone back into his pocket, “but Momo doesn’t usually get on until about 10 since he works after school.”

“Mal pretty much lives in the game… I get off work at eight, so I should be good by then,” Leanne added.

“That isn’t too late for you guys, is it?” Mika asked.

Kevin laughed. “Nah, Enrique and I usually play until like two in the morning.”

“Perfect,” Mal said, smiling as they all settled into the idea of the impromptu gaming session.

“Looks like we’re gonna tear through that dungeon tonight,” Leanne said happily.

“Bags all around!” Mal joked.

After some more casual banter and laughter, the group eventually started winding down.

Mal stood up, stretching. “Alright, I think it’s time to call it a day. Momo, you ready to head out?”

“Yeah, let’s bounce,” Momo replied, finishing the last of his coffee.

“See ya’ll online!” Mal said waving and extending a fist of solidity to Robbie who was behind the cash register the evening crowds starting to stream in.

PG.05B

Mal stepped into the apartment, shutting the door behind him with a tired sigh. The living room was full of chatter and laughter. His sisters and Harper were lounging on the couches, while three unfamiliar faces sat with them. Sumi was in the middle, flanked by her friends—Lisa, Yuki, and Chisato—all seemingly at ease, in their usual hangout spot.

Lisa was petite with short black hair, stylishly cut just above her shoulders, giving her an edgy vibe. Yuki had a warm smile and soft, straight bangs that framed her kind eyes, her hair falling to her waist. Chisato, the tallest of the three, had light brown skin and long dark hair, which she often tossed over her shoulder while talking, her striking features giving her a sharp presence.

Sumi was the first to spot Mal, raising an eyebrow as he walked past. “What the hell are you wearing?” she asked, half-smirking as she looked him up and down.

Mal looked down at himself, confused. “Uh… what? A hoodie?”

“No, no, those pants,” Sumi teased.

“Are you wearing freaking ninja pants?" Aurora retorted, gesturing to Mal's attire as she walked in to join the other girls.

Mal scoffed. "They aren't ninja pants. These are jersey knit pants and are considered high fashion while being extremely comfortable… you ladies should learn more about style.”

Aurora shook her head disapprovingly.

“Jersey… Knit… Pants…? Who talks like that…” Sumi said, gracefully pushing Mal’s head backward as she sat in the corner of the sectional.

Mal rolled his eyes. "I'm only around you ladies, so how the hell do you expect me to talk?"

“I don’t know like you have a penis…” Sumi teased

“Leave him alone, Sumi. He’s at school trying to be cool for the ladies and make new friends…” Aurora teased.

Riko, who had been eavesdropping from the doorway, chimed in.

“My God, did my little brother finally get accepted into a group of people?"

Mal shot her a glare. "You know what? I hope you get diarrhea later."

Riko laughed. "Well, if I do, I'll use your bathroom.

“Good luck, I haven’t wiped the seat off in forever."

“You are so gross for that…” Sumi said through gagging noises

Mal shook his head, a grin breaking through. "You're such a pain."

Elara grinned mischievously. "That's what big sisters are for."

"Oh, I know that's not true. Your bathroom's cleaner than all of ours," Harper remarked.

The Penthouse Paradox was beginning Mal thought.

The Penthouse Paradox is that whenever one of the girls has company over, they all insist they’re busy or uninterested, yet without fail, they end up gathering around like moths to a flame as if drawn in by some unseen force. No one plans it, and yet it always happens, defying their initial intentions.

Usually to make fun of Mal as the only male in the place.

“What are you doing in my bathroom?" He asked.

Harper shrugged with a smirk.

"Well, when my bathroom's empty no supplies or toiletries… since I’ve been gone, so long …So, I just used yours." She innocently shrugged.

Sumi wrinkled her nose in mock disgust. "That's so gross… were you living off the grid in Kyoden or did you just lower your standards?”

“Now let’s be fair MallyMal’s bathroom is cleaner than all of ours.” She said like a baby deliberately trying to get in on the teasing.

He rolled his eyes but couldn’t help the small smirk.

“Ok I take it back, I pray to the divine that you have diarrhea,” he said making prayer hands and pointing to Harper.

Harper crossed her arms, a sly grin spreading across her face.

“You know, Mal,” she began, her voice teasing, “I was going to spare your sisters from what I found in the bottom drawer of your bathroom…but now maybe I’ll divulge it.”

Mal’s eyes widened instantly. “What the hell, Harp!” he exclaimed, his face flushing.

Harper laughed, her eyes gleaming with mischief. “I didn’t know you were such a freak!”

Mal, trying to recover from his embarrassment, quickly fired back. “Pfft freak? That ain’t nothing.. but, you know what… I don’t feel so bad now for wearing your underwear last night when I went to bed.”

Harper’s jaw dropped, her playful grin vanishing. “You better not have touched a lady’s undergarments, Mal!”

“Oh, I did,” he said, raising his eyebrows dramatically. “I’ve had a pair of your underwear since you left here last time. I show all the guys the lavender ones with the grey bow on them—they’re my favorite.” His tone was deadpan, but his eyes sparkled with amusement.

It wasn’t that he had actually used them… but doing laundry in a house full of this many women you were bound to see a few things. When he came across anything that seemed a little “sexier” he automatically defaulted to them being Harper’s. Keeping other ideas of his sisters away from his fragile mind.

Harper’s face twisted between disbelief and horror. “Oh, I am going to kill you! It’s so on now!”

Mal, seeing his opening, shot up from the couch and started to make his way out of the room, grinning widely.

“Good luck one-upping me!” he called over his shoulder.

“You get back here, you pervert!” Harper shouted, half-laughing, half-serious, standing up with fire in her eyes.

Mal turned around, still walking backward, his grin turning devilish. “No thanks. I’ve got panties to wear while I game with the crew,” he taunted, his voice dripping with playful menace.

Laughing maniacally, Mal ducked out of the room and through the kitchen, leaving Harper fuming, her face flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and amusement. “You’re dead when I catch you!” she yelled after him, her voice echoing down the hallway.

Mal could still hear her faint threats as he made his escape, unable to keep the mischievous grin from his face.

“Ta-ta for now witches” His voice echoed in return.