The Unbearable Summer Heat & The Vending Machine

“Dude, it’s much too hot to be running marathons around this damn school. That being said… WHY DIDN’T YOU PARK IN THE PARKING LOT LIKE I TOLD YOU TO!?”

“Bro, I HATE wasting money on parking, and you know that! Why get mad at me when I’m the one saving money? And just so you know, I parked somewhere that’s—”

“Just. shut. up. I LITERALLY OFFERED TO PAY FOR YOU, YOU FUCKING DUMBASS!!”

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On a certain Friday in July, two young men bickering like little kids are seen yelling and screaming at one another as they walk away from the intersection serving as the landmark for Horizon Holo’s easternmost entrance. Their destination? The university’s newsroom located on the opposite side of campus.

The city of Arcadia is no stranger to the heat, and today is no exception. The morning weather report mentioned something about a month-long heat wave and record-breaking temperatures; a definite sign of summer being in full-swing…

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The sun’s sweltering light did very little to placate Red’s fiery anger.

In fact, it actually worsened his already existing irritation.

As for the (un)fortunate soul that's made plans with him today, that (un)lucky guy is Exo, one of the more level-headed people in Red's oddball gaming-and-card-collecting friend group. However, whatever friendship these two felt for one another was immediately thrown out the window, quickly escalating into a temporary, hateful, and spiteful resentment for one another.

This was made even worse when considering the fact that both of these boys are weak against the heat.

This, along with the fact that one is more drenched in sweat than the other, the shimmering summer air and humid breeze motivate the two to actively quicken their walking pace; their suddenly motivated brains thinking about one thing: Reaching the nearest air-conditioned building as soon as possible.

“God— First the football stadium, then the library, and now the east entrance closest to the music building… you better be glad I knew exactly where you were, because if I had to do another lap-around like that… let’s just say I’d do something worse than slash your tires; I’D FREAKING KILL YOU WHERE YOU STAND!!!”

“Hey. RELAX. I like myself a good walk, but I never said you had to come running, especially in this evil heat.”

“Says. the. guy. who. told. me. he’d. show-his-ass-up. at. 2 PM. sharp… I DON’T WANNA HEAR THAT WHEN YOU’RE AN HOUR LATE!!!”

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Upon finally reaching the music building’s front doors, Red and Exo quite forcefully (and a little too excitedly) threw them open, being hit with the most satisfying wave of fresh air they’ve ever felt in their lives; its gentle, chill, and crisp coolness alleviating their sweaty bodies. In wanting to absorb more of the building’s refreshing atmosphere before returning to the fiery depths of the outside world, the two decide to take a break by sitting on one of the many musically-themed lounge chairs strewn about the premises.

However, when Red remembered that he and Exo were actually keeping someone waiting, his eyes widened in shock.

He checked the time on his phone. The digital clock read 3:20 PM.

They were now an hour and twenty minutes behind schedule…

Red found it quite surprising that Alma hadn’t called to check on them… Anxiety crawled down his spine at the thought of what he’d do upon returning with Exo in tow. Now fueled with a new existential horror, Red slapped Exo’s sleepy self awake (the speed at which that man can take naps is astounding) and urged him back outside. Their return through the physical manifestation of Hell didn’t last too long as one of the entrances to the University News Center was actually a short distance away.

And yet, despite having found the south-eastern entrance to one of the largest buildings on school grounds, quite a trek still remained until they reached their destination…

As the automatic sliding doors slid open, Red and Exo returned to the wonderful world of air conditioning once again. Before proceeding any further, Red spotted a nearby vending machine and decided that he needed a quick pick-me-up before continuing on.

“A vending machine! My God, a drink sounds GOOD right now. You thirsty? It’s on me.”

“Nah, I’m good. Thanks though.”

“Alright. Suit yourself.”

A loud BEEP echoed throughout the News Center’s empty halls. With the dead silence that followed after processing Red’s credit card payment, it brought about an ‘abandoned building ’ vibe to a place that, during any other school day, would normally be flooded with students trying to get to their next class. Nonetheless, it was quite eerie to say the least…

“…sh…sh… … …” A strange sound emanated from the vending machine.

“Noooooo, something’s wrong with it??”

“How weird… you gonna give it a little shake or a kick?”

“Hey! Not a bad ide-”

“THRUM!”

“… Oh. Guess there’s no need.”

A previously purchased drink that was somehow stuck within the machine’s interior was forcefully ejected when Red’s soda of choice was dispensed. Two colas instead of one emerged from the delivery flap.

“Woah! Two for the price of one?! Best. Day. Ever!!”

“Umm, don’t you think that one belongs to someone else? They must’ve paid for it, but the machine jammed…”

“Well too bad! The way I see it, I just got myself an extra soda! Man, I’m gonna have a field day telling my friends about this. Oh!! Want it?”

“No thanks. I’m betting on the off chance either that person comes by or security busts your ass for stealing. No matter the circumstance, I won’t be labeled as your accomplice”

“HAH! As if. More for me then!”

Red and Exo proceeded onward and finally made it to the newsroom.

In spite of their "tardiness," to put it kindly, (though the blame lies solely on Exo), Alma never got angry, nor did Red ever get in trouble for "purchasing" (?), "stealing" (?), that second free soda. However, seeing as these three were meeting for their weekly "Double-Or-Nothin Go Fish Tournament," Red proceeded to lose every single game; having apparently used all of his luck on that magic credit card touch.

End