The image of Brandon singing wouldn't leave Amy's mind.
He was amazing.
His voice was amazing.
'Is there nothing he isn't good at?'
His talent was truly envious.
The song was foreign. A different language. Despite the lyrics just rolling off his tongue, Brandon was able to get the feelings across.
Then, Amy had a sudden thought.
She didn't know how to feel regarding Brandon and Rachel, her sister.
Rachel had told her earlier about Brandon's circumstances. However, Amy was mature enough to understand it.
She didn't hold it against him.
It wasn't her place to speak of anyway.
"Good job, you were actually pretty good."
"Thanks."
Raven and Brandon high–fived and Brandon sat down next to Raven right after.
Then, Raven reached out for the microphone.
"Since no one's going next, I guess it's my turn."
All of a sudden, Amy had a dangerous thought. So dangerous that she suddenly felt goosebumps all over.
Not just her, but the others seemed to have the same reaction. Sarah's pupils dilated. Rachel's mouth hung open. Claire started rubbing her stomach, and Cyrus started rummaging his bag for his headphones.
"Yeah! Let's go!"
The only ones who reacted differently were Reinhard, who seemed to be hyping Raven up, and Brandon, who looked at them with a question mark on his face.
Amy reached out and grabbed Raven's wrist, right before he could pick up the microphone.
"Hm...?"
Raven met her gaze and tilted his head.
"What's wrong?"
As soon Amy heard his question, she felt her palms start to sweat. In fact, it felt like cold sweat was beading on her forehead.
"Uhm.... Why don't we save the best for last?"
"Best?"
Raven's eyes widened, as if he realized what Amy was trying to say.
"Oh, Amy. You don't need to be so biased. I don't think I'm that good. But still.... It feels nice knowing you think I'm the best singer here."
"Yes, of course. Haha~ Hehe~"
Amy could only laugh awkwardly. Raven sounded humble, however, that was far from the truth.
She knew Raven held a certain pride when it came to singing. After all, she was always the recipient of his singing.
"Then someone else should sing."
Raven looked around, trying to meet the other's eyes. As soon as the words left his mouth, Amy breathed a sigh of relief.
"Phew.
"Phew."
"Haaa...."
And of course, the others had the same reaction. Even Cyrus had stopped rummaging his bag and leaned back.
"Uh....?"
Brandon still had a question mark on his face.
It was for the best.
If Brandon were to find out the truth this early on, it might've spoiled the party.
"Is Raven really that good?"
Brandon asked.
Amy met the other's eyes first. They all nodded in agreement. A silent agreement.
Then, Claire stood up and clapped her hands. Clap—!
"He is. He fucking is. I don't want to lose my heari—Er, the battle this early on."
"Wait, you think so too, Claire?"
Raven scratched his cheek in embarrassment.
"Yes, you are. I don't want Brandon comparing us so soon. He needs to hear all of us first."
"Oh, come on, you're capping. "
There he goes again with his internet lingos.
Someone has to tell him soon.
But he was too nice. No one has the courage to say it right in his face.
"You're pretty good yourself, Claire. Brandon doesn't need to compare any of us."
"Cap... Cap.... Right, yeah. Haha, of course."
And Claire sat back down.
Amy looked at the others aside from Brandon, Raven, and Reinhard. She secretly held her thumbs up, and the others did the same, as if they were saying, 'We've managed to avoid it for now.'
At that moment, Reinhard reached out for the remote.
"Guess, I'll go ne—"
She suddenly felt guilty and offered a silent prayer for Raven, clasping her hands together.
Then, Cyrus opened his mouth, signaling the start of his song.
He was good. Really good.
The way he transitioned to falsetto was smooth. But after hearing Cyrus, Amy had come to a conclusion.
Brandon really was on a different level.
Did he take singing lessons?
That must be it, right?
To– Tok.
Suddenly, the door was knocked.
"I'll get it."
Cyrus set the microphone down and opened the door.
"Your drinks are here."
One of the staff entered the room, bringing a bundle of drinks.
It was time for the climax of this party.
"Enjoy."
The staff left shortly after.
Brandon leaned close and scrutinized the drinks.
"Soju?"
"Oh, you've heard of this?"
"Yeah."
It was a new kind of alcohol introduced in the human domain a few months back.
They enjoyed it for its sweet taste. That, and the alcohol percentage was convenient.
Just enough for teenages to enjoy.
However, it was then when Brandon asked, pinching his chin.
"Isn't this kind of low?"
"Eh?"
"Huh?"
"....?"
They all froze, perplexed.
"What do you—"
"Fifteen percent. You guys call this alcohol?"
"...."
"...."
"...."
If he was saying that, then how high was his tolerance? Amy seemed to have the same amount of tolerance as Rachel.
"I'll be back. I'll show you guys 'real' alcohol."
Just like that, Brandon left the room.
"...."
Their mouths hung agape and leaned back.
Then shortly after, Brandon returned to the room, carrying a bottle with a plastic that says, '98%.'
"Now this is real alcohol. The fun's about to start."
He had a grin on his face.
However, despite their perplexion, they actually were quite curious.
If Brandon claimed it as 'real alcohol,' then how much could their tolerance keep up.
Brandon poured the alcohol inside the shot–glass, then raised it.
"Who wants to try first?"
"Me."
Reinhard raised his hand.
It was to be expected. Reinhard had the highest tolerance among them all.
"Here you go."
Receiving the shot–glass, Reinhard drank it down at that moment.
Everyone looked at him with curiosity.
Thump!
Reinhard abruptly set the glass down and wiped his mouth.
"Haa! That's good. You sure know your stuff, Brandon!"
"Of course."
Reinhard then looked around, meeting the others' gazes.
"What are you guys waiting for?"
That....
Just one shot, and Reinhard's face had already started turning red.