[IC] [Love Less] | In the Game of Love, Everyone Loses

[Sazama]

The smell of smoke and coffee lingered in the air as the song “La Vie En Rose” produced through a record player softly. A woman clad in an elegant black dress was seated in one of the chairs in the café looking out the window smoking a cigarette.
“The sunset here is really sad isn’t it?” She sighed.
A man who was very well groomed and dapper for his age turned towards the window and raised an eyebrow,
“Whatever do you mean Ms. Diane?” He asked her, not stopping once from cleaning cups and silverware. The women takes a long draw from her cigarette before talking once more, “It’s always covered by these dreadful buildings, you only get a glimpse of its beauty and if you really want to see the whole thing, you have to work for it.” She exhaled and as the smoke escaped from her mouth and clouded the air, it covered a “No Smoking” sign that was placed over her head. “It’s sort of like people I suppose. Covering their hearts with locks and walls, you only get a sample of who they truly are and if you want more… you’re going to have to work for that as well.” She picked up a piece of paper that was lying on the table and looks at it. “Well there’s always people who don’t have their hearts locked down, and there are the ones who can’t do anything with theirs.” She takes one final draw from her cigarette blowing the smoke towards the paper.
“You should really stop smoking here, I put that sign up for a reason." The man scoffed causing the woman to laugh.
“I guess I should, since you’re letting me use this place to bring them together after all.” She puts out her cigarette and stands up from her seat. She puts the paper up against the window, facing the content to the outside and tapes it.
The paper was a flyer for a group counsel class taught by Ms. Diane. Normal people wouldn’t have any interest in it, the advertisement was specifically designed to be noticed by people with a unique problem: The inability to love romantically no matter how hard they want to or try to. Complete strangers with incomplete hearts, is what she likes to describe it as. She leaves the shop feel content with her work. “Tomorrow will be the start of it all…” She smiles warmly as she cranes her neck to the sky watching the sunset disappear.

Philophobia
[Janurary 3, 2017]

In this seemingly fast world everyone around you is getting married or having babies. Yet at this moment you’re what they call a “single pringle.” Your friends tell you that you just haven’t met the “right” person. But deep down in your heart you feel as if you can’t love anyone romantically. New Years has just passed and you feel as if this year will be the same as before. More friends getting married, having babies, and more people asking if it’ll be your turn next. But New York is full of “mysterious wonder” is what they say to get people to more there. You never felt any mystery or wonder from this place, it’s always the smell of exhaust fuel and the fear of being harassed by a hot dog vendor that seems to define the city. It isn’t until one day you stumble upon a poster/internet ad that read:
Ms. Diane: The Famous Love Guru
“Do you feel like you can’t love anyone romantically? Like a hole in your heart? Are you not able to ever imagine a future where you settle down with someone and have kids? Then this group counsel class is for you!”
“Meetings take place in Love-More Café Tuesday and Thursday 7:00 pm!”
“Sign up for free!“

Although you shouldn’t be taking relationship advice from a mysterious single woman, you give it a shot. What else do you have to lose?

[Duoya]

The wind blew with a surprising amount of force, causing Derick to steady himself against the unwavering gale. Unbeknownst to him, a plastic bag floated by his side, tittering between calm, gentle floating and rapid successive movements. Along with the shift in the air came an aroma that Derick knew all too well: a strange combination of coffee, an incredibly powerful aura of calmness, and the scent of exhaust that covered every inch of the concrete jungle. The scent of a cafe.

Derick calmly glided in a random direction, eventually finding his way to the edge of the curb. Tapping the side of the curb, Derick slowly made his way to what felt like a lamp post. Careful inspection with large, calloused fingers revealed the thing he had been searching for - The crossing button. Derick lightly pressed onto the button, as numerous thoughts passed through his head, shifting and turning from a slight anxiousness, to a small glint of hope, before eventually returning to the usual apathetic and nihilistic thought process he usually followed. His leather jacket hung loosely off of him, but then again, it didn't really matter how he looked. After all, he wasn't interested in a relationship any time soon, and he wasn't able to appreciate how he looked anyways. Besides, It's not like it mattered anyways. Music was blind, and it was the only lover he needed. The slight comfort and familiarity of the strap around his torso reminded him of this, before the honking of a horn alerted him to remove the headphones, which he was always told to never wear when he was trying to go somewhere. It appears that Derick had not managed to make it to the other side of the street in time, and he hurried, a soft clacking emanating from his cane wherever he went.

Derick had began to wonder why he even decided to come here in the first place. It was probably some trick to scam people who can't hold a relationship into wasting their time and money. After all, the advertisement was on some random YouTube video, and even though it said it was free, these kind of things always said they were. A soft sound escaped from Derick lips as he hoisted himself onto the curb on the opposite side of the street. He was never quite as in-shape as he would have liked, but then again, being unable to see always made things seem more dangerous than they actually were. Derick lightly contemplated the idea of simply returning home. He still had time, even though he has essentially wasted a perfectly good Thursday evening. His phone buzzed slightly, alerting him to the fact that he had made it to this "Love-More Café", and quickly ushering any thoughts of retreat from his mind. Derick gently pushed open the door, using the same soft force he would for cooking. A small bell chimed, and the sound of rustling could be heard nearby. Derick called out with a calm tone.

"Excuse me? Could someone please lead me to a woman named... Ms. Diane?"

The last part of his question had wavered slightly. Of all the times to forget someone's name... A somewhat elderly voice called out, responding to Derick's request. A soft grip enveloped his hand, and he was led to the corner of the small establishment, tapping his finger against the handle of his (now retracted) cane, matching the beat of the song with perfect rhythm. Eventually, he made his way to a seat, which he slowly lowered himself into, knees making a slight popping sound as he did so... He really needed to get in shape. Derick sat still, practicing the patience that blindness had cultivated in him for many years. Derick made sure that the instrument strapped across his back was safe from harm before relaxing slightly. If this wasn't a scam, others like him would show up soon, along with that mysterious "Love Guru". Unless, of course, they were already here. Derick chuckled slightly at the thought; it would probably be incredibly creepy for someone to just sit down and not say a word, their eyes closed the entire time. Even if this was fake...

...Well, there was always more places to search. Derick leaned back, jeans hanging loosely off of his legs and sunglasses tucked inside his jacket pocket. Worst case scenario, he just had to keep looking. And if that's the case, it probably wouldn't take too much longer.

How long can it take to search for your heart anyways?

[Sazama]

"Mia try putting one hand on your hip...perfect!"
The sound of shuttering cameras filled the air with people bustling in and out of the studio. This was her 5th photo shoot for the magazine "Perfect Looks" but she has yet to perfect her own style. After a few more shots they wrapped up for the day and Mia headed back to her dressing room to gather her stuff. It was 6:20, the class that she saw an advertisement for the other day was going to start soon. She was a bit embarrassed for even thinking about going but if she was going to reinvent herself she had to learn not to be a "heartbreaker". One of the many labels that was branded on her in high school. She had heard of this "Ms. Diane" before, but only in rumors. Some say that she controls half of New York, others say that she's a widow of an eccentric billionaire. Either way, her name carries a lot of weight so everyone wonders why she teaches relationship and romance counsel classes.
One of the other models from the company knocks on the door of the dressing room,
"Hey Mia some of us are going out to eat you want to come?"
Mia has only been here for 4 months but she has barely held a conversation with any of the other models due to her busy schedule with college.
"Uh, no thanks I actually have something to attend to in a bit." Mia felt unsure of herself, she could go and socialize with other people but for some reason, she felt as if she had to go to this class.
There was no response instead there were footsteps going away from the door and some other voices can be heard in the hallway,
"If she doesn't want to be friends with us she could just not make up some lame excuses."
"Yeah, she's such a b*tch sometimes, I heard she was a delinquent in high school."
The conversation continued to fade as they kept on badmouthing her. It didn't affect her though, she was used to people talking about her like that. She left the studio and made her way to this "Love-Cafe" hoping it will be the solution to her image and relationship problems.

[Typical]

Nylah Weiss

---

^{Tuesday, January 3, 2017}

“Oh Cordelia,” Nylah sang with a cheshire grin as she exited her last class for the day with her friend close behind her, “I think somebody likes you.”

“Cut the crap, Nylah,” Cordelia Wright — or “Dia,” as friends like to call her — hissed from Nylah’s right as a certain Terrence Asher passed while directing a grin in Cordelia’s direction.

“Yep, no mistake — you’ve been marked, Dia,” Nylah cackled, grinning as her friend attempted a smile and wave in Terrence’s direction. “If you must know, I approve.”

“Since when did I care whether or not you approved of who I was seeing and who I wasn’t?” Cordelia asked, a grouchy frown on her face as she looked at her friend. “And thanks a lot! He could have heard!”

“That was kinda the point?” Nylah said, rolling her eyes dramatically before grinning and waving to someone behind Cordelia. “Eoghan! Hey, how was — well — whatever class you just had?”

“Studying in the library the whole morning was fine, thank you,” Eoghan Massey said, rolling his eyes as a laugh bubbled up from Nylah’s direction. “At least now I’m fairly sure I won’t be absolutely bombing the very important quiz-test thing my sociology professor is giving. No thanks to you, by the way.”

“C’mon, you know that party last night was worth it,” Nylah said with a wink. “I can still feel the heavy beats! Oh and drinks weren’t bad either!”

“That’s ‘cuz you don’t pay,” Cordelia said, sighing. “Good luck on that quiz-test thing, Eoghan! I hope you do better than Nylah does here — which isn’t hard, if you ask me.”

“Cute. Now where to now?” Nylah asked, walking to nowhere in particular as she followed Cordelia across the NYU campus. “Any idea what everyone else is doing?”

“Not a clue yet, but I’ll be sure to text you when I do,” Cordelia assured her friend as she kept up a brisk, I’m-native-to-New-York pace. “That is if you’re not too lazy to scroll through the group chat. Speaking of, didn’t you say you wanted to go to some relationship counseling thing tonight? To ‘scout that waters’ or something?”

A pause ensued before Nylah clapped her hands together in realization, mouth forming an ‘o’ as she stopped walking. “Right! I’ll catch you later then, Dia. Text me — I’ll probably be done before ten,” she said, giving her friend a brief hug before running off. Shaking her head in amusement, Cordelia resumed her brisk pace.

---

If Nylah had to be entirely honest — which she hardly ever was — she had no idea why she was going to this mysterious group counseling session held in some cafe she’d never heard of that was tucked away in some obscure part of New York. If asked, however, Nylah could say it was an impulse go — she’d received an invitation from a friend claiming that the person hosting the session — a “famous love guru,” Ms. Diane — was a genius in the department of love, and Nylah's interest had been piqued. She could also claim that she’d been walking through town when she’d happened across a poster — which she had, at one point — and figured she had some free time. Or that she just had a huge, insatiable craving for a latte from some obscure cafe that might turn out to be so good she’d recommend it to a few friends. All in all, she had excuses, and now she was at the door.

A soft but whimsical bell announced Nylah’s arrival in the cafe, and the smell of sweet, roasted coffee beans washed over her as she looked around the quaint shop. A record played in the background, giving the scene a nostalgic feel, although Nylah didn’t recognize the song. Eyes skimming over the menu, Nylah made a mental note to buy something after the session was over before turning and scanning the shop. In a corner she spotted a small group gathering — the meeting, Nylah figured. While the group wasn’t as big as Nylah thought — Well, then again I am just here on account of some unreliable recommendation, she reminded herself — Nylah walked over and joined them, seating herself in a seat closest to the aisle lest something go awry.

Figuring that the group was probably not yet complete, Nylah pulled out her phone and started scrolling through her feed.

[Aladdin sanity]

~Sonny Lee~

It was the third night since Sonny has spent his days opening and closing the cafe. It wasn't like he had anything better o do anyways. Britten had nothing to offer and America seemed like the place to be. Though the wild people had sort of scared Sonny he was still more than excited to pursue his dream. Though the karaoke nights did a little justice to his talents it wasn't enough. So he had to take up a part-time job. La CIO's had welcomed the kid to the family easily. Now ever since he had grown to "love" his job. He enjoyed to smile and ask about his customer's day. He enjoyed the thick must of coffee and the pleasant noise of chattering. There He felt less lonely. Anywhere he can enjoy interesting and new people he enjoyed.

Then during the day he'd be off in college art major in all it;s glory. The sketching sessions..the awkward naked model studies and all the gay kids who rave about how much they hate white men...Oh, the good times.

"Goodbye now! Make sure you keep warm and safe on the road" Sonny called with a small wave as the homeless man took his leave from the counter of the joint. There it was closing time 6:00 sharp. Sonny sang a soft song under his breath as he wiped down the marble tables. Everything was going to be nice and peaceful...until little miss lane jane dropped in. Lane kimbers is the daughter of the owner of the cafe...she always drops in to hang around..and annoy the shit out of sonny. "Yo! guess who is gonna find some love!?" Sonny sighed as she threw down his rag and looked up. "huh? Did you find another guy online again?" he asked with a small sigh and chuckle. Lane shook her head rolling her eyes. "No way loser. I signed you up for this "Romance group Council" and it totes is gonna get you a man" She chuckled as she poured herself a cup of remaining coffee.

Sonny blinked a moment before he let out a surprised scoff. "Please Tell me your kidding!" he rushed to the counter staring wide eyes at Lane. Sure lane liked to bud into people's business...But this was past the line. "Lane! That's illegal! and there's no way that I'm gonna sit around with a bunch of middle-aged sad saps talking about how they went wrong in life!' Lane spit out her coffee as she cackled. "oh shut up! There's gotta be at least ONE guy that actually makes that dead organ in your chest pump..at least ONE that isn't the long dead David Bowie..even though I know you would at least date him...smh" Sonny rolled his eyes as he let out a whine.

"Lane you can't be serious..." Lane pouted as she leaned against the counter and fiddled with the tips of his hair. "pretty please? For me? Come one!....Please..at least go once"
And this is how he was standing in front of “La Vie En Rose”...It was the day it would start..though he had class the day it would he knew this hell hole would be waiting for him. "Jesus..why did I let her talk me into this?" he muttered before walking past the place to head into the park. there his currently strapped guitar was now in his hands as he perched himself on one of the benches. There he started to strum his guitar.

"Shine the headlight
Straight into my eyes
Like the roadkill
I'm paralyzed
You see through my disguise
At the drive in
Double feature
Pull the lever
Break the fever
And say your last goodbyes
Since I was born I started to decay
Now nothing ever ever goes my way..."

He sang as the tune played out. If he couldn't have fun after class then at least he could before class. Music was one of his only passions. Maybe he'll find someone at the class that shares his interests...maybe...Well he would soon find out when it was the time to start the first meeting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fx5bfLI5slU
(placebo teenage angst)

[AimeChambers]

Today might have been the worst day of her life. No, scratch that, today might have been the worst day of her life was wrong, but definitely felt like it. The day had started out fine at least, a roommate that disappears before she gets up and comes home after she goes to sleep. Dee had slipped out of bed and gotten ready, the minimal amount of makeup after a quick shower. She wore her ordinary hoodie and jeans, though there was always some kind of cute top that Deanna couldn't stop herself from wearing underneath. She had left at about 9:10 and had gotten to her class at a satisfactory time, Psychology, one of the freshman required classes she was taking a year late.

But after all of her regular Thursday classes had gone by, one of her professors had pulled Dee aside. A gulp and butterflies in her stomach had gone through her as she stepped to the front of the classroom while everyone else was leaving. Her sleeves were to her fingers and books to her chest, worried people were talking about her being held after class. When everyone had left, he started going on about how she wasn't participating in class enough and the last group project, she had done most of the work for the group. Dee wanted to ask how he knew, but she kept her mouth shut. The professor started to lecture her and... she had gone off on him. No, she hadn't said anything mean or rude... this time. It was a long babble about how she wasn't able to communicate with her classmates and not to blame them and...

Deanna had stopped once she ran out of breath, holding a hand to her chest. The professor looked fairly surprised and asked if this happened often, to which she nodded. Now that she tried to stay quiet in order to not show her true self to the new people at the college, when she did speak, it usually was a huge ramble because she hadn't been able to in so long. Finally the teacher had let her go with a warning to not let the group project thing happen again, and to let him know if she was having any problems... Which made Dee feel even worse. She slipped out of the classroom and ran as far across campus as her legs could carry her. For once, she didn't care what others thought, though they were probably thinking she was really late for some class.

Deanna finally stopped and dropped her books to the ground. She slipped her hands onto her knees and let out long, staggered breaths. There had been a telephone pole next to her as she did this, so Dee straightened up and leaned against it, breathing hard. There, she saw the poster, something about relationship counseling and how there was a hole in her heart. Dee took another staggered breath and checked the time, it was just a few minutes past five now. Deanna stripped off the too hot hoodie and started for the cafe, something new and interested would have to take her mind off things, right? It was also free, and hopefully she could just sit in the corner and listen.

She got up to the doors and pulled her hair from her shirt, running her fingers through it to make it seem a little straighter. When she slipped into the doors, she saw some kind of group of people forming in the back, and hopefully, this was the counseling group. There was a man that was sitting quietly with her eyes closed, Deanna wondered if he was doozing off and... There was the famous Nylah Weiss from the Drama Department. Dee took a seat next to the man, a little worried rumors might go around if the other girl recognized her. She slipped a long breath out and scratched at the back of her head.