Water and Oil
Premise Tags: Opposites Attract, Slice of Life,
Modern, Past Crush, Comedic Undertone.
Content Warnings: N/A.
Autumn is that season where you relax with a hot cup of cider and newspaper outside on your blue folding chair planted on your lawn in the slightly chilly air. It’s not so intolerably hot that you’d rather be inside with the AC, nor is it cold enough to freeze your toes off. The neighborhood kids are off to school so it’s finally quiet and peaceful... or that’s how it should’ve been.
Instead, my peaceful afternoon is rudely interrupted by the eternal nuisance known as my new neighbor with his leaf blower. Imagine looking at the pages and reading “In recent news-” when you’re interrupted by a bellowing “BRRRRRRRRRRR”. “According to the local authorities-BRRRRRRRRRR”. Each second of that infernal racket, I feel my brow furrow an inch, and if someone put a thermometer to me, I’m sure that by now I’d be well over 38 degrees celsius.
Ignore it... Ignore it... but what if you can’t? Within moments I’m ready to give that large, lumbering, bear-like, flannel covered figure a piece of my mind. My new neighbor is what you’d call a nice guy. He’s the type that smiles at people for no reason at all, decks his house in unnecessarily ostentatious decorations for Halloween and probably every other holiday (I can see those clowns staring at me), and he’s probably the type that actually gives children candy instead of the sensible choice of toothbrushes. Basically, he’s my exact opposite and someone I can never get along with. I knew this from the moment I saw a life sized Spongebob plushie coming out of his moving van, although I’ve never actually met the man myself in the month or so that we’ve been neighbors. Anyway, if he’s Spongebob then I’m Gary, if he is a dog then I’m a cat, if he is water then I am oil. Regardless... We. Do. Not. Mix.
Therefore, I’m going to tell him off right now and we’ll never talk again. I stomp over to him, stopping right in front of the metal fence separating our two houses. I place my hands on my hips and muster the fiercest scowl I can manage (which isn’t difficult, I’m already 90% of the way there).
“Excuse me.” The guy continues obliviously blowing leaves and... bobbing his head? Hold up, are those air pods I see? So he gets to plug his ears while the rest of us suffer?!
“Excuse me!” He still doesn’t hear me and now I’m practically hopping mad. No matter how many times I call, he’s just standing there like a big, deaf oaf. I feel my lips twitching, and finally, I’ve had enough. I place both hands on the railing of the fence and haul myself up. Then I roar at the top of my lungs “TURN AROUND YOU BIG JERK!”
Finally, something registers and the guy turns around. I get a look at his face and freeze, forgetting for a moment that I’m balancing on a metal fence. The next moment I’m on the ground, my face making intimate contact with the insect infested grass. But my mind is galaxies away: Alex Stuman, how could it be Alex Stuman?
Alex Stuman was... the golden boy of our class. I don’t know how else to say it. He was friendly, smart, athletic, popular enough to be class president every year he ran as well as valedictorian. On top of that he was hot... and ripped (believe me, I didn’t even play sports and I’d be in the locker room the days he had practice. What? You wouldn’t be able to resist either in my situation). He was so well known and so well liked that even a scrooge like me knew of and had a teeny, tiny crush on him. Just a teeny, tiny one though-
“Hey, you okay?” Hearing that familiar husky voice I feel my heart burst into a flurry of butterflies and my face grows hot, despite being pressed against the cool, wet grass. Stop it...I internally reprimand as I scramble up to my feet. But I can do nothing to stop my heart palpitations from speeding up faster and faster as I take in that familiar well sculpted, dark haired visage. His face is sharper, less baby fat and there’s a hint of stubble on his chin. He’s darker, likely tanned from this past summer. I feel my face heat up as I imagine how tan the rest of him must be and I just barely manage to keep my gaze from wandering lower than it should be.
“Hey, you’re Kai aren’t you?! From highschool?” I jump, hearing his enthusiastic voice. I find his eyes fixed on my face. Uhhh... how did he recognize me? I was the epitome of a shy, unknown nerd. Then my mind goes to another urgent matter. I look awful, don’t I? I have grass all over my face, not to mention I just fell on my face like an idiot-
“Hey, so you’re my neighbor? That’s awesome, what a coincidence! We ought to get together for drinks sometime.” I process his words and my heart breaks into another round of butterflies. Seriously, it’s been so many years and I’ve been in relationships by this point, why am I still…?
“So, what do you say?” I look up at him: earnest, friendly to the point where he recognizes and expresses the desire to reconnect with a random classmate he hardly spoke two words to, hot-too hot for my own good, probably straight, and maybe even taken. I could reject him; I’m generally not the type of person who can’t say no, I always say what’s on my mind. Furthermore, knowing myself, I can’t just settle for friendship, not with someone like him. So, logically it’d make sense to say no, that way I’m not hurt and he doesn’t end up signing up for more than he bargained for. I open my mouth.
“Sure.”
Instantly his face lights up and I feel another onset of flutters. Water and oil do not mix. But it’s another story if it’s Alex Stuman. Welp, there goes my peaceful autumn a voice complains in my head. But another part of me, the larger part, is excited, because autumn is just one step closer to spring.
🍁
Author's Account:
CynicalStrawberry (SH).
Ah, short but sweet~
That said, one of my favourite parts was definitely
I can see those clowns staring at me
When you have grass all over your face but he asks you out anyway
Too charming too sweet!!!! 
I place my hands on my hips and muster the fiercest scowl I can manage (which isn't difficult, I'm already 90% of the way there).
believe me, I didn't even play sports and I'd be in the locker room the days he had practice. What? You wouldn't be able to resist either in my situation
Heheh, he's got it bad.
What a cute short story! I'm smitten! The comedic and casual writing style was a breath of fresh air for me. Kai falling on his face was priceless
Since this is the beginning of the reunion, I can't help but crave more. 
Strong voices of narration always amuse me since I tend to write with more of an objective/descriptive narration, and Kai def struck me with his personality. I wouldn't mind spending more time in his head ;)
It sounds like his feelings for Alex is more than just a "little crush" from high school. Was he deeply in love?
And perhaps… Alex had feelings for him too the whole time? Ok, now my mind is going in all directions. But I can't help it!! I need to know!! 
Thank you for the story!
🎃
Awwww, thank you! I enjoy writing in first person, especially when it's a comedic or quirky first-person where the main character's head is a fun place to bounce around
Right, both Kai and Alex likely had some sort of feelings for each other, enough to remember each other years later. However, at the same time they've grown older, met new people, and if this coincidence hadn't occurred they likely would never have met again. Yet, simply because they've met, they may be able to gain or regain something special. Honestly, this premise was largely inspired by the manga Mr. Miss (https://mangakio.com/manga/mr-miss-official/) which I would definitely recommend.
Wahh, ye it's kinda sweet, but ughhh why does the story ends so fast??? (╥﹏╥) I knew this will be a short story, but like... now I feel like it is very very short. OK NEVERMIND THAT.
MC is for sure very likable, a little grumpy with a funny touch to it. As for ML well its a shame we don't have his perspective, cuz i feel like he remembers MC not without a reason, maybe he also had a crush on him???
Ye, the settings: a nerdy cute good grades student shou x popular handsome school grass gong - tehehehe awwww who wouldn't want to read this? ヽ(≧▽≦)ﾉ
thanks for the story uwu
I honestly didn't think it was this short when I wrote it
...hmm...a lot of people seem to want to see the ML's perspective. Maybe I should try writing it...thanks for reading though!
hahahaha sooo cute, I love how Kai's brain just came to a halt when he realised who it was XD thanks for sharing this!
*insert meme* IT'S SO FLUFFY I'M GONNA DIE!!!—Agnes, Despicable Me!
Water and oil do not mix. But it's another story if it's Alex Stuman.
YES! There's always the exception when it comes to satisfying curiosity~~~
I feel my face heat up as I imagine how tan the rest of him must be and I just barely manage to keep my gaze from wandering lower than it should be.
IF IT WERE ME!!! My eyes would have already touched down! *ahem*
In short, thanks for the fluff @CynicalStrawberry
I enjoyed your use and idea of describing opposites. It penned a more contrasting image in mind and I could clearly imagine the phrase 'opposites attract'! If this was made to be a potential series, the scene here would make a great teaser!
Besides, the warmth I felt reading about Kai and Alex was like a cup of hot tea, steaming away the chill of the autumn wind. I'm all warmed up
and ready to face the biting cold (of 'tricked's I know are to come) !!!
With Kai there, it kind of feels a bit like a Disney/Pixar-style neighbour dynamic, with the over-the-top killjoy old man. Who gives toothbrushes for Halloween!? Even we just ignore the doorbell.
Although he noticeably compared himself to Spongebob's pet instead of Squidward, the angry neighbour? We see that Freudian slip, Kai~! No thoughts, only desire to be pampered by the hot neighbour.
I can only expect that what follows is a full-blown autumn version of a Hallmark film, where Alex the heartwarming himbo teaches sourpuss Kai the true joy of Halloween and converts him into an overdecorator.
Good lucks, guys~!
(And thank you for the uplifting story, author!)
Quite frankly, I've forgotten whether I put Gary on purpose or simply because I confused Squidward's name with Garry's
BUT, Moonpearl I absolutely adore that interpretation...maybe it was Kai voicing his true feelings through me
*nom*
A nice bite sized piece that warms your heart with adorableness.
Even in such a short time frame, the comedy and character fleshing out is sublime to read— it got me smiling like a fool more than once. That cold and grumpy guy showing that gap more through his puppy love and another puppy running up to him with his tail wagging...
All I can say is many many thanks for the snac.
Opinion on Kai:
For the story being so short, I think you manage to get a good amount of characterisation for the main character. Though we only got his name right at the end, that's not entirely necessary to know him. Throughout the story, we are presented with a no nonsense attitude where Kai doesn't take delight in things that others would find fun. An example is him complaining about putting decorations for holidays out - another being the act of giving candy to treat or treaters. In other words, he's what you would call a Scrooge.
Saying that, as the story develops, it becomes clear that - although he doesn't seem to do much interaction with his neighbours - he does pay attention to their activities. He's quite observant about his new neighbour in particular, having noticed a plushie the man owned when moving in, having noticed his figure and clothes, having noticed his friendly personality towards others. All of this without having actually spoken to him.
We are later told that although Kai is a bit of a Scrooge, he has dated people before. He has even ogled good-looking guys, especially when he finds out who his neighbour actually was and he reminisces how he'd sneak into the changing rooms whenever the guy had sports activities. His sexual inclination is also hinted at from his previous memories, as well as the fact he took great willpower to not look down further than his neighbour's chest...though he did somewhat imagine where the rest of his tan touched on his body.
Once Kai finally does find out who his neighbour is, his entire attitude and personality shifts to one of a stars-truck figure. He feels nervous and has butterflies in his stomach as he realises he is facing a much hotter and more manly version of his very first crush. I think it's safe to say he basically fell in love with him at first sight as an adult.
We're not told what Kai does for a living, nor what his monetary situation is - though I assume it was/is a well-paid job for him to be able to own his own house in what sounds like a fairly nice neighbourhood, without needing to work at the same time kids are in school. Saying that, it's not entirely clear how old he actually is...I'm going to assume he's in his thirties, maybe? Or even possibly forties...but the story sadly doesn't specify that.
As a whole, I think you fleshed him out quite well for the length of prose we were provided, though I would have loved to see him interact more with his neighbour over a period of time to see if his overall personality would soften at all towards other things. All in all, though, a great character for a cosy entry.
\o/
*huggles*
[472 words]
X
Thank you for your in depth analysis! Yeah, one thing I do with stories is that I often don't know many details till I write it. So basically, I'm as clueless as the reader. But now you've gotten me thinking more about Kai and who he is. Yes, I'd assume he's in a fairly high paying job. He is strictly gay and a bit of a Scrodge (as has been mentioned) so he definitely doesn't want kids. My inclination is to write younger characters since I myself am younger but in his situation I do think thirties or forties is appropriate. If he has the time to laze in his yard perhaps he's a university professor or some slightly more lax but still high paying job as compared to a corporate one. Or maybe he appreciates his lazing because it's such a rare opportunity for him and this way he's all the more mad at Alex.
Wow, you've really got me thinking, although I wasn't initially intending to, maybe I will try to go further with Kai :)
@CynicalStrawberry \o/
Glad I've got you thinking! I was worried my text wall would be over the top and over-analytic.
>w<
A university professor job feels like it would fit him really well - especially when he said he was a nerd at school.
X
Such a fluffy entry that shows the changing of emotions like the seasons - hot and fiery anger to smouldering sparks of love rekindled. Like a new log thrown on an almost dying bonfire. Loved it! It fit your username so well, too, with it starting off cynical before turning into sweet strawberry~
\o/
X
Oh that's so cute, I didn't even think of how the story's mood could relate to my username, thanks for the idea!