=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/rue.jpg" alt="An image of you in the streets of Minsk." width="150%" align="right"/>
=||=
There's an arch leading to a shady-looking alley to your left. This looks like somewhere you could rest, untroubled, at least for a few minutes. But... another strategy could be to hide in plain sight. Who would think you'd just walk around toward Victory Square like your presence here is still perfectly legal?
The choice is yours. It is, after all, your life.
[[• Stay on main street|StupidChoice]]
[[• Turn left|TeashopStreet]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/rue.jpg" alt="An image of you in the streets of Minsk." width="150%" align="right"/>
=||=
Really? You're staying on Main Street? I was only joking when I suggested this silly... nevermind. I've said it: it's your life. Do as you please.
You left the Tsum, the big general store from Soviet Union times, behind, which means toward you is Victory Square, with its russian-gaz-fueled eternal flame.
You look at your feet. An adorable three-colored cat is smelling your winter boots, their eyes narrowed in curiosity.
By the way, you're wearing a huge backpack. And I mean //huge//. Six month's worth of life fit there, plus ceramics and hardware store shopping. That's probably why this person in the vintage car is honking and waving at you right now: they might think you're about to start hitchhiking.
[[• Hitchhiking seems like a good way out. Let's not miss that car!|CarGuy]]
[[• There are priorities. Go and pet that kitty-cat.|PettingCat]]
[[• You had a plan. It's not silly. Continue toward Victory Square.|VictorySquare]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/rue.jpg" alt="An image of you in the streets of Minsk." width="150%" align="right"/>
=||=
The shady-looking alley isn't as shady as you might think. It's just more private than the huge boulevards cutting Minsk in quarters. There's a bunch of old cars, some of them are probably waiting to be fixed in some ways. Oh. Someone saw you. They're now waving at you, standing next to what seems to be a very tiny house stuck between the buildings. Wave back. Don't seem odd. Oh no, is it you he's calling now? It would be weirder not to go. At least, with his hippy-looking clothes and his long hair, not to mention the cup of tea in his hand, that guy doesn't seem like the reporting-to-police type.
Wait - you //do// know this guy. And this alley. The shock resulting from learning about your outlawed status might have taken more brainspace than expected. So, quick reminder: hippy guy's name is Yura, the tiny house is his workplace. It is actually your favorite spot in Minsk, a teahouse you've been going to at //least// once a week since you started drama school in Minsk. This feels like a safe place.
[[• Say hi to Yura and open the door.|EnterTeaShop]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/maincharacter.png" alt="A portrait of you. You're a nervous human wearing a huge backpack." width="100%" />
=||=
You hurry to the car. It really is a nice car: not only is it perfectly preserved, but it seems its driver added a few extra features. Like a steampunk car. The smell of adventure is welcoming you as you put your backpack on the back seat, rush to the passenger's seat and thank your soon-to-be savior.
They say something in Russian. Your Russian is broken but you manage to hear something like "Gdyay". They're asking where you're going. After explaining that your ability at speaking the russian language is "Ujassna" (as in //awful//), you:
[[• Prudently keep the "leaving national territory ASAP" business for later and act tourist: anywhere outside Minsk will do.|OutsideMink]]
[[• Can't wait to be fully safe: you need to leave the country. Did they plan on approaching a border, by any chance?|ToTheBorder]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/chat.jpg" alt="A picture of a very cute cat (Well, a cat) greeting you." width="150%" align="right"/>
=||=
"Who's the kitty cat? Who's a good sweet kitty cat?" Oh myyyy, the cat just licked your hand! You're now bound to be friends //forever//. "Kitty-kitty-kitty... where are you going? Turning around and meowwing at me, I see... Fine, I'm coming with you."
Petting the cat is taking you under the arch and into the alley. Which is a good thing! Bits of water just started falling from the sky. Is it liquid or solid? Hard to tell for now. But kitty-cat sheltered you from it and that's all that matters.
[[• Keep on petting the cat.|PettingCat2]]
[[• You need to take a photo of that cat before continuing the petting.|PhotoCat]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/maincharacter.png" alt="A portrait of you. You're a nervous human wearing a huge backpack." width="100%" />
=||=
You're almost whistling as you take the path to the well-known obelisque. Under it is a subway station, but that doesn't really help you. Earlier today, you've tried to use your credit card to buy tramway tickets, but it wouldn't work then. Probably a selling machine defection. Anyway, the underground subway doesn't use tickets but coins that you just put in the gates and then leave behind. In your opinion, it's actually rather comforting, not having to feverishly search your pockets when you meet a controller.
Your train of thoughts concealed the fact from you, but now that you're almost at Victory Square, you can see it: a military parade is blocking the way. Damn.
[[• Maybe this wasn't such a great plan after all. Let's turn around.|TeashopStreet]]
[[• What a perfect alibi! Get your camera out and start to pretend like you're covering the event!|PhotosParade]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/maincharacter.png" alt="A portrait of you. You're a nervous human wearing a huge backpack." width="100%" />
=||=
"Anywhere, eh? Hm... Well."
On the driver's face now sits an embarrassed expression. They actually never leave Minsk. The car is too precious. They do have a favor to ask, though. They saw you with your big backpack and all the adventurer's stuff, and //you// could help them. You see, they renovated this car for years, and now they're trying to make it as an //influenceur//. That's right, they said that in French. Anyway, it would help if you'd take a selfie in there and use the dedicated hashtag on InstaFace. Then they'll drop you off anywhere you want //in// Minsk.
[[• Well, that's disappointing, but where's the harm? Take the selfie and post it right away.|OKInsta]]
[[• Did this damn steampunk driver just WASTE your time while you were ON THE RUN? Refuse to help them, whatever the cost.|NopeInsta]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/maincharacter.png" alt="A portrait of you. You're a nervous human wearing a huge backpack." width="100%" />
=||=
"To the border! //Tak tak... tak.//"
On the driver's face now sits an embarrassed expression. They won't go that far. Actually, they won't even leave Minsk. They saw you with your big backpack and all the adventurer's stuff, and wanted to ask //you// if //you// could help them. They renovated this car for years, and now they're trying to make it as an //influenceur//. That's right, they said that in French. Anyway, it would help if you'd take a selfie in there and use the dedicated hashtag on InstaFace.
[[• Well, that's disappointing, but where's the harm? Take the selfie and post it right away.|OKInsta]]
[[• Did this damn steampunk driver just WASTE your time while you were ON THE RUN? You'll refuse to reward that behavior, whatever the cost.|NopeInsta]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/maincharacter.png" alt="A portrait of you. You're a nervous human wearing a huge backpack." width="100%" />
=||=
(set: $Insta to "true")
The joy on Steampunk Driver's face repays you a thousand times for your kindness. Indeed, where //is// the harm?
You still don't really have an idea as to where you'd like to be dropped off, though. Right where they picked you up will do, you say. They gently get the car around the block and stop right in front of that shady alley. The cat is gone, and a military parade is blocking the main street now. Well, at least the decision is easier now.
[[• Get out of the car.|TeashopStreet]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/maincharacter.png" alt="A portrait of you. You're a nervous human wearing a huge backpack." width="100%" />
=||=
Steampunk Driver doesn't like your tone. Or your answer. Their eyes narrow and you suddenly notice that they have muscle. A //lot// of them. More than enough to be a better fit than you were in, say, Acrobatics Class. Or - here you swallow a bit of saliva - in Fighting Class. It's too late to apologize now. They rush the car around the block and slam on the brakes. The driver is now bending over you. As you fear for your forthcoming health, the door opens.
[[• Get out of the car.|TeashopStreet]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/entree.jpg" alt="You're about to descend into the teashop." width="150%" align="right"/>
=||=
Once one opens the teahouse doors, they shall see that it's bigger on the inside. Like many restaurants or shops in Minsk, most of this place is in the basement. A number of steps will drive you inside the belly of Earth. The walls are covered with bamboo sticks and the carpets will get your shoes rid of any hint of snow they might carry. As always, this feels like you're about to enter a //tea bunker//.
Next to the main door, a little door leads to a room you've never seen. It's a land of wonder where they keep //all// the tea. It's Genya's usual hideout and... oh, actually, there comes Genya. Stay calm. Yup, they saw you. They nodded at you. Their blue eyes say they know who you are. Hi. Say hi. You said hi. Aaaaaand off they've gone. Unfortunately, Genya doesn't seem to speak English and your Russian is too broken to get to know them. Anyway, you've got other things on your plate right now.
You pass through the second door and enter the actual, chinese-styled teahouse. Sasha, who works here, greets you welcome. Since it's early in the morning, there aren't this many customers yet, and they put your favorite music on - that's sweet of them. Maybe they uncovered your nervousness and want you to feel at ease, or they are just in a good mood. Time to choose some tea!
[[• You're a bit stressed out and your stomach aches. Some shu puer would probably help.|Puer]]
[[• Taiwanese oolongs were always your best allies in solving problems - mostly plot holes in your writing. You could put your faith in them once again.|Oolong]]
[[• Beigang Maojian bears the sweet, mellow taste of yellow teas. Sounds just like the comfort drink you need right now!|Yellow]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/maincharacter.png" alt="A portrait of you. You're a nervous human wearing a huge backpack." width="100%" />
=||=
Your camera, one of your most powerful weapons in this world, is now out. You start shooting everything you see; at first, the military doing their military thing, but this quickly gets boring.
(set: $Photographer to "Yes")
You're now taking portraits of the civilians attending the event. Literally any kind of emotion can be found here, lying on one's face or another's. Trouble is... you soon realize that some faces are more familiar than others. You recognize Dasha, from school. You like her. Well... now former school, though, and she //works// there...
You don't think she'd report you out of wickedness, but The Law^^(Tm)^^ always seemed really important to her. Again, I don't want to interfere, but you probably should...
[[• Okay //fine//, that wasn't a //great// idea. Turning around now. Let's see that alley.|TeashopStreet]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/entree.jpg" alt="You're about to descend into the teashop." width="150%" align="right"/>
=||=
(set: $State to "Sober")
That's a good choice! Not that there's such a thing as a //bad choice// when it comes to great tea.
Now, where would you like to sit ?
[[• There's a bar overhanging the main room. From there, you'd be able to watch the door, just in case unwanted people entered.|Bar]]
[[• But you do have //your spot//. At the end of the room, near a small fireplace, you could sit in a //pile// of pillows, hidden from everything and everyone.|Nicepillowycorner]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/entree.jpg" alt="You're about to descend into the teashop." width="150%" align="right"/>
=||=
(set: $State to "Sober")
Sasha frowns at you as you make your order:
"Tie guan yin? Oh, come on. You already know this one. Why don't you try Gaba instead?"
Every time...
But hey, that's also a good choice! Not that there's such a thing as a //bad choice// when it comes to great tea.
Now, where would you like to sit ?
[[• There's a bar overhanging the main room. From there you'd be able to watch the door in case unwanted people entered.|Bar]]
[[• But you do have //your spot//. At the end of the room, near a small fireplace, you could sit in a //pile// of pillows, hidden from everything and everyone.|Nicepillowycorner]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/entree.jpg" alt="You're about to descend into the teashop." width="150%" align="right"/>
=||=
(set: $State to "High")
That's a good choice! Not that there's such a thing as a //bad choice// when it comes to great tea.
Now, where would you like to sit ?
[[• There's a bar overhanging the main room. From there, you'd be able to watch the door, just in case unwanted people entered.|Bar]]
[[• But you do have //your spot//. At the end of the room, near a small fireplace, you could sit in a //pile// of pillows, hidden from everything and everyone.|Nicepillowycorner]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/bar.jpg" alt="You're sat at the bar overhanging the tearoom." width="150%" align="right"/>
=||=
You take place at the roost - I mean the bar. From there, you dominate the situation. You can even see who's going to the toilet and when, which allows you to work your own timing and never, ever stand in line to pee.
First of all, you can enjoy this first cup of tea. They gave you a big thermos filled with hot water (the ideal temperature for the specific tea you chose) so you can re-infuse the leaves. Their taste will evolve and mature with each infusion, until there is none left. Then, you'll probably order a new tea.
Before that happens, you should probably:
[[• Think about the past to build the future. How the hell did you get in this situation in the first place?|Remembering]]
[[• Set your mind on something simple yet focusing, like watching everyone passing by the main room.|ObserveRoom]]
[[• Try and buy... plane tickets? I mean, what are the chances that the airport staff already knows your visa prematurely expired?|PlaneTickets]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/pillowcorner.jpg" alt="A picture of you, at a nice table of the teahouse." width="150%" align="right"/>
=||=
Your usual spot in the teahouse is a cute corner, hidden behind shelves filled with teacups and ceramic animals. You sit on the floor, among a pile of pillows. You could probably take a nap here, but you've never done it. You just sat there and drank tea and wrote words and felt safe and at ease. Home. It's precious, actually, a place like this one. You wouldn't have survived this year in school without it. A few drips come from the corner of your eyes as you realize that leaving Belarus means leaving this place behind. But jail doesn't allow for tea breaks either, so...
Anyway, let's have a look. Sasha is around. You like them; they're nice, always suggesting art events in Minsk for you to see, and //never// let you choose your tea at the first try. Not once.
[]<Texte|\
(replace: ?Texte)[(if: $Filmmaker is not"seen")[The hidden corner shelters another table. A human being is pouring tea on a little flat teapet pig and eventually inside a cup. Oh no: you know their face. This person is a filmmaker and came to your school for casting purposes. You cross your fingers as if it could make them forget your face - or at least make sure they don't know you're now wanted by the police.] (if: $Filmmaker is "seen")[The filmmaker is still there, and they don't look like someone who turned you in for laughing hysterically and saying poor lies; you're okay for now.]]
[]<Tea|\
(replace: ?Tea)[(if: $Tea is not "TooMuch")[[• You still have tea in your cup. Drink more!|DrinkTea]] (if: $Tea is "TooMuch")[Come on, get your shit together. You can do this.]]
[]<Film|\
(replace: ?Film)[(if: $Filmmaker is not "seen")[[• Actually, won't it seem weird if you pretended not to see them? You should say hi to that filmmaker.|SayHitoFilmmaker]] (if: $Filmmaker is "seen")[[• Okay, let's wave at the filmmaker //again//. They'll think you're trying to star in their movie or something.|SayHitoFilmmaker]]]
[[• Who could help you? Basically everyone you know here is in this teahouse, except... for those you met on the Internet. Check Tinder.|Tinder]]
[[• You've got to get out of here. You need plane tickets.|TryAgainPlane]]
[]<Sasha|\
(replace: ?Sasha)[(if: $Sasha is not "seen" and $Lies is not "told")[[• You complain a lot, but you do like when Sasha forces you to try new teas. Why not order them a new one right now?|OrderMoreTea]] (if: $Sasha is "seen" and $Lies is not "told")[[• You should probably... Order tea again? Wave at Sasha!|Sasha2ndPass]]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/bar.jpg" alt="You're sat at the bar overhanging the tearoom." width="150%" align="right"/>
=||=
No intruders in the main room. You're safe. No one at your school really knows about this place, let alone Fabien The Evil Headmaster - the tearoom has always been your secret garden. But it's still nice to check.
Speaking of nice... Hey, it's the cutest person here, crossing the room, taking tea on the shelves, looking around... You know, you shouldn't refer to people as just "cute". They have personalities. Genya here doesn't speak English so it's hard to get to know them, though, that's a good point.
"Everything good?" asks Genya when they cross your eyes, waving at you with a coy smile.
Wait, //what//? They could speak English all along? //And you only find out now?// Right when you have to run? What kind of mischievous joke is that?
[[• You can't deal with that right now. A notebook, a laptop, your phone... pretend to be writing on anything you can get your hands on.|PretendtoBeWriting]]
[[• Wave back at Genya, out of politeness. Obviously.|WaveBack]]
[[• You must have seemed so weird, looking at them like this. Quick, find an excuse... Ask them for more water!|AskForWater]]
[[• Social interaction is too scary. You must find a way out. I know: talk to this guy next table! Wait, what?|StrangerCustomer]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/maincharacter.png" alt="A portrait of you. You're a nervous human wearing a huge backpack." width="150%" align="right" />
=||=
If the future doesn't involve you rotting in a jail cell, what just happened was definitely worth it. Basically, your whole class thought you were some sort of anxious, too-shy-to-speak person (part of which is true), and discovered a fierce, mighty warrior of the Justice. For a while already, dealing with Fabien Square, your irritating scammer of a school's headmaster, had become tiring. He crossed a line two days ago, not the first one but maybe you were in a bad mood that day.
There, standing on the stage, you called him out as the wannabe guru that he is. You might have said some hurtful stuff too, like "Look, Fabien, you've already wasted my money. Don't waste my time now." before you went away and left that school forever. Some people were... surprised. You, among others. It's not so common to just walk out of a toxic environment, especially when you put money on the table. You're lucky that you could afford to do so. But also: yay, you!
"What are you thinking about?"
Tasha interrupted you. She works here at the teahouse, and you and her get along very well. If you managed to keep your sanity all these months, she's certainly part of the reason why: she was your first friend outside of the school.
[]<Texte|\
(replace: ?Texte)[(if: $State is not "Sober")[It is possible that you'd like to not talk about the police thing, but something will force you to. I'm talking about your tea highness, which doesn’t stand for a royalty of tea, but for the fact that right now, you are high. On tea. It’s a thing. Look it up.]]
[[• You'll just tell the truth. "Oh, uh, it's a long story."|TruthTasha]]
(if: $State is "Sober")[[• Still, there's no need to worry her with your trouble. "Nothing. I was thinking of my next play's plot."|LieToTasha]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/bar.jpg" alt="You're sat at the bar overhanging the tearoom." width="150%" align="right"/>
=||=
You winkle your laptop out of your backpack and connect yourself to the wifi. They gave you the password because they're extra-nice, and now that will save you.
Or not. No website will accept your credit card now. It seems that you can only count on the cash you have in your pockets. That's enough for tea, but definitely not enough to buy tickets of any kind. Well...
[[• Go back to... I guess watching people and hope that at some point, somebody will have "ready to save you" written on their forehead?|ObserveRoom]]
[[• Think. There must be something you can do. You didn't even behave //this// bad to get yourself in trouble. Did you?|Remembering]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/genya.png" alt="Portrait of Genya, who works at the tea house. They look really good, although melancholic, and are holding a tray with a teapot and teacup." width="100%"/>
=||=
You wave back at Genya. I'm not sure, but... Oh, they think you called them. They've changed directions. They're coming toward you. Oh no. Oh no.
[[• It's too late to run. They're coming.|GenyaComes]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/genya.png" alt="Portrait of Genya, who works at the tea house. They look really good, although melancholic, and are holding a tray with a teapot and teacup." width="100%"/>
=||=
I mean... who could have predicted it? Your diversion worked so well that your secret tea person crush is now filling a thermos with hot water. They'll come to you once it's done. You can't stop them now.
"Thaaaaaaanks!"
[[• Quick, sip the rest of your tea so they don't notice you already had plenty of hot water.|GenyaComes]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/bar.jpg" alt="You're sat at the bar overhanging the tearoom." width="150%" align="right"/>
=||=
Genya half-smile as they see you blushing and diving into "writing". Everybody here is used to that type of behaviour now; it was almost a good cover. While you're at it, you take a few notes on your journey so far, but nothing really... valuable.
(set: $Writing to "Yes")
A jar of hot water interrupts you. Behind the jar, you see Tasha's smile. Tasha is the most comforting figure for you here: about your age, loves writing too. You basically exchanged Google translated blog notes for a few months and became friends.
"What are you writing about today?"
[]<Texte|\
(replace: ?Texte)[(if: $State is not "Sober")[Your head feels a little light. You feel good, but your thoughts seem made in cotton. You realize that right now, you can't think of any lies. Oh no. Too much tea, not enough food.]]
[[• Well, the actual reason you started writing //today// is a bit embarrassing. On the other hand, Tasha wouldn't judge. You can tell her!|TellTasha]]
(if: $State is "Sober")[[• You probably shouldn't underline your little crush on her co-worker right now. It'd be best to make something up. What else is on your mind?|ChangeSubject]]
|==| |=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/genya.png" alt="Portrait of Genya, who works at the tea house. They look really good, although melancholic, and are holding a tray with a teapot and teacup." width="100%"/>
=||=
So here you are, an outlawed drama student on the run with a crush with someone - and you //do// have a crush, please admit it and don't interrupt me. With someone with whom, as it turns out, you can actually talk instead of just smiling and waving! And that person is here. Genya is here.
"So... hi."
"Hi."
"Hi."
This is a disaster.
[]<Texte|\
(replace: ?Texte)[(if: $State is not "Sober")[To top it all, you're feeling the effects of the yellow tea that you ordered. You probably should have remembered that yellow teas, even more than green teas, are //very// lightly oxidized. You got a lot of theine out of this teapot.
In other words, you're high right now. Good luck in passing for a normal adult person.]]\
What could you say next?
[[• You could as well flirt with them now.|FlirtGenya]]
(if: $State is "Sober")[[• This is stupid. Just pretend that you needed inspiration for the next round, ask them what their favorite tea is and get over with that interaction.|AskGenyaTea]]
(if: $Writing is "Yes" and $State is "Sober")[[• Hey, maybe they can help you! Ask them if they have a car or friends with a car and plans to go... anywhere else?|Ask4Car]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/bar.jpg" alt="You're sat at the bar overhanging the tearoom." width="150%" align="right"/>
=||=
"I've got time. What's the story?"
"It's about my school."
"Oh no. Do you still have problems with this awful man? The one touching students whenever he can and rubbing his hands against each other the rest of the time?"
That's an accurate description. She already knew half the story, after all!
"Oh well, I finally smashed the door."
"Because of the touching thing?"
"Because of several things."
"In my opinion, the touching thing was more than enough."
"I agree. And now they cancelled my visa and the police is after me."
Tasha looks at you, a bit confused.
"They did what now?"
"Framing me? I guess? So I'm trying to find a way out."
"Just like that, you've become a thug!"
"I certainly have. You think it's that bad?"
"Oh yeah, you're screwed. But Sasha will know how to help. They once hosted a member of the Pussy Riots. She was in Belarus illegally, too."
[[• Sasha? But they seem so... //legal//. But okay then, let's talk to Sasha!|TalktoSasha]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/bar.jpg" alt="You're sat at the bar overhanging the tearoom." width="150%" align="right"/>
=||=
"A play? Is it for school?"
"Yup."
"What is it about?"
"I don't know. That's why I have to think about it."
"I'm sure it'll be excellent."
She is actually sure. That's a good friend that you made here, even though you can only read each other's writing through Google Translate.
"Well, I'll leave you to it! I hope I can see it staged!"
"I'll sure invite you!" you answer while Tasha goes back to work.
[[• Okay, let's work on that being outlawed situation now.|Bar]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/bar.jpg" alt="You're sat at the bar overhanging the tearoom." width="150%" align="right"/>
=||=
"Well, to be honest I was only pretending to write."
"How so? Trouble finding inspiration?"
"More like too much inspiration..." (You glance at Genya, who happens to be passing through the main room //again//.) "I was actually just trying to avoid Genya's eyes,"
"Really? That's cute. Let me help you."
Oh, didn't I mention Tasha is //very// enthusiastic-minded? Here she goes, running down the stairs to go and... talk to Genya. The words "because I have more urgent problems right now" die somewhere in the path out of your throat.
"Hello", says Genya. "Tasha's telling me you've got something to tell me?" Bloody hell. Tasha herself is winking at you from afar, her lips mouthing something along the lines of "Pajalusta". You sure damn hope you're //welcome//! How are you going to manage this mess?
[["Uuuuuuuuh..."|GenyaComes]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/bar.jpg" alt="You're sat at the bar overhanging the tearoom." width="150%" align="right"/>
=||=
"Is hitchhiking legal here?"
"Well, sort of."
"But do you think they'd check the ID of someone who would be hitchhiking, say, through a border? It's for this... play I'm working on."
"Really? What is it called?"
"... The New Haircut. It's about someone who needs to change their haircut so they can escape their... peers."
[[• What are you talking about? Well... I guess you might as well keep talking now.|ExcusesTasha]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/sleep.jpeg" alt="An image of you, waking up in a gentle chaos of plaids and cushions. A shadow draws over you." width="150%" align="right"/>
=||=
When you wake up, you're still a wanted person (not the fun way.) But at least, your sleep was magnificent. You're ready for another day escaping the Belarusian police, hopefully dodging borders and hitchhiking your way back to wherever you came from. The air is filled with every flavour of tea that has ever been poured here, and you feel like everything is possible.
Open an eye. Then another. The soft floor calls for a second nap. A bold man-shaped shadow overhangs it.
[[• Wait, what?|Surprised]]
|==| |=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/genya.png" alt="Portrait of Genya, who works at the tea house. They look really good, although melancholic, and are holding a tray with a teapot and teacup." width="100%"/>
=||=
"It's a nice name."
"What?"
//What indeed?//
"Genya. I think it's pretty."
"Oh. Okay."
Really mate? //That//'s your game?
You swallow another cup of tea, assembling everything that's brave and smart inside you. You take a big breath and marshall one last attempt at this dark and mysterious art called //flirting//, and:
"Yeah, so you know how sometimes people feel like they'd be happy to spend some time with other people and get to know them better? Well that's you. I mean that's me. With you. I mean I like you."
Genya takes a long look at you, probably thinking you're some peculiar customer - in your most flattering options. Then they nod and go:
"I'm off in a few. Do you want to go somewhere?"
Well, that went well.
[[• Accept their offer. You won't get any other chance!|GoWithGenya]]
[[• "Actually... I can't today, I need to solve a problem. It's a bit serious. But really, thank you for not thinking I'm a lunatic!"|NoThanks]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/genya.png" alt="Portrait of Genya, who works at the tea house. They look really good, although melancholic, and are holding a tray with a teapot and teacup." width="100%"/>
=||=
You ask what their favorite tea is. Genya seems reasonably disappointed.
"It's actually a rare one. It's nicknamed the Jade Princess. I'll fetch you some."
Still a bit weirded out by the poor excuse you served them, you let your pencil down. How could you? The poor thing is now falling to the ground.
[[• Don't sit here like a radish, //do// something!|PencilFalls]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/datinggreatly.jpg" alt="A picture of you and Genya, hanging out at the park hand in hand." width="150%" align="right"/>
=||=
So, despite your current... situation, you chose to get out and walk with Genya. Don't you fear the authorities? Good for you! Fear is the mind-killer.
Not so far from the teahouse is a park, filled with statues (to be fair, most of the city is.). On the ground are remnants of snow as well as flowers fallen from the trees. You two talk about various subjects - but don't have time for chit-chat, and soon enough you find yourselves sharing about your childhoods like you've known each other for years.
You let your outlawy problems aside; they'd probably want to help, and all you want right now is to spend this moment together. The feeling of being close to them fills your chest and makes you more optimistic than you have been in months. You feel like //everything is going to be alright//.
(if: $State is not "Sober")[The air is clearing your head, little by little. I think you're not high anymore!]\
(set: $State to "Sober")
I think at some point, Genya asked you if you'd like them to kiss you or something. I didn't really pay attention. After all, what you do here is your concern! It's not like they'll sell you to the police anyway.
They can't host you either, though. But they have a solution: after the tearoom closes, they will sneak you back in. The carpets are really thick and smooth and there are plenty of pillows and plaids! The rest of the staff will understand.
[[• Yay! Secret teahouse night!|Pillow2ndDay]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/bar.jpg" alt="You're sat at the bar overhanging the tearoom." width="150%" align="right"/>
=||=
Finally, you're being reasonable! You've got other problems right now. A slightly annoyed Genya lets you alone with your things. Go back to drinking tea! The solution will be there at some point.
After a round of useless web researches, you close your laptop and sigh. But you don't get up. You've been here a while though. The tearoom is beginning to fill itself. A group just entered, and they could use the bar's spot. Since you're alone, would you mind going to the corner ?
[[• Sure! No problem. You pack your stuff and change spot.|Nicepillowycorner]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/Sasha.png" alt="A picture of Sasha." width="150%" align="right" />
=||=
"Well, you know that drama school I've been studying at?"
"Hm-hm?"
"Well, as it turns out, the headmaster is kind of a scam artist, but bad..."
"Yes, I gathered that."
"You did? And one of the teachers started acting really weird with the students. Like... really, really weird. Borderline illegal weird. Well, I don't know the specifics of illegal here. But definitely too weird to be tolerated. So I decided to leave but they wouldn't let me. So I said "what are you gonna do, jail me?" and I left."
"That sounds like a good decision."
"Yeah and then they cancelled my student visa and reported me to the police for being in the country without a proper visa, and I can't take a plane because reasons, so I was kind of... hiding here?"
... Now that you're saying it out loud, your story really sounds boldly unlikely. Almost as bold as a very bad lie.
[[• Please, please make it so that Sasha doesn't throw you out.|FingersCrossed]]
|==|<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/bullshit.jpeg" alt="An image of you getting arrested for not wearing shoes." width="100%"/>
====|====
"Wait, no! What happened was..."
But Sasha is not interested in what happened anymore. They carry you, your backpack and your problems altogether out of the tearoom.
Unfortunately, your shoes were forgotten in the process. You are now walking in the streets, barefoot. You'll have to agree that looks kinda suspect.
You get arrested. That's too bad.
[[• Wanna try again?|Intro]]
(set: $Challenge to "0") (set: $State to "Sober") (set: $Policeman to "0") (set: $Hairdresser to "0") (set: $Insta to "0") (set: $Sasha to "0") (set: $Hair to "0") (set: $Writing to "0") (set: $Photographer to "0") (set: $Lies to "0") (set: $Filmmaker to "0") (set: $Tea to "0") (set: $FlirtHair to "0")
(set: $Game to "Played")=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/hairdresser.png" alt="A picture of the hairdresser." width="100%"/>
=||=
"So you need a haircut? Special occasion?"
"Well... I'm not sure. Let's just say that, if I cross paths with some people, I'd rather if they didn't recognize me."
This is it. The Hairdresser - Tony, is it? - will think you're some crazy stranger - which you might be. Normal people don't piss other people off to the point those other people send the police after them. Normal people seem boring. But safe. But boring.
Also boring: what you're about to say.
"But I don't think I've got enough money..."
[[• Ah, yes, your not-working credit card. Maybe you could make another deal with them?|DealHairdresser]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/bar.jpg" alt="You're sat at the bar overhanging the tearoom." width="150%" align="right"/>
=||=
Genya scratches their head. They don't have any such friend, but they do have a bunch of friends who will go on a hike near Białowieża forest. They don't have a spare bike, but one of the bikes has two seats and one of them might still be free. You could probably go with them?
[[• That sounds a lot like "going on an adventure". You're already in an adventure, but this one involves a forest and no cops. Yay!|AcceptBikeRide]]
[[• Wait... Isn't that forest over 300 kilometers from Minsk? It sounds like a matter of whether your legs or your lungs will die first. You thank Genya, but you should probably look for another way out.|DeclineBikeRide]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/bodypaint.jpg" alt="A snapshot from the art night. You're being bodypainted right now! Looking good!" width="150%" align="right"/>
=||=
Despite the stakes of it, you're enjoying your night. The representation consists in a music jam and weird lights redirecting the public to one corner of the teahouse or another. There, in the dark, are dragons. Actually, no, there are artistic performances. One of them does involve a dragon, though. You're at the center of the main area, but you're also covered in paint, so you start relaxing a little.
[]<Texte|\
(replace: ?Texte)[(if: $Hair is "changed")[Somewhere arount the counter, you notice Genya. You try and eye-smile at them, but they don't seem to recognize you. It's probably because of your new hair.]\
(if: $State is not "Sober")[By the way, tips: when drinking nothing but tea all day, do eat something. Otherwise, you'll feel dizzy. Like right now. If you're tea high, you might start acting weird. Like singing. As you're doing right now. Fortunately, the bodypainting artist that's working your skin started to paint according to your rythm! Everything is going great!]\
(if: $Insta is "true")[Things stop going so great when you lock eyes with a familiar face. Is that...?! Your school's headmaster is here. He's the one who sent the police after you. That's not good. How is he here? He doesn't know this p... oh. Damn.]\
(if: $Insta is "true")[Note for further running from the police: you probably shouldn't have been active on InstaFace //without disabling localisation//. Or at all. You feel like a cartoon outlaw right now.]\
(if: $Insta is "true")[You could run, but it would probably ruin the show. With all that make-up, bluffing is worth the try, isn't it?]]
[]<OutcomeWin|
(replace: ?OutcomeWin)[(if: $Insta is "true")[[• It's too risky. You need to run. NOW!|RunForYourLife]] (if: $Insta is not "true")[[• When the dawn comes, you'll jump on that alternative-artisty-illegal schoolbus and be off to somewhere safe!|TheHippieBus]]]
(if: $Insta is "true")[[• Stay quiet. He'll never try a thing here, with everyone around. If he goes toward you, scream!|SilenceIsNotAnOption]]
|==|<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/defaitefete.jpeg" alt="An image of you getting arrested during the soirée. Fabien Square is looking at you, rubbing his hands against each other." width="100%"/>
====|====
You keep on modelling like a proper professional model. You are, after all, a soon-to-be actual comedian. You need to prove to these cool Belarusian underground artists that you're legit, too.
Unfortunately, Fabien Square, the Evil Headmaster Friends With The Police, did recognize you. You didn't ruin the representation, but the police officers that he had time to call certainly did when they blocked every exit of the teahouse and controlled //everyone//'s ID.
Needless to say... well... sorry, pal. You lost this one. I mean, don't get me wrong: it was a nice thought of you, not to want to interrupt the representation.
[[• Perhaps you could have made other choices, seen what happens?|Intro]]
(set: $Challenge to "0") (set: $State to "Sober") (set: $Policeman to "0") (set: $Hairdresser to "0") (set: $Insta to "0") (set: $Sasha to "0") (set: $Hair to "0") (set: $Writing to "0") (set: $Photographer to "0") (set: $Lies to "0") (set: $Filmmaker to "0") (set: $Tea to "0") (set: $FlirtHair to "0")
(set: $Game to "Played")<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/resistance.jpeg" alt="An image of you in a Belarusian Resistance Headquarters. There is a enby flag on the wall." width="100%"/>
====|====
There's no way Fabien Square, the Evil Headmaster Who Is Friends With The Police, hasn't recognized you. He has to be here because he knew he'd find you. You mutter an apology to your bodypainter and jump from your improvised stage. The public believes it's part of the show and lets you through; they're into it.
You nemesis, however, doesn't buy it. Square rushes to the door and blocks the way. As a pedagogic skill, the guy mastered The Art of Grabbing A Student's Hands To Force Them To Listen To Him, and he once again teaches everyone here that precious, unaltered truth: practice makes perfect.
Here is another unaltered truth: wet paint, when vigorously clenched, will slip. You free your hand at the price of your balance and stagger.
Meanwhile, the other artists noticed something was going on, and they came to help you! One of them catches you before you hit the counter, others scare Fabien Square enough for you to get through the door.
The Underground Theater Company exfiltrated you right on time! The police are on their way but they'll only find perfectly respectable artists stating that your former headmaster assaulted them. Of course, it will be difficult to smuggle you out of the country, but they offer you to be part of their not-always-legal troupe, for good. Welcome to the Rebellion!
[[• Who would have thought you'd end up joining Belarusian resistance? What else have you got for us?|Intro]]
(set: $Challenge to "0") (set: $State to "Sober") (set: $Policeman to "0") (set: $Hairdresser to "0") (set: $Insta to "0") (set: $Sasha to "0") (set: $Hair to "0") (set: $Writing to "0") (set: $Photographer to "0") (set: $Lies to "0") (set: $Filmmaker to "0") (set: $Tea to "0") (set: $FlirtHair to "0")
(set: $Game to "Played")<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/hippybus.jpeg" alt="An image of you, living your best life in the hippy bus." width="100%"/>
====|====
Clandestine Art Night In The Teahouse went great! Even the person you replaced's injury seems to have gotten better in the meantime. Everyone got in the bus at daybreak, and for now, nobody arrested you. The only thing bothering you right now is your inability to subtly make the other artists state whether they're happy with your performance. What if they hated you?
Come on, though, you've been in Belarus long enough to know that, if they weren't pleased with your part in their show, you'd know, by now. You know?
The hippy-artistic-probably-stolen bus is driving you to freedom, as in the luxury not to fear... too much.
[[• Maybe you'd like to see how else this adventure could have gone?|Intro]]
(set: $Challenge to "0") (set: $State to "Sober") (set: $Policeman to "0") (set: $Hairdresser to "0") (set: $Insta to "0") (set: $Sasha to "0") (set: $Hair to "0") (set: $Writing to "0") (set: $Photographer to "0") (set: $Lies to "0") (set: $Filmmaker to "0") (set: $Tea to "0") (set: $FlirtHair to "0")
(set: $Game to "Played")=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/hairdresser.png" alt="A picture of the hairdresser." width="100%"/>
=||=
You look so cool with your new hair! No one will recognize you now.
(set: $Hair to "changed")
You and your new friend improvize a photoshoot inside the teahouse. The pictures come out gorgeous, it's a shame that you never asked whether you could use the scenery before! Well, it's too late now to do more. The important thing is, they're really pleased with your pictures.
"Hey, can I get your InstaFace account or something? I would like to tag you. You did a really good job."
[[• "Sure, why not? Thank you so much for your help!"|AcceptTag]]
[[• "Oh no, you really don't have to. But thanks anyway!"|DeclineTag]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/hairdresser.png" alt="A picture of the hairdresser." width="100%"/>
=||=
After all, getting a new haircut can't be the most obvious way out of this situation. Time is passing by, and soon you'll be out of options.
[]<Texte|
(replace: ?Texte)[(if: $Sasha is not "seen")[Speaking of time... You've been here a while now. The tearoom is beginning to fill itself. Would you mind going to the corner in order to free the bar for a group that just entered ?]]
[]<Outcome|
(replace: ?Outcome)[(if: $Sasha is not "seen")[[• Sure! You get your things and go to the nice pillowy corner.|Nicepillowycorner]] (if: $Sasha is "seen")[[• You should go back to your table and start thinking again.|Nicepillowycorner]]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/Sasha.png" alt="A picture of Sasha." width="150%" align="right" />
=||=
You tell the truth to Sasha.
(set: $Sasha to "seen")
"So, to sum it up, your school's headmaster is a dick, so you thwarted him and decided to leave school, so he cancelled your visa and now you're an outlaw."
"That's... yup."
They have several solutions for you.
Some of their friends run an independant, underground theater troupe. Everything the government doesn't like, since most actors in Belarus are actually employed by the State, which is... unusual. These artists feel the same way toward the government, a fortiori toward the police. They're about to go on a tour and could give you a ride, if you helped them with something. They're short on models for a bodypainting performance here in the teahouse. It would be tomorrow night, and after that you could go.
On the other hand, they heard the filmmaker at the table next to yours say they'll leave Minsk this very afternoon. You could ask them if they got a seat in their car.
[]<Texte|\
(replace: ?Texte)[(if: $Hairdresser is not "seen")[Also, it would be a good idea to change your looks a bit. Do you know the hairdresser sat near the bar?]]
[[• "I'd like to help your friends with their bodypainting issue. I'm sure I can wait a night."|AcceptJob]]
[[• Since they know your school, it's a bit risky to point out to that filmmaker that you're on the run, but... you'll give it a try.|SayHitoFilmmaker]]
(if: $Hairdresser is not "seen")[[• First of all, you could use some cosmetic changes. Let's talk to that hairdresser.|OKHairdresser]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/Sasha.png" alt="A picture of Sasha." width="150%" align="right" />
=||=
You send your coyest smile about three meters away. Sasha catches it and comes toward you with that serene attitude of theirs. You feel instantly home.
"What's up?" they ask after arguing about your next order. "We almost never see you here during the week, let alone this early. Shouldn't you be at school?"
[]<Texte|\
(replace: ?Texte)[(if: $State is not "Sober")[You sure should. Won't Sasha be mad at you that you came to their teahouse, knowing there was a warrant on your head? You try and think of something else to say, but nothing comes to mind. Oh-oh. You know that sensation. The theine contained in the leaves has made its way to your brain and you are now... well... high.]]
[[• Just tell the truth. Worst-case scenario, they'll stop thinking you're a crazy person and //know// it.|TalktoSasha]]
(if: $State is "Sober")[[• You can't just go around telling people the police is after you! You're an artist, find a story.|LietoSasha]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/Sasha.png" alt="A picture of Sasha." width="150%" align="right" />
=||=
"So? Did your school burn down?"
(set: $Sasha to "seen") (set: $Lies to "told")
That could be an answer! Wait, no, that's a terrible excuse. After a few seconds, you come up with this:
"Yeah, uh... one of our teachers sent us to uh... observe people for class. To mimick them."
"Hernia."
Do they think you should mimick someone with a hernia? That would have been a good idea, actually. But Sasha isn't looking at you anymore, and you suddenly remember the following facts:
You did have this very assignment to do. It was three weeks ago, and you told Sasha about it then.
//Hernia// is Russian for //Bullshit// and Sasha just called yours.
You're a honest comedian but a terrible liar.
"Look, Sasha, it's just..."
"It's okay. I don't care. Do your thing."
And... off they go. Well done! You upsetted them now.
[[• Better go back to drinking tea and thinking thoughts.|Nicepillowycorner]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/hairdresser.png" alt="A picture of the hairdresser." width="100%"/>
=||=
[]<Texte|\
(replace: ?Texte)[(if: $Photographer is "Yes")[The hairdresser uploads your pictures on InstaFace. Friends of theirs message you on there: they want to offer you money to take pictures of them... but in Braslaw, north of Belarus. There are plenty of lakes and birds there, and you hear the scenery is gorgeous. They're willing to send you bus tickets, then help you with your... border-crossing needs.]
(if: $Photographer is not "Yes")[The hairdresser uploads your pictures on InstaFace. They get a lot of likes, or whatever the usual appreciation token is on there.]
(if: $Photographer is not "Yes" and $Sasha is not "seen")[Tasha comes back. She compliments you on your new hair, but looks a bit cramped: a large group just arrived and you're kinda holding the whole bar to yourself... would you mind moving to a smaller table?]]
[]<OutcomeYes|\
(replace: ?OutcomeYes)[(if: $Photographer is "Yes")[[• Awesome! Go exchange your photography skills for an exfiltration!|GoToBraslaw]]]\
[]<OutcomeNo|\
(replace: ?OutcomeNo)[(if: $Photographer is "Yes" and $Sasha is not "seen")[[• Braslaw is a long way from Minsk. What if you get arrested on the way? There has to be a safer option. You thank the hairdresser for their help and move to another table.|Nicepillowycorner]] (if: $Photographer is "Yes" and $Sasha is "seen")[[• Braslaw is a long way from Minsk. What if you get arrested on the way? There has to be a safer option. You thank the hairdresser for their help and move back to your table.|Nicepillowycorner]] (if: $Photographer is not "Yes" and $Sasha is not "seen")[[• Of course! You pack your things and go to that cosy corner on the back. Maybe someone there knows their ways out of Belarus.|Nicepillowycorner]] (if: $Photographer is not "Yes" and $Sasha is "seen")[[• You thank them again and go back to your table.|Nicepillowycorner]]]
(set: $Insta to "true")
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/hairdresser.png" alt="A picture of the hairdresser." width="100%"/>
=||=
Wise answer; it would be safer to not be online too much until you're safe, sound and not a convict.
[]<Texte|\
(replace: ?Texte)[(if: $Sasha is not "seen")[There is Tasha back. She's appreciative of your new hair, but kind of embarrassed: a large group just arrived and you're using the whole bar to yourself... would you mind moving to a smaller table?]]
[]<Outcome|\
(replace: ?Outcome)[(if: $Sasha is not "seen")[[• Now that you got your hair changed for safety, you really should find someone to help you leave Belarus. Move to the comfy corner and see who could help you!|Nicepillowycorner]] (if: $Sasha is "seen")[[• Let's go back to our table and plan our escape now.|Nicepillowycorner]]]
|==|<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/braslaw.jpeg" alt="An image of you photographying one of the many lakes in the Braslaw area, at sunset." width="100%"/>
====|====
You're a bit stressed as you get in the bus to Braslaw. You're quite right to be: as you got in the subway station, you saw now-former fellow students across the rail. Fortunately, your new haistyle and the fact that they didn't think they'd see you here protected you. You find your seat without further difficulties and half-sleep your way through the journey.
You're a bit lost when the mini-bus drops you off at a huge parking near a big lake, but nice-looking people are already waving at you. They walk you through the little town and the forest that surrounds it, to their home. Except for a lumbermill along the way, the wooden house and the large trees would make you think you're deeper in the forest than you are, or that you are in a fairy tale.
The next day, you're happy to photograph their next album cover - you think. Again, you really should work on your Russian. The lakes, the birds and the sunset make for a perfect photoshoot. In return for your pictures, they drop you off at the border with Lituania. You're free to hitchhike your way up to Vilnius and visit the town while you're at it now.
You wouldn't have lived these moments if you hadn't been wanted by the police. Joke's definitely on them.
[[• You win! Would you like to see what other adventures you could have lived?|Intro]]
(set: $Challenge to "0") (set: $State to "Sober") (set: $Policeman to "0") (set: $Hairdresser to "0") (set: $Insta to "0") (set: $Sasha to "0") (set: $Hair to "0") (set: $Writing to "0") (set: $Photographer to "0") (set: $Lies to "0") (set: $Filmmaker to "0") (set: $Tea to "0") (set: $FlirtHair to "0")
(set: $Game to "Played")=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/pillowcorner.jpg" alt="A picture of you, at a nice table of the teahouse." width="150%" align="right"/>
=||=
[]<Texte3|\
(replace: ?Texte3)[(if: $Filmmaker is not "seen")[The person sat at the table next to yours has blond hair, like almost everyone here, but also wears a very garish pair of glasses, which allowed you to remember them almost immediately.
While you're wondering whether you should wave, they actually lock eyes with you and smile.] (if: $Filmmaker is "seen")[The filmmaker smiles at you as you lock eyes with them again.]]
[]<Texte|\
(replace: ?Texte)[(if: $Hair is "changed" and $Filmmaker is not "seen")[They seem to see something familiar with you, but not being sure whether they imginated it. You go ahead and introduce yourself. Smart! //Never// will they guess you shouldn't be here now.]
(if: $Hair is not "changed" and $Filmmaker is not "seen")[They didn't need you to wear lousy glasses to know your face - maybe they would've casted you in their film. I guess we'll never know.]]
[]<Texte2|\
(replace: ?Texte2)[(if: $Filmmaker is not "seen")["Hi there!" they say. "So you like tea, uh?"
"You too!", you point out. "Do you come here often?"
"Every once in a while. I'll be gone for a while, so I wanted to make sure that I remembered the taste of tea before I went."
"Really? Where will you go? And why?"
"All around, filming old buildings and everything. Why? You want to take off with me?"] (if: $Filmmaker is "seen")["Hi again! So? You wanna take that road-trip now?"]]
They're laughing. That's definitely a joke. But they've said it.
[[• Worst-case scenario you'll just have to say you were joking too. Tell them you'd like to go on their road-trip!|Askfilmmaker]]
[[• Don't be silly - it's the best way to make them call your school and end up in a cell.|DeclineFilmmakersHelp]]
|==|<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/bison.jpg" alt="A picture of you in the forest, enjoying a good tea break while taking notes on your trip. A bison came to say hi. Yes, we know that's not how bisons normally behave. No, we do not care." width="100%"/>
====|====
So, as it turns out, riding a tandem bicycle when you're not used to it is actually twice as difficult as pedalling alone. Multiply that by 344 kilometers, and you'll be... happy that at least it was Spring.
You think you'll die a number of times but your fellas bikers have nice hot tea and take regular breaks. They lead you to the border within a few weeks. In the meantime, you learn a lot about this country's forests and natural areas - did you know, for example, that there were a lot of protected animals, including actual wild buffalo herds, living inside Belovejskaia Puscha?
During the breaks, you write a journal about the places you go through; the fear of being arrested fades little by little - and one day you're in Poland. The Belarusian police can no longer affect you.
When you go back to your homecountry, you publish your journal and become rich, the way writers do. (Just kidding, but you do publish your journal and that makes you happy. You flew from Drama School and became a Real Writer!)
[[• I wonder how else things could have turned out.|Intro]]
(set: $Challenge to "0") (set: $State to "Sober") (set: $Policeman to "0") (set: $Hairdresser to "0") (set: $Insta to "0") (set: $Sasha to "0") (set: $Hair to "0") (set: $Writing to "0") (set: $Photographer to "0") (set: $Lies to "0") (set: $Filmmaker to "0") (set: $Tea to "0") (set: $FlirtHair to "0")
(set: $Game to "Played")=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/bar.jpg" alt="You're sat at the bar overhanging the tearoom." width="150%" align="right"/>
=||=
Nah, you're right! There must be a more simple way to get you off country. More importantly, a less tiring way.
"Okay! Sure." Humph. If Genya knew what was up, they'd be more concerned with you at risk. Actually, mentioning the police would have been a decent small-talk line. You take mental notes of that for later.
While you were talking, a group of people entered the teahouse. They're kind of staring at the bar. If you were to sit somewhere else, they could all fit at the bar. One of the smiles hits you with its "Would you mind...?" content.
[[• Yes, of course! You get your stuff and go to the little table in the back.|Nicepillowycorner]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/pillowcorner.jpg" alt="A picture of you, at a nice table of the teahouse." width="150%" align="right"/>
=||=
[]<Texte|\
(replace: ?Texte)[(if: $Policeman is not "blocked")[You get your phone and start scrolling Tinder. Maybe someone you matched with can help! Let's see... Online right now are a definitely non-Belarusian guy who seems to be travelling a lot, a girl who offered you to teach you how to massage people, and a guy from Maladietchna who is possibly the only one who doesn't pose in a uniform on his pictures. Who you gonna call?] (if: $Policeman is "blocked")[You get your phone and start scrolling Tinder. Maybe someone you matched with can help! Let's see... Online right now are a definitely non-Belarusian guy who seems to be travelling a lot and this girl who offered you to teach you how to massage people. Who you gonna call?]]
[[• The guy who travels all the time might have known such a situation, no?|TravelGuy]]
[[• The girl seemed to care a lot about people. Let's try her.|Massage]]
(if: $Policeman is not "blocked")[[• The guy who is local but not //from// Minsk might have the opportunity to get you out while visiting his family or something.|Policeman]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/pillowcorner.jpg" alt="A picture of you, at a nice table of the teahouse." width="150%" align="right"/>
=||=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/giftea.gif" alt="A gif of someone drinking a cup of tea as if it was a shot of alcohol."/>
[]<Texte|\
(replace: ?Texte)[(if: $Tea is not "Drank")[You drink tea. It's delicious. It always helped you focus your mind and be present in your body, and today is no exception.]
(if: $Tea is not "Drank")[[• That felt good. Back to business.|Nicepillowycorner]]\
(if: $Tea is "Drank")[You drink a little more tea. You needed, and deserved, this feeling of peace.
This teacup is really nice! And the teapot as well. Are they a family or love interests with each other? They probably are polyamorous with the little jar and quite possibly the teapet. Who's dating with whom? It must be so nice to can count on such tiny partners and metamours, and to live together in the nicest teahouse ever.
(if: $Tea is "Drank")[[• Back to business now.|Nicepillowycorner]]
(if: $Tea is "Drank")[[• That's it. Flirt with the teapot.|FlirtTeapot]]]]
(set: $Tea to "Drank")
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/hairdresser.png" alt="A picture of the hairdresser." width="100%"/>
=||=
Yes, after all! Why wouldn't //you// be the one cutting the hairdresser's hair? It's quite hard to see how it'll help you escape the police, but why not?
(set: $Challenge to "Accepted")
The hairdresser raises an eyebrow, and then starts laughing. A big, long, deep laugh. It's not a mean laugh; but you don't need a laugh to be mean to feel embarrassed, do you?
"My friend", they say, "I will let you cut my hair on the day you bring me a police officer, all nicely tied up. Then you can touch it."
[]<Texte|\
(replace: ?Texte)[(if: $Policeman is "blocked")[Damn. Talk about missed opportunities.]
(if: $Sasha is not "seen")[With the mention of a policeman, you look around to see if you're still safe, and you are. Your spot at the bar, however, has been taken by a group of people. Fortunately, you could just move across the room to a quieter spot.]]
[]<Outcome|
(replace: ?Outcome)[(if: $Sasha is not "seen")[[• No problem. Your back hurts a little. You could use a few pillows!|Nicepillowycorner]]
(if: $Sasha is "seen")[[• It was worth a try. Go back to your table!|Nicepillowycorner]]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/pillowcorner.jpg" alt="A picture of you, at a nice table of the teahouse." width="150%" align="right"/>
=||=
TravelGuy1994 seems very excited with what he calls your adventures. He promises he'll keep your memory alive for generations if you die in a Belarusian prison.
(align:"==>")+(box:"XXXXXXXXX=")+(font: "Arial")+(text-size:0.7)["Did you know they had death penalty here?"]
Yeah, he's not helping.
When you do ask him for help, he goes silent for a few minutes, then starts typing, then stops, then starts again.
(align:"==>")+(box:"XXXXXXXXX=")+(font: "Arial")+(text-size:0.7)["Sorry mate, I'm not dealing with that. I don't want them to take my Visa away, too. I need it to pursue my journey and become myself. I'm counting on your understanding."]
Wait. Did the motherfucker just block you?
[[• That didn't work. What else?|Nicepillowycorner]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/pillowcorner.jpg" alt="A picture of you, at a nice table of the teahouse." width="150%" align="right"/>
=||=
The guy from Maladietchna and you talked a few times. You don't have a better idea, so you dive right in and explain everything: the argument at the school, your decision to leave, your visa cancelled as a way to get back at you. The fact that you're now an outlaw, too.
(align:"==>")+(box:"XXXXXXXXX=")+(font: "Arial")+(text-size:0.7)["Are you joking? Because I'm actually a cop."]
Oh no.
Fortunately, he's not a very zealous one. At the very least, he doesn't think your Visa should've been cancelled. To him, that sounds like Fabien Square is trying to use the police to scare you, and he, as a police officer, doesn't like that. He even offers you to help. What the fuck is happening?
(align:"==>")+(box:"XXXXXXXXX=")+(font: "Arial")+(text-size:0.7)["I don't know... I do have a spare uniform due to a laundry mistake. You could try it on and use it to get through a border check. If you're lucky, by the time they'd realize you're not a cop, it would be too late."]
[[• That sounds like a plan. Yes! Can he come here and give you that outfit?|AcceptUniform]]
[[• There is no freaking way you'll keep talking to a cop. Block him.|ACAB]]
[[• Actually, you have a better idea. Why doesn't he come here and try out shibari with you?|SuggestShibari]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/pillowcorner.jpg" alt="A picture of you, at a nice table of the teahouse." width="150%" align="right"/>
=||=
Massage Girl - Her name in Olya - is sorry to hear about your misfortune, and infuriating that your headmaster is treating you that way... but she doesn't own a car and lives with her mother, so there's not much she can do.
She does offer to massage you when you get out of jail, though. Then apologizes for the joke and bids you good luck. You'll keep her updated, right?
[[• At least she wanted to help. What's our next move?|Nicepillowycorner]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/pillowcorner.jpg" alt="A picture of you, at a nice table of the teahouse." width="150%" align="right"/>
=||=
Excellent. Your former date, newly cop-ally found the teahouse easily. He was alone, which is good because he //could// have brought cop-friends with him. There was this glance between you, when you've seen someone's pictures but it's the first time that you see them in person and you have to make the two images match; but you made it clear that you had no interest in dating a //cop//, and he's probably more excited about the story he'll get to tell to his future dates now.
You pay for your tea, get to the toilets to put the uniform on. The backpack doesn't even feel too displaced with it. You're ready to go now.
[]<Texte|\
(replace: ?Texte)[(if: $Lies is "told")[You apologize to Sasha for lying to them on your way out. You'll write and explain what is all was about later, you promise.]]
[[• You get out in the streets, protected by the Power of the Uniform.|TheClothesDontMakeTheGal]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/pillowcorner.jpg" alt="A picture of you, at a nice table of the teahouse." width="150%" align="right"/>
=||=
A //what// again? You block the policeman on Tinder. That'll teach him. What was he thinking, not putting that information on his profile? What about consent? You could have ended up going on a //date// with a //cop//! Ew.
(set: $Policeman to "blocked")
[[• Okay, let's find a better idea now.|Nicepillowycorner]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/acab.jpeg" alt="A picture of you, tying up the cop, a grin on your face." width="150%" align="right"/>
=||=
Unexpectedly, your //cop tinder date// (You probably know this, but I'm judging you so hard right now) comes to the teahouse to get tied up. Well. He certainly doesn't think you're a very dangerous outlaw.
You start with a TK harness, then attack the legs with a futomomo form. The guy can't move anymore, which is kind of funny. A sight to remember if you do get caught by the police and end up in jail. It'll cheer you up.
[]<Shibari|
(replace: ?Shibari)[(if: $Challenge is "Accepted")[[• Wait - what was it that the hairdresser said about a rigged cop? Let's go back to them!|GoBackHairdresser]]\
(if: $Challenge is not "Accepted")[After all, it is in fact funny to rig cops. Too bad he liked it, but you can't always have everything you want, can you? You untie him, and after some aftercare the cop goes away, promising again not to say anything about you to his hierarchy. If he did, you've got something on him now!]]
(if: $Challenge is not "Accepted")[[• Well. You blew off some pressure here. Let's start thinking again.|Nicepillowycorner]]
(set: $Policeman to "blocked")
|==|<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/uniforme.jpeg" alt="You're wearing a police uniform way too big for you. Two policemen are currently finding you suspect." width="100%"/>
====|====
Yeah, so... yeah. It's a bit embarrassing. You put your policeman Tinder match's uniform on, which is already embarrassing in itself, you said goodbye to everyone and left the teahouse... and... No, he didn't report you, no... But that guy was //tall//, you know? So it's possible that your arms don't reach the end of the sleeves, among other... details.
Anyway, you looked way too funny not to be asked to show your ID, uniform or not. I'm really sorry but you got busted.
[[• Give it another try! I know you can do better than that.|Intro]]
(set: $Challenge to "0") (set: $State to "Sober") (set: $Policeman to "0") (set: $Hairdresser to "0") (set: $Insta to "0") (set: $Sasha to "0") (set: $Hair to "0") (set: $Writing to "0") (set: $Photographer to "0") (set: $Lies to "0") (set: $Filmmaker to "0") (set: $Tea to "0") (set: $FlirtHair to "0")
(set: $Game to "Played")=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/haircut.jpg" alt="A picture of you cutting the hairdresser's hair." width="150%" align="right"/>
=||=
At the other end of the teahouse, the hairdresser have started assembling their things. They're getting up! They're going to go!
(text-size:1.5)["WAIT!"] you shout, right before you blush //intensely//. "I've got a rigged cop here!"
The hairdresser turns around, blinking with doubt.
"It's true", the cop says. "I'm a police officer", he adds, a little annoyed at you fo saying "cop". In his opinion, he should have the right to say it but not the civilians. No one really cares about that opinion though.
"A bet is a bet" states the hairdresser. "Still wanna cut my hair?"
Yes you do. You pat your shibari model for a few minutes and make sure he's okay before letting him go, and then take the cissors your soon-to-be hairstyle model lends you.
[]<Outcome|\
(replace: ?Outcome)[(if: $State is not "Sober")[[• I wonder how you're going to manage.|GoodJob]]
(if: $State is "Sober")[[• I wonder how you're going to manage.|TerribleHaircut]]]
|==|<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/goodjob.jpeg" alt="An image of you at work in your new very special hair saloon." width="100%"/>
====|====
Once you've finished cutting their hair, the hairdresser is kind of shivering. It has to be said that you didn't show any sign of caution, and they do not know what to expect. Someone gives them a mirror.
There is a long, painful silence.
"... Wow."
Oh-oh. Now they might want to avenge their hair.
"You're really good at this!"
Was there irony in that voice? You don't think so, but how would you //know//?
"You think?"
They do! Actually, they offer you a job. What if you two turned their shop into a hairdressing-and-shibari business? If they hire you there, you'll get a proper visa and your presence here won't be illegal anymore. What do you say?
[[• You are no longer an outlaw. Now, you can stay as long as you want and go whenever you wish. Congratulation on finding this surnumerary carreer! How else could it have gone?|Intro]]
(set: $Challenge to "0") (set: $State to "Sober") (set: $Policeman to "0") (set: $Hairdresser to "0") (set: $Insta to "0") (set: $Sasha to "0") (set: $Hair to "0") (set: $Writing to "0") (set: $Photographer to "0") (set: $Lies to "0") (set: $Filmmaker to "0") (set: $Tea to "0") (set: $FlirtHair to "0")
(set: $Game to "Played")=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/haircut.jpg" alt="A picture of you cutting the hairdresser's hair." width="150%" align="right"/>
=||=
So, you know how sometimes you try out a different, completely new-to-you activity? Something you never even considered before, but it randomly presented itself to you, and you went "Why not?" and it turns out you're bloody talented at it?
Well that's not you with hairdressing. This haircut you gave them? It sucks. You sure hope they're not gonna punch you. You don't like being punched.
"It's okay", they finally said. "I'll just get a clean shaving and start playing with hair tattoo. It'll be fun!"
Now the hairdresser gives you a warm smile and goes whereever they wanted to go before you stopped them with your binded cop.
(set: $Policeman to "blocked")
[[• I sure hope that you suck less at escaping countries than at cutting hair.|Nicepillowycorner]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/pillowcorner.jpg" alt="A picture of you, at a nice table of the teahouse." width="150%" align="right"/>
=||=
"Hahaha!"
You keep laughing just long enough to allow yourself to make a decision. That's pretty long, mate. You should probably work on this whole decision-making process. Friendly advice.
"Yeah, no, I can't be at school //and// in your car at the same time."
"You sure can't."
"They'll probably be upset if I just left with you!"
"No one wants that."
"Yup. No one."
You chit-chat for a little while more, then each of you go back to their occupations.
(set: $Filmmaker to "seen")
[[• Let's think about this together.|Nicepillowycorner]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/pillowcorner.jpg" alt="A picture of you, at a nice table of the teahouse." width="150%" align="right"/>
=||=
"Actually, yes. I'd love to go on a road trip with you, if you'll have me."
The filmmaker raises an eyebrow. That was definitely a joke. Prepare to Laugh And Pretend^^(Tm)^^. This is just like Kindergarten when you had to pretend you knew all along that Alex wasn't actually fond of you. You've been training for this your whole life.
"I mean... I could use a little help. Are you sure?"
Oh my. They're not joking anymore.
"Won't you have any problems with your school though?"
They saw you weren't joking either. Abort. Abort.
"Yeah, I might... but I don't 100% care anymore."
Woh. That was daring. So you... go ahead and explain that you left school?! And they understand? And they'll take you on their journey if that helps you?
[[• HELL YEAH it helps! You should totally go with them! Or should you?|RoadTrip]]
|==|<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/roadtrip.jpeg" alt="An image of your road trip! You're filming the scenery from the car's window." width="100%"/>
====|====
After your agreement, the Filmmaker keeps their promise not to tell anyone about your whereabouts. They do answer a few business calls, which makes you nervous, but... they don't seem to like Fabien Square any more than you do. Or they just don't wish to see you in jail. Either way, you can work with that.
You do work with //them//, helping them with shots of the pre-USSR historical heritage of Belarus. This country has been through a lot, but there are still many medieval castles, beautiful and diverse ancient, places, and even a number of antiquity sites. Glad you trusted them and got to learn about all that, eh?
They drop you off somewhere in Poland. You're safe! You made it out!
[[• That seemed easy, didn't it? What else could you try?|Intro]]
(set: $Challenge to "0") (set: $State to "Sober") (set: $Policeman to "0") (set: $Hairdresser to "0") (set: $Insta to "0") (set: $Sasha to "0") (set: $Hair to "0") (set: $Writing to "0") (set: $Photographer to "0") (set: $Lies to "0") (set: $Filmmaker to "0") (set: $Tea to "0") (set: $FlirtHair to "0")
(set: $Game to "Played")
=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/maincharacter.png" alt="A portrait of you. You're a nervous human wearing a huge backpack." width="100%" />
=||=
[]<Texte|\
(replace: ?Texte)[(if: $Game is "Played")[Hello again, outlaw. So... Where were we? Ah.] (if: $Game is not "Played")[(align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[//In memory of Sasha.//]] (if: $Game is not "Played")[(text-colour:black)+(background:white)[Welcome! //Tea, Hide and Seek// is a narrative adventure about Belarus, fleeing from the police and, more importantly, tea.
(text-size:0.5)[On a short note, you may encounter mentions of shibari, drunkness/numbness and cops.]
Shall we?]]]
You're walking down the street. It's cold. Well, when I say cold, it depends on the perspective. In your home country, this //would// probably count as //cold//. But here in Minsk, Belarus, despite the numbness in your toes, it's Spring. And you've already spent the entire winter here, so you don't mind this much.
What you do mind, on the other hand, is that the police are after you. It's never a good thing to think about, but it would probably turn out worse not to know it. Anyway, they're looking for you and you don't feel like letting them catch you. You should probably try and find a way to leave the country before it happens.
[[• Where could you hide?|Intro2]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/pillowcorner.jpg" alt="A picture of you, at a nice table of the teahouse." width="150%" align="right"/>
=||=
You winkle your laptop out of your backpack and start browsing. The wi-fi password is still registered in this laptop. If your only problem could be to //get// to the airport, that'd be great.
But it isn't. Your credit card doesn't work anywhere. You definitely only have the cash in your pockets. Enough for tea, but that's it. You'll have to think of a fee-free way of leaving the country while escaping the police.
[[• There must be a way.|Nicepillowycorner]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/Sasha.png" alt="A picture of Sasha." width="150%" align="right" />
=||=
Sasha probably came to open the teahouse - which means that your sleep is too goddamn heavy for a fugitive - and is now looking at you with an annoyed curiosity.
"What the hell are you doing here?"
[[• "Oh, hey. The door was open. I thought it was weird that no one was there, so I thought I'd just wait..."|Ehnon]]
[[• Tell Sasha the truth and hope they don't report you. Or throw you out. Or torture you.|Ask4Help]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/Sasha.png" alt="A picture of Sasha." width="150%" align="right" />
=||=
After you've explained your school setbacks, Sasha keeps looking at you. Their face can't be read but yours starts showing every one of the signs of uneasiness. They raise an eyebrow.
"Well, it certainly sounds like your school folks overreacted."
You nod. What else is there to do? Nod.
"So, you need to leave the country as soon as possible." It isn't a question. "I wish you'd told me yesterday", they add.
[[• "Why is that?"|Joboffer]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/Sasha.png" alt="A picture of Sasha." width="150%" align="right" />
=||=
What you like to call the Missed Occasions Anxiety is now kicking and you don't like it. Why did Sasha said they wished you'd told them you needed help yesterday? Was there a way out yesterday that doesn't exist anymore today? Did you blow everything up? Will you die in a Belarusian jail because you went out last night? That would be a shitty moral for your story. Sasha is scratching the tip of their nose, unaware of the Self-Guilt Tempest that's happening in your mind.
"A lot of people who were here yesterday were about to leave to the countryside. There might still be a way, though..."
[[• A way? What is that way?|WhatWay]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/Sasha.png" alt="A picture of Sasha." width="150%" align="right" />
=||=
So, here is the deal: a little theater company, friends of Sasha's, will perform an unofficial play here in the teahouse. There'll be music, bits of dancing... and a bodypainting performance. Tonight's show was supposed to be their premiere before they go on a tour in a school bus they arranged. They'd have been performing in private houses, abandoned castles...
Problem is: the bodypainting model got badly injured yesterday. Aren't you used to this kind of thing, being a theater student and all? If you helped them, they'd probably help you in return.
[[• That doesn't sound entirely legal. Is it safe? It does sound like your last chance anyway. Of course you'll take over for the injured model. You can't wait to be at the soirée.|AcceptJob]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/bar.jpg" alt="You're sat at the bar overhanging the tearoom." width="150%" align="right"/>
=||=
"Will you need to change your hair to play the part?" Tasha asks.
It's a fair question. You've got great hair right now.
"Well, yes. Actually - it should be done today, but I didn't get a chance to find an appointment any sooner."
Which makes sense, since you didn't //plan// on escaping school and being chased by the police.
"Well, I can help with that."
"With the hitchhiking?"
[[• Tasha is already waving over to call another customer.|TashaHairdresser]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/hairdresser.png" alt="A picture of the hairdresser." width="100%"/>
=||=
Sasha introduces you to this tattooed hairdresser. I'm sorry, I spoke too fast and they corrected you: they're a hair artist. Their hair does look really good.
Your needs are explained to the //hair artist//. It seems that Sasha is friends with literally everyone that's just remotely underground in this city.
"Well, I'll leave you to it", says Sasha before going back to work.
[[• "So... hi."|TalktoHairdresser]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/hairdresser.png" alt="A picture of the hairdresser." width="100%"/>
=||=
"Tony!" Calls Tasha. "My friend here could use help from you and your talents!"
A fully tattooed punk-looking person waves back and goes toward you. Tasha, however, needs to get back to work. Wait, is she letting you do the talking from now on?!
[[• Okay, you'd better... start saying words.|TalktoHairdresser]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/bar.jpg" alt="You're sat at the bar overhanging the tearoom." width="150%" align="right"/>
=||=
You try to stop it, but the Fall of the Pencil seems inevitable. Your elbow hurts the counter and a mild gasp exits your mouth. The Fallen Pencil, first of its Name, lies there, soon forgotten. Fortunately, another customer of the teashop, a fully tattooed punk-looking person, go out of their way and pick it up for you.
"Thanks! I mean, Spaceeba."
They seem to think you're a bit weird. Well, all your immobile sneaking does look... peculiar.
[[• You should probably socialize a bit more. That seems to be what's expected of you.|StrangerCustomer]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/hairdresser.png" alt="A picture of the hairdresser." width="100%"/>
=||=
"Hey, so... Nice to meet you. Nice tattoos", you add, pointing at their arms. The stranger smiles.
"Thanks. I'm a hairdresser, so... I tend to get good deals from artists who tattoo at my shop."
"Oh yes! I remember seeing you cutting people's hair here."
"They get good deals out of me because they have tea. You're watching the door like an army is gonna come through any minute."
"Well."
Well indeed.
"Do you need any help?"
You panick a little. This might be why you respond:
[[• "Actually... I could use a haircut."|TalktoHairdresser]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/hairdresser.png" alt="A picture of the hairdresser." width="100%"/>
=||=
"No money, eh? Money's boring."
Your fellow client tilts their head on the side. They point their chin at your backpack. Your camera is sticking out of the bag.
"Do you know how to use that?"
"Yes."
"I could use some new pictures of myself. I've been willing to take advantage of the teahouse's lightning for a while now."
(set: $Hairdresser to "seen")
They're agreeing to cut and dye your hair in exchange for a photoshoot. Easy one: they're really good-looking.
[]<Texte|\
(replace: ?Texte)[(if: $FlirtHair is not "yup")[[• "Yeah, deal! And what about this - what if we went out after the photoshoot?"|FlirtHairdresser]] (if: $FlirtHair is "yup")[You feel lucky that the offer is still on the table.]]
[[• "That sounds like a good deal. Let's do this!"|AcceptHairCut]]
[[• "I'm not sure... wouldn't it take a long time?"|DeclineHaircut]]
[[• "I have another idea - why don't //I// cut your hair?"|WhyDontI]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/Sasha.png" alt="A picture of Sasha." width="150%" align="right" />
=||=
"Well? Did you solve your problem?" asks Sasha. That's like them: they don't usually waste time.
"Nope", you say, imitating their style. Then...
[[• "Actually, I think I'd like this bodypainting job."|AcceptJob]]
[[• "I guess I'll try and find a ride on Tinder or something."|Tinder]]
[[• "I'll talk to that filmmaker person, after all."|SayHitoFilmmaker]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/pillowcorner.jpg" alt="A picture of you, at a nice table of the teahouse." width="150%" align="right"/>
=||=
I'm actually not judging. You're under a lot of pressure. Flirt with that teapot if that makes you feel good!
//"You like that, uh?"//, you whisper, gently pouring hot water on the teapot to keep her warm. Or him. Or them. I don't care. Your fantasy is yours.
You play - I'm sorry: //flirt// - a little more with the teapot, but since it's an inanimate object, you're never able to be sure that it consents to anything more than you making tea with it. But that's enough for you. You don't need anything else and will respect its boundaries.
(set: $State to "High") (set: $Tea to "TooMuch")
[[• Ooooookay. Maybe that //was// enough tea for today.|Nicepillowycorner]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/hairdresser.png" alt="A picture of the hairdresser." width="100%"/>
=||=
The hairdresser outfaces you. They saw through your game and now you just tried to flirt with them. One has to say, you weren't very subtle about it. They smile! Does that person ever stop smiling? What is happening?
Their smile feels like the hairdresser is patting the top of your head //with their eyes//.
"Kid, don't you have more pressing matters right now? Plus, I'm probably too old for you."
[[• They're not wrong. Go back to that photoshoot business.|DealHairdresser]]
(set: $FlirtHair to "yup")
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/chat.jpg" alt="A picture of the cute cat you encountered." width="150%" align="right"/>
=||=
You keep on petting the cat, and the cat keeps on leading you through the arch. You're now near what seem to be a very tiny house stuck between two buildings. Someone is there, waving at you. It would be weirder not to go now.
Actually, you know this guy! He works here. In case the shock of discovering that you were an outlaw made you forget basic things about your life, quick reminder: the "tiny house" is a teahouse you've been going to at //least// once a week since you started drama school in Belarus. This feels like a safe place.
[[• Say hi to Yura and open the door.|EnterTeaShop]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/chat.jpg" alt="A picture of the cute cat you encountered." width="150%" align="right"/>
=||=
The cat is almost posing for you! That's certainly consent. The pictures are beautiful and you immediately post them on InstaFace. You keep on petting this sweet beauty for a while before it returns to its wild nature and runs away through a maze of secret paths it is the only one to know.
(set: $Insta to "true")
You are now near what seem to be a very tiny house stuck between two buildings. Someone is there, waving at you. It would be weirder not to go now.
Actually, you know this guy! He works here. In case the shock of discovering that you were an outlaw made you forget basic things about your life, quick reminder: the "tiny house" is a teahouse you've been going to at //least// once a week since you started drama school in Belarus. This feels like a safe place.
[[• Say hi to Yura and open the door.|EnterTeaShop]]
|==|=|=
<img oncontextmenu="return false;" class="disableselect disabledrag" src="images/Sasha.png" alt="A picture of Sasha." width="150%" align="right" />
=||=
"Hernia." Sasha says while you sell your harmless lie as well as you can.
Midly confused, you thank them for their solicitude: your back is just fine! You were lying down out of boredomness, not out of pain. You notice, halfway through your sentence, that the tea warden's eyes have started narrowing. That wasn't the right answer. You realize with a panicked fright that //Hernia// is actually Russian for //Bullshit//. [[You probably shouldn't have lied to them.|BullshitWontHelp]]