Riley couldn’t go—he was banned. But he found a way.

It was not perfect; Riley couldn’t watch it in real time. But it was secure and untraceable.

The man Riley paid said the camera and storage would work for ten hours, capturing high-quality images, and there would not be a net connection. If the device was found, it couldn’t be pinned on anyone. However, it did not capture sound.

Riley paid a lot, as the City was very strict about privacy rules. 

The camera, together with the storage device, was installed. Then he needed to wait for the day to come.

It was fucking worth it to observe Taj all the time. Riley, thanks only to his perseverance, found out that Taj had rented a huge room for eight hours total.

An empty ballroom.

Riley was curious and jealous.

Was Taj planning to throw a party? Of what kind? Who would Taj invite? Men? Women? Who? Riley, no matter how curious or envious, couldn’t ask. He had been fucking banned.

For a moment, Riley wished that Taj had organized something for his birthday. 

But no. 

Of course not.

So, what could that be?

He could remember watching the dancing lesson unnoticed. Taj was swirling, sparkling. Was it this kind of event? Taj would be dancing? Riley couldn’t wait to find out, but he needed to be patient. He needed to be fucking patient, as it was tonight, but he had to wait until tomorrow morning for the camera and storage device delivery.

All Riley could do was prepare himself.

He ordered food and drinks. He sat and waited. Riley tried to be patient. But somehow, the hours seemed to last longer.

Fucking time. He couldn’t make it run faster.

He started to imagine who could be there. With Taj there, who could be dancing? Because what else could it be? It was a fucking ballroom. Dancing Taj with other women? Men? Riley wasn’t sure if he was more jealous of the vision of Taj with women or men. He wasn’t sure what was worse.

Riley started to feel insecure, then suspicious. It was followed by a wave of resentment.

Already drunk, he passed out.

When he woke up, it was the next day. The camera and the storage device had been delivered and were waiting for him.

To watch.

It was Taj, alone. 

He entered the room; he was dressed in an orange-gray sweatshirt. Riley remembered these clothes. Taj threw a bag or something on the floor and started setting up—what? Music equipment. Then he looked around, as if assessing the place. He took off his sweatshirt, and then Taj reached under his shirt and took out his Crystal.

Fuck, why? 

Could it be dangerous?

Riley watched further.

Taj was dancing.

No one joined him.

The dance looked improvised, as far as Riley could tell. Taj sometimes stumbled, hesitated, and changed his style, as if he changed his mind. He had his eyes closed, as if he preferred to look somewhere inside himself when he danced.

Fuck, Taj took out his Crystal. How long could he dance like that? Riley didn’t know, but he watched. He didn’t fast-forward; he took in every detail.

… Taj danced for four and a half hours, non-stop. His hair and his whole body were wet. It was obvious that he was reaching the limits of his fatigue.

Fuck, he collapsed onto the floor.

But Riley could see that Taj was conscious. He didn’t faint, and nothing happened to him. He lay on his back for a moment and breathed deeply. Riley watched as Taj breathed. Then, Taj propped himself up on his elbows and started laughing.

He laughed for a long time. When he finished, he lay down again, just crossing his legs in the air.

After an hour, Taj slowly got up, very slowly. He put on his Crystal, got dressed, packed his things, and left.

The next few hours were empty; nothing else happened.

When the recording stopped, Riley sat in silence. 

He didn’t know what it all meant. 

What the fuck was that? But it was beautiful. He sat in silence for a moment and then started from the beginning.

// LOG: 48 ACD-12-6/7 THE CITY

What had happened that Riley was banned? 💀❤️‍🔥

What did Riley do, but also: what did Taj do? What is it all about?

These are selected fragments—only a part of Riley's experiences and downfall.

It's also worth noting how much Riley pushes the boundaries when he thinks he's in love. 

That's definitely something to observe further.