New Arrivals

Felix adjusted his alien T-shirt and pushed his long blonde hair behind his ear, careful not to catch his star hairpin. The morning sun beat down on the dusty Australian street as he walked toward the old barbershop building with his bandmates.

"Look at that," Vic said, pointing with his fishnet-gloved hand. Pink and white striped awnings now decorated the front windows. A cheerful sign read "Miss Lolly's Hair Salon" in bubbly letters.

Nat pulled his black hair over his vitiligo patches. "She's really doing it."

Adam shrugged, his strawberry blonde hair catching the light. "Whatever. Doesn't change anything for us."

Felix stared at the bright pink door. His stomach twisted as he imagined the buzzing sounds that would soon echo from inside. The Buzz Kills had sworn an oath against clippers, and now one of those torture machines would live right across from their practice space.

The Pink Door Opens

The pink door burst open with a cheerful jingle. A girl with bright pink hair bounced out, wearing a Sanrio-covered apron over her colorful outfit. Her pink eyes sparkled as she spotted the boys.

"Hello there!" Miss Lolly called out, waving enthusiastically. "I'm opening my salon tomorrow! Would you like free haircuts?"

Felix's face went pale. He grabbed Vic's arm and pulled him backward.

"We don't do haircuts," Adam said flatly.

Miss Lolly tilted her head, confused. "But your hair is so pretty! I could just trim the ends, or maybe add some fun colors?"

The distant sound of clippers being tested inside the salon made Felix's stomach drop. He turned and ran toward the old music store next door, his combat boots pounding against the pavement.