"That's fucking hilarious."28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOTz4Xh21p
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacYidx9ThK
I narrowed my eyes at Kai through the mirror, "Is it?" I said blankly, not finding any of this hilarious, especially not getting roped into therapy.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UTQ0hF3Hr
"Just a little," Kai said, pinching her fingers together for emphasis.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQLiVXShu9
I rolled my eyes, turning away from the mirror to walk closer to my bed she was sitting on.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMIuoJaUmR
"I don't know about this one for tonight," I said, tugging slightly at the mini black denim skirt paired with a cheetah baby tee.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqEYDtezzS
"It's so cute though," Kai said, eyeing my body until her eyes landed on the matching stiletto boots I wore, "Those pull it all together too."
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0YwHHGZ7Y
I pursed my lips, running my hands through my hair that I decided to leave in the same half-up half-down hairstyle from earlier.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRElyTSbsp
"I guess it works for tonight," I said, walking over to my dresser where my perfumes were.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSG4kk7WewA
Normally, I felt excited during our pre-gaming festivities.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZVvfSrduS
Kai even played our hype playlist as we got ready together and drank, but still, something felt off.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dqMQfrjmX
If this has anything to do with therapy, I'm fucking quitting.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztgW4ssky1
Ugh, but I'm definitely thinking about our session.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dg7Xc7W3F
Why am I thinking about it?
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LBgKjGTtk
All we did was discuss very surface-level topics.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54Cdo4NT5b
It's just... well, the having control over your life thing keeps popping into my head.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQKBdSrOTf
It doesn't help that I'm tipsy, and not as in control as I would be sober.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iHbIdEF6h
Is drinking an issue?
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyigtcsx6X
Hell no, I thought as I quickly shook my head at the intrusive thought.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yRePTm5b2
I'm young and living my life to the fullest.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwf9MdEgrtZ
I glanced over when Kai stood from my bed, adjusting her red bandeau top that she wore with matching flare pants and gold heels.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf03jlcauma
"You're overthinking it. The fit is cute, trust me," Kai assured me, lifting her hand to tap my ass.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97MjWwTSPI
I forced a smile, hating that the last thing on my mind right now was my outfit.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73L2zARpy4
"My ass does look pretty good," I suddenly said, eyeing myself in the full-body mirror as I sprayed my perfume.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6uFiIlHhtA
"Let's hope the gays are out to see it," Kai hummed as I sat my Good Girl perfume down.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWdPwG3hAp
"Yeah, I need a good hookup," I determined, knowing I had really only hooked up with Kai these two weekends.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFr57bLW6Nr
The crowd is... boring.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ62FKLjcgt
However, tonight I'm desperate.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8gQSNiZF3
"We'll find you someone," Kai said as we walked out of my bedroom, "Even if I'm the best you'll ever have," she shot me a cheeky wink.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToHn0JghFM
I rolled my eyes with a smile, "Besides myself," I joked back.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHS8ErqhATb
No one knows my body like me.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitzPe4cFHb
I know exactly where to touch and how I want the pace.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37xDYuvTHs
"Agreed," Kai said as she unlocked her phone and navigated to the Lyft app.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnp4erT9CjF
"How far away is the nearest driver?" I asked, glancing over to her phone as she inputted one of our usual clubs as the address.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNiiB4W7WG
"Only two minutes," Kai told me, booking the ride as soon as it popped up.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYXG8W3Vrt
After that, we took one quick last shot of Tito's and headed downstairs to wait for our ride.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorMIA2X3Rq
The nightclub called The Den was only a short ten-minute drive, giving Kai and me time to take our selfies and reapply our lip liner and gloss.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3DQynreAj
Our first agenda upon making it past the bouncer was shots.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjkWNY1VPs
Then it was women.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPRVeh4ALu
Kai's favorite bartender was working so her problem was solved.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjldyWjuBI
We would get free drinks and Kai would get to go home with her.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnwzSuJKTM
Now I just needed someone to take home for myself.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDrjbAsBSf
My favorite thing to do is scan the room, analyzing everything and everyone.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JvIGzEZh3
Typically, I never really have to do too much.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPpLCc3qF4
A random woman will lock eyes with me and I'll motion her over.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5riFCW6ELs
Tonight, a raven-haired woman caught my eye.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxMJgBVNFL
She had long straight hair that fell to her mid-back, emphasizing her sharp face and green eyes.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFHckjgUCL
She wore a short black skirt with a matching halter top, exposing her arms covered in small tattoos.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5RdpDNKcF
She made her way over to me as soon as I motioned my head at her, smiling as she approached me.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLW0KSiUgab
"Let me buy you a shot," I leaned into her ear to say, pressing my hand to her arm as I did so.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8mJe0Njlf
"I'll cover the next round," she offered, leaning closer to me so I could hear her properly.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSaeZYU50V1
I smirked slightly when she placed her hand against my upper back, "Deal," I said, leaning back slightly to wave over the bartender.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQpCdsD6uy
Who had been occupied by my best friend.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfdBVSV3Ug
Kai smiled when her dark eyes landed on me, noticing the woman by my side now.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxymk8vu65
It was a look of approval—at least until she glanced back over to the bartender, Tara, watching her frame as she walked over to me.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXz2jpjTji
The music was loud as I tried my best to tell her my order.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zOFQyrgyS
Lemon drop shots were what I settled on for us.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUNYu6sYsa
"I'm River" I leaned into her to say, feeling a little looser as I gripped her closer to me.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPssu6f02c
"Octavia," she introduced herself, running her hand down my back.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeznBaE2cuy
I smiled wider, "Let's dance," I said in her ear, grabbing her hand to pull her toward the dance floor before she could respond.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeA8QTjJncG
I was pressed against her in a matter of seconds, grinding against her as she held my waist.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFJJOaGGVS
In a matter of a few songs, our positions flipped, holding her in place as she started grinding against me.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdqBzgaDuV
We only danced for a few songs until we were back at the bar again.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5i8JyLshWW
Octavia covered our next round of shots as she previously offered, ordering us the same lemon drop shots since I had gotten them for us earlier.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmGT2x9Yqf
Kai was unsurprisingly by the bar still, taking shots off Tara.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyf71zdnNf3
Instead of dancing some more, I guided us toward Kai, wanting to briefly catch up with my best friend.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyuZ7dd80y
"Tara gets off in five minutes," Kai leaned into me to say, "I don't want to leave you so-"
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKk1kb5PU85
"Bitch you better go," I cut her short, giving her an offended look.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZBLE9glr9
Because she better not pass on getting laid tonight.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffv7e0BU6y
I'm good where I'm at.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbaiTf3aHF
"I'll be fine, Kai," I said, smiling wider as I zoned back into Octavia's hands that roamed up and down my sides as she silently stood behind me, "Clearly," I told Kai over the music, motioning behind me.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qm2RcEZYW
My best friend's lips tilted into a smirk, "Okay, but I'll be checking your location and texting you later," she told me, earning a few loose nods from me.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfQJHF0IzW
"Have fun," I said, briefly kissing her cheek before I leaned away from her entirely.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2pgMqAl52
"You too," Kai said, her stare shifting to Octavia, who she smiled at before glancing back over to me, "Love you, Rivs."
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoAvs1hmbU
"Love you too," I repeated, turning around to face Octavia as Kai walked past us to meet Tara.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLjRAIvJwS
We were back to dancing after one more shot, falling into the beat of the music together.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHA5ubeIETd
Until soon we naturally kept our legs intertwined, grinding against each other as we held our short skirts in place.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyOzu27bTo
I could feel her wetness through her underwear and I knew she could feel mine.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa61yXntEJA
At some point, it felt like we had mutually agreed to leave.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1w4yQHe36H
A word wasn't said, but as we left the dance floor we unconsciously migrated to the main entry doors.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOG40QzvOTg
Octavia ordered a Lyft for us while I offered my apartment to go back to since her place was five minutes farther.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05xQnBrebg
The short car ride was filled with lingering touches, meaningless conversation, and impatience.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMDetvmJRM
For once tonight, everything felt just as it used to.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpKItFKliY
I felt good.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlB9iPEVYE7
It was the familiar excitement I recall, building in my stomach as we walked down the familiar hallway to my apartment.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVguJ89LLE
Octavia pulled me into a kiss as soon as the door closed loudly behind us, guiding us with no direction.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwq6rLS8WYX
I took the reigns instead, grabbing her waist as I dominated the kiss.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMcPjLwSLG
Octavia grew breathless in response, letting me guide her toward my bedroom.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWLRuzUAho
I pinned her back against my bed as soon as I got the opportunity, wasting no time as I straddled her body.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBhtDaQsT9
Octavia hummed when I connected our lips again, arching into me as I trailed my hand down past her skirt.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxe5oZjhtP
This.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDW8PXMVc8W
This is what control feels like.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0zxZQrxFF
Dr. Luccini was wrong—it's not just habits or routines.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwGuAcZLjc
You can seek control in other ways, and other places.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1O9K7kg49Q
"Right there," I heard Octavia breathe out, arching up into me as I continued sliding in and out of her.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvVRhFDZVR
The kiss between us had been broken—by me or her, I'm unsure.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0qgv0a65Q
I can't even focus on how wet she is, something that's normally enjoyable for me.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBXegeOIuJ
I can only focus on someone who had popped into my thoughts in the worst way.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFHzrDmJsu
"River."
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeyLpY6pXT
I could hear her voice clearly in my head, striking a deeper nerve.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWuIWv5XiE
It was infuriating and alarming at the same time.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYrNsiqxrC
"Hey, are you okay?" Octavia's voice cut into my thoughts, running her hands up my back as my face remained buried in the crook of her neck.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmOHiA11iQ
I don't know when I leaned down or when she had finished.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJSsOnNuO1
"Yeah, yes," I quickly said, carefully sliding out of her as my face burned up.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzotjBHp5zy
Fuck Dr. Luccino.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrmdblr579
Seriously, I don't need her—I don't even know why I'm thinking about her.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUW7N2iogG
I drew in a deep breath as I tried to focus on Octavia's roaming hands, how they slipped between my legs and past my short skirt.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8V1Culq7R
But suddenly, nothing felt right.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuwl3g2IfG
"I think..." I trailed off, appalled by what I was about to say to her, "I think I'm good," I said, cringing internally at my own words.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokJxpJPINx
Octavia quickly pulled her hand away, "Are you sure?" she asked me as I leaned away from her neck, "I can make you feel really good," she added, tracing her hand up my back.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8wrAEMwfZ
I forced a smile at her words, "I just feel tired," I lied, crawling off her lap and causing her hand to fall from my back in the process.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6NnzeTTdv
"Okay..." Octavia awkwardly trailed off, laying up from the bed as she adjusted her skirt so she could stand up.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rYl9DPpTb
I pursed my lips, feeling guilty for the mixed signals I sent.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhl0TwcKLkX
"You can stay the night if you want," I offered out of consideration.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIOwaFxClt
I would never fuck someone and make them leave afterward.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDtFJm4m7E
Some people do, but I'm not that inhumane.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWMttV48WU
"No it's fine," Octavia said, grabbing her phone and purse from the bed.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCf2oC5N9H
My purse was on the bed too, probably getting flung to the side during the process of everything.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74x0Dtb8wN
"I can cover your Lyft," I quickly offered, grabbing my purse to get my phone.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfH1zZFAQM2
"It's good I got it now," Octavia determined, tapping on her phone a few times as she backed away toward the door, "The nearest one is like a minute away."
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDm1at7CHPo
I nodded awkwardly, unsure what I should say next.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBTp5T75fv
"I'll leave my number if you want?" Octavia asked, furrowing her brows at the dynamic of this.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3evO6ZCmT
I blinked a few times before I inevitably nodded,
"Sure-yeah, here," I said, quickly unlocking my phone and tapping the contact app.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kRqTFWCCn
Octavia stepped closer to me when I extended my phone illuminated with the blank contact.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dto9kCjAP
"I had fun with you tonight," I whispered, unsure of what else to say.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QigtjmxFw
I've never had this happen before.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjs1UcLhZ7L
"I had fun too," Octavia said with a small smile, handing my phone back to me.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17R24Y3mAR
I pursed my lips into a smile, "Be safe getting back," I said as she backed away from me.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoh2FJ3ReJD
"I'll be good—I have a roommate who knows I'm coming home now," she assured me, earning a nod from me as I stood up to walk her out.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNzDXGQbBo
We exchanged a very brief side hug as I held the door open for her, watching her walk down the hallway toward the elevator.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoatneVLpYp
I let out a deep sigh as I gently closed the door, processing how quickly this night went wrong.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWETYM8pvkq
I felt stone-cold sober, walking over to the kitchen and making myself a glass of water.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1fTMyWqbj
Then I headed into my bedroom, setting the glass down to get ready for bed.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnz4TuFgU7
For once after a night out, I had the energy to do my full skincare routine, pulling my hair into a ponytail as I started.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5V4ffmlhh2
It only took me five minutes to wash my face and apply my serums, and then I slid into bed under my thick covers.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnh9wpL6Ssz
I laid on my back, staring up through the darkness at the ceiling above me.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwW05yJHgTZ
My head felt scrambled with numerous thoughts.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKw4h7IICYb
Octavia, tonight's events, my therapy session just hours ago—
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSDNioB47I
And Dr. Luccino.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqn8Sob3KVP
I felt almost disgusted by my sexual exchange with Octavia, and it wasn't even her fault.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8FkyfUBj4
I just felt... off-putted by it and I don't know why.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwyfOqoGpE
It was a heavy feeling that sat on my chest as I tried my best to drift off to sleep despite my thoughts.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfHAgELC0K
At some point, I had to turn on white noise to steady myself.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJyRm9ggYf
Luckily, that was just what I needed given I fell asleep not even minutes after that.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoeoXuzEel
I still managed to toss and turn throughout the night, almost haunted by my thoughts that manifested into dreams.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHLAUSTuyt
The next morning, I woke up to the bright sun filtering in around me—making my eyes scrunch tighter shut as a groan vibrated in my chest.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdp3pyiaT83
I forgot to close my black-out curtains last night.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90lpPBdy3A
Fuck.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlwn885gkg
A deep sigh fell from my lips as I blinked my heavy eyes open, wiping under them as I adjusted to the bright room.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOl2VlngLQ
I pushed the covers away, rubbing the front of my head as I sat up from my bed.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT08asEXH3d
For once my room was decently clean given I didn't tear it apart getting ready last night.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaSh02Rbet
It was odd, but it felt nice that I didn't have a terrible mess to clean up.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt48LA2ffiL
I let out a soft sigh, standing from my bed as I reached for my phone to check any new notifications.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYm59AIbZl
I was about to head into the kitchen for a cup of coffee—
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyZTVMFQ4o
Until I halted.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2ZD7BeEz3
It was a brief thought, especially as I stared down at my unmade bed.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIWuPN4ONA
I drew in a deep breath, letting it out in irritation as I dropped my phone on my nightstand with a clatter.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVgSPbPkjS
I shook my head, reaching for the sheets to pull them up and tuck them neatly.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgh6oLuOCsI
I can't believe I'm actually making my fucking bed right now.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡushQmnHnIb
I reached for the dark comforter, pulling it up before adjusting the furry cheetah print comforter neatly over it.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQxz1mYny2
I even fluffed my fucking pillows.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQIpYAsa7w
Aside from how much I hated the process of it...
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNepFQ6j2d
It also felt weirdly nice?
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUaiU0j4jD
I felt productive just as Dr. Luccino mentioned.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhc8uOea5xL
Suddenly, I was thinking about doing brunch today and maybe going grocery shopping.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgQK7WMcUl
I really want to make that viral TikTok pasta with feta cheese and tomatoes.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMRnZN0bb8
I reached for my coffee mug once my Keurig finished pouring the steaming liquid into the cup.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9yZimtXqh
I poured in my usual cream and a small amount of sugar since I prefer my coffee less sweet.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmp1YeRt4I9
I hummed as I took the first sip of my coffee, letting out a soft sigh as I rounded my kitchen island.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZmVBJ5Uj6
Until I paused, my eyes locked on the familiar business card sitting on the granite counter.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nSYulZmjf
A smile suddenly twitched up on my lips at the thought that popped into my head.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxE1owdGwt
I didn't give it another second of contemplation—I set my coffee mug down, grabbing my phone and the business card.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtS60AAcH6
I inputted her number into my phone, labeling her contact with the name I preferred.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZ73cMtqYx
After that, I focused on typing up a text to her.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBki56nCrXC
Maybe I just wanted to talk to her—or I wanted her to acknowledge that I did what we discussed yesterday.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGsEmbjze5
Either way, it gave me that familiar excited feeling again, nestling deep in my stomach.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndAKbRdR06
Me: i made my bed this morning. happy?
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvy2KGp76W
I smiled slightly as I sent the text, hoping she would pick up on the attitude I used with her.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcE27WjceFM
The knots in my stomach grew as I locked my phone, walking over to pick up my coffee mug from where I had set it down previously.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqpDUXR9vz
I tried my best to focus on drinking my coffee and not thinking about my text or her response.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6NOiUlikq
Five minutes felt like five hours, almost anticipating my phone to light up with her text.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUpqUtAj3w
I quickly glanced over when a text buzzed on my bright lock screen.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbbf7OeR9M
Only it was from Kai.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVjuC8QBTK
I gave my phone a narrowed look, picking it up from the counter.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO05CAP0Jze
Kai: good morning sunshineeeee
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ytG2CQ35E
I smiled at her text, shaking my head as I typed back my response.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SSjaoWgnj
Me: good morning :)))
Me: how do you feel about brunch today?
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82ziyVLawy
I watched the typing bubbles quickly pop up, waiting for her response.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TReAnKQlm
Kai: mimosas?
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9LzzP1BzZ
I rolled my eyes with a soft chuckle, typing back quickly.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEwwYvk1Ct
Me: anything you want Kai
Me: i'm gonna invite Zi and Sid too tho
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8XG97h0WX
My smile grew as I watched the typing bubbles appear again, knowing she was probably groaning in annoyance.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlADchSLMT
Kai: buzzkillingtonnnn: (
Kai: i don't wanna hear nothing when i'm drinking these mimosas fr
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLm89Dj1RO
I began typing again, quickly sending her one last message so I could text Zion and Sid next.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3s68cWHGX6
Me: you won't hear a peep
Me: promise Kai
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuk2UnA5bBN
I went out of our texts, scrolling down my text log to text Zion and Sid in our group chat.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJk0jge6rM
Me: brunch today @ 12 pm???
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22LTfVV7D8
I watched as the text delivered through in the group chat, glancing up when another text buzzed through on my phone.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHF7sz9Wfh
I assumed it was Kai texting me back.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoSg8kUZ8x
Instead, it was her.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBSdJBwkVo
Knots quickly grew in my stomach, clicking on the text message to read her response.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4oRUfcBqW
Doc: You should ask yourself that, River.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlBtOgB6UU
I clenched my jaw as I read her text, hearing her voice so prominently in my head as I typed my response.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYkrItjGbL
Me: very happy.
Me: are you?
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwjHwtYpBI
I watched as the text sent through, anticipating what she would say in response.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuKPLxj0na
I just wanted her acknowledgment, something she doesn't seem to want to give.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjphS8rVK4
I glanced back down when my phone buzzed again.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTad3xJme4C
A few times actually.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCK9RsQpoci
It was from Kai and then Zion and Sid in the group chat.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpP1pxVfWy
I was more focused on Dr. Luccino's response.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcea6kSfo1
Doc: I'm proud of you.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6DSv6yA58
I pursed my lips as I read her message over and over again, feeling a sense of satisfaction.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJLUtDaDcf
I was wrong, I guess she does want to acknowledge what I did.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCk4MmS7vh
I think I'm just used to my mother or anyone else breezing past it.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4kM0orTfz
Another text buzzed through.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2I8wgOLUQX
Doc: How did it make you feel?
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBjFJrIBqY
I clenched my jaw when a smile threatened to grow on my lips, typing my response back to her.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUDKWYFEEh
Me: good. productive as you said
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBFUaefnj7
I watched as the typing bubbles popped up, anticipating what she would say.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmBqpgZm1Z
Doc: That's good to hear, River.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSpvFINGCg
I halted for a moment, wondering what I should say back to her message.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAm1Zg5gtdI
I didn't want our conversation to end on a boring note, so I started thinking of ways to switch the mood.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyjteJ7pwo
It was a quick idea that popped into my head, not bothering to contemplate it since I have her attention at this current moment.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfkoWPzNbm
I started texting again, my fingers tapping the screen quickly.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HyrYVJhQ6
Me: did you want to come see if i made my bed correctly?
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutjWxEsejW
Me: it seems you have standards
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHW1xYGIPS
I smirked as I watched the message send through, rereading it a few times.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iufgBjbRe
Damn, Im smooth.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdF7m6INWEJ
That's all I have to say.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzId1TW1ngZ
My smirk widened as I watched the typing bubbles appear again, hoping she wouldn't give me a boring response.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cEnyNz9qP
Doc: I trust you did it properly.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6HpGymHtv
I raised a brow, seeing her words as a double meaning.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13eD0k51fx
Or maybe I'm just fucked in the head.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKs6Wp7nu1H
I started typing again, not wanting to leave the conversation as is.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmf4tmLaIH
Me: so no reward?
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexsIOLuDn7
The typing bubbles didn't appear as quickly as last time, so I took the time to answer Zion and Sid, confirming our brunch plans.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGSkLmMkD6
They even sent a few new places we could try out, which I decided to forward to Kai for her approval as well.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4BOSwNdgh
Then two texts buzzed on my phone from Dr. Luccino, which I quickly clicked on to read.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSfa2WVwPZ
Doc: I usually give my younger patients lollipops.
Doc: Is that what you want, River?
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2W0CG7d43
An unconscious smile grew on my lips as I began typing again.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvd5mLNoxK
Me: i'm grateful for anything you give me
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5x05lxw88
My words definitely held a double meaning-one that I knew she would pick up on.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nouLYtfbt
Luckily, I didn't have to wait too long for her response since she started typing again.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTzZOnbzrm
Then her next text buzzed through.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbLvf1q3b0
Doc: I appreciate your gratitude. Have a good weekend, River.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL23ktQPqfq
I rolled my eyes at her brief message, which basically ended our conversation.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30B0O6lOrM
I knew it was purposeful.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUr11Xe63r
I purposely thumbs-upped her message out of spite, locking my phone as I leaned away from the counter to walk into my bedroom.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZ83gfIA7F
I already decided I would dress more comfortably for brunch, which I told everyone so we could match similarly.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yKRkF1gdN
A pair of baggy jeans with a cute long-sleeve black bodysuit was what I settled on, sliding on a pair of Nike's for a more sporty look.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl10LSdJ0ry
I kept my hair in a ponytail, gelling down my baby hairs to frame my face.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCZ28ezp1R
After I finished getting ready, I exited my apartment and walked down the hallway toward the elevator.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZPomYQkvx
The drive to the new brunch spot was fifteen minutes out, located closer to Sid and Zion's place.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOGN5yZmpm
They were already there, luckily, securing us a table with how busy it was.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7v8pWbqnQ
Kai came in a few minutes after me, wearing a lounge set with her hair in a messy bun.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bWtTOO6M5
"Don't worry, we already ordered mimosas for the table," Zion told Kai, knowing that was the first thing she would say.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40dZOEIzPz
Kai flashed us her usual smile, "Thanks, buzzkillington," she said, sliding in next to me at the booth, "How did your night go?" she asked me, giving me a playful nudge.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7coFJV0OiW
I quickly glanced down to the menu, almost forgetting last night's events entirely, "Uh, pretty good honestly," I lied, deciding that if I was truthful then Kai would think something was wrong.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHQztXHjtW
Nothing is wrong.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPM6AXNGkY
It was just a weird night.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLklLGnPO3
"I need all the details later," Kai whispered to me, picking up her menu.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVY4z3aL1M
"Guys french toast or pancakes?" Sid suddenly asked, lowering her menu down.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOenx6EwP7w
"French toast," Zion and I said in unison.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMIFdtYA3r
"Pancakes," Kai said, giving us both a blank look before she shrugged, "Well, I'm getting pancakes," she determined.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡku3CO9WWOr
I smiled at her, glancing over when I noticed our waiter approaching us with the ice bucket of champagne and orange juice.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aFIkKGEWH
At least today's going decently well.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cZQMUwHfG
Plus it's Saturday so I still have another day until classes start.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RWO06mixp
"Cheers," Kai happily said as she raised her glass, causing us to raise ours as well.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7pHbNroeu
"Cheers," we said in unison, lightly clinking our glasses together before sipping on our mimosas.
I put a little extra orange juice in mine since I wasn't really in the mood to drink.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEagA5LEB7k
I still had a lot of fun catching up with them, eating a bomb-ass breakfast, and laughing over old memories.
28Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomenMwygd5
The awkward occurrence with Octavia was at the back of my head, which is exactly where I intended to leave it.
ns216.73.216.224da2
然後按「加至主畫面」