The next morning I was up at eight–but not for class.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmyt4xdrvd
I told Zion and Sid I would join them for breakfast, and Sid had class a little earlier.
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I didn't really mind being up early since I went to bed at a decent time— especially after Nine left once we finished dinner.
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I made my bed as usual, folding the gray cover that I slept with over my comforter and texting Nine I had woken up since she specified to do so.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDacT48ztTj
I also texted Kai back who sent me a few TikTok and asked about my plans tonight, but I decided not to make any with her since I knew Nine probably already had plans in mind for us.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUAYtpw7IJ
Then I got dressed in leggings and a sweatshirt, sliding on a pair of Uggs since I was only going to Zion and Sid's for breakfast.
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I did my skincare and pulled my hair into a decent bun, not putting in any extra effort.
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As I was leaving my apartment, I unconsciously checked my phone for a text back from Nine.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfKoa29WcN
But there was nothing.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDiYaWIsMIv
It had barely been an hour, so I had determined I was growing concerningly needy for her attention.
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Especially since all I could think about was her during my drive to Zion and Sid's.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17HNVEsk95
My heart nearly shot up in my chest when her contact displayed on the digital radio screen, indicating she was calling me rather than texting back.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhO8DRbo08
"Good morning" I spoke first as a smile grew on my lips.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9H1AnGAnwB
"Someone's very happy this morning" her smooth voice echoed through my car.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dbIvYfqbJ
I hummed, "It's a perfect morning" I determined excitedly, "I'm headed over to Zion and Sid's now for breakfast."
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2wA1LYGaQ
"What are you having?" Nine asked me as I flicked on my signal to turn left.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6c9JZt23a
"Uhhh Sid is making Belgian waffles," I said, focusing on the road, "You know, like with the waffle maker and stuff," I tried my best to explain, smiling at how funny I sounded.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCsfjonlJ8
"I do know, River" she said, almost amused by my words, "Have you drank water yet?"
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNDmstOe1L
I nodded, "I have—I drank the bottle I left on my nightstand last night" I quickly explained, slowing down when I noticed the speed limit changed for the more residential area.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOqeDt7YOs
"Good girl" Nine calmly said, making me purse my lips tightly together.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilt9pxnzft
Along with my legs.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19h4VrKqDc
"What are your plans for the day?" she asked when I remained silent.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenqoLkhF34
"Probably just the gym and I guess I'll work on my paper for software engineering" I told her as I flicked on my signal and turned down another street.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhtOZvQOYS
"Sounds very productive, River" she murmured, making a small smile grow on my lips.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkLt5Hp907
"It does, doesn't it?" I said, thinking about how much of a three-sixty my life recently took, "What about you? What are your plans for today?"
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCvHPhnvFg
"The usual" she said, as I turned into the apartment complex parking lot, "A few patients and files to look over."
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzy1mI0OFdS
"Has Sienna bothered you yet?" I decided to ask her, pursing my lips when my smile grew.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtSo3EMm7u
"Only with a coffee and patient files" Nine calmly said, making me roll my eyes.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSC9CwZ3lK
"Of course, she gets you coffee" I mumbled as I pulled into the open parking spot.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oOfGVjvD3
"I'll get my coffee from now on" she determined, picking up on the clear hostility of my words.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8N8b6sCmr
"Nine Luccino? Getting her own coffee?" I said, dramatically gasping to myself, "What kind of sick world is this?"
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmBWJW6p93
My heart nearly shot up in my chest when I heard her soft chuckle echo from the speakers.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfg425aUARO
I made her laugh.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCjV7HcJAB
I just... she totally just laughed.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SH8lk3dLK
And it was so pretty—probably the softest sound I've ever heard.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3crh6DIIb
Ugh, why couldn't this have happened in person?
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoNhpQCGxf
Now I'll have to imagine the face she made.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIEYeQPRTi
What her smile looks like...
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcq2NKUQ5Op
I blinked a few times, realizing I was being weirdly silent, "Sienna's going to be so upset when you walk in with your coffee" I suddenly spoke again, unbuckling my seatbelt, "Can you get her reaction on camera?"
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwyEqphzf9
"My god, River" Nine murmured in amusement, softly chuckling again as I sincerely wished I was standing in front of her.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SSiyn0XL7
The universe totally hates me right now.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDegwkiqZyg
"Your jealousy is adorable" she admitted, making my face burn up as I shyly glanced down to my lap.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHS3YprQHT
"I just wish I could put like a ten-foot barrier around you at all times" I whispered, smiling to myself as I heard her let out a soft sigh.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzC3UHiyf5x
"I'm a very reserved person, River" she said, her voice smooth as it echoed from my speakers, "That alone is a barrier."
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUy5b4tskxu
I nodded a few times to myself, knowing she wasn't exactly friendly with everyone.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKLXg5ahfx
I barely got her to be friendly with me.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTO7gDjOVj
Even her laughing felt so fucking rare.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZwtqT2Cqd
"Good, well, just make sure Sienna gets the hint" I sighed, turning my car off and grabbing my phone to put it on speaker.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwyjQuOkAs
"I'll take care of it" Nine assured me as I grabbed my keys and opened my car door, "Text me when you're finished there."
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkArQjFhvj
I closed my car door, "I will" I said, locking my car as I walked toward the complex.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQnmz99sHY
"Good girl" she said, making shivers roll down my spine, "Enjoy breakfast."
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorQPP2ASGo
"Thank you" I whispered, lowering the phone as we ended the call.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOb4TkYPlW
Then I focused on walking inside the familiar warm lobby, taking the elevator up to Zion and Sid's level.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCOLipUqtO
The door was left unlocked for me, walking inside just as they were plating the large square waffles.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6TRg56c4V
"Rivs!" Sid smiled as I walked further into their apartment.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKaiQGNi7K
"I put chocolate chips and bananas on yours" Zion told me, immediately making my mouth water.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZIH8HnuKT
"My favorite," I said with a growing smile, walking over to them.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsb2o6I9R1
"And I warmed up the syrup," Sid added, making my smile widen.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZXhlqKbmx
"This is going to be so good," I said, throwing my arms around them both for a brief hug that they reciprocated, "I woke up hungry."
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SA3z9NYCf
"Girl me too" Sid laughed as she picked up her plate.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JJHjHbRJT
"I feel like my stomach is eating my backbone," Zion said as he grabbed his plate and the syrup.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZw8h08VRX
I smiled as I grabbed mine, finding the prepared waffle very pretty.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MLZENtbI0
"Thank you guys for breakfast," I said as we walked over to the table.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCIvKeIGgl
"Anytime," Sid said as she sat down at the table.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIV53fUS1Aj
"You can Cashapp or Venmo us fifteen dollars to cover your waffle," Zion jokingly said as he sat beside Sid, making me laugh.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcanIIVYDx
"They would probably charge more at a restaurant," I determined, sitting across from them.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshuu8BzXqU
"Zi-that's it," Sid said with a smile, "We should just drop out of school and open a restaurant," she jokingly determined, making me laugh again.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6Vjr1CasJ
Zion nodded a few times as he drizzled a decent amount of syrup over his waffle, "I like the way you think—we could call it..." he trailed off in thought for a moment, "Waffles with Zi and Sid."
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60Q8NvLZtr
"Oh, I would definitely eat there. Thirty dollar waffles? Take my money," I joked along with them, smiling wider as I drizzled the syrup over my waffle.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimQOFpfLZo
"Just give me my money," Sid randomly called out, holding her hand in the air.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLc2mAs5tMO
Zion and I laughed as we all dug into our waffles—a brief silence growing around us as we ate.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7BhkOBJoE
We nearly sounded like fucking animals-especially with Zion hitting the table, nodding as he pointed to his waffle.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdrm092ALB
I hummed happily to myself while Sid breathed heavily as she danced in her chair.
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I was a little sad when we finished eating and it was time for Sid to rush off to class.
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Zion invited me to the library but I kind of wanted to hit the gym and then work on my schoolwork.
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Maybe that's just me procrastinating though.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFH3awk7Sd
Either way, I decided on it—texting Nine that I had finished with breakfast and was planning to hit the gym next.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8zTnBUg40
Traffic wasn't bad at all, I managed to make it back to my apartment in less than fifteen minutes.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7qLjKzxFz
Then I focused on getting ready for the gym, sliding on seamless leggings and a matching zip-up jacket.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjS1PzVUukt
As I was lacing up my Nikes, soft knocks echoed against my door-easily making my brows furrow.
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Until I contemplated the idea that it was Kai.
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Although she's in class right now.
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Or she should be?
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I raised up to my tippy-toes, staring through the peephole of my door.
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Where a brunette woman stood.
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She wore the usual attire that I noticed my apartment management always wears, holding a sleek black box in her hands as she waited on the other side.
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I reached for the handle, opening the door with furrowed brows.
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"Ms. Romero, hi" the woman said as soon as I opened the door, flashing me a respectful smile.
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"Hi?" I said almost in question, glancing down when she extended the box to me.
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"This was left at the front desk for you" she informed me as I hesitantly took the box from her.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8TtiCu6ck
"Oh okay," I murmured, analyzing the box for a moment, "Thanks."
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFmwDCTWlD
"Of course," the woman said, giving me a curt nod before walking down the hallway toward the elevators.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9Obbc4a8n
I stepped back inside my apartment, letting the door fall shut behind me as I walked over to my kitchen island.
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I reached for the lid of the box immediately, tugging it off to see what was inside.
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My eyes widened upon landing on the numerous crisp red roses, an unconscious smile growing on my lips.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqpVTrgNsK
I carefully ran my fingers over the soft roses, my smile growing even more as I reached for the white notecard to read.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrxci3gfG3
"Dinner at 6. Pack for the weekend."
– N.Luccino
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUeXC9kBf4g
I pursed my lips together when an annoying grin spread on my lips, doing a small twirl with the notecard in hand.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9PhVcZGcL
Then I had to reel myself back in—after a few excited jumps.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvCTb9W5HX
She got me flowers.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSIEa2sSS3
And I'm packing for the weekend?
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaihqqrdVqF
She's taking me to her house.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53iDu7PBQS
Hopefully?
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I let out a deep content sigh, holding the card to my chest as I basked this all in.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8oTX2C9vX
Then I reached for my phone, deciding to text her something funny.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QuKIRLCxF
Me: you know you could've texted me right?
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOc88Mhyza2
I watched the text deliver through, glancing back over to the red roses with my smile still so fucking prominent.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7UYkB2fn1
I hate her for making me act like this over a plant.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9MJ6gFrWj
My eyes shifted from the flowers to my phone when her texts buzzed through.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVn2YF9cMI
Doc: Good girls get flowers.
Doc: They also say thank you.
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I rolled my eyes at her text, even if my smile was still so prominent.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSF5GK0WW0v
I typed on my phone again, texting her back.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSijxrtYFV
Me: thank you very much
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleAdMuydgQ
I bit the inside of my cheek, watching the text send through as I leaned against the counter.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdx5qQzSV5
The typing bubbles appeared barely seconds later, indicating she was typing.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnshdFFf7nt
Doc: You're welcome.
Doc: They reminded me of the outfit I took off you last night.
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I drew in a deep breath at her text, recalling the red outfit I tried on for her.
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The same one she untied from my body.
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I blinked a few times, trying to push the explicit thoughts of last night away as I focused on typing my response.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Tj3IQ0laH
Me: daydreaming about me at work doc?
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I felt beyond warm as I watched the text send through, suddenly feeling very frustrated.
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Knowing her, that's probably what she wanted.
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I glanced down when my phone buzzed again with two texts.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sIdxcyGHg
Doc: Vividly.
Doc: Wear red tonight.
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I clenched my jaw when shivers ran down my spine, rereading her texts as I tried to cling to my sanity.
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Especially as I envisioned her thinking about me... vividly.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82paqccmo2
I had to force my focus away from my phone, locking it as I glanced back over to the roses.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDFkxuFIeW
Which ironically enough, resembled the exact shade of the outfit she had thought of.
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I shook my head, letting out a deep breathless sigh as I tried to remember what I was doing last.
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The gym.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRG3dQAxp3j
I was going to the gym.
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I suddenly reached for my water and keys, picking my phone up so I could head to the gym downstairs.
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I was determined to focus my sudden frustration on my workout, letting time pass by me in the gym.
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I even hit the sauna after and walked to a nearby cafe for a smoothie and a chicken wrap.
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By the time I made it back to my apartment, I felt productive.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBLygZMFLf
And also like I didn't have time to work on my paper.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtu5HktkDf5
Somehow it was almost three.
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I probably should've brought my food back to eat at my apartment, but oh well.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVCzdf1c8u
I can just bring my laptop with me and focus on my paper when I get the chance.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4y735n3xad
Right now, I needed to start packing.
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Which I knew would take me at least an hour since it was for the weekend.
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Then I had to get ready still.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWHBCi74Kx
I wanted to blow out my hair and put extra effort into my look tonight.
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Which would take a few hours minimum.
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It didn't help that all I could think about was her house and what it looked like.
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Or the explicit thoughts of us last night that swirled in my head.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77YLfNOQ8B
By the time she texted me that she was here, I was barely finished with my makeup, still standing in my robe.
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My hair was done though—I needed maybe ten more minutes, which I texted her to inform her.
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Even though I knew she was literal with time.
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She got here at six on the dot.
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I let out a frustrated sigh when sharp knocks sounded out my door.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQoJOCt7ZO1
But I was quite literally in the middle of zipping up my dress.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTQLdB3P7s
It was a darker shade of red, falling to my knees as it clung to my body.
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It was off the shoulder, but the long sleeves still kept me warm.
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I stumbled out of my closet, fully zipping up my dress as I walked out of my room toward the front door.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQD8yXEhXQs
I didn't even have to check the peephole to know it was Nine on the other side.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OzovgjeTZ
She wore a black blouse with matching dress pants and her usual sharp stilettos.
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Her dark hair was down, her bangs framing her face covered in usual light makeup.
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"I'm almost done," I said as I turned around to rush back into my room.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iB0Oe0kqD
"Take your time," she murmured, her heels clicking sharply against my floors as she followed me into my room, "I scheduled the reservations for later."
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLaEN9zfZX
I pursed my lips into a smile, "You know me so well" I mumbled, weirdly finding it attractive that she knew I would be running late.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3Ri5m390s
"I do" Nine calmly said as I rushed to grab my heels.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEiizINeXn
I couldn't help but stall for a moment, weirdly processing the sight of her in my room.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuKlWFdtLD
It was her first time in here and it feels...
Intimate.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOen9H8nOnj
Especially when her brown eyes landed on the folded grey blanket she had given me so long ago.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBZKePsa2L
"You sleep with this?" she curiously murmured, delicately running her fingers over the soft cover.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2SaoHcD94
"No.." I said, my tone more defensive than I originally planned, "I just... it's nice for decoration."
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiyuGypWTz
Nine hummed softly, her stare shifting to my cheetah print comforter—then over to my nightstand and various other decorations.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRn16cxnSg
That didn't have a spot of grey in them.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTnZ6Bahpg
If anything the blanket looked out of place.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykVc5icIEJ
Fuck.
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"It's cute that you sleep with it, River" she said as I suddenly focused on putting my heels on.
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Because I definitely couldn't look at her right now.
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"It was like a one-time thing" I whispered, suddenly feeling shy as I walked over to the bed.
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Nine smoothly grabbed the gold heels from my hands, "Right" she murmured, sitting on the bed in front of me.
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I furrowed my brows, "What are you doing?" I asked in confusion, glancing down at my heels in her hands.
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"Helping you" she calmly determined, leaning down as she ran her soft hands down my leg.
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But only to wrap her delicate touch around my ankle, lifting my foot to rest on the bed between her legs.
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I instinctively rested my hands on her shoulders, feeling my face burn up as I watched her slide the heel onto my foot.
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Once clasped around my ankle, she grazed her thumb over my soft skin before lowering my foot.
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I lifted my other foot for her, letting her slide on my other heel and clasp it.
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"Done" she said, lowering my foot back down and glancing up at me, "Are you packed?"
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I nodded a few times, "My suitcase is over there" I told her, motioning to my small black suitcase by the door.
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"Good" she murmured, rising from the bed as I unconsciously kept my hands on her shoulders.
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Nine paused for a moment, openly staring down at me as my hands remained on her shoulders.
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Until I suddenly retracted them away, clearing my throat as I looked away from her.
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The last thing I wanted was for her to reject me again as she did in that bathroom.
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I don't think kissing is her thing.
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But that's fine—I've had instances where I hooked up with someone and didn't kiss them.
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I could easily do this.
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"I'll get your bag" she suddenly said, walking past me toward my suitcase by my room door.
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"Okay," I murmured, following behind her as she grabbed the handle of my suitcase and smoothly pulled it up, rolling it out of my room, "Thank you."
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"You're welcome" she said as we walked toward my front door.
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I grabbed my keys as she opened the door, motioning me through first.
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Then we headed downstairs to the parking garage where her black Bentley was parked.
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Nine put my suitcase in the trunk as I slid into the passenger seat, buckling my seatbelt and getting comfortable.
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She slid into the driver's seat moments later, starting the car before buckling her seatbelt.
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Then she put the car into drive, pulling out of the parking spot she previously reversed into.
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I assumed dinner would be downtown—or maybe on the outskirts.
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But the further Nine drove, the quicker I realized we were having dinner much further than downtown.
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It seemed like we were having it in a whole other city.
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I remained silent as soft jazz music played from the surround speakers, trying to act like this was totally normal to me.
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But after two hours of driving, I couldn't help but glance over at her, finally deciding to ask her where we were going.
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And if we're there yet.
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"Nine" I suddenly spoke through the calm silence.
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She didn't glance away from the gloomy roads, "Yes?" she murmured, continuing to drive down the busy highway.
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"Where are we going?" I said, my attention placed entirely on her, "And why is it taking so long? I'm hungry."
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She briefly glanced to me, "We're two exits away" she said, reassuring me as she glanced back forward, "I'm taking you to Cannon Beach."
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I furrowed my brows, "You took me to an entirely different city?" I asked blankly, wishing I would've been better informed.
7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinA9QmtZZg
"Staying in Seattle would equate to acting appropriately in public" Nine calmly determined, flicking on her signal and merging to the right lane, "I didn't want to do that."
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I pursed my lips, "So we're staying here too?" I asked, feeling something inside of me deflate.
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Because I already knew her answer, and it meant I wouldn't get to see her house.
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"Yes," she said, exiting off the highway, "It's a beachfront property. You'll like it."
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I lazily hummed, "Right because this is totally beach weather" I mumbled, glancing out of the window coated with raindrops.
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It was grey and gloomy outside, making me want to climb back into my bed and sleep for hours.
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"The beach is beautiful on days like this, River" Nine countered my assumption, flicking on her signal and smoothly turning right at the stoplight,
"You'll see."
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I only hummed, staring out the tinted window at the shops and houses we passed.
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It was very... coastal.
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I think it would probably be really nice in the summer.
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In a way, Nine was right, it looked kind of poetic under the cloudy sky and light sprinkling of rain.
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All I could do was stare out the window, watching as we grew closer and closer to the beachfront.
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I assumed she was taking us to the property first, but it turned out the restaurant she made reservations at was also beachfront.
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And it was really fucking nice.
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Like live piano nice.
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Our table was by the floor-to-ceiling windows with a view of the peacefully gloomy beach, adding to the ambiance of the soft piano and chatter around us.
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"Hi, I'm Giselle" a cheery voice suddenly spoke, causing me to glance over to the younger redhead woman by our table. She wore a white tucked-in blouse and black dress pants, "I'll be serving you on this lovely evening. Is there anything I can get started for you?"
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Nine glanced to me, silently letting me order my drink first.
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I pursed my lips, "I would say water normally, but do you guys serve any other drinks?" I asked, glancing back over to the menu, "Non-alcoholic," I quickly clarified.
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Giselle took a step closer to me, "Oh we definitely do," she said, leaning down closer to me as she viewed my menu, "Read over this section," she told me, reaching her manicured finger over my shoulder to point at the menu.
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That's when I felt her stare.
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Nine's brown eyes openly analyzing us.
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And I immediately knew why—especially with the lack of space between me and this friendly server.
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"You seem like a Shirley Temple kind of girl" Giselle joked with a smile, turning her head to meet my stare and leaving our faces a few inches apart.
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I nodded awkwardly—
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"Perhaps another moment to look at the menu, Giselle?" Nine calmly spoke before I could, "I'll help her pick out a drink."
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Her words were calculated.
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There was a subtle passive-aggressive tone behind them, Nine's eyes locked on Giselle who immediately back away from me.
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"Of course, I'll be back in a few minutes" she said, blinking almost five times in a row before glancing away from Nine's precise stare, "Take your time!" she awkwardly whispered before quickly walking off.
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I felt so fucking bad.
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Nine can be intimidating on her own—but if she didn't like you it was so much worse.
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I learned that after she met Kai.
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"Seriously?" I asked in a lowered tone, glancing to Nine with a blank look.
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"She should've memorized the menu" she casually murmured, her brown eyes trailing my face.
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I raised a brow, "And what if she was new Nine?" I asked, shaking my head at her.
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"There's a spare menu on the table" she said, motioning her head to the table where not one, but two menus lay, "It was unnecessary to lean over you."
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I pursed my lips into a smile, processing her lowered tone and targeted words.
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"Your jealousy is adorable" I purposely quoted her words from earlier.
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Nine lazily raised her brows at my joke, "You say that now, River" she murmured, her stare holding mine.
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I tilted my head at her, "I don't know... I kind of like you jealous" I said, my smile growing when she shook her head at me.
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"This isn't jealousy, River. That was simply me correcting inappropriate behavior" Nine clarified, her brown eyes not wavering from mine, "Regardless, I don't do scenes or warnings. I remove problems before they realize they are one."
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I remained silent, feeling my face burn up from her serious statement.
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She meant every word she just said—I could see it all over her face.
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And I found it so fucking attractive yet almost scary at the same time, especially when her words registered.
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"Remove them?" I clarified, glancing down at the menu as I let out a deep breath.
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Suddenly it feels really hot in here.
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Or maybe it's this topic... her stare still pinning me down.
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It's making me feel hot.
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"River" she murmured as if my name alone was a warning.
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She was silent for a moment, causing me to glance up from the menu and meet her precise stare.
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Nine's eyes trailed my face, tilting her head before she said—
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"They disappear."
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She didn't elaborate.
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She didn't need to.
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I knew part of her background—I knew she held influence from her family's background alone.
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It's why she's asked to do interviews.
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She's not just a therapist.
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She has their last name, and clearly, that still means something.
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Even if she's across the country.
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"The Hawaiian punch" Nine suddenly said, circling back to the drink topic, "I think you would like it."
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I nodded a few times, "Yeah" I whispered, clearing my throat as I tried to focus on anything other than the previous topic.
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The menu says the Hawaiian punch is made in-house so I think it would be really good.
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"I'll get that then," I determined, setting my menu down on the table as I glanced up to her.
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But suddenly I'm thinking about Kai, and what I've kept from Nine.
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Would Kai be a problem meant for removing?
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I don't think Nine would care.
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Kai's my best friend anyway and we don't hook up anymore.
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She's not a present problem... sort of?
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Like she's present in my life, but not in a sexual way.
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Nine won't even find out—even if she and Kai were in the same room, it's not something that would casually come up.
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It's totally okay.
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"River."
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I blinked a few times, "Yes?" I whispered, zoning in on her stare already locked on me.
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And analyzing my face.
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"Is something on your mind?" she curiously asked me, opening her hand resting on the table.
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I knew it was a subtle invitation to hold her hand.
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She only wanted me to meet her halfway.
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"No" I quickly said, reaching up to place my hand in hers.
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Shivers ran through my body when her hand instinctively wrapped around mine, her skin smooth against mine.
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She was so warm around me, almost making my face burn up from the sheer intimacy of something as simple as holding her hand.
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"Relax, River"'Nine softly murmured, caressing her thumb against the back of my hand, "I don't go around randomly removing people" she said, picking up on where my head still was.
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It's times like this when I hated how well she could read me.
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I unconsciously glanced over, noticing a different waitress approaching our table.
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The other girl must've switched.
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"I apologize for the delays" the younger woman smiled, pulling out her notepad, "What drinks can I get started for you?"
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I smiled slightly, "Just the Hawaiian punch please," I told her, pursing my lips as I verged back into my thoughts.
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I don't know, I just...
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Maybe I should tell her about Kai?
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This weekend would be the perfect opportunity.
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And I think I should, especially after what she just said.
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I only hope it doesn't ruin our weekend.
ns216.73.216.176da2
