Promises || Road To Nationals

|16| Party

Jordan's POV:

   The Provincials are fast approaching. The first race in my ice career that will actually matter. I've been working harder than usual lately. In my free time, I'm either training during an open skate at whatever rink that isn't completely packed or I'm doing drylands in my dorm room while Erin laughs at me. My legs are even getting bigger. They're nothing like the twigs they used to be. Sometimes I sit in a way that makes them look bigger than they actually are and just stare at them. Although, I'm never going to admit that one out loud. 

   I get a monster energy drink after my English class. I swear these vending machines are the best investment the school has ever made. 

   I open it up, taking a long sip, basking in the silence. It's been a while since I didn't have people crowding around me. It's like a breath of fresh air. 

   "Hey, Jordan," a voice calls from behind me. I guess my solidarity is over. 

   I turn to see Kai walking up to me: Hands shoved in his pockets. His smile fades when he sees the drink in my hand. 

   "You know those are really bad for you, right? You shouldn't be using them as a supplement for sleep." 

   I roll my eyes. Although, his concern doesn't annoy me. It's another breath of fresh air. "Kay, mom, I'll try to cut back," I shoot back with a smirk, leaning against the vending machine. He gets closer, pulling the drink from my grasp and taking a few big gulps. Once he's done, he puts the drink softly back in my hand, wrapping my fingers around the cold drink. My face heats up. "You know, you could've just asked for a drink." 

   "I know," he smiles innocently. 

   Though being alone is nice, his company is even better. It feels right to just sit in silence with him. With anyone else, it would be awkward. His eyes are so soft, and his smile so warm. Sometimes I forget that we've only been friends for a few short months. 

   "JORDAAAAN!" Dre's voice calls out from the distance. There's visible disappointment on Kai's face. I also feel my heart sink. Dre is great and all, but I haven't been able to spend as much alone time with Kai since he got here. 

   He nudges Kai out of the way, eyes falling on my monster. He grabs it from my hand and chugs down almost half of it. Now, that's not good for you. I snatch it back before I have to buy a new one, "Goddamn, at least waterfall it." I slush it around, "Jesus, there's hardly any left." 

   "Hehe, sorry, couldn't help myself," he says, slinging his hands behind his head, "I've been up all night studying." 

   Kai scoffs, "If you by studying, you mean playing Genshin, then sure." Kai takes the monster from my hand and tosses it in the trash. I wince. What a waste of a perfectly good energy drink. And it was the only one left of my favorite flavor. Some assholes. This is why I hate men. 

   "Bruh, literally shut up. You try beating the Oceanid and see how you feel." 

   "The Oceanid is really tough," I shutter at my first encounter with the watery creature. 

   "You're defending him?" Kai's eyebrow twitches. 

   "I'm just saying, Genshin is a solid reason to stay up." 

   "That's right, sometimes I like to forget you're an otaku." 

   "Hey! You got a problem with us otakus?!" Dre shouts. This is about the point where they start fighting. 

   "Of course not," Kai groans, "Why are you even here?" 

   Dre's face lights up and he turns to me with a big grin, "That's right," he recalls, putting both of his hands on my shoulders, "My buddy is throwing a party at his mansion out in the suburbs tonight; said his parents are gonna be out for the week. He told me to invite some people. What do you say? You in?"