The Bachelors: a tiktok story

13: Interruptions

Kio seemed less than impressed with Josh interrupting but you either didn't notice or if you were being honest, simply didn't care. Something about this beautiful boy had left you attached from the first message. A message he'd left unanswered for several days now.

Kio: "Hey man, we are kinda busy here."

A boy who looked about 13 years old finally caught up:
"No way! They have Mario Kart here too? We just have Xbox at our table!"

You: "You wanna play with my friend, Kio for a second?"

Kio scoffed:
"Why in the hell would I-"

You shoved the controller back into Kio's hand cutting off whatever rudeness was spewing out. You gave him a stern look before turning to Josh:
"I am just surprised to hear from you."

Josh: "I know. I kept meaning to message you but a lot happened the last few days."

You: "I mean- You don't exactly owe me an explination but I just thought- Nevermind."

Josh reached out and grabbed your arm, gently:
"Hey, no. Don't do that. I can and I will explain. I just- but not right now in front of my little brother."

You: "Wow, he really does look just like you." 

Josh: "Yeah he's only in middle school and already a lady killer."

You couldn't help but laugh:
"I didn't say it was a good thing to be your mini-me."

Josh clutched his chest as if to pretend he was shot straight through the heart:
"Ouch."

You: "Oh, whatever. You're cute and you know it."

Josh: "Can I text you later and we can talk?"

You took his phone and typed in your number:
"Just call me instead."

Josh carried the biggest smile as he pulled his brother up to pay their tab and leave. You were watching them walk away when Kio interrupted:
"Little kids are so annoying. I wish this place was adults only."

You: "That's rude, don't you think?"

Kio: "So was ditching me for the beanpole and rugrat but it's all cool you can make it up to me next time."

You pulled away from Kio's advance:
"I don't think there will be a next time. I actually have to get home."

Kio moved close enough to make you uncomfortable:
"Well I'm your ride and I don't really feel like leaving just yet."

Chase interrupted just before Kio's hand moved closer:
"Good thing her Uber arrived just in the Nick of time, bud."

You grabbed your jacket and purse before explaining:
"I actually called my friend Chase for a ride while you were in the bathroom earlier."

Kio: "A girl who has this many guy friends? Wow sounds like I dodged a bullet."

Your skin crawled at the way he used his fingers to make air quotes as he said guy friends as if he was implying you got around just because your best friend was a boy. Suddenly you were struck with how weird it was to refer to Chase as your best friend when you'd only known each other a week. You were relieved that you hadn't said it out loud but you also knew that no matter how much time had passed, Chase was proving to be the best friend you'd ever had.

Chase has a heart to heart with us. Is he team Josh or team jealous?