Finding Ourselves, Together.

Arny--2.9.22

2:12 p.m.

Every inch of my body aches.

Okay, hear me out: I don't usually have hookups like that, I was just feeling kinda shitty and wanted a distraction. Now here I am, as usual, feeling nothing but regret. I'm really glad I wasn't drunk enough to exchange numbers with that woman at the bar--God, I can't even remember her name.

This morning

4:06 am

My eyes snapped open and I sat up, my eyes adjusting to the darkness around me, my head light from the sudden rush. I don't know where I am--or my clothes--and there's some girl lying next to me with her arm draped along my waist. I carefully pluck her wrist off my body and shift around, trying not to make too much noise. My head throbs from the alcohol of the night and everything hurts. I stand from the bed, surprised the twin could fit both of us on it. I face the woman, softly stroking my neck and feeling light scratches beneath my fingertips.

Dammit, man, I think to myself, rubbing my jaw in disappointment. I've been trying to be better about this.

As I make my way to the pile of clothes in the corner of this sorry excuse for a room, the floorboards creak beneath my feet. I slowly turn my head to see if she's awake, only for her to let out a loud snore. Thank goodness she's a heavy sleeper; I could never.

I get dressed as quickly and quietly as I can, checking my (miraculously alive) phone in the process. We're at a small inn a few blocks away from Bar Lupin, which is good. And then a thought hits my brain.

What the fuck happened to my bike?

I creep out of the room and pay with my card in the lobby. I proceed to head outside and hail a cab, hauling ass back to the bar. I must be the luckiest person in the fucking world to find my pride and joy still right where I left her. I throw money and the driver and sprint to my Kawasaki Ninja 650, running my hands along its sides. I pick up my helmet, which had fallen on the ground, and speed back home, hoping to get at least a few hours of sleep before classes start.

Current time

3:17 p.m.

I had been running on adrenaline then, unaware of how beat I looked, and now I'm paying the consequences. I'd like to just lay down for eternity and forget about all my responsibilities and screw-ups, but my thoughts are constantly intruded upon but that project for Dr. Cooper's stupid cybersecurity course. Man, I feel bad for the girl I'm paired with; I don't know shit in that class. Hopefully, she doesn't go crazy on me if I decide not to do the work. Although, I'm sure I could find a method of compensation in a way that would be pleasing for her...

Don't even dream of it, you piece of shit.

Right. No hook-ups, no one-night stands, no nothing. Just classmate stuff.

Jesus.