THE BLACK PHONE IMAGINES/PREFERENCES

𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐞 | vance hopper

A 'ding' echoed throughout the Grab n Go as Vance Hopper slammed the machine in excitement. A small crowd of students watched as the boy slipped a coin into the slot, starting the game again. 

Vance Hopper was known as the best pinball player in North Denver. He played every day after school. Who knows how much money he had spent on a rusty game? Some kids did the math and discovered Vance should've spent around one hundred and fifty dollars. 

You were among the students, watching Vance's eyes focus intently on the game. Vance eventually lost, beating his high score once more. It was slightly enjoyable, you thought. However, you could easily do better. 

"Vance is unbeatable! A hundred thousand points?!" A boy said excitedly.

"Hm. . . you sure?" You mumbled, crossing your arms. People heard your whispers, everyone turning around to look at you, including Vance Hopper.

Vance's eyebrows knitted together, slowly stepping towards you. He tilted his head to the side, attempting to intimidate you. It made him look stupid, so you chuckled instead.

"What did you say, dipshit?" He said darkly. 

Unimpressed, you glanced at the pinball machine. "I can beat your score. It doesn't look hard," you responded confidently. The teenagers around you stared worryingly, whispering to the people beside them. They didn't believe a stranger like you would beat Vance Hoppers.

Vance was surprised someone was bold enough to try and beat your score. "Yeah, I don't think so," he laughed, returning to the pinball machine and pulling a quarter out of his pocket. You wanted to play, so you had to think of a way for him to let you.

People like him were easily convinced. It was easy to tell he was competitive and had poor sportsmanship. He'd do anything to win and prove himself.

"Let's make a bet," you offered. Oohs filled the crowd as Vance hesitated, taking the coin and tossing it in his hands. 

"What do I get?"

"If I win. . ." you paused, determining the best way to do this. "It will be simple. You'll buy me a milkshake. You can choose whatever you want."

Based on the opinion you formed about Vance when you met him, he could probably choose something unpleasant. So, you'd have to win.

A smirk crept on Vance's face as he leaned on the machine, his hand pressed on it. "If I win, you'll never be allowed to play this pinball machine again," He smiled, tapping on the machine. 

Your expectations for Vance were higher than you thought. The pinball machine wouldn't affect your daily life, so you agreed. 

You pushed through the students, took a coin out of your back pocket, and placed it inside the slot. The starting music blasted from the speakers as you pulled the plunger. 

Aggressively pressing the buttons, your score got higher and higher. You glanced at Vance, whose arms were crossed angrily. Students around you were very impressed. 

"Woah, twenty thousand more points, and she beat Vance's high score—" a student began.

"Shut up, or else," Vance threatened, instantly making the crowd silent. You smiled before focusing on the game again. 

A minute later, "High score!" echoed from the speakers. Over two hundred thousand points showed on the sign as you ended the game, backing away. The kids cheered as you bowed boastfully before meeting eyes with Vance.

He was upset, and his hands balled into fists. Unfortunately, you were expecting a massive reaction. Maybe a swing to the face or something. 

"So, when are you going to buy me that milkshake?"

Silence.

You stood there awkwardly, your pride fading away. Sighing, you had to do something to make him speak. 

"I'll offer you some tips while we're there. If you want," you offered, looking around. From the corner of your eye, you see Vance glancing at you. 

"Fine. Let's go now."

"Now? Why?"

"To get over it, dumbass."

"Hm. . . alright," You say, adjusting your sleeves.

"Can you also give me some tips?" he mumbled incoherently.

"What?"

Vance sighed as you exited the Grab n Go. "You ask too many questions."

"Well, what did you say?"

He cleared his throat as he turned to you. "Give me some tips. . . please?"

You didn't think of Vance as the type to say please. This made you laugh. 

"Yeah, sure."

And at that moment, you knew. You felt something. It may have been a gut feeling, but maybe there's something deeper to Vance than his ongoing pinball obsession. 

-

A/N:
Hi everybody!
I'm sorry I haven't updated much. I'm going through some writer's block, and I'm getting busier. Hopefully, as this year continues, I'll write better stuff for you :)
Thank you so much for reading!! <3