INSECURE

YOU PRETTY

You know that moment in those Ugly-Duckling-Turns-Beautiful-Swan Movies where they have that magical transformation? Yeah? Well, here I was, staring at myself in the mirror, willing myself to have that beautiful alteration.

'Anytime now.'

But no. Instead, I was still stuck with my 5"5 stature and mocha-colored skin that dipped and rose with every curve of my body. Full lips and thick eyelashes, I had accepted my fate a long time ago.

I was a feminine guy. I knew that, and I owned it.

But my ex-boyfriend Steffen couldn't take it anymore. I brought too much attention apparently. He didn't like attention. He hated when I would wear my crop tops, or fish nets, and don't even mention when I was in the mood to wear a skirt. That would always end with us fighting and going our separate ways for the night.

That should have been a large red flag, but I had ignored it. That's what you did when you were in love. You compromised.

Also, don't forget, I was too clingy. Because, apparently, my asking to spend the weekend together since we were both off was too much and he felt as though I was suffocating him. He needed to breathe.

So, here I was, 22, and dumped. I was supposed to be having my Ugly-Duckling-Turns-Beautiful-Swan moment. My Fairy Godmother was supposed to manifest out of thin air and start granting my wishes. I deserved it. This was supposed to be the prime of my life.

So, why was I stuck staring into the mirror? Pointing out all my flaws? Feeling so insecure? Hoping for my Cinderella moment?

***

Sighing, I tightened some of the light brown curls that were scattered across my forehead. Giving my hair a final shake to give it that extra bounce. I was happy with my curls for once. Maybe a sign that tonight would be a good night.

My flatmates were dragging me out of the house tonight. They were tired of my moping. I was only moping for two days. But it was Saturday night, and anything could happen.

"Babe..." Jax knocked. His best friend since kindergarten. "You almost ready?" He asked. A pair of light brown eyes peeped through the opening of the door.

I was staring at myself again. This mirror and I were going to become mortal enemies at this point.

Was I ready? I didn't want to do too much tonight. First night back out on the 'prowl'. I didn't want to come across as desperate. Mascara to bring out my hazel eyes, and some lip gloss. A simple white short romper that hugged all the right places, and let the cheeks show, and some simple white Doc Martens. I needed the extra height.

"Yeah, I think so..." I turned towards Jax and did a full 360. "What do you think?" I asked.

The Asian boy smiled and came closer. "Theo... You look good!" He grabbed my shoulders and shook me. "Stop second-guessing yourself."

Before I could respond, my bedroom door slammed into the wall.

The twins. Aiden and Ezra.

Physically and mentally the twins were identical. From mannerisms to how they spoke, it was always a hassle to differentiate the two. It also didn't help that they did everything together. Same job, same hobbies same daily routine.

"Let's fucking go!" Aiden started.

"We don't have all night!" Ezra finished.

They weren't as calm and comforting as Jax, but I wouldn't trade them for the world.

"And lotion your skin..."

"Ya look dusty."

Not yet anyway.

***

Blue Orchid was the club.

Good looking guys. Great drinks. Awesome music. Amazing vibes.

Never disappointed.

Also, the closest gay club to the apartment.

I had ordered a drink since we came into the club, and it was still in my hand almost two hours later. I just couldn't get into the music. I felt like I was killing the mood. I was just swaying in place to the music.

The twins had found a tall Adonis, which by some miracle, was able to handle the two of them at the same time. Jax being Jax, stayed by my side, giving me words of encouragement every now and then. I just felt like I was cock-blocking at this point. I was ready to call it a night and just go home.

"Theo?"

I turned towards the voice. Who would be here that could recognize me?

Roman. Steffens barber. Was this a sick joke? Of all nights to bump into anyone even remotely acquainted with Steffen, it had to be tonight. The one night I was supposed to forget any and everything related to my ex.

The barber approached, his locs swinging at the middle of his back. It was a significant length compared to his six-foot-two stature. His chocolate skin glowed under the club lights. He gave me a smile, flashing a toothy grin with his set of grills beaming. That seemed to be the only jewelry he had on with a plain black button-up and jeans and Timberlands.

"Roman? Hey." I was genuinely surprised. I hadn't known that Roman was a part of this community. "Didn't know you came to these places." I fully turned my body towards him.

"Ah, not many do." He was standing in front of me now. "Heard some news... You're officially single now." He smirked.

What? Was Steffen going around telling people we had broken up already? Not even a week or two to properly mourn the end of a two-year relationship? The asshole.

Roman laughed. "Don't look like that. I'm his barber. Things slip into a conversation when I'm cutting people's hair." He sipped on his cup that had some brown liquid in it. "Besides, you deserve better than him. He was a dick." He rubbed his hands together, licking his lips and looking me up and down. "And you too fine for that."

I suddenly felt overwhelmed with all the knowledge that just came at me. Steffen was talking to other guys? Was that what prompted the breakup? Did he find someone else? Someone better than me? And was Roman flirting with me? Steffen's barber, Roman? Flirting with me?

"Uh... Thank you?"

Why did I suddenly feel self-conscious under his gaze?

The barber chuckled. "You are most welcome." He moved closer to me, an arm now going around my back and pulling me closer. "Now, if I was a different person I would play on your little heartbreak and try and take you back to mine, but I'm not that person." He smirked. "I just think you need a little reminding." The dread head continued. His hand started drifting down towards my butt. "You pretty." He finished.

I had to be blushing. I was sure I was.

I could now smell the brown liquid on his breath. It was Hennessy. It was intoxicating. Almost making me feel like I was the one drinking it.

"If you ever want a real one, you know where to find me." Roman was now pulling away, but before he completely let go, he placed a small peck on my neck. I gasped.