Starlight

04|| milkshake

ephemeral : lasting a very short time

White Tee - Lil Peep

ZELIA

The shoot was coming to an end, and other than a small smirk from Alexander when we first locked eyes, I had been able to somehow manage to keep interactions to an absolute minimum.

I didn't need to embarrass myself any further than I already had.

The clicks of cameras slowly came to a standstill as everyone prepared to leave to continue their lives outside of these four walls. A ring sliced through the hustle and bustle, and an elated smile stretched across the photographer's face as they looked at their phone screen.

As I observed, a pang of loneliness hit me as I realised I didn't have these small, precious moments of joy to look forward to.

Feeling bleak, I quickly snatch the notepad and small white tote bag I'd brought for this shoot and walk towards the exit in need of a snack. The mental image of a banana milkshake with cream had me smiling as I walked down the street to a cute modern café that seemed to sell the best ones.

Walking in, the smell of caffeine hits me, and dopamine fills my insides as I walk towards the counter and order.

The background noise of orders being read out accompanied me as I stood waiting silently. I must have zoned out otherwise, I would have noticed the tall figure that had come to stand beside me.

"What did you order?" he asked.

Fear lodged in my throat at the unfamiliar voice before it dissipated and irritation took its place. Looking to me left, I realised that it was Alexander fucking Leroy.

"Are you following me?" I muttered, baffled, as to what a supposed celebrity wanted from me. Shouldn't he have other things to do besides intruding into people's business?

"Nah, I'm just intrigued as to why you have such a dislike for me."

A laugh fell from my lips before I could stop it. He sounded like a child who's found out he's been denied his favourite toy. I highly doubted this was the reason he was lingering everywhere I went, but I'd entertain his twisted delusions for now.

"I don't dislike you...I just don't know you," I replied and collected my milkshake that sat ready at the counter, walking towards a seat with Alexander following deep in thought.

"I know a way to fix that, but you have to be open-minded about it once I tell you," he stated cautiously.

Open minded? Did Alexander think I wasn't open-minded?

I didn't like the thought, and discomfort seeped through me as I was pulled back to when I was hardly social and sat in a ball with my own thoughts, refusing to acknowledge anything outside of those barriers.

His eyebrows scrunched in confusion as he took in the change in the nature of our conversation, and not wanting him to realise he may have hit a nerve, I gave him a small smile, willing him to carry on.

"I have a party at a new nightclub for my birthday and was wondering if you would like to come. There's free food and alcohol, and there's going to be me there, of course. Also, you can bring anyone you want." He rushes out in a single breath and stares at me with amusement in his eyes but also a small flicker of hope.

A refusal was heavy at the tip of my tongue, but it was as if I was being swayed by the presence sitting in front of me, willing me to agree. Cyra finished early teaching today since it was a Friday and would likely be willing since it had been a long time since we had some fun.