Flowing Rhythm

8

"Sorry guys, I won't be joining you. Someone's taking me home," I bragged flirtatiously to Lexi.

"Hey, wait. Are we going to the Friday afterparty?" Jeisha called out just as I was getting into Lennon's car.

"Yeah! You're so eager to drink!" I laughed and shouted back at her, waved, then got in. I quickly buckled my seatbelt and placed the flowers I received today on my lap.

"I love your smile, you look so happy," Lennon said.

"Sorry we beat you guys, I didn't mean to," I told him seriously. I didn't expect we'd beat their band either. Everyone thought they were a sure win.

"It's fine. It just means it's your turn to treat," he joked.

"You might want to eat somewhere expensive—I can't afford that," I said, hugging the bouquet.

He just smiled at me and focused on driving. I checked my phone and saw tons of notifications. Apparently, some have already posted about the Battle of the Bands award and congratulated us. My Facebook was flooded with messages from friends. I thanked some of them, but couldn't reply to all—it was just too many. Looks like I need to set up account controls.

I saw a video of our performance and watched it. I couldn't decide if I should be happy or embarrassed about how I looked! I seemed way too confident earlier! But the most shocking part—the views! Oh my God! Why did it already hit 3k views when it was just posted a while ago?

Lexi and the others probably shared it around! I was right! There it was: "My bestie who sings so beautifully, please share thanks!" I felt like I was begging for likes and comments just for a project!

"Your voice is really addictive," Lennon suddenly said.

I forgot I was on the loudspeaker—he could hear what I was watching! "You've been buttering me up for a while," I said with a smile, rolling my eyes.

He said, "I won't get tired of listening to you."

"If that's your way of winning me over, I'm telling you—it won't work." I shook my head at him. That shut him up.

Back when I was naive in love, I used to fall for sweet words from every guy who came into my life. After my last ex, I never tried again.

I focused more on my responsibilities. Because that's what I had to prioritize. In short, I matured early. I know I'm not the unluckiest person in the world, but in my situation, it's hard to find a reason to get up in the morning.

Some guys try to get close to me, but I just ignore them.

But it's different with Lennon. His way of courting me is so old-fashioned, so unusual. If it were someone else, I might've already said "I love you" just through text. But he used traditional courtship.

And I liked that about him.

Because to me, it means a lot when someone treasures and respects you.

"In what way can I win you over?" he asked seriously, almost boldly.

"Why? Do I seem like someone you can just easily win over?" I raised an eyebrow at him.

"No, but you and I... we're meant to be," he said in a cringey conyo way. I didn't know whether to blush or get creeped out by his pickup line.

I couldn't help but laugh at what he said. I knew he was joking, but deep inside, I could feel he was serious. I never questioned that.

I looked out the window, noticing the city lights.

"Why are we at a hotel?" I asked nervously.

"What do you think?" he smirked, unbuckling his seatbelt.