We're all hanging out at the collection of shops near the beach. Cara and Meadow are talking, a few steps away. Jude and I got distracted reading the decorative signs displayed outside of one of the stores. They said things like "Keep out: Gamer at play" and "Warning: What happens in the man cave stays in the man cave." Today is quiet, aside from the leaves swishing in the breeze and the seagulls cawing. I feel tired, but all of them are okay with me being low energy. Jude and I catch up to the other two finally. I stand behind Cara, watching her talk. Her hoodie looks soft and warm. Her hair is slightly messy from all the wind. I step closer and slip my arms under hers and around her body in a hug. I breathe in the soft scent of laundry soap on her.
"Hello," She says quickly, interrupting herself. She places her hand on my arm. I smile. She concludes whatever conversation she was having Meadow and looks back at me. I lift my head and peer over her shoulder. "I think we're gonna head home," she tells Meadow.
"Me too. It's too cold out here," Meadow agrees. Jude looks up from his phone. "Can I come?"
Meadow looks at him. "No!" She says in a joking voice. Jude frowns, then giggles.
I hesitantly let go of Cara and wave bye to our friends. She takes my hand as we head to the bus stop. "Can we go to your house?" She asks.
"Mhm!" I hum, nodding.
"We should do something fun."
"We should watch lucky star!"
"Yes!" Cara squeezes my hand. We like rewatching shows we've already seen together.
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Cara kicks off her docs and settles on my bed. She looks out of place against my pink walls and strawberry printed bed sheets. I struggle to untie my shoes as she reaches for my My Little Pony blanket and covers herself with it. I snag my laptop off my desk and settle against her, clicking on a random episode to watch.
I love that Cara and I like the same things. She's so easy to talk to and spend time with. I like watching anime with her, or listening to music with her, or playing games with her. She's the only person I know that has grown up liking the same things as me.
"We have to go to Japan together one day," I say, bringing up a conversation we've had in the past.
She nods enthusiastically. "We do! I'm so excited for when we can."
"One day."
She nods and kisses me suddenly. I smile and rest my head on her shoulder, and we stay that way for a while.
