Just Colleagues

3. A Day With the Kooks

Rafe's POV:

I wake up the next morning pretty late, which makes sense considering the fact that Fran and I arrived back home around 3:30am.

After I stretch my arms out and yawn, I sit up from my bed and check my phone.

11:42am

"Fuck, it's late," I mumble to myself.

I quickly hop in the shower to get ready for the day, but as I am showering I can't help but think of the picnic Briar and I had. My cheeks flush in nervousness due to the self reminder that I ranted to her last night.

Why did I do that? Why did I tell her that everyone thinks of me as a typical fuckboy?

It was so out of the ordinary for me. As I continue with my skin care, I grow more and more embarrassed about the possibility that Briar might think less of me because of my past.

Why do I care that much? I shouldn't... right? She's just another girl and it's not like her opinion of me matters.

Yet again it still bothers me, no matter how much I try to reject it.

As I get out of the bathroom I force myself to swat away my crowding thoughts and get ready to go down and eat some food. As I descend down the steps, I hear Sarah and Briar's voices coming from the kitchen, and I freeze.

Fuck, she's awake. Why am I being so nervous? Just act chill, Rafe.

I take a deep breath and begin my walk toward the kitchen while fixing my hair.

"My brother" Sarah announces in a monotone voice.

Briar laughs. "Morning, Rafe!"

"Now see, Sarah, that's how you properly say good morning to me" I joke as I playfully flick her in the head. She lets out an over exaggerated 'ouch' and rolls her eyes, causing Briar to giggle.

I glance at Briar and send her a smile. Not gonna lie, but her laugh is cute.

I look over to to the kitchen island and spot a plate of eggs and bacon.

"Oh yeah, Sarah and I made too much breakfast for the both of us, so you can have the rest" Briar states.

"Wow, I feel honored" I reply, my hand over my chest.

I eat my breakfast and go on my phone while also casually eavesdropping on Sarah and Briar's conversation happening at the living room couch. As I finish up the food, I catch Sarah saying something important.

"Shit, I totally forgot! Rafe, Wheezie, and I have to help do community service and pick up trash on the beach later today with Figure 8 kids" I hear my sister say.

I whip my head toward Sarah's direction and widen my eyes as I wash my plate in the sink. "Fuck, is that today?"

"Yeahhh" Sarah groans.

"What time?"

"At 2, so, like, basically in a couple of hours"

I scratch my head in slight frustration. I definitely don't want to do community service.

"OH MY GOD! Briar, you should help with us! It would be way better if you came, rather than me having to force myself to hang out with my siblings" Sarah exclaims.

"Wow, I love you too, Sarah" I scoff.

Briar chuckles. "Yeah, I'd love to! I mean, I have no plans anyway"

I grin at her. "After, you can finally hang out with me and the guys"

"Yeah, I'm down!"

Briar's POV: