Meeting Mr Wainscott

5: Friday

Big shout out to Cygnus for being the best Barnes

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"Ms Barnes- Friday, wait!"

Friday looked back, only having just reached her car after signing in Cygnus for school. Ian panted as he caught up to her, running a hand through his hair. He looked slightly dishevelled, much different to how he usually was. His hair was shaggier, strands falling in front of his eyes that begged for her to reach out and tuck away.

"How's your hangover?" she asked, tilting her eyes to his dazed ones.

"Horrible, thanks for asking. That Wai-Yi friend of yours can really drink," he said, stretching his shoulders back and frowning.

Friday laughed into her hand, her keys clacking against each other. "She's quite convincing. "

"Yeah, well- wait!" he suddenly exclaimed. "No, no I didn't want to just chat." he looked at her pleadingly, his eyebrows furrowed together. "Yesterday, I-"

"It's fine," she interrupted. She could already hear the apology that wanted to fly out from him. "Really. My clothes may be forever stained, but I can always just buy new ones."

Ian turned a light shade of pink, frowning.

"Well, I, uh, didn't mean about the clothes... although I am incredibly sorry for that!" he assured, his tone becoming faster and quieter. "I meant, I meant when I..."

"You'll have to speak up," Friday aided gently.

His face only went a darker shade of red, he tilted it down.

"I meant when I almost walked in on you," he finally said, his hands fidgeting at his side.

Friday blinked before erupting into laughter.

"It's fine!" she said through giggles, not being able to contain herself over his cute red face. "Seriously, I promise you that's the thing I'm worried about the least from last night."

Ian groaned, placing a hand on his forehead.

"God, that was a mess. I don't even know what to say to you," he said, shaking his head slightly. "I've been so distracted ever since."

The loud sound of a car door slamming jolted the two.

"Hey! What are you two doing out here?" Trea's lively voice interrupted. She walked over to them, holding each of her kid's hands in hers.

Ian had turned red again and began to speak but Friday interrupted.

"This prude can't get over the fact that he almost walked in on me while I was showering," she said lightheartedly.

"Don't tell her, she's insufferable!" Ian scowled.

Trea laughed, much more harshly than Friday did.

"You loser!" she howled, doubling over.

"You're an adult, act like it!" he scolded, taking Eun-Woo and Ji-A's hands from her.

Trea wiped at her eyes and smiled. "Just take her to dinner or something if you want to be so chivalrous, God, you're acting like you walked in on Jane Eyre flashing an ankle or something, get a grip."

Ian was about to retort, childish characteristics washing over his mature features until the sound of hurried – and small – footsteps came towards them. They all turned to see Cygnus running over to them, the door of the kindergarten entrance still open. He still wore his backpack. The secretary rushed over as well and stood in the doorway nervously.