MarcQwuan's POV:
I watch Kendrick storm out, his anger visible. Is he really going to slam that door?
"You better not slam that damn door!" I call out unsuccessfully, wincing as it echoes through the hallway.
I jump up, hurrying towards Jasmine's room, my heart sinking with each step.
"Hey, you better get your friend before I—" I begin, pushing open the door to a scene that never fails to unsettle me: Jasmine, crumpled on the floor, tears staining her cheeks, completely naked.
"Oh my god, I'm so sorry!" I rush to close the door behind me, trying to regain composure. She looks so vulnerable, so delicate... Focus, Marc.
"Are you okay?" I ask, my voice softer now, though still audible through the door.
"Go away," she murmurs, her words strained from crying.
"I live with you; it's not that simple," I attempt humor, hoping to break through her sorrow.
"Leave me alone, Marc," she replies, even quieter than before.
"I'm going to Starbucks. You want anything?" I ask, knowing her weakness for Starbucks might just coax a response.
"No, I don't want anything," comes the barely audible reply.
Wow, that's something I never expected to hear from her, especially considering the incident with those videos on his phone. It must be really serious.
"Well, more for me then," I murmur as I walk to the door slip on my shoes. For once, I had intended to be thoughtful and try a coffee she'd been urging me to taste. Coffee isn't my thing, so every time we visit Starbucks, she pushes me to try something different beyond my usual, strawberry acai with lemonade.
Heading downstairs to the Starbucks conveniently nestled beneath our apartment complex, I reflect on why we chose the top floor. The thought of noisy kids above us in bustling midtown Atlanta made it an easy decision; plus, it's a perfect midpoint for our commutes to work. I operate tower cranes during the day and create TikTok videos on the side, while she spends her days in pharmacy school. It's so sexy, there's just something about a woman in uniform that gets me every time.
Arriving at Starbucks, I realize today might just be my lucky day—no line in sight, which means I can waltz right up to the cashier without delay.
"I'd like two Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espressos please."
YOU ARE READING
Friends
RomanceMarc'Qwuan Reid is a 23 year hopeless romantic with a crush on his roommate, a woman named Jasmine. Their friendship was perfect until she took her first steps into getting over her ex. Now they notice new things about each other that puts their fri...
