𝐏𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐬 ━━ 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐥

ꜱᴇᴠᴇɴ

chapter seven — drown my sorrows

Y/N woke up to the sound of her alarm blaring, and immediately, she knew something was off. Reaching over to silence it, she managed to knock her phone off the nightstand, sending it crashing to the floor and cracking the screen. She groaned, rolling over and letting her face fall into the pillow, but immediately jumped up when she felt a spider crawl across her arm. The day hadn't even started, and it already felt like a cosmic joke.

The joke only continued as she got ready for the day. First, her toothbrush fell into the sink, splattering toothpaste everywhere. Then, as she was getting dressed, the button on her favourite pair of jeans popped off, forcing her to wear an older pair that didn't fit quite right. Then, she tripped over the carpet as she left her room. By the time she headed downstairs for breakfast, she was already on edge.

At the bottom of the stairs, she found Boothill waiting for her, leaning casually against the reception desk as if he had all the time in the world. His relaxed demeanour was a sharp contrast to the frustration boiling under her skin.

"Mornin', darlin'," he greeted her with that easy smile of his. "Sleep well?"

"Morning," Y/N replied, trying her best to sound normal. "It was...alright. How about you?"

"Can't complain," Boothill said, studying her with a curious glint in his eye. "Listen, I was wonderin' if you could help me out today. We're gettin' ready for the Summer Solstice celebration, and I need to pick up some supplies from the store. Figured you might like to tag along."

Y/N hesitated, her mind flashing back to all the little disasters that had already befallen her that morning. But the thought of spending time with Boothill, and maybe shaking off this cloud of bad luck, was too tempting to pass up. "Sure, why not?" she agreed, hoping her day might improve.

They drove to the store in Boothill's truck, the morning sun beating down on them through the open windows. Despite her rough start, Y/N couldn't help but feel a bit of her tension ease as they drove along the now familiar roads of Aeragan. Boothill had that effect on her—his presence was grounding, a steady reminder that not everything was out to get her.

As they drove, Y/N had a sudden realization. "You know," she said, her tone casual, "we still haven't exchanged numbers."

"That's true," Boothill said, his fingers tapping lightly against the steering wheel. "How 'bout we fix that?"

"Give me your phone," she said, making a 'gimme' motion.

He looked at her from the corner of his eye before glancing down at his pocket, a mischievous smile creeping onto his lips. "I'm drivin'. Gotta keep both hands on the wheel, but you're welcome to get it yourself. It's in my front pocket." He shifted in his seat.

Y/N knew exactly what he was doing, but she didn't let it get to her. "Of course it is." She rolled her eyes and leaned over, her hand hovering above his pocket for a moment before she slid it in, her fingers brushing against the fabric of his jeans. She felt Boothill's body tense slightly, but he kept his eyes on the road. Though she didn't miss the lewd look in his eyes when he glanced down at her hand, or the way his lips twitched upward.

As she retrieved the phone, she could feel the warmth of his skin through the fabric, and her own heart rate picked up. She quickly pulled the phone out, trying to ignore the lingering heat in her cheeks. "Got it," she said, holding up the phone in triumph.