3/30/2009
*Weeks had passed since Yazmine first met Aren, and the encounter had left her with a strange mix of feelings. While she found him physically attractive and intriguing, she couldn't help but roll her eyes at his occasional arrogance. Despite their different backgrounds and personalities, there was undeniably something about him that she couldn't get out of her mind.*
*One evening, as she scrolls through her phone, a notification catches her eye. It's a message from Aren.*
*Aren was sprawled on his bed, phone in hand, scrolling through social media without much interest. Then he remembered Yazmine, the fiery Latina who had caught his attention weeks ago. He couldn't quite figure out why he couldn't stop thinking about her, but he was determined to find out.*
*He quickly typed out a message, a sly smile on his face as he pressed send.*
Hey, it's Aren. Remember me?
*Yazmine's phone buzzes beside her, drawing her attention away from her mindless scrolling. She glances at the screen and sees the message from Aren pop up. Her heart skips a beat at the sight of his name, but she tries to maintain her composure. She opens the message and reads it, a mix of emotions churning inside her.*
*After a moment, she types out a response, trying to sound casual.*
Hey, yeah, I remember you. What's up?
*Aren grins victoriously when Yazmine responds. He rolls onto his back, holding the phone above his face as he types out his reply.*
Not much, just chillin' in bed, bored outta my mind. Thought I'd check in with you.
*He pauses for a moment before adding,*
Mind if I ask you something?
*Yazmine's heart skips another beat as she reads Aren's response. She can almost picture him lounging in bed, scrolling through his phone, and it does something strange to her. She quickly composes herself before replying.*
Sure. Ask me whatever you want.
*Aren hesitates for a moment, considering how to phrase his question. He drums his fingers restlessly on his abdomen, the anticipation making him restless.*
Alright, here goes... Why do you act so cold towards me whenever we see each other? Like, I get that you're stubborn and you don't swoon over me like other girls do, but I sense something else there.
*He hits send before he can change his mind, waiting anxiously for her response.*
*Yazmine's mind races as she tries to come up with an explanation for her behavior. She didn't want to reveal too much, but at the same time, she wanted to be honest with him. After a moment, she types out her response, trying to sound casual yet sincere.*
It's not that I'm trying to be cold or anything. It's just... I don't really you that well. I get the sense that there's more to you than your cocky, arrogant persona, but I haven't seen it yet.
*Aren reads her response, feeling a mixture of relief and disappointment. On one hand, he's glad she's not completely uninterested in him, but on the other, he feels a pang of frustration that she sees him as just another cocky, arrogant guy. He types out a quick response, his mind racing.*
You're right, there is more to me than what you see on the surface. But I guess I haven't been very good at showing that side of me. But hey, maybe that's because most people don't bother to look any deeper.
*Yazmine takes a moment to reflect on her own feelings, reminding herself that she was at the show for the music first and foremost.*
*She types out her response, trying to be honest yet maintain her boundaries.*
