Fragments of Us

Chapter Twenty-Seven: Compulsion

Chev was practically glowing with excitement as she led Milo and Jason into her apartment. “Okay, Milo,” she said with a dramatic pause. “Prepare to have your mind blown.”

Jason rolled his eyes but smiled, clearly amused. “Here we go again.”

Chev ignored him and pointed proudly toward the corner of her sleek kitchen. “Behold! The microwave!”

Milo chuckled, walking over to inspect the stainless steel appliance. “It’s... very shiny,” he said diplomatically.

   “Not just shiny!” Chev said, wagging a finger at him. “This thing is top-of-the-line. It can bake, reheat, defrost—oh, and it air fries!”

Jason leaned casually against the counter, taking a sip from the beer he had opened. “It should also vacuum the apartment for how much it cost.”

Chev spun around, pointing a threatening finger at him. “You’re just jealous because you can’t afford it.”

Jason smirked, leaning in to peck her on the cheek. “Jealous? Babe, I’d rather spend my money on pizza and beer.”

As if on cue, the doorbell rang.

   “Speaking of pizza,” Chev said, rushing to answer the door. She returned moments later with two large pizza boxes and a bucket of fried chicken.

Milo helped clear space on the coffee table as Jason grabbed more beer from the fridge.

As they settled into Chev’s living room, Milo glanced around, admiring the space. The apartment had a simple modern vibe—neutral tones, minimalist furniture, and warm yellow lighting that gave the room a cozy glow. A couple of framed prints hung on the walls, showcasing abstract art that added a touch of sophistication. Potted plants were tucked into corners, their leafy greens softening the edges of the room. A small shelf by the window was lined with books, some leaning on each other haphazardly, and a vintage record player sat proudly on the side table, surrounded by a neat stack of vinyls.

   “You’ve got a great place,” Milo said, grabbing a slice of pizza.

   “Thanks!” Chev said, flopping onto the couch next to Jason. She tucked her legs under her and grabbed a piece of fried chicken. “It’s small, but it’s home. And hey, it’s rent-controlled, so I’m not complaining.”

Jason laughed as he reached for a beer. “Chev’s real selling point: cheap rent and a microwave that costs more than her couch.”

Chev threw a napkin at him, rolling her eyes. “It’s called investing in quality, Jason. Not that you’d know anything about that with your mismatched furniture.”

   “I call it eclectic,” Jason said, smirking. “Besides, why would I buy new stuff when I’m here half the time anyway?”

Milo perked up at that, turning to Jason. “So... are you here all the time?”

Jason shrugged, wiping his fingers on a napkin. “Yeah, pretty much. Free food, good company, a microwave that’s smarter than I am—what’s not to love?”

Milo raised an eyebrow, his tone teasing. “Why not just move in? It’d save you money, right?”

Chev snorted, nearly choking on her chicken. “Oh, no. Not yet.”

Jason looked at her, mock-offended. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Chev grinned, leaning back on the couch and crossing her arms. “I’m not ready to hate you every day. Familiarity breeds contempt, you know? I’ve read the stories.”

Jason smirked. “And by ‘stories,’ you mean your webcomics?”

   “Hey, they’re accurate,” Chev said, pointing at him with a piece of chicken. “But seriously, I like my space. And you, Jason, are not exactly the easiest person to live with.”