Hosie~ One Shots

Don't Judge A Book By Its Cover Part 3

As they stepped out of the club, the cool night air wrapped around them, a welcome contrast to the heat and noise inside. The city was still alive, neon lights reflecting off wet pavement, the distant hum of traffic filling the quiet space between them.

Josie took a deep breath, letting the crisp air clear her mind. "God, that place was so stuffy."

Hope chuckled beside her. "Yeah, not exactly my scene either."

Josie raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And yet, you're a regular there?"

Hope smirked, shoving her hands into her jacket pockets. "Let's just say I know people."

Josie narrowed her eyes playfully. "Mysterious as always."

Hope grinned. "Gotta keep you interested somehow."

Josie felt a blush creep up her neck but rolled her eyes to cover it. "Alright, smooth talker. Where are we going?"

Hope glanced up at the street, then back at Josie. "You in the mood for greasy diner food or something fancier?"

Josie hummed, pretending to consider. "Hmm... I feel like greasy food at midnight is a requirement for a good night."

Hope nodded approvingly. "See, I knew I liked you for a reason."

Josie laughed, bumping their shoulders together as they started walking. "Oh? And here I thought you liked me because I actually gave you the time of day."

Hope placed a hand on her chest in mock offense. "Ouch. That almost hurt."

Josie smirked, but there was something warm in the way Hope looked at her—something sincere beneath the teasing.

After a few minutes of strolling down the street, Hope suddenly nodded toward a small, cozy-looking diner on the corner. Its neon sign flickered slightly, casting a warm glow on the sidewalk.

"How about here?" Hope asked.

Josie read the sign—Maggie's Diner. It looked old-school, the kind of place that had been around forever, with red booths and a counter lined with stools.

Josie smiled. "Looks perfect."

Hope pulled open the door, gesturing dramatically. "After you."

Josie rolled her eyes but stepped inside, the scent of fresh coffee and fried food immediately wrapping around her like a blanket. It was quiet, only a few late-night customers scattered around, the jukebox softly playing some old rock song.

Hope slid into a booth, and Josie followed, shrugging off her jacket.

"So," Hope said, leaning forward with her elbows on the table. "Tell me something about you that your sister doesn't already get to judge you for."

Josie laughed. "That's a very specific request."

Hope smirked. "Gotta make sure I'm learning the real Josie, not just 'Lizzie's sister, who made a terrible decision by hanging out with me tonight.'"

Josie smiled, resting her chin on her hand as she looked at Hope. "Alright. You first."

Hope raised an eyebrow. "Oh, we're playing that game, huh?"

Josie nodded. "Absolutely. You asked, so now you go first."

Hope exhaled dramatically, tapping her fingers against the table. "Fine. Alright—random fact about me. I paint. And sketch. Mostly whatever comes to mind, but sometimes I do portraits."

Josie's eyes widened slightly. "Wait, really?"

Hope smirked. "That surprising?"

Josie shook her head. "No, just—" She tilted her head, studying her. "You don't seem like the type to sit still long enough to paint."