Count on You

XIV

The mall on a Sunday afternoon wasn't that bad. It helped that the weather was warm enough to keep most people out at the beach or doing whatever else people do when they're not scrambling for Halloween costume bits last minute.

Zarina walked a few paces ahead, phone in hand, already Googling stores with decent accessories. Felix strolled beside me, sipping a boba tea he convinced us to stop for. I couldn't remember the last time it felt this easy between us. Light. Like we weren't dealing with the weirdness from a few days ago.

"I'm telling you, if we don't find this last piece for my fit, I'm just showing up as a disappointed college student," Zarina said dramatically, turning to face us while walking backwards.

"You're not even in college," I pointed out.

"Exactly. The disappointment part is what sells it."

Felix laughed with an actual, full laugh and I couldn't help but glance over at him. His hoodie was a little too big, his curls a little messy, and his smile? Genuine. That made me smile a little too.

"Y'all got your stuff figured out?" he asked, still grinning.

"I just need to find that pink hair dye," I said.

"You know, for Sukuna. Gotta commit to the bit."

"Of course," Felix said with a smirk. "You already practicing his evil laugh, or what?"

"Don't tempt me."

Zarina chimed in, "Oh, please do. I'd pay to see that."

"Not happening in public," I said, smirking.

As we entered another store filled with costume racks and random accessories, the energy stayed good. We joked about ridiculous outfits we found like a hot dog costume Felix actually pretended to try on and gave each other input on stuff we picked up. Felix had picked a cool vampire look and a fake weapon. Zarina was putting together some sort of fairy witch hybrid that actually looked fire so far.

While we browsed the aisles, Felix nudged me slightly. "Hey," he said, "you inviting Trayvon to the party?"

I shook my head. "Nah, he's working that night."

"Ah. That sucks," he said, nodding. "Cool dude, though."

I blinked. "Wait you think so?"

Felix shrugged casually. "Yeah. He seemed chill the few times I seen em. Plus, I figure if you're into him, he can't be too bad."

That surprised me more than it probably should've. "Thanks," I said, a little quieter.

Zarina popped out from behind a shelf with a glittery hat in her hand. "Alright, folks. I think I'm good. Felix, you done?"

"Yup," he said, holding up his bag. "Now we just need Angel to get his little dye kit and we're outta here."

I grinned. "My not so little dye kit, thank you."