Black Ink || Harlena a.u.

16.

Louis: One more minute and I would have passed out

Me: I'm impressed...

Louis: I get that a lot

Me: Oh, is that so?

Louis: Ofc ;)

Me: Haha

If you insist

Louis: What are you up to anyways?

Me: I'm visiting my family

Louis: Aww

That's cute

Hey um...

You wanna talk?

Me: I thought were were already talking?...

Louis: Haha, I mean

To hear your voice, silly

Me: Oh

Sure

Just give me a sec

I tumbled out of bed, going downstairs for a glass of water so that I wouldn't sound like a total frog. Having not talked to anyone for the past four hours, really took a toll on my voice.

After sliding back into bed, I texted him.

Me: Okay

Do I send you my number or?

Louis: That'd be great :)

I sent him my number and not too long after, my screen brightened up. I forgot to lower the volume beforehand, so I nearly dropped it trying to shut it up, but couldn't click too fast because then I'd come across as eager. My heart was almost out my chest, a big lump of air in my throat as I put the phone to my ear.

"Hey."

There was a light laugh on the other end, "Hey."

My teeth bit my bottom lip.

"Why are you up so late, Selene?"

"Are you complaining? Because I could just hang upright now and-"

"No, no. I was just wondering," he covered. There was a smile on him, I could feel it- almost hear it, actually.

"So, Louis. Why on Tinder? You seem like you could pick up girls if you really, really tried."

He scoffed, "Please. I'll have you know that I can pick up girls without even trying."

"Wow- we have a cocky one here."

He laughed before saying, "I'm just letting you know. But... to answer your question-" His voice was smooth. An accent clearly there and in certain parts, his pitch was higher than others- light cracks here and there, but it suited him so well. "Like I had said earlier, I just broke up and I guess I got lazy and just preferred to look for girls this way."

"...Interesting..."

"What is?"

"That you seem to have moved on quickly," I pointed out.

He sucked in a breath through his teeth, "My relationship was bound to end. I knew it as soon as I caught her in the act."

"Oh, shit."

"Yup," he stretched. "I don't blame her though. I got caught up with my classes and work, so I guess she felt neglected. It doesn't justify her actions, but it gives perspective," I was shocked at his words. "But what about you? Are guys that bad that you had to resort to a dating app?"

My head shook, trying not to get hung up on his words about his ex girlfriend. Instead I chuckled, trying to stay quiet because everyone else was asleep. "Umm, actually it's more of a self-esteem boost."

"Wow," he drawled out. "I'm just here to boost your ego-" he laughed.

"It's not as bad as it sounds, you know. Plus, I'm totally grateful."

"Well, you're welcome," he bit sarcastically, but I could still sense that smile.

"I should get some sleep," I mumbled after a while. My eyelids felt heavy and the last thing I wanted was to fall asleep with him on the other end.

"Sleep well, Selene," he whispered softly.

"You too."

"Niiiight."

I blew out a soft laugh, "Night, Louis."

I clicked the red button on the screen, placing my phone down and snuggling further into the bed sheets. This felt right.