I looked out the windshield of the car and pulled my knees up to my chest. Cold rain splattered the car, a windshield wiper pushing the raindrops out of view quickly. I glanced at my best friend, Max. Max had always been there for me, even when I was broke and had no where to go. He took me in and gave me all I needed until I got on my feet again. "What ya thinking?" He asked, looking at me, glancing back at the road now and then. His Australian accent was very swingy and joyful, but it held concern when he spoke. "Oh nothing, I'm just nervous to go meet your friends." I laughed and tried to sound happy, yet it was hard. We were driving to a bar, it was more of a soft club, the music wasn't deafening and annoying, and it was more of a place to drink then party. I pushed some h/c hair out of my face and studied my outfit. Was I trying too hard? I wore a grey sweater with a black heart, some black skinny jeans, some grey comfy shoes, and a grey beanie covering my hair, that was braided back. I scanned my outfit a few times, fixing this and that. Max interrupted my thoughts. "You look great." He said. My gaze shifted to him and I smiled sweetly. "Thanks Max, it means a lot." I said, trying to sound as sincere as possible. I always hated how I looked. I never thought I looked decent, or pretty. I always thought I was bland, or boring.
--------------------
I stepped out onto the damp sidewalk. I looked up at the bar, it's blazing red light shined a big Tracy's on it. I shut my door and listened to the music playing inside the bar as Max and I walked towards it. "M'lady." Max said, holding the door for me. I curtsied and waited for him to walk in before deciding where to go. Max stared at his phone while I glanced around the place. It was packed! People shifted around, dancing slowly and sipping drinks. The songs that played were pretty good. I decided to dance. I started swinging my hips and tapping my foot. Then I spun around and threw my hands up. Max grabbed my hand with an apologetic look. "Sorry y/n, but we have to go meet the boys. They said they are by the bar." Max said, eyeing the bar area. I let him lead me to the bar, I tried to stay behind him, not wanting to meet his friends. "Max!" I called, slipping my hand from his. "Huh?" Max asked. He seemed a little impatient. "What if they don't like me?" I asked nervously. Max's eyes relaxed and he came up and hugged me. "They'll love you. Now c'mon before the bar closes." He joked, taking my hand again. We finally made it to the bar, I heard Max cheer and my stomach drop with a loud thud. "Ian! Joji!" He called. He side hugged two people at the same time. One man, a Japanese leaned over and looked at me. He smirked and let go of Max. "Who's this special lady, maxipad?" He asked, eyeing me. I giggled at the name 'maxipad' and stepped up to the boys. "This is my best friend y/n, y/n, meet Ian and Joji." Max said, stepping out of the way. Ian grabbed my hand and shook it. "Nice to meet you, y/n." He said, very formal, but with a goofy tone. I smiled at him and turned to Joji. "Pretty name." He said, giving a small smile. I blushed and took his rather large hand, shaking it very slow. When we were done, we ordered drinks and talked. "I make music and YouTube stuff with the boys. You'll have to come help film sometime, it's lots of fun."
Joji continued telling me about his hobbies and what he does, when Max came over. "Hey, having a good time?" Max asked. I loved how he thought he had to go all mom on me, but sometimes he probably should. "I'm fine, just talking and hanging out." I said, eyeing the place. "That's good, I'm gonna go pick up chicks!" He yelled. Joji and I laughed. "You comin, Joji?" Max asked, downing the rest of his drink. "Nah, I think I'll stay here with y/n." I blushed a bit. Max nodded and left for more drinks and girls. Joji turned to me and smiled. "I need a smoke, wanna walk outside with me?" He asked. I smiled and nodded. "Sure."
