"Hey, Corinne." George- Joji- says, settling next to me into the couch. I turn to him, no longer paying attention to the movie playing. "My friend Ian just texted me, and he's throwing this, like, Christmas party or some shit. He kind of expects me to go, so do you want to just go with me?" He asks slowly, his left brow raised.
"A party? Like, with people?" What kind of question is that, Corinne? Of course there'll be people, it's a party, for god's sakes.
Joji chuckles, nodding. "Not an ideal setting for me, either, but Ian'll freak if I don't at least show up. And I don't really know his friends, other than Max and Chad, so you being there with me would make it somewhat bearable."
"'With me'? Oh, you want me as a date." I let myself laugh, shoving him gently. Why am I flirting with him? I don't have those feelings for him anymore.
"More like a slightly tolerable plus-one." Joji shoots back, trying- and failing- to suppress a grin.
"Fine." I say, and slowly and reluctantly rise from my place on Joji's couch. "What time does it start?"
"He told me to be there by 7. His house is only like a twenty minute walk, so I'd say be ready by 6:30." He replies, flashing me a smile.
I nod and walk to the door. "I'll be back by 6." I say, opening the door and skipping out to my apartment.
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6:18 PM
I grab my phone, pulling open my messages as I towel dry my hair.
Joji, 6:01 PM: smh u better not be late cor ianll beat my ass if i show up late Joji, 6:12 PM: omg stop u said ud be here by 6 its 6:12 rn where r u
I shake my head, dropping the towel into the empty sink and make my way into my room. I look around my suitcase a bit before pulling out a navy blue, long sleeved crop top with printed flowers and a pair of high waisted skinny jeans. After I slip them and a pair of iridescent vinyl heels on, I run back to the bathroom and take a quick picture of my outfit to post to Instagram.
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"@/vaportrashcor barely settled into Brooklyn yet I'm already omw to a party. How's that for living it up"
I grab a black coat, pulling open my messages with Joji.
Me, 6:25 PM: r u ready yet Joji, 6:25 PM: ive been ready since 5 where tf r Me, 6:26 PM: leaving my apt rn
I rush to the front door, opening it to find Joji already standing there, fist mid-air, clearly about to knock.
George looks me up and down, his eyes wide, and his mouth opening and closing repeatedly before he finally speaks. "Hey- uh- you look- you look nice." He says, his words slow. "We should, uh, go."
I snort and nod, gently taking hold of his arm, which he has held out, and we walk to the elevator.
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Song - Dreaming Alone (Against the Current ft. Taka of One OK Rock)
