Running In Circles // pjm.

Candy

We flew back home and everything was calm for a while. I was seated next to a very fine, young gentleman on the flight who didn't ask me silly questions or peep into my laptop screen. 3 days after our return, we were told by our PD that there would be a success party for the new album in a week's time. The album had done exceedingly well and the comeback had surpassed everyone's expectations. The whole team except marketing were given a couple of days off, after which we would have celebration day. Everyone seemed excited, not only because of the party and getting a few days off but also due to the sheer satisfaction everyone felt after working so hard. On Friday, one day before party day, Mia dragged me to the mall to buy herself an outfit. I loved shopping, but having spent quite a bit of my income recently, I was hesitant to go. Do you take an at-risk alcoholic to the best bars in town? I think the fuck not.

We strolled across the corridors at the mall at a leisurely pace. It had been two hours and Mia still didn't know what exactly she wanted. Spotting a candy store up ahead, Mia squealed. "Candy! Let's get some candy!"

I cringed at her sudden 5-year old self. "No, thanks, girl. You go get some, though."
"You never eat unhealthy with me. Actually, you never eat with me in general." She scrunched up her nose and drew back with the realization.

"Yes, because I like being slim. Not everyone has genes like yours. Now, go. I'll go to this store here." I gestured to whatever store was on my right, without even glancing at it.

"YSL? You'll go to YSL?" her eyes widened.

"Close your eyes before they fall out." I said, patting her cheek.

"I wish I had rich parents, too." She said and turned around, walking to the candy store.

I sighed deeply. I don't spend their money, I reassured myself and walked into the store nonchalantly.

Mia and I headed to the car, while I walked, she seemed to be hopping off the ground. She found herself an outfit she really liked, and had turned out to be in her budget, too. Seeing me walk out of all stores empty handed was shocking to her and I just brushed it off saying, "I didn't like anything. I guess I got everything I needed the last time."

Truthfully, her comment about my parents' money made me guilty, and nothing looked shiny enough to brush away the feeling. It was probably for the best since I hadn't purchased much, and had probably saved myself an unexpected slashing of my pockets. Singing to herself in the car, Mia was excited to party and I was excited to try on my two brand new lipsticks.

Two whole days of doing absolutely nothing had rejuvenated me. I was bored and ready to work again, having given one of my tests online. I had to wait on the grade before preparing for the next, just in case I had to retake this one.

Saturday came around, and Mia practically floated into my house with her dress in a wrap hooked on her shoulder. Personal space was important to me, but Mia had learned the ways to tiptoe around my discomfort.

"There's HOURS until we leave, girl, what do you even have planned for tonight?" I asked as she charged straight into my bedroom.

"It's been too long since I've partied, woman, leave me alone!" she yelled back.

Chuckling at her energy, I strolled into the kitchen to make us some tea. While I poured the brew into cups, she emerged from the room, having left her stuff in, "besides, I'll take any opportunity to spend time at your sweet crib."

I scoffed, carrying the cups to the table, "I've never stopped you from coming here. I even offered you the guest room when you were looking for a place."

"Yeah, but you wouldn't tell me how much the rent really costs. Besides, I got the feeling that you aren't really a roommate kinda gal." she said, sitting herself on the couch.

I placed one cup in front of her and she snatched it up before my hand had even returned to my side.

"Yeah, go ahead, burn your tongue. I don't know how you drink it so hot." I said, sitting down next to her.

"It's best like that," she said, looking around the place. "and there you go changing the subject again. Did you change the lights here?"

"No, just dimmed them a little." I said, putting my legs up on the table.

The house was big, yes, and pretty cool for someone so young. It had a spacious living room, covered in pale beige walls and dim yellow lights. The television screen was big and flat, and the couches were a light brown L-shaped set. The front door was behind us, the kitchen counter to its left and a wide balcony right ahead, to the living room's left. The house had one large bedroom and one smaller bedroom, which I had since converted into a study room. The bedrooms' had one large connected bathroom, with an oval shaped tub, which was all white marble. One smaller, common bathroom stood on the opposite wall of the bedroom, with a glass shower section- all grey marble. I wasn't fond of colors, so the entire house was shaded in a cool, neutral tone.

"You should put more pictures out. It would really personalize the home." She stated.

Sipping my tea, I hummed, "there are pictures in the bedroom."

"Not nearly enough," she said, setting down her now empty cup, "also, this tea is heaven, Tara. I don't know what magic potions you put in there."

I laughed at the genuine compliment, "if I told you, I would have to kill you."

"Okay, now, it's dress up time!" she gushed and dragged me into the bedroom.

2 and a half hours later, her hair was styled in perfect curls and mine in poker straight falls. Her eyes were surrounded by vibrant shades of blue, while mine were smoked to perfection and our eyeliners' both winged and sharp enough to cut a bitch. She wore a long, black dress that was all lace at the top and flowy silk at the bottom and I wore a short, tan button-down dress that tied at the waist. She paired her dress with glittery high heels and I paired mine with black knee-high boots with higher heels. She wore an elegant crystal on her neck and I wore a lacy black choker. We had such different looks, like two opposite flavors on a taste palette- but equally delicious.

Deliciously late. 

We strolled inside the club at almost 11 o'clock, the location being a 20-minute drive from my home. The minute I stepped into the place, I was assaulted by the scent of cologne, sweat and alcohol. Crowded. Excellent.

"Don't worry, we'll stick together," she said, taking me by the hand and leading us deeper into the crowd. A couple of minutes later, somehow, Hoseok spotted us, and led us to the VIP section which actually had place for a person to stand without getting stomped on. Since I was the designated driver and thus on a no-alcohol policy, Mia already had a drink propped in her hands.
Where did she get that from?