asian; noah centineo

ju-roku | only because you're cute

emma

we're dating.

im dating?

it sounds weird. i didn't think i would ever say that.

i tell chloe everything, even though she's half hungover. "... then he said since we like each other why not we just get together?"

"and you said yes?" she scoffs, "of course you did." i blush. haven't i been blushing too much lately? 

"that's the most half assed will you be my girlfriend ever. you deserve better."

"i don't even think we're like girlfriend and boyfriend, we're just like trying it out. and i don't think i deserve better." her eyes soften. she knows what i'm thinking.

"of course you do! your parents are whole assholes." imagine if they heard that.

"maybe they are, but-"

"nah we ain't talking about them. so how was the hot make out? is he a good kisser?"

"i would say he is, but then again he's the only person i've kissed, so yes. more like, am i a good kisser." i laugh, and she chucks another pillow at me.

"i'm sure you are, your lips look so soft. even i want to kiss them." she says sleepily. she falls asleep and i stay up studying until 1am, when i get a text from my dad.

dad: now that you're dating some famous white guy you don't even bother to contact your family anymore? i can't believe you, i hope you don't drag this family name down the mud with you.

i don't know what to reply. they told me not to contact them if i was going to come to the US and study film and media. they said they were disowning me. for chasing my dream?

emma: you told me not to.

dad: and you're listening to me for once in your life? i didn't bring you up to be such a brat.

i don't reply, not wanting to deal with this at this hour. deciding to step out for some air, i grab noah's big hoodie and leave the dorm towards the small grass patch.

"what are you doing out so late?" a voice startles me, making me jump away. it's just james.

"just needed some air. what about you?" i continue looking at the stars. it isn't super brightly lit in this part of new york, so i could still make out a few constellations.

"same." he has a sloppy grin on his face as he sits beside me.

noah: you awake?

emma: yeah. why?

noah: can i call you? i'm bored on set.

emma: sure.

my phone rings less than a second later and james looks at my phone. "girlfriend duties? i'm gonna go, see you around." he gets up to leave and i pick up the call.

"hey." he sounds tired.

"hey, what are you doing?" i reply, plucking at the short grass.

"nothing much, sitting around, waiting for moms to be done with cierra." his voice drifts off towards the end, i'm assuming he's looking around. "i'm hungry and tired and i want cuddles." he baby voices.

"you're so clingy. i saw you just today morning."

"yeah but i won't be seeing you for like another week because i have shoots and interviews everyday." he grumbles and i envision him pouting. "what are you doing up?"