Broken Guitar Strings

Chapter 5

(ALLIE'S POV)

Lay is really growing on me. The other day, I saw him helping this one freshman pick up all of her papers after dropping them in the middle of the hallway. There were so many people milling around and they only had one more minute until the bell rang, but Lay stopped and decided to help her. I want to pour lemon juice all over him because he's just so sweet.

Halloween's in two weeks, and people have already started to make plans about what they're going to do. I have no idea what I'm going to be and do, so I guess I'll just wait until I think of something. Netflix is always an option, right?

Lay just passed me in the hallway. He smells really nice and cozy-like. I want to talk to him in class, but he doesn't seem to like talking to anyone unless it's absolutely necessary.

(CHANYEOL'S POV)

Everyone's talking about Halloween costumes and parties. I've already been invited to one by a senior I don't even know. I want to have matching costumes with Allie, but I don't know if she already has plans or not. 

I think I'm going to throw a party. With me and Allie as the hosts.

The next day, right before music class begins, I walk over to the table Allie and IU are sitting at. I take off my black snapback, run a hand through my hair, and put it back on. I swear I heard some girl sigh. I look at Allie, and I almost forget what I'm going to say. Even in a messy bun, her hair looks beautiful and everything else about her is on point. "So," I turns to them, "I'm throwing a Halloween party. I want you-" I point at IU "-to be a guest, and I want you-" then I point at Allie "-to be a host with me." Before she says anything, she pauses to think. She gives me a this-is-to-propel-our-fake-relationship-right look and I shrug in agreement. Actually, it's to propel our soon-to-be real relationship. Right then, the bell rings and Mr. Morse walks in. "Let's talk after class, Chanyeol," she says. "I have some questions."

(ALLIE'S POV)

Class is over sooner than I expected. All we have for homework is to complete a few sheets of music theory, which will be a breeze. I gather my stuff and prepare to head out the door when I feel a hand on my shoulder. "Hey, so are you free?" Chanyeol says. "I'm worth a lot more," I say. He chuckles. "But really."

"I don't have anything else to do on Halloween and I'm not going trick-or-treating, so I guess I'll do it."

"Awesome. So about costumes-"

Suddenly Savannah and a few of her friends come walking our way, and as she leaves Savannah grabs my hand and pulls me away from Chanyeol. "Sorry Chanyeol," she says, "Allie's gonna be a sugar skull with us. We'd love to come to your party though." Had she been listening in on us?! Chanyeol looks confused and annoyed at the same time. As we slowly move away from him, I call out, "Text me!"

Savannah scoffs and as our group, comprised of the scent of perfume, the clickety-clacks of heels (seriously, who wears heels to school), and the gossiping coming out of mouths sassily chewing gum. Ugh. One of the girls, Melanie, twirls her unbelievably blonde hair and says, "God, that Donghae guy is hot. Chanyeol had better invite him." You don't even know if he's inviting you. Savannah stops the girls at her locker and turns to me. "So, Allie...we're all going to be sugar skulls for Halloween. It doesn't require much, only some face paint, a floral headpiece, and a casual white dress. It looks pretty cute, actually." Everyone else nods excitely. Melanie adds, "You could do a crown, too. I think those look so much better." I look at the huge clock in the center of the hallway. Shit, I only have two minutes to get to history. "Um," I start. But they all cut me off by bursting into loud chatter. Savannah flips her hair over her shoulder (I don't know how she does that because it's like down to her waist) and says, "So you're in, right?"

"I think I kind of have to be." I look away.

"That's right," she smiles. "I'm glad you catch on so easily."