FOR YOU PAGE || jenzie

15

MACKENZIE waited five more minutes after her friends were silhouettes under a golden sunset. Northside High was silent as the night, other than the occasional sobs from the boy on the field. Kenzie bit her lip, nervously roaming the scene– Johnny was so upset. She didn't know how to approach him since they never talked, but she decided it was the right thing to do. With every last bit of courage, she stepped down from the bleachers, making her way to the back facing her. 

"Hey," Her soft voice stated. The one word echoed through the field and the empty bleachers. Johnny slowly turned around, rubbing his eyes with embarrassment. As his eyes fixated on hers, he threw his head back in frustration. 

"You weren't supposed to meet me like this," He said quietly, refusing to look back at her with shame. He was hugging his knees on the grass, letting his chin rest on his knees. Kenzie slowly sat down across from him. 

"Like what?" She asked, making Johnny laugh sarcastically. 

"You know as soon as I was sprinting with the ball in my hand, I saw the win. I saw the celebrations. It just... How was it taken so fast?" Johnny said, covering his face with his hands.

"Hey," Kenzie interrupted him, moving his hands off his face. She was sitting so close to him. This level of intimacy was new for Johnny, and he was almost uncomfortable letting her see him so vulnerable. "You care about football an unhealthy amount, Johnny. I don't know you so well but if you think the world ends as soon as you lose a High School game? That's not okay," Kenzie said shrugging. She hoped Johnny was focusing on what she was saying. 

"It's like I was everyone's hero this morning," Johnny continued, allowing himself to shift closer to Kenzie. "And then as soon as we lose, all of the sudden I'm shit. Everything they thought of me was just lies," 

"That's not true," Kenzie sighed. "Why do you think I'm talking to you right now?" She raised her eyebrows.

"You're the only one Kenzie," He exclaimed. "People I've known for over 4 years haven't said anything. And then you, someone I hadn't even met before right now. You were the only one," Johnny repeated himself. 

"Maybe they're just giving you space," Kenzie offered. She watched as he lifted his head up, a cut on his upper lip stinging. "Also, the worst thing that can happen is the Northside Flagger List. Then you prove yourself next season and win. If your friends are true ones, they won't leave you over this. It's as much their fault as it is yours," 

"Thank you," Johnny smiled, lifting himself up from the grassy ground and then offering his hand for Kenzie to stand up as well. "This is not how I imagined we would talk for the first time," He laughed as he wiped tears from his red eyes.

"Maybe this is even better," Kenzie laughed. "Now I know you're more than a dick," 

"A dick?" Johnny asked. "When did you think I was a dick?" He let out between sniffles. 

"I don't know if you remember," Kenzie started, "But last time we talked, you said we just talk sometimes and aren't close. That kind of stung," Kenzie rolled her eyes. "But I'm over it," 

"I only said that because you didn't want to facetime!" Johnny crossed his arms. "I like you. You're fun to talk to. Maybe we can be real friends if you want," 

"Sure Johnny, sure." Kenzie beamed, her brown hair effortlessly flipping in the wind.

"I'm pretty sure all my friends are at the post game party we were supposed to have. I bet Arbab is there too," Johnny sighed. 

"And you want to go?" Kenzie asked confused. She wasn't judging him but why would he want to celebrate a loss with the people who beat him?

"No," He stated suddenly. "I don't. Do you want to hang out tonight?" He asked her suddenly, his heart pounding against his chest. She nodded back, unable to hold back a smile, as he motioned for her to follow him to his car. 

INCOMING CALL FROM EMI 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👩!

CALL DECLINED. 

"You sure you don't want to take that?" Johnny eyed her phone, buzzing in her hand. 

"It's fine," She answered. "I'll get it later," Kenzie said, powering off her phone.

YOU HAVE (17) MISSED CALLS FROM EMI 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👩!

EMI 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👩

kenzie 

kenzie where are you

look i'm sorry about today i just was nervous you would pick johnny over our friendship

but this isn't important rn

kenzie

please 

we need you

johnny writes the northside flagger list.