𝘈𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦 | Mattia Polibio

020

Mari: And you can't laugh.
You: What? Why not?
Alex: Everyone knows you're laugh, they'll be able to tell it's you.
You: Noted.
Mari: How's your English accent?
I roll my eyes.
You: Why do I need to do an English accent, can't I just speak in like a southern accent or something?
Maximo and Reese giggle a little as Mari applies my highlight.
Mari: How's that accent tho? It can't be obvious that it's fake, that's why I suggested an English accent because you're believable as a Brit.
I giggle a little.
You (English accent): I guess I'm British now.
Everyone on the plane begins to laugh.

——

The tires of the plane hit the runway making us all bump up and down in our seats, I glance over at mark as he pulls the beanie onto his head. Alex squeezes my hand.
Alex: We're here!
We all grab our bags and walk out of the plane, thanking the pilot as we leave and are immediately met by a Hawaiian girl.
Girl: Aloha, welcome to O'ahu, Hawaii. Here is your complimentary lay.
She places it around my neck and shoots me a friendly smile as I begin to walk down the small staircase, the warm breeze crosses my skin and pushes by hair out of my face. The heat from the sun stings my skin slightly as I walk over to the car, Mari, Alex and I cram into the far back seats as Luca, Mark and Maximo sit in the seats right in front of us.
Mari: This is a shared car, you three should probably come back here with us.
Mark, Luca and Max climb in the back with us and sit on the floor.
You: Who are we sharing this car with?
Mari: Not sure, they're just at another gate.
I get this feeling in my stomach like something strange is about to happen.
You: Get your disguises out now.
Reese: Why?
You: I have a strange feeling right now, I just feel like we're gonna need them.

They all shrug and put their disguises on as the car comes to a sharp stop. The doors open and I can immediately tell who it is, I tap Mari's arm causing her to look up.
Mari: Shit.
You: Told you I had a weird feeling, aren't you glad I had us do this?
She nods and we look down at our phones trying our hardest not to make eye contact.
Mattia: Hello—
He looks at us for a second.
Mattia: Oh there's other people in here?
Kairi: Yes, sorry. I couldn't get the private car.
Mattia: It's uhh—
I glance up for a second and am immediately met by Mattia's gaze, he squints his eyes slightly and studies my face as I look down.
Mattia: It's fine.

They all pile into the seats in front of us and talk amongst themselves as the rest of us sit quietly in the back, I'm completely paralyzed with fear. I think Alex can tell how nervous I am because she gently placed her hand atop mine on my leg and squeezes it a little bit.

I hope they're not at the same hotel as us, that'll be so awkward, having to walk in with them.

We pull up to the front of the hotel and everyone in the car gets out, this is exactly what I was afraid of.

I've never been this nervous on a mission, why am I so nervous? There's nothing to be nervous about.

My thoughts distract me to the point where I don't realize we're all going to the same exact place, the elevator. There is no way 13 people are gonna fit in this elevator without being on top of each other, but we all manage to squeeze in. It's shoulder to shoulder, no space between each person, and unfortunately I'm pinned right in between Mattia and Alejandro. I go on my phone and try my hardest not to let my anxiety get the better of me as Mattia looks over my shoulder, I can tell he's looking at what I'm doing. I quickly put my phone away as he leans down a little close to my face.
Mattia: Hey.
I look over at him and smile.
You: Hello.
He smiles while still looking ahead.
Mattia: I'm Mattia.
You: Marissa.

Good thinking on the spot Layla, god you're a genius.

He holds his hand out and shakes my gently, a smile spreads across his face. I feel myself turn a little red as I turn away from him, even after speaking two words he makes me feel some type of way.

——

Mattia: You're really cute now that I've gotten a good look at you.
He rests his chin against his hand and looks at me from across the table, I look away from him as I feel my face turn red.
You: Thank you.
He stares into my eyes for a second and almost makes me forget about everything around us, but I stop myself before that happens.

I feel so bad about this, especially since I just told Alejandro how I feel about him. But this, this feels right.

My thoughts distract me again until I feel his large hand atop mine, I glance at him and smile.
Mattia: Whatcha thinking about princess?
Princess... I love that nickname.
You: I'm just a little nervous, that's all.
Mattia: Why you so nervous?
You: I've never been on a date with somebody this attractive before...
He smirks a little.
Mattia: You'd consider this a date?
I nod slightly.
Mattia: Well I'm honored to be your first attractive date.
He winks as I roll my eyes.
You: Clever, did you come up with that?
Mattia: Maybe I did.
He and I giggle for a second.
Mattia: Would you maybe... I don't know... wanna come up to my room?
My eyes grow slightly large and a fearful smile grows on my face, his tone changes as soon as he sees my fear.
Mattia: Not to like fuck or anything, just to like talk?
I sigh a little in relief and relax myself.
You: That sounds nice.