THE SAME

Chapter five

"Would you stop staring at him?"

Bye, bye to a quiet supermarket trip.

Somchai and I decided to watch Netflix together - we haven't really done this as friends yet. However, being the health freak he is, his snack selection is trash. So, I absolutely refuse to be at his house and watch anything without some quality snacks.

And that's on period, periodth, periodically, perpendicular and period table.

At the supermarket, Somchai and I were minding our business contrary to a select few who wouldn't stop staring. It really isn't everyone but, there are some people who kind of stare Somchai down whenever we are together. Like this old, shrivelling lady right now.

And it is not ok.

"I just didn't realise they'd be allowed here so soon."

I could already feel Somchai trying to tug me away.

"You should know better," I started pointing my finger in her direction, "but maybe the dementia reminded you of old times. If there is one thing you don't forget is how to be racist."

There were not a lot of us in this particular aisle but the ones that were there, had their jaws touching the ground. A few kids laughed in half amusement and half disbelief. The lady visibly blushed in embarrassment, not being able to muster any sort of response.

"C'mon," Somchai urged pulling me away.

...

"You didn't need to do that," Somchai started once we got into his car.

I wanted to.

"Chai, she was staring at you so hard, I HAD to let her know it wasn't okay."

"But I don't want you to do that Nay," he said finally looking at my eyes.

"B-"

"I appreciate you defending me but, I'm not a damsel in distress. People have some resentment towards those who look Asian right now and if you get bothered at every single look, it's just looking to get tired. Let it go, please. It was just a look."

But, she had that look towards you. It's not acceptable.

"Okay," I said managing a small smile, "I like role rehearsal though. I always wanted to be a prince."

...

"Wes is a professional assassin at this point, it's only season two and I feel like he has murders under his belt. As in plural"

"Babe, it is only episode three, I'm sure it's not as it seems."

Babe. Babe? Did he just... call me babe?

I looked up at him but he was still focused on the screen. So there is three plausible explanations here... One, I am babe. Two, he calls every bitch that sits on this couch watching Netflix with him babe. Three, the ghost of Meghan Strong-knees Stallion haunts these parts.

Three sounds plausible to me.

"Is something wrong?"

Yeah, you just called me babe. I'm sort of, really freaking out and overthinking.

"No, this show just has a lot of twists and turns."

"So me calling you babe isn't the reason you're jittery?"

Fuck you.

"I hate you, you're ugly."

"You hate me?"

He started leaning and I swear my heart never beat this fast in my life.

I am a grown ass woman and I feel like a hormonal idiot. I am grown. I repeat I am grown.

"Am I still ugly," he asked with a lazy smile as his eyes flickered to my lips and lingered there for effect. I don't even know when his arms started caging me to the couch but... they were and I was there. 

Ugly? Who said that? Not me.

He is not ugly at all with his dark eyes and plump lips. And his boyish smile. And his perfect eyebrows and amazing facial structure. And the way his voice sounds deep and perfect and southing. 

He is gorgeous.

"Tuh, you're okay," I breathed out not being able to keep my eyes on his face.

"Then look at me."

I meannn... I'm not a magician. I can't make the impossible happen.

"What is happening?" I asked with a nervous laugh. 

"What do you want to happen?"

Kiss me.

No. What the hell? No. Do not kiss me.

"We are friends."

And friends don't want to kiss each other. So, I do not, I repeat do not want him to kiss me. Not even the tinniest bit.

"You're right," he said backing up still with that boyish smile, "I was just teasing."

"Okay," I said wiping my brows for emphasis still with a nervous smile, "that was kind of intense."

I can't calm my heart. I pressed pause, but i am about to press play and have a heart attack in a millisecond.

"Have you never had a guy tease you before? It was like I was teasing a virgin," he asked laughing.

"Because you are."

"So now you're playing?"

I don't see a gameboy around.

"I am beyond serious. I am a virgin who has never been in a relationship."

And you could hear a pin drop at that moment. Or Michaella hysterically screeching for the fourth time in a single episode.

"How is that possible?"

It is not as hard as one would think.

"I was chubbier and shy with no confidence. To this day, I get awkward around guys so, I just never really went for it. And I'm still chubby."

And guys skipped me and went straight to Samirah.

"All the guys you came around must be idiots with poor eyesight."

"Idiots, yes," I said giggling, "but poor eyesight? I'm not sure chief."

"Well," he said getting close to my ear, "they couldn't see how pretty you are."

Call an ambulance.