Black & White (Colorful Sequel | H.S)|✔️

29

I'm leaning against the building of the infamous Phoenix, contemplating the easiest way to die, when the door swings open. At first, I ignore it because it's a lounge and obviously there's going to be traffic.

Then a shadow towers over me.

I look up in surprise to see a set of piercing green eyes looking down at me. "Oh, Harry, hi," I breathe with a degree of relief. Thank God it's not Noah.

"So... your brother, huh?" he muses. His eyes manage to sparkle even in the dim moonlight. I can barely remember that he's talking about my great escape.

I shrug and keep my eyes focused in front of me. "I just needed an excuse to get out of there."

"Why?" His voice is considerably softer, losing the teasing edge.

It occurs to me he thinks I was uncomfortable. For some reason, the need to deny that accusation is strong. It's so not true.

"Oh, my work was done. No need to waste time." I wave a nonchalant hand.

"Ellie, look at me."

I turn my head to face him. "Yes?"

With furrowed brows, he staggers back an inch. "What's wrong with you?"

"What's wrong with me is that my Uber said it would be here two minutes ago and it's still not," I snort but quickly sober up when I see his concerned expression. Suddenly I don't think we're talking about the reason I haven't left yet. "Harry, I'm sorry... I don't..."

His frown deepens. He runs his hands through his hair, a sign of frustration. Then his head snaps up to me. "Cancel your Uber. I'm giving you a ride."

Ah, the Uber thing was sort of a lie...

"No."

Now his brows raise. "No?" he echoes in disbelief.

"No," I confirm. "What's gotten into you?"

"Me? What's gotten into you?"

Okay, I guess we're playing the parrot game.

"Ellie, go out with me."

I blink, unsure if I just heard him right. "Huh?"

"Go out with me. Please?"

What in the world is going on right now?

"I- I'm sorry. I have to go to work," I frown, checking my watch.

He does the same. "At eleven?"

"Yes," I sheepishly admit, then frown when I see no amusement from his end. Now I'm seriously confused. After all these years, why now? "Harry, what's going on?"

Something isn't right here.

"As friends, El. Please? You said we could," he pleads, referring back to that day where I met him outside on accident. Back then, I said it more as a pity thing.

Oh my gosh, I'm a horrible person.

But I can't stand seeing him so upset. Gone is the brooding Harry. Now he just looks like a puppy dog.

"Fine," I huff.

"Now?"

I make a face. "Where the hell are we going to go at eleven at night?"

"Lots of places. There's-"

Oh fuck.

"How about next weekend?" I suggest.

"Tomorrow." When he sees my hesitant face, he adds, "It's a Sunday. Come on, there's no way you work on a Sunday."

I bite my lip and look away, mentally rearranging my schedule. If I go with him tomorrow, then I'd need to push back the collab list. Or maybe I can do that tonight and do the brand deal thing on Monday...