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

32

Laine looks at me with a sly smirk as he casually lays on the couch. "You know, maybe you should try dating."

"Maybe you should try finding a job," I snap back as I throw a fistful of popcorn at him. His smile wavers and I immediately feel guilty about it. I know he's having a tough time, I shouldn't rub it in his face. "Hey, do you want me to help you out? I'm sure there are plenty of people who are hiring."

He attempts to smile but it comes off as forced. "Nah. I want them to hire me because of how awesome I am, not because of connections."

In this city, living is impossible without connections.

"I don't know if that comment should result in the Ego Jar," I say instead of voicing my opinions.

He rolls his eyes. "No, it does not."

"Cheapskate," I sing. "Ugh, what time is it?"

Laine checks his non-existent watch. "Time for you to get a watch," he mimics in a high-pitched tone. Wow, someone's sassy today.

I lunge toward him on the couch and end up straddling him. I shove my fancy Apple Watch in his face. "You see this? This is what happens when you get a job."

I know, I know. I just said I feel bad for making jokes about his unemployment but I take it back. Sometimes he needs his ego hurt in order to be motivated. That's how guys work, right? They risk everything for pride.

Such idiot creatures.

"God, you're so fat."

Just for that, I bounce on his stomach a little. He groans and attempts to push me off but I hold my ground, determined to punish him.

Someone knocks on the door and we both pause our wrestling to stare at each other in surprise. I'm not expecting anyone and from the looks of it, he isn't either.

There's a mischievous glint in his eyes. Before I can process what's happening, he yells, "Door's unlocked! Please, save me from the wrath of the troll."

I smack his chest, surprised that he just invited a random stranger in.

Then his words hit me.

"Troll?" I screech. "I'll show you who's a fucking-"

A throat clears and both of us turn our head to see slender legs standing in front of our eyes. I don't even need to look to know who it is.

Oh God.

"Oh my God," Laine wheezes and I don't think it's from my weight. Before I know it, he pushes me off the couch to sit up. I land on my butt with a soft thud. "You're... you're Harry Styles!"

"Fucking hell, Laine," I groan, rubbing my sore butt.

He pauses his monetary gawking to look at me in amusement. "What about doing a swear jar?"

Of course he'd bring up new jar ideas for me at a time like this.

"Only you bring out that side in me." I make a face at him. "Besides, it's too basic." A hand reaches out to help me off of my butt and I gladly take it, wiping the imaginary dust off my pants. "Thanks."

"No problem," Harry's smooth voice rings out. When I finally look at his face, he looks pissed. I don't get what his problem is. He's the one who barged in.

Well, I guess he was invited in. Whatever.

"Ellie?" Laine's voice breaks me out of my thoughts. "What the hell is going on?"

"I could ask the same," Harry asks with a frown, his eyes flickering between Laine and I.

I choose to ignore Harry's question and answer Laine instead. "Laine, you already know Harry. Medusa's working with him."