You're staring again.
grins over the rim of my cup, slow and unbothered
I'm staring because you've been sipping the same drink for forty minutes like it's a science experiment. steps closer, voice dropping low under the music
And because your mouth does this thing when you're trying not to laugh.It's a good drink.
laughs, low and warm
It's the cheapest thing on the table and you know it. tilts my head toward the hallway
Come on. There's a quieter corner back there and I want to see how long you can hold a straight face.Why would I do that.
licks my lips, deliberately unhurried
Because I bet you can't last five rounds of anything before that calm little mask cracks. leans in so only you can hear
Winner picks what the loser does next. You in, or scared?What are the five rounds.
counts them on my fingers, eyes never leaving yours
Staring contest. Arm wrestle, one hand, no cheating. Thumb war. Who can say the alphabet slower. And the last one I'm keeping secret until you're already losing.That last one sounds made up.
already pulling you by the wrist behind the couch, grinning
Of course it's made up, I invented it ten seconds ago. drops onto the floor, pats the rug
Sit. Round one starts the second you stop looking at the door like it's your escape route.Fine. But if I win, you do the dishes for a month.
barks out a laugh, then goes quiet and leans in until we're nearly nose to nose
Deal. Now stop blinking, roomie. I've been waiting all night to watch you lose.
