Page 32 of Septembers

She was trying so hard to be jovial, he couldn’t take it. “He likes you, I promise.”

Her fake cheer dropped like she was an actor stepping offstage. “It doesn’t seem like it.”

“He’s shy. Like, really shy. But once he opens up, he’s a whole new guy.”

“Okay, fine.” She squared her shoulders. “I’m not above being coached. I like him. I know that sounds stupid since he’s barely said a full sentence to me, but there’s something about him, you know?”

Theo did know.

This felt right. Safe. Jacinda would be an awesome girlfriend; he could feel it. She’d be there for Dae, help him out of his shell, and not fuck with his feelings. So it was time to be a considerate, normal friend and make it happen.

“Okay then.” He extended his hand for her to shake. “The School of How to Get Close to Dae Moon is now in session.”

THIRD SEPTEMBER

The Danger of Dimples

The university café was glorious: two floors filled with different styles of chairs and tables, walls decorated with art made by students, and the constant smell of sweet coffee mixed with overpowering dill coming from the sandwich counter.

cute drama nerd

Going to wish me luck at the audition?

Thought you said you didnt need it

It never hurts.

then break a leg

OMG WHY WOULD YOU SAY THAT YOU MONSTER

j/k thanks

“No jalapeños on his,” Dae said to the barista. “And extra pickles.”

Theo tore his gaze from his phone to thank him but found his face was more sour than the pickles.

Theo sighed. “I know, I know, eyes up.”

Dae had been on his case lately for not paying attention to the world around him. Theo ran into a lamp post one time and suddenly his phone was a ‘danger to his safety.’

Jacinda had already found them the only available table, which was surrounded by wicker rocking chairs. Not exactly ideal for eating, but one took what one could get. The café was filled with an interesting mix of patrons, some bent over textbooks, furiously highlighting, some clicking away at their laptops, and some in groups, laughing and talking.

Jacinda nodded to Theo’s phone. “Is that the runner?”

“No, Track Team Trevor was a nail biter.”

Dae shook his head and Jacinda hit his arm. “Don’t be judgy. Theo knows what he likes.” She’d cut her hair over the summer and now wore it in short curls. Theo had nearly fainted in a fit of jealousy when he’d first seen it.

“This guy is a theatre major,” he said, unfolding the damp, waxy paper to get at his sandwich. The first bite was borderline euphoric: the perfect blend of salty meat, sweet bread, and tangy pickle. He groaned in satisfaction, loving Dae’s panic as he glanced around the café to see if anyone had heard. “He wants me to try out for the drama club musical so we can do it together.”

Jacinda gasped and did a funny little wiggle in her chair. “Fun!”

“I’m not going to do it, obviously.”

“Why? You would kill it on stage.”

“I promise you, I wouldn’t.” He licked the pickle juice running down his hand, accidentally catching the attention of a guy across the café. Not now, Theo. “Plus the audition is tonight. I don’t have time.”