TWO

"I look like I'm wearing recycled clothing from a hipster."

"Exactly."

Phil groaned, looking at himself in the mirror again. He had on ripped jeans and a sleeveless black top, a choker around his neck. "I don't know. This is weird."

"Of course it's weird, you're used to wearing punny shirts that no one understands."

"They're cute."

"Right," Dan responded, eyeing Phil. He then moved forward, dimples forming as he closed his mouth. "One more thing." He took out an eyeliner pencil from his pocket, pushing Phil's hair from his face to forcefully apply the black makeup. Dan then pulled back and admired his work, nodding and turning Phil to face the mirror.

Philip was silent. Dan forced a smile, a curl falling in his face.

"So? What'dya think?"

"You want my honest opinion?" Phil huffed. Dan nodded. "I think it's atrocious and uncomfortable."

"Okay well that's the last time I ever ask for your opinion. From now on, you're just singing. Let's go, asshole."

♪

"Everyone, this is the infamous Philip."

"Phil," the boy corrected under his breath.

"You're so cute!" Cassidy stood up, grabbing Phil's cheeks and admiring him. "Why do you hide yourself in your room all day? Seriously, you could be a model."

Phil's cheeks heated up and he mumbled a thank you, waving at Miles. He flashed a smile, running a hand through his hair.

"Good to meet you. Lemme guess, did Dan dress you that way?" Miles asked. Phil nodded and Miles scowled at Dan before looking back at Philip. "Sorry about that, he has a shit style. You and I are going shopping after rehearsal."

Dan laughed. "Fuck you."

"No thanks, I'm taken," Miles deadpanned. They all got to their spots, Phil awkwardly moving to stand in front of the microphone.

"Check one two," he murmured into it. The group eyed him, and Dan handed him a songbook.

"Here's the songs we know. Pick one you know as well and we'll see how it goes."

Phil let his eyes run down the page, picking one. They began the song, and it took a few restarts because of Phil forgetting to start singing. Once he did, the instrumentalists smiled at each other behind his back.

This was a good idea indeed, hell, maybe the first good idea Dan had ever had. Not like the time Dan tried to snort weed, or when he pissed off a balcony at a party and ended up hitting a girl.

Once the song ended, Phil let out a breath, turning to them. "So? What do you think?"

"I think we should go out to eat," Cassidy stood. "As a celebration for having an amazing new member to the band-"

"Oh, but-" Phil began to protest. Dan piped in.

"He hasn't agreed to join yet."

"What?" Miles dropped his arms. "But why?"

"I just don't think I can do it. . ." Phil started, rubbing at his own arms nervously. "I've never been one to be outgoing, you guys of all people know that. Dan and I have been roommates for a year now and this is the first time I've even spoken to you."

"You spoke to me once," Cassidy pointed out.

"Yeah, I quietly asked you to move because you were sitting on my dictionary." Cassidy opened her mouth to argue, but shut it in defeat. "Look guys, I'll think about it, but I really don't know if I can do it. I'd rather not let you down. I think you're making a mistake by choosing me. I'm not exactly rock band material."

"Exactly, and we could change that." Dan cried.

"Let's go out to eat, yeah?" Miles got up, grabbing his coat. "See how fun we are for the rest of the day. Then, once you go back to your dorm, it's your choice from then on. Either you decide to never speak to us again, or you choose to try and better your life. You're in your twenties, don't you wanna do something instead of watching Japanese cartoons all day?"

"How'd you know about that?"

Miles gestured to Dan who cleared his throat. "You aren't really good at clearing your search history."

Phil sighed, thinking for a bit. "Fine, we will go out to eat. But I'm picking the place."

When they got to the restaurant, they sat down and ordered, Phil mostly listening to the stories the band brought up. Phil had always been more of a listener, never really engaging in conversation. Not that he didn't want to, but whenever Phil tried to speak, things usually came out the wrong way.

For example, in middle school when Phil had a crush on a girl, he was planning on telling her how he felt. He walked her home that day, opened his mouth, and instead of saying I like you, he instead had went with: "I like your. . . ass?" She had kicked him in the crotch, ran inside, and never spoke to him again.

"I'm gonna use the restroom," Phil spoke, getting up. Miles jumped in.

"I'll come with you," he grinned. Phil raised an eyebrow but let him follow, and Miles noticed his discomfort, so he spoke again. "You know I'm trans, right?"

"What?"

"Wait- do I pass that well?" Miles giggled. Phil nodded, a lopsided smile on his lips. "Great. Anyway, I don't feel safe going to public restrooms so I try to go with another person. I'm not hitting on you or anything."

They walked in together, doing their business then happening to come out of the stalls the same time a tall man walked in. The stranger looked Miles up and down, furrowing his eyebrows.

"Are you even a man?" He spoke. Miles just kept his mouth shut.

Phil glared, stepping forward. "More of a man than you'll ever be. Carry on and let the dude wash his hands."

The man froze for a second, shaking his head and muttering something under his breath before going into a stall. Miles looked over at Phil, a shy smile on his face.

"Thank you," he mouthed. "You didn't have to do that. I'm used to it."

"You shouldn't be."

The two finished washing up, going back out to see Cassidy and Dan eating like pigs.

"Miles, didn't you say you were gonna take Philly shopping? You can take my car and just pick us up when you're done. Dan and I have drinking on our bucket list."

"Didn't you say you weren't gonna drink anymore?" Dan laughed.

Cassidy took a bite of her burger. "Sorry what? I suddenly don't speak English."

They all laughed and Cassidy tossed the two her keys, Phil and Miles heading out. Phil snuck a peek at the two friends at the table on the way out, finding himself smiling.

"You coming? I'll take you to a lingerie shop if you'd like. You can try on stuff and feel a little sexy," Miles joked, shaking his ass for emphasis. Phil chuckled.

"Sounds great, Miles."