Seki

Well, hello, Dylan...

I click his profile picture and look through the photos he has posted.

Okay, Okay, not bad...

Wait... what the heck.

In the third picture down, I realize he is standing by one of his friends at what looks like a basketball game, and it's a hard no for me.

He looks about 5'2. Either that or the other guys are giants, and I mean, hey, I'm not one to judge, but I like what I like, and there's nothing wrong with that.

I continue to scroll through Crush, the dating app that yields no results, well, for me at least, and go through a few more profiles before I entirely give up.

Most guys just look superficial and are probably on there for a quick hookup, and I want more...

I want someone like him...

A knock at my door interrupts my daydreaming and I know it's my roommate, my sister, coming in to catch up and hopefully have a tea-spilling sesh.

"Come in..."

My sister makes her way into my room with all her dramatics as usual, flipping her long braids from side to side before plopping herself onto my bed.

"Hey girl, how's it going?" she bats her eyelashes and clicks her tongue, as I said, dramatic.

"Good, I guess. I was just here browsing through Crush per usual, hoping that maybe, just maybe, there was a guy on here waiting for me."

She rolls her eyes.

"Crush? Do you expect to find a decent guy on Crush? You need to go out more Seki, that's your problem. I mean, you're young, and my sister, so you are obviously gorgeous. Mr. right is out there somewhere, but you will not find him by sitting here on your phone."

"I'm going out today, actually..."

"Oh, are you now?"

Her eyes widen as she rips open a bag of gummy bears, leans back on my bed, and gestures for me to continue.

"Well, pray tell, honey, pray tell."

"It's not who I'm going with..."

That's a lie.

"If you don't spill the tea, girl..." she pries while shoveling colorful gummies into her mouth.

"Ugh, it's with... Tristan."

She immediately stops chewing, sits up, and turns towards me, her expression between confused and irritated.

"Seki, I thought we already went over this..."

"Trinity, it's not like that. We're friends; we're just going to the movies, and who knows, maybe I'll meet a guy while I'm there."

"Yeah, maybe."

I can tell she wants to say more, but she's always been super supportive, so her staying quiet is just her way of saying I'm here for you if you need me.

"Okay, well, I was just checking in. I'm going to get my nails done and then head to work. Please lock up when you leave."

She gets up and heads for the door, hair swinging behind her and jewelry clanking. I just love how extra she is sometimes.

"Of course, and bring home all the juicy work tea. I love hearing about your crazy ass coworkers."

She giggles.

"You already know."

"I just hope today isn't the day when I finally have to whoop Kelly's ass because Lord knows she's been trying me."

I can't help but roll into laughter as she shuts the door and exits my room.

Kelly better watch her back. My sister is a crazy one.

I check the time and figure I might as well start getting ready. Since my outfit is already laid out for the day, I take a quick shower, throw on my well-thought-out ensemble, and do some primping before I head out to the theatre to meet Tristan.

I take some time to adjust my curls in the mirror, spray on a few mists of my favorite perfume, and apply my new electric blue lipstick, which matches the punk rock aesthetic I am currently serving.

I take one final spin in my full-length mirror, and yes, she's ready, honey.

I order an Uber, and while I wait for it to arrive, I make sure I have all my necessities: phone, wallet, and keys.

The Uber finally arrives, and the drive is quick. I don't live too far from the theatre, so before I know it, I'm at my destination, and I notice Tristan standing out by the front, looking well put together as usual, not a hair out of place.

What a gentleman.

I exit the car, and he starts to walk towards me, his gorgeous little smile making him look perkier than usual.

I could've sworn the last time we spoke, he said his mother was giving him shit, and he wasn't doing too well...

I try not to think about our last conversation too much.

Honestly, I'm glad to see him in good spirits. I'm always happy to see him.

"Hey Seki, I love the look. You look beautiful, as always."

I reach in to hug him.

"Thank you, Trist, and you look handsome and well put together, as expected."

"You know, if you think about it, we kind of look the complete opposite, the preppy boy and the punked-out girl. People are probably thinking all kinds of crap."

I can't help but chuckle at some of his comments; he puts way too much thought into what people think about him.

"I say, fuck what people think." I extend my arm out, and if by instinct, he locks my arm into his as we make our way into the theatre.

I really miss the old days...

I miss when it was Seki and Tristan vs. the rest of the world...

Maybe it can still...

"Seki..."

I snap out of my daydream.

"Yes?"

"Oh, I was just asking what movie we should see?"

Horror might be just the thing...

"I was thinking horror. I could use a good scare for fun, you know?"

It's like he's in my mind. Does he want the same things?

Does he want us back?

The real us?

Snap out of it, Seki!

"Yeah, horror sounds good. The 35th Exorcism it is!"

"Omg, and it's in 3d." I let out a squeak.

"Awesome. It's like the old days."

Not entirely.

We finally make it into our seats, and as the movie progresses, I lose interest.

Nothing I want to happen is happening.

Tristan is so focused on the movie that he's acting like I'm not even here, only nudging me to ask questions, which is irritating me further, and I'm trying extremely hard not to show it.

When the movie finally ends, we exit the theatre and go back into the main lobby, where I try to keep myself together and give the impression that I had fun.

The movie wasn't bad, and I got to spend time with Tristan, but it wasn't what I envisioned.

Lately, it never is.

"I just never thought they would have several priests possessed at the same time. What a shit show."

"I know, right?"

"Seki, what's wrong?"

God, either he knows me too well, or I am horrible at pretending.

"Nothing, just tired. I think I'm going to head home, actually."

He frowns.

"Aww, no ice cream at Bucky's like we usually do?"

We haven't done that in months, Tristan. Stop pretending.

"Maybe another time. I need to really get some sleep. I have to go in for a quick meeting in the morning. I don't know why they just don't schedule these meetings during our shifts. Like, hello, we have lives!"

"I get it. Well, can I at least wait for your Uber with you?"

I feel those emotions again. This is why I can't get over him; he's just too kind.

"I'd love that, Trist."

He reaches his arm out, and we leave the way we came in, arm in arm, and take seats on the bench in front of the movie theatre.

"So, Seki, you know how you always say I never text first, and we don't hang out much?"

"Yes, how could I forget?" I respond, trying not to sound annoyed.

He's trying Seki, He's trying.

"Well, I know you said you have a work thing tomorrow, but after that, are you free?"

"Yeah, why? What do you have in mind?"

He wants you back, girl, and here comes the attempt.

Let's not make this too easy for him, though.

"Well, I met this guy yesterday, and he invited me to his mom's crystal shop..."

A guy?!?!

"...and you know how much I love collecting crystals. He seems cool. He's new and looking to meet friends."

This is about a guy?

Stay calm, Seki. He just wants to make new friends, no matter what Trinity thinks...

"I'd love to. Just shoot me a text with the info," I respond dryly.

"Awesome. I'll let you know tomorrow."

I notice my Uber pulling up and it couldn't be more than perfect timing.

"Okay, perfect. Well... it looks like my rides here. I gotta go. Don't forget to text me."

I give him a kiss on the cheek before making my way into the Uber and shutting the door.

On the way home, I can't help but think about all the things Trinity pointed out to me that might indicate Tristan is interested in more than just girls...

She claims to have caught him sneaking looks at other guys, and then there's the whole being overly concerned about his appearance, but that proves nothing.

People are naturally curious, and it doesn't necessarily mean you are gay just because you take care of yourself, like stereotype much, sis?

I mean, there's nothing wrong with being gay. I myself have dabbled here and there, but he knows that, and we're friends, so I feel like he would tell me. I feel like he would trust me.

He also doesn't have to, but I support him.

Most of all, I miss him and what we used to be.

All I know is that if Trinity is right, and this is all true, I'm going to give this new guy a run for his money.

Tristan is mine, and I refuse to share him.