He’s not even looking at you!
He just laughs, resuming his set. And a part of you wonders if maybe helikesthe attention. If maybe he’s doing this on purpose just to show-off.
Not that you exactly mind.
“So I don’t have to work today,” you say, leaning against the edge of the kitchen counter. “That means we can do whatever. I was thinking…how about a movie? If we go early enough, we can probably still get the cheaper matinee price.”
“A movie?” Ziros asks, stopping mid push-up.
He flips over, and he smirks when your eyes flick down to his abs.
Ooops. Caught again.
“Yeah. It’s like a play, but the people aren’t there—they’re filmed and projected on the screen.”
“Okay,” he says, standing up with a shrug as he heads for the bathroom. Hopefully to shower, because he’s covered in sweat. With one hand on the doorframe, he pauses and glances back at you. And maybe he’s lingering there shirtless on purpose again just so you can check him out. “I’m in.”
* * *
That evening, you emerge from the theater just after dark
Ziros was surprisingly chill.
He only stood up and tried to yell at the people on screen once before you shushed him.
And…it was kind of nice. It felt like a real date. He even wrapped his arm around your shoulder, letting you lean against him.
And even though you know you should really work on the whole setting-Ziros-free thing, you’re kinda getting used to having him around.
You’ve only known each other a few days, but it feels like you’ve known him for all eternity.
And not in a bad way.
You hardly even remember the plot of the generic action movie you watched. You were too busy remembering how good he looked working out.
And thinking about how he must have been so bored all those years trapped in that void with nothing to do but exercise.
Alone.
Thinking about Ziros suffering by himself all those years…it must have been mind-numbing. How did he even manage to stay sane?
“You don’t look happy,” he says as you walk out together, and you flinch.
Oops again.
He’s perceptive.
“I was just thinking,” you admit, lowering your voice as you head for the lobby. “I was thinking about you in that void. It sounds like torture.”
“It was.”
You’re quiet after that, not really sure what to say.
And even though you know things are okay now, you still kinda want to do something to cheer him up, something to lighten the mood.
It’s a cool but clear night, no rain in sight, and the streets are just coming alive with people.
Maybe it’s a good time to do something adventurous.
