Rava squints. Noah tilts his head. "…Why?"
I smile. "Because we're gonna get so blind, so absolutelydestroyed, no one's gonna be able to drive back. Not even in a dream." Rava's eyes widen.
Noah yells. "Holy SHIT. I'm going to bed now so I'm fully charged by then." I turn toward the door, already stepping out. "I'm gonna go teach your little brother some history before he bombs his future completely."
As I pass Rava, I throw an arm around his neck. Pull him in. Kiss the top of his head. "See you later, Ravioli."
Behind me, Noah makes a dramatic noise and covers his face. "I can't take this. I can't take this. You're disgusting. I'm crying. I'm so happy. Fuck you both." And I walk out smiling.
11) Record This !
Rava
It's night.
I fold a clean shirt and toss it into my bag, glancing over at Noah who is making a mess of his clothes. He looks weirdly excited. "So?" I ask, trying to sound casual. "What did you think of Gio?"
Noah zips his bag halfway, then freezes.
He raises his eyebrows like the answer is obvious. "Okay—not gonna lie, at first? I thought you were exaggerating. Like, classic crush syndrome or whatever," he says, shaking his head.
"But nah. You fucking undersold him, man." I smile before I can stop myself. It doesn't mean anything, I know. Gio and I aren't together or anything.
But still... it matters. That Noah likes him.
"What are you even bringing?" I ask, trying to cover the fact I'm still smiling. "Boxers. Toothbrush. Condoms."
I shoot him a look. He laughs. "I'm joking. Relax." Noah slings his bag over his shoulder. "Dude. Life in Italy is already goddamn perfect." He grins at me. "I might never go back."
And honestly? I'm not sure I want to go back either.
Noah is buttoning up his ridiculous yellow-and-white floral shirt. White pants. Gold chain. He looks like the human version of a cocktail.
I'm finishing up with my hair, slicking it back with a quick swipe of my fingers. Black polo. Black trousers. Clean, simple and safe. Daisy sits cross-legged on my bed, watching us. "Okay,damn," she says. "You guys look like you just walked out of a magazine. A really hot, really expensive magazine."
Noah turns to her, struck a pose. "I know, right? Should I be worried your brother's outshining me?"
She laughs. "Both of you are giving dangerously fine. Like, dangerously."
"Good," Noah grins, grabbing his bag. "We're going to be surrounded by drunk Italians. Gotta be ready." I roll my eyes and reach for my phone and wallet.
We walk downstairs, where my mom and brother are still up. Dad is in his office, thank god.
We get the usual barrage of questions.
Where are you going? Who's driving? When will you be back?
"We'll see you tomorrow," I say as we reach the door.
"If we're alive."
Jin throws a pillow at us. "Don't die. I need your charger."
"Touch my charger and you're dead," I shoot back, grinning. And with that, we step outside.
…
There's this sound. The rumble.
