Just as I’m about to overthink it—my phone buzzes.
Unknown: I don’t really like my sister, let’s not do that. She could lose it, you know.
I bite my lips to tame the smile again.
Me: Doubt that. She’s the sweetest person ever.
Silence. This time longer.
I couldn’t care less about that bracelet. My mom bought it for me on a vacation—her only real way of showing affection.
My phone suddenly rings.
What the actual—
Is he really calling me?
Something twists low in my stomach, turning everything there into chaos. I clear my throat and pick it up.
There’s a brief silence before his voice reaches me—youthful, yet unexpectedly deep, with a husky edge that sounds almost worn in.
“Let’s not talk about my sister.”
“Okay,” I reply and there’s a short silence once more, but it feels somehow nice, comfortable.
I’m usually annoyingly chatty. What the hell is happening with me?
“I hope this is okay. I’m not good at texting.”
“And you’re good at talking?” I ask, unable to hide a bit of amusement.
“We’ll see, I guess,” he laughs.
I can’t hold back a smile either—his laugh comes out rough, almost nervous, but there’s something soft underneath it that doesn’t quite match. He keeps talking before the moment can settle.
“So, what is it really? A friendship bracelet? Is that still a thing?”
“No, it’s not a friendship bracelet. I’m not twelve, Kasien.”
Here we go, I just said his name.
He’s quiet for a moment. I probably pronounced it wrong.
“Fuck. Then is it a relationship bracelet?”
I laugh.
“No, it’s definitely not a relationship bracelet.”
“Okay, good, that would be weird.”
“And why exactly?”
“Because I’m wearing it.”
“Right. Don’t stretch it!”
“Text me your address then.”
