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Serious, Khaos says, “It’s not the makeup or the hair.”
My smile grows.
“Will you stick around after?” I ask him.
“Do you want me to?”
Mouth full of oats and dried blueberries, I nod.
“I’m not going anywhere ’til you tell me otherwise.”
The last half passes in similar fashion as the first but with only two more touchdowns in our favor. None in the visitor’s though, making it a win for Littoral.
I’m quick to run over to Khaos, asking if his offer to get me food is still good. Concession food is not Sergeant approved, but I’m literally starving. I felt like I was running on fumes that entire last quarter.
I’ll just use cash so my mom doesn’t find out.
I’m perched in front of my bag, grabbing a handful when I hear, “Kota.”
Glancing up, I find Khaos shaking his head. “I got it.”
His latest fight was a success but not exactly a lucrative one. Khaos told me he only made two hundred and fifty dollars. If anything on him required medical attention, it would’ve cost that and then some. He has what he considers a “job” but he’s not getting paid well, especially for what he endures. I don’t want to be a siphon on his already measly earnings.
I stand holding the money anyway and try to give it to him.
“Just take it.”
His own hand blocks the attempt, the bills crumpling awkwardly against his palm.
“No. I can buy your… What do you want?”
“Chicken strips. Oh, and fries.”
“You’ll eat the fries?”
“No, but you will.”
The second his eyes close from his chuckle, I fold his fingers around the two tens and pull my hand out from under, forcing him to take them.
His amusement comes to a screeching halt.
“I’m not using these.”
I shrug as I back up. “You have to.”
“You forget I have access to your room.”
“For now.”
That amusement returns, stopping my feet in their tracks.
“I got a surprise for you when we get home.”
Okay, that sounds ominous. But also, intriguing.
“Meet me in the parking lot. I’m way in the back lot.”
“I’ll find you.”
