𝘼𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙋𝙊𝙑:
I wasn't sure how it had happened, but suddenly, Chris and I were hanging out all the time.

It wasn't planned. We never set proper plans. It was just... casual. Natural.

Like today.

I had woken up to a text from him at eleven

Chris: What are you doing today?

Me: Not much. Why?

Chris: Come keep me company. I need entertainment.

Which basically meant he was bored and wanted me to be his personal comedian for the afternoon.

Still, I agreed.

That's how I found myself walking into Flight Club, an indoor darts bar, where Chris was already standing at the counter, ordering drinks.

He turned when he heard me walk in, smirking as he held up a glass. "Hope you're ready to lose."

I snorted, dropping my bag onto a stool. "You think just because you kick a football around for a living, you can beat me at darts?"

Chris laughed, handing me my drink. "You're talking a big game for someone who hasn't played since school."

I rolled my eyes but took a sip of my drink anyway.

Chris had booked a board for us, so we headed over, picking up our darts. The place was busy but not packed, filled with the sound of chatter, laughter, and darts clinking against the boards.

Chris threw first, landing a decent score not that I was going to admit it.

"My turn," I said, stepping up and squinting at the board.

Chris leaned against the table, watching me. "No pressure."

I took my shot. The dart hit the board—but not well.

Chris burst out laughing.

I sighed dramatically. "That was a warm-up."

He smirked. "Sure it was."

I picked up my next dart, shaking off his teasing, and focused. This time, I actually managed to hit a solid number.

"There you go," Chris said, raising his drink in mock celebration. "Proud of you."

I flipped him off, making him laugh again.

We played for nearly an hour, throwing insults back and forth, getting way too competitive over what was essentially just a casual game. By the time we finished, Chris had technically won, but I refused to acknowledge it.

"Best two out of three," I argued.

Chris grinned. "You just don't want to admit I'm better than you."

I scoffed. "Better? I was distracted."

He raised a brow. "By what?"

I paused. "The... lighting?"

Chris snorted. "Right."

I rolled my eyes, grabbing my bag. "Come on, I'm starving."

We left and walked a few streets over to a little burger place Chris insisted was "elite," and after one bite, I had to admit he was right.

We sat in a booth, eating and talking between bites.

"So," Chris said, wiping his hands with a napkin. "What are you actually doing with your life right now?"

I groaned. "Why does everyone keep asking me that?"

Chris smirked. "Because you have no job and too much free time."

I stuck my tongue out at him. "I'm figuring it out."

"What's the dream?" he asked

I hesitated, dipping a fry into some sauce. "I don't know. I guess... something creative? Something fun. I just don't want to do something I hate."

Chris nodded. "Fair enough. You ever thought about YouTube?"

I snorted. "Oh, yeah. Because everyone wants to watch me sit around and do nothing all day."

He smirked. "Some people make careers out of that, you know."

"Yeah, but I don't have the patience for editing." I spoke

Chris leaned back, considering me. "You'd be good at it, though and plus I pay someone to do it for me."

I shook my head, brushing it off. "I don't know. I'll figure it out eventually."

Chris nodded like he understood, but something in his expression made me think he was about to bring it up again at some point.

We finished eating, talking about everything and nothing at the same time. It was easy with him. Effortless.

By the time we left the restaurant, it was dark, the city buzzing around us.

Chris glanced at me as we walked. "So, did you have fun?"

I rolled my eyes. "Yes, Chris. You are very entertaining."

He grinned. "I know."

I laughed, shoving his arm lightly. "Alright, I need to get home before I crashout."

Chris nodded. "I'll walk you to the station."

And he did.

And maybe, just maybe, I liked that.