that wasn't clever at all.

After my reply, I took a look back to the envelopes. While waiting for Forrest to retort, I seized the letters and shoved them underneath my bed. I didn't feel like reading any more; I'd finish at another time.

Moments later, my phone made a sound again.

Ouch. Now I know it's you, june

I examined the message thoughtfully.

wait, I typed, do u really know any other ppl w/ month-names

I wasn't sure how to phrase the question, but I sent it anyway. His next message made me want to smile.

nah you're the only one :-)

I took a moment, wondering what to say. Before I could come up with something, he added:

anyway, what are you doing?

Since I was laying on my bed, I had a great view of my ceiling.

nothing much. just staring at the ceiling

Once I hit send, I realized how boring I sounded. And he called me out on it.

Wow!! so exciting

I furrowed my brows. What did he expect?

your sarcasm is deeply appreciated

After including a heart emoji for good measure, I sent it and waited. It didn't take him long to respond.

that's nice to know. Anyway, is it really that fascinating?

I typed:

my ceiling? oh yea - the most fascinating thing in the world

This conversation was dripping with sarcasm, but I don't think either one of us minded. His next text was a surprise.

well, i'd love to see it sometime

I immediately faltered. Was he suggesting . . .

Seconds later, he added:

can I come by - maybe saturday? that's my day-off

Soon after that, while I was taking it all in, one more message appeared.

(and no, im not using your ceiling as some lame excuse to see you again)

Aw, my mind instantly let out. As much as I wanted to, I couldn't deny how sweet that sounded.

sure, I replied, come by whenever. My mood dropped a bit once I remembered that Saturday was three days away. and btw when are your other day-offs?

I get the whole weekend off, he said.

I blinked, puzzled. but today is tuesday??

He didn't reply as fast as before. It took a good minute or two before my screen flashed with another message. Before I even read it, I already knew what he had done. He missed work because of me.

yes I am aware of that

I narrowed my eyes. I can't believe you!! aren't you in trouble now? You should have gone to work today!!

For some reason, I could just imagine him sighing.

relax june (so many exclamation points lol) my boss is cool. i rarely miss work - she understands that whenever I do, it's bc of something IMPORTANT

Despite me feeling somewhat relieved and fairly touched, I was still concerned.

whatever.. if you say so... and are you sure you wanna waste 1 of your day-offs on me?

His next text made me roll my eyes.

um if I recall, i'm just going there for the ceiling :-)

So sassy. He sent something else before I could even type anything.

But yea I am 100% sure

I didn't bother trying to change his mind. alright then.. I wasn't sure what else to put so I simply sent that.

so, he began, what are you planning to do while you impatiently wait for saturday to come?

I snorted. Impatiently? Sure. idk actually. I'll just watch tv or something

oh my god, his response said, you really are a bore

I scowled. unlike you, i don't constantly crave for human interaction. i am perfectly fine staying inside my house

Only once I sent it did I realize that it came off as a bit harsh. Plus, I seemed so antisocial.

well, jeez june, he wrote, if that's what you want to remember then okay :-(

His sad emoticon told me that he wasn't actually upset. okay i'm sorry. And what do u mean exactly?

I swallowed in his answer. If you want to look back on these days and realize you spent your time/chances on basically nothing worthwhile, then OK

Wow. We were just texting, but of course, he had to add a bit of depth to the conversation. However, instead of finding it strange, I've somewhat grown used to it. I couldn't think of what to say so I waited for him to continue. A few minutes later, he did.

don't get me wrong - tv is fine. but you can do so many other things!! you can learn how to knit or play an instrument (you look like you could rock the drums tbh) just try something new pls

My lips curved. He was so determined to make me . . . live - for lack of a better word. I appreciated it, though. Forrest was offering me so much motivation - I guess he was right as always. It was time to get some hobbies instead of staying in bed.

Fine i'll do something new. (you're so encouraging, it makes me sick)

I was kidding, and I hoped he knew that.

Whatever. You still like me though :-)

Heat flooded my cheeks along with my chest. It was a simple message that meant practically nothing yet . . .

yea sure, I made sure to sound as casual as I could, if that helps you sleep at night :)

lol as much as I love your sarcasm, I have to go now. I'll talk to you more tomorrow okay?

Truthfully, I was a bit bummed out that he had to leave. I made myself type: alright, no problem

Take care of yourself yeah?

I smiled and merely wrote Yeah.

Good night, June.

Sighing, I finished the conversation with Good night, Forrest.