||BRAD||

Friday

After school, I redressed myself into more appropriate styled clothes for times like these: Black pants, black loafers, and an almost wrinkly, baby blue polo that I've barely worn that my Mom thought would look "cute" on me... and a black tie. I waved goodbye to my Mom and Dad as I began pulling out of the driveway. I start heading towards the areas to TopStar. I've gotta be honest, I've only been there a couple of times for a few sports events but never really took the time to venture around inside properly. I feel myself getting hyped to watch Noah, and maybe even get some shit straight with Damien if I meet him.

-

Parking in an open space, I got off and wandered around. I now realized that I really didn't know exactly where to go. Looking around, there were a bunch of kids who look to be wearing the identical attire that had the black and red theme going on, but were going off in different ways. Asking for directions is one of the worst things I hate doing, but I guess I had no choice. I walked up to this one random girl with a sleek black dress and fancy looking jewelry; her hair styled and curled elegantly, "Hey there, are you headed to the auditorium for the music concert? I don't know my way here" I asked her.

She looks at me with surprise and smiles, "ah, yes," she nods.

"Can I follow you? I'm heading there as well."

"Sure," she giggles and begins towards the front doors. I sped up ahead and held the door for her which she smiled at me. We walk side by side together in the lounge area that actually looked really dazzling compared to my school. It would be a betrayal to say that TopStar's better than Wolverine high. "You know, you kinda look familiar," she says out of nowhere.

I raise an eyebrow, "wait, really?" I said.

"I think I see you during football games."

I tilt my head at her, not exactly seeing her as recognizable. I don't think I've even ever seen her at Wolverine high. We turn to a corner and stood in front of two red velvet doors. She opens them going in and I trail behind her. The two of us finally entered the auditorium, showing a few people who are already seated on their placements and the stage in the front of this massive room. "I'm Ari by the way," she smirks at me.

"I'm Brad," I said with a grin and held out my hand out for a shake.

She looks at me with slightly widened eyes and glances at my hand. She keeps quiet for a few seconds before speaking, "oh interesting, well, say hi to Noah for me," she flashes a smile and starts walking away. I let my hand down in confusion as I repeated what she said in my head. I don't know her, but she seems to know Noah. I looked around the place if I could find a decent spot to get a good look at the show. Going down the stairs closer to the stage, I saw Andrea who sat in the middle area, three rows away from the stage. "Sup Andy," I said jokingly.

"Don't call me that," she rolls her eyes.

I take the seat right next to her, "how was your time with Zack in the fair by the way?" I asked, trying to start a conversation.

"He was sweet, but I'm not gonna lie, he was very pretty shy and nervous the entire time, although I admire his gentlemanliness. Despite his timid exterior, he tries his best. He won me lots of teddy bears and plushies from a few games though. I don't know what I'm gonna do with my new collection, " she laughed while covering her mouth.

I nodded, "what do you think of him?"

"I like him. He makes it so painfully obvious," she leans on her hand, her elbow rested on the armrest of the seat.

"True to that," I chuckled. I checked the time on my phone. It should begin in a few minutes.

"You really came," The voice made me turn back to meet Noah's stunning eyes. He gives me a huge smile.

"I wouldn't miss it for anything," I stood up and gave him a huge hug. He rests his head on mine and I caught his wonderful intoxicating fragrance. We stay like this for a few seconds before he looks up at me. I checked him out. He wore a very stylish black shirt, a bow tie, and his hair is handsomely groomed. "You look... amazing..." I was breathless, staring at him in awe.

"Thank you, you do too..." he beams as I caught him looking at me too, "the band kids should be prepared as we speak. We'll be watching and waiting from over there," he said, pointing at the high seats at the very back of this place. I saw Zack, Annabel, and the others who were occupying themselves.

"Awesome, and I'll be right exactly here in the middle front row seats," I winked at him.

He lets out a little laugh, the corner of his mouth raised and his cheeks getting flushed. More people from the entrance began to pour in. "I gotta go now, wish me luck," Noah said, but before he could turn up to the stairs, I quickly held his hand gave him a kiss on his lips.

"You're gonna do great, good luck."