Ryan met up with Allen after school.

Allen had already passed the math exam the first time. So Ryan hoped he could help him understand this shit before Friday.

Allen had agreed to study with him for a bit, on the condition they could play Doom on his X-box afterwards. That seemed like a good idea. So Ryan was waiting for Allen on the steps in front of the building when Lilah and her friend (Karen?) walked by. Lilah smiled at Ryan and came closer.

“Hey Ryan, watcha waiting for?” she said, in a tone clearly meant for flirting.

“Allen.” Ryan answered. “It’s really boring but he’s gonna help me out with math.”

“Man, that’s harsh in this weather. It’s spring, everybody should be able to hang out outdoors right now. Go for a picknick in the park maybe.” Lilah winked.

“I wish…” Ryan sighed and smiled at her apologetically.

“Will you at least be at the party tomorrow?”

“Yes, I will. Tomorrow morning is the test. I think I’ll be in need of a good party afterwards. So I’ll see you there tomorrow?”

“Sure!” Lilah said. “See you tomorrow Ryan!”

The other girl (was it Kristen?) have a short wave, while pulling her friend away. Ryan waved back at them, and checked his phone. No new calls or messages. He scrolled a bit around on Insta, until he got jumped by Allen from behind.

“Got Ya!” Allen yelled in his ear. “Are you ready to imagine some numbers?”

Ryan laughed and got up. On the walk to Ryan’s apartment, they talked about the party. Apparently, the guys had invited practically the whole college. If everybody showed up, they’d need an extra house just to put all the people in. They had stocked up on every type of alcohol they could get their hands on and fixed three bona-fide DJ’s for the entire evening. They even went ahead and got a noise permit for their party.

“Sounds like serious business Allen.” Ryan said.

“Yep it’s gonna be one hell of a party. We want everyone to remember it later when we’re out of college and into the business world”.

That was kind of smart, Ryan thought, as long as people didn’t trash the place, they could very well leave a good impression on the business majors with the wealthy corporate dads.

“Oh yeah,” Allen started, “Lilah is coming too, she’s totally hot for you dude.”

“How’d you know?” Ryan asked.

He knew this from Tasha already, but Tasha wouldn’t have told Allen. No-one would have told Allen, because everybody knew Allen couldn’t keep his mouth shut.

“I asked her out, and she said no.” Allen answered bluntly.

“But Allen, not everyone who doesn’t want to date you is into me… at least I would hope so.” Ryan argued.

“No. But you see, I asked her and she started letting me off the hook nicely, but then you walked into the hall and that all changed. She took one look at your ugly mug, then panicked, and broke off the conversation with me immediately. She wants ya! I’m sure of it!”

That sounded promising, but Ryan didn’t really understand how Allen could be so cheerful about it.

“But uh, Allen…” he started “If you really wanted to date her, why are you setting us up? Aren’t you in love with her?”

Allen started laughing immediately. “In love? Dude! Don’t be silly. She’s just really hot, so I thought I’d take a chance on her. What? You really thought I’d fall in love that easily? Do you?”

“No…” Ryan answered. “But that’s why I was hesitant. I thought, if you’re dating someone, aren’t you supposed to be like Simon and Tasha? Like completely into each other? I think Lilah is good looking and nice, but I wonder if that’s enough, you know?”

Allen slapped the back of Ryan’s head. “What? Dude, you’re crazy! If a hot chick wants ya, ya go and get yourself some! Dude! I thought you were the group's womanizer! What’s with this crazy talk?”

Allen picked up the pace, signalling that he didn’t really need an answer to the question he just asked.

When they got to Ryan’s house, they were greeted by Kitty, who rubbed his head against their legs as a friendly welcome home. Ryan picked up the cat and cuddled it for a bit, but just as Kitty started purring loudly, Ryan put him back down and turned to Allen again.

When Allen finally left it was 11pm. They had studied for hours, played Doom for more, and had pizza delivered. Ryan felt relaxed and prepared for tomorrow. He called Kitty over and decided to brush him for a bit, since the poor cat hadn't gotten any attention from him the entire day.

Kitty curled up on Ryan’s lap and purred as Ryan brushed his fur. When he was done, he got up, brushed his teeth, dropped his clothes on the floor, and got into bed.

“Good night Kitty, dream about chicken” Ryan told his pet, as he turned of the lights.