"You are seriously wearing that to the party?" Tony asks, standing in my room petting Neko.

"Yes," I replied, "Why not?"

"Well, I don't know if anyone will understand what it means."

"That's not the point."

"Okay, whatever. Let us just go before we are too late to the party."

The music was blaring as we pulled up into the street. Tony had insisted we drive there just in case we had dates after the party. I had laughed at his remark until I walked into the sweaty room. 

"If you see her, do not hesitate," Tony said, "I'll get us some drinks."

I scanned the room and spotted her, dancing like there was no tomorrow. When the music slowed down, she turned and we locked eyes. Everyone around her was pairing up and she panicked, slipping through the crowd.

No way! Was she wearing the exact same t-shirt as me?

"So, where is she?" Tony asked, handing me a red cup with some liquid in it.

"Huh?" 

"Dude, is Rie here?"

"Yeah, she went over there," I said, pointing towards the hallway. 

"And what are you doing over here?" he asked, puzzled. "Dude, this is the only chance you will get to actually seem cooler than you usually do. Go get her."

"What if she doesn't want me to talk to her?"

"Then, you walk away. Simple as that. No hard feelings."

I followed her as she walked out of the party and stood at a distance before approaching her on the bench.

"So this is where you ran off to."

"Holy Sh-" She gasped, turning around.

"Sorry if I startled you," I said. "Mind if I sit?"

"Uh- not at all."

Was I making her uncomfortable?

"That's weird," I said.

"What?" she asked, shifting uneasily.

"We are wearing the same outfit," I replied.

"Wait, what?"

"Did you get that from Otakuthon last year, or online?" I asked. "I always thought I was the only one who knew the Lollipopsisters existed."

"Oh, I am actually friends with them," Rie replied. "Their LMLY merchandise is to die for."

"You know them? No way!" I gasped. "Like, you have coffee with them and stuff?"

 "Yeah, they are normal people," she replied, chuckling.

"The shirt suits you," I replied. 

"You too. Black looks really good on you," she said, smiling.

Did she just say what she just said or am I reading too much into things?

"I saw you dancing back there," I said. "You are pretty good."

"I practice a lot in my room," Rie replied. 

"What else do you do, apart from working with us?" I asked, "Any hobbies?"

"I write. A lot," She replied. 

"Do you enjoy it?"

"Yeah, it has helped me heal," She replied, blinking back tears.

Please don't cry. Not here.

"I know a great cafe we can chat in," I suggested, "If you are okay leaving the party, that is."

"Sure, I'd like that," Rie replied, getting up. 

"I parked just around the corner over there," I said.

Beep!

I turned my car on and she got in. I was calm, too calm and it was beginning to scare me. My phone buzzed right after I buckled up and I glanced at the notification before I unparked. It was from Tony.

Have fun! (winky face emoji)

As I drove down the street, away from the party, I became aware of Rie sitting beside me. She appeared smaller than usual, yet very comfortable and for some reason, all I wanted was to hug her. Tight.