They eventually decided mutually to meet up that following weekend at noon. They had chosen to go to a local arcade everyone was familiar with. Onyx had reasoned it was a good idea because, not only did all of them enjoy games, it would also take away the uncomfortable need to fill the potential silence with pointless conversation should things get too awkward.

Alyssa came over to hang out with Onyx that day and he was briefly surprised by how genuinely excited she seemed. She was practically bursting with energy, urging him to hurry up and get cleaned and clothed so they could leave out as soon as possible. Thus, for the very first time, Onyx arrived at their designated meeting spot, not only on time, but ten minutes early with Alyssa at his side. 

It was the same area Day had picked him up from the very first time they’d hung out together. With the sun mercilessly beating down on him, he almost regretted his outfit choice. While Alyssa was dressed in a plain white t-shirt and a pair of jean shorts, Onyx was clothed in a gray sleeveless hoodie and black joggers. The thick material was quickly making him break out in sweat and Alyssa didn’t miss the opportunity to comment on his clear discomfort.

“Told you that was a bad idea,” she teased, a large grin stretched across her face. “You should have worn something lighter.”

“Too late to change now,” Onyx pointed out with a sigh, “but it wouldn’t have been if you hadn’t rushed me.”

“Oh, come on. I know you’re just as excited about this as I am.”

“Not even a little.”

Alyssa leaned down to kiss him on the cheek with a laugh. 

“Bold lie.”

Thankfully, the two of them weren’t left waiting around for long. Day pulled up a few minutes later and Onyx couldn’t hold in his sigh of relief if he deliberately tried. A part of him had feared Day would show up late due to having expected him to do so as previously suggested. He was undeniably grateful Day apparently wasn’t petty enough to do exactly that.

The second the car came to a stop, Alyssa curiously peered into the car to take in Day’s appearance. Judging by the way Day temporarily forgot to unlock the car doors, Onyx assumed he was doing the same. Rolling his eyes, Onyx tugged on the door handle pointedly, amused at the jump of surprise Day gave as if he’d been that far in a trance. 

After the click of the doors being unlocked sounded, Onyx immediately climbed into the passenger seat and Alyssa took a spot in the middle seat in the back.

“Hey,” Onyx simply said, hitting Day on the arm none too gently.

“Geez,” Day said with a laugh. “You’re so mean but I guess I had that coming.”

“Mm.”

“You’re actually really attractive,” Alyssa said, leaning forward until she was barely in her seat. Day rose an eyebrow when she leaned in further but didn’t bother moving away. “Like… model attractive.”

“Thanks,” Day smiled. “That’s what Onyx said.”

Alyssa’s eyes narrowed and she turned to look at Onyx although still addressing Day. “Did he now? Very straight of him if I do say so myself.”

“Shit.” The group of them had only been together for a minute max and he was already regretting everything. Again. “This was a bad idea.”

“I disagree,” Alyssa said and then proceeded to turn her attention back to Day. “Well, do you?”

“Do I what?” Day asked in confusion. 

“Model.”

“Oh, definitely not,” Day laughed, cheeks flushing slightly but he didn’t seem to be uncomfortable. He appeared to be a strange mixture of flattered and surprised. “That strikes pretty close to my worst nightmare.”

“Dramatic,” Onyx muttered under his breath, slouching further in his seat and leaning against the window warily. He’d give just about anything to be back at home in his bed or dedicating a few hours to his art. This entire situation was already beginning to wear him out. It was nothing unexpected, but it was still entirely unwelcome.

“Maybe,” Day shrugged, “but still true.”

“Whatever. Since apparently you were never planning to ask, I think it’d be a good idea for you to actually learn my girlfriend’s name. It’s Alyssa.”

“Oh, sorry,” Day said. He seemed astounded that he had forgotten to ask such a pivotal question and Onyx couldn’t really blame him. “It’s nice to meet you, Alyssa. I’m Day.”

“I already knew,” Alyssa murmured, finally moving back to sit properly in her seat. She tugged her seat belt on with a pout. “Surprised Onyx never took the time to tell you my name before.”

Day exchanged a look with Onyx who simply shrugged. He’d never had a reason to discuss Alyssa in detail with Day. Most of the time he’d ever brought her up was in an effort to keep his soulmate in check. To prevent Day from thinking the entire arrangement they’d set up was anything more than it truly was.

“Are we going to sit in this spot for the rest of the day, or are you going to drive?” Onyx asked pointedly.

“Right…” Day said, shifting the car out of park and pulling away from the curb.