Okay. 

He kissed me and I know it because I can handle my alcohol and just because we stared at each other in that moment, he takes it as a sign that I gave him approval. Alcohol is a monster. It’s a fucking drug to control everything and right now, I can feel the softness of his lips and he taste like a strawberry... wait, did he put on a lip balm to taste like a strawberry? 

I don’t know anymore, and my instincts kick in to push him away from me. 

“Um... I have to go.” I left him without saying anything nor I look back to see his reaction to his actions.

God, I can’t kiss him back. It’s... ugh... I don’t really feel anything! It was like a pillow that I can lean on but a romantic or sexual feeling? It's not in my dictionary. I ride a bus and I don’t know where I am right now, and my head feels heavy. The painting was all to blame.

God, who knows it will be there... in a fucking... museum. 

He’s... my friend. Oh god, Athena, did you really think he wants you as a friend? No fucking way. He approaches you in the first place because he likes you! And I didn’t know that he would make a move that fast. Maybe, he thinks I was an easy target. Ugh... my head hurts and my eyes are blurry. 

“Hey, did you drink? Athena? Athena...?” 

It felt like a dream. Someone was calling me.

Mom? Is that you? 

I opened my eyes and I saw the ceiling from my bedroom. My eyes became big, and I slowly got up and I held my head because it was throbbing. I remember that I was on the bus, and someone was talking to me and calling my name. So, that was not a dream, and that kiss was real. How I wish all that was a dream. I got on my feet, and I headed downstairs to the kitchen. 

“Hey, buddy, I must go. Your sister will accompany you.” Jeremy’s dad said and he looked at me. I force a smile to him and lean on the table because my head hurts. 

“Here. For your hangover.” 

I look up with narrowed eyes and it smells good, “How did I get here?” I asked her while sipping my soup. 

“You don’t remember?” I shook my head, and I finished my soup, “Your friend brought you here and said, you were wasted on the bus when he saw you.” 

“He?” I lean on my arms and close my eyes. 

“He’s a tall guy, fair skin, and very handsome. Oh, he has dimples too.” 

Dimples? That’s familiar. Oh, wait...

“Athena...?” a vivid voice suddenly appears in my head and a clear face that aunt Sandra describes fits in my head. 

I looked up to confirm the name, but aunt Sandra vanished into thin air. Or so I thought... 

“He has your puke on his shirt!” She shouted. 

“Ugh..." I've groaned. I hate this. 

After I took Jeremy to school, I took my day off to a grocery store. 

“Athena?” 

I looked at the guy who called my name and there he was, a guy who has dimples. I smiled at him, “Oh, hey.” Are you just excited to see him, Athena? No, I was awkward.  

“Nice to see you here.” he said. 

“Yeah,” 

“I was buying some stuff for my apartment.” He is holding some paint maybe for his bedroom to make it alive? 

“I can see that.” Oh, Athena says something, says something, “About last night...” no, not that one, “...I’m sorry that I puke on you and thank you for bringing me home.” Okay, it was so embarrassing, and he is laughing at you! “Are you laughing at me?” 

“No, you’re cute.” Oh, he finds me cute. 

“Wait... how did you know where I live?” 

“Oh, that. After you pass out, your phone suddenly lights up and someone is calling you.” 

“Oh, that was my aunt Sandra.” 

“Actually...” he was hesitant to say, "...it was a guy, and he was worried about you. So, I asked for your address and he was so sorry about what happened.” 

I was speechless. The name of Thomas on my contact was a dork, “I want to repay you for your kindness and for being such a snag. But, how did you know my name?” I ask because I’ve noticed he knows my name. 

He smiled, “I’m glad that I was the one whom you vomit. Um, I just saw your name when you were busy sketching the other day in the café.” 

I nodded, “Oh, come on! Don’t bring it up.” I said while laughing a little. He must have seen my name written in my sketchpad. 

“You can repay me for helping me decorate my room.” 

I just came with Noah to his apartment, and he wants me to help him decorate. 

“Sorry for the mess. I have lived here for a month now, and I don’t have any time to clean my room.” He said while putting aside his things. 

I look around in his room and it’s a simple and boring décor, “Month?” I ask. 

“I just got here but I actually live here for like three years? I guess. I’m from Chicago but I study here.” 

I nodded while looking around, "Three years? So, you are my senior?” I laughed a little and  glance at him. He smiled then shrugged, “And we have the same hometown. Sorry, you’re with the girl who you just met and don’t know anything about her. What if she’s a psychopath?” 

He laughs, “I guess I’ve been trapped in her game. Actually, this is not the first time that we met.” I narrowed my eyes, and my heart skipped a beat. Did we meet somewhere? He met with my eyes when I remained silent, and I stared at him confused by what he said, “Oh, you don’t remember?” I thought of a place where we might meet but none came out. He smiled and it felt familiar, “In the airplane. You need help, so I’ll help you.” 

When I realized for a minute, my eyes grew bigger, “Hey! Is that you? That dimple guy?”

“Dimple guy, huh? Is that your nickname for me?” he said smiling and those damn dimples appeared. God, it is so cute, and his teeth are so perfect that it really fits with his jawline. Oh, that jawline, it's perfect on his face and thos— 

Wait, Athena, what are you doing? 

I shake my head to erase my thoughts. 

“So, what color is your favorite?” he smiled again. Oh, god I know what he meant by that so I quickly explain because he will tease me, “I mean, the color for your room?” The wall is very old and has cracks. This building is kinda old, maybe for cheap rent? 

“Oh, that. Hm..." he thinks and when he puts his thumb on his chin, his arms are very muscular. I can see those muscles in his arms that can carry two gallons of water. Alright, why am I examining him? “What do you think?” 

I stared at the wall and the design should make a manly of this room. I smirk, “Leave it to me.” I started sorting the paintings and I got curious about something, “If you lived here for three years, shouldn’t you be a graduating student?” 

He was curating his book on the shelves, “I stopped studying when something came up. So, I just work full time here and...” I felt a sudden guilt when I asked him the question because he is avoiding my eye contact. 

“Um, I’m sorry I’d ask you.” Okay. He smiled a little. I just focus on what I am doing but he has a sense of humor. So, he breaks the silence. We are not that close but he made the vibe lighter around us. So, I must say, he is easy to get around. I am picky about being friendly with a guy because their intentions are sex. But, with Noah, he is friendly. Well, I didn’t know him, yet. Maybe today, I will. 

After an hour, I didn’t know that it was past lunch. God, it's very exhausting! I was so focused on painting that I didn’t even track the time! 

“Oh shit!” I exclaim and slam my forehead because... 

“What is it?” 

“My cousin...” 

His mom will kill me! How did I forget Jeremy!? He has a nanny to take him to school but she’s on vacation so...

I ran fast, and I saw Jeremy waiting for me. 

“Jeremy!” I stop running and catch my breath. 

“You’re late and I’m hungry.” he was frowning at me and it’s my fault.

“I am so sorry buddy.” I said between my heavy breaths.

“Who is he? And why are you so filthy?” 

“Um, we sorted things out and it's very dirty so...” Jeremy nodded and I know he is not convinced. He’s very smart and I can’t outsmart him. Sometimes, when I lie about things, his logical question makes me rethink my statement. I can’t debate with him, because I will lose. 

“Okay, I will treat you guys and I know a place with good food.” Noah said and we went along. I'm so hungry and it's my fault that Jeremy is kinda pissed off. He is frowning all the time until we get here to a food restaurant and wait for our food. 

Oh god, to think that I don’t usually eat burgers but this one is absolute heaven! I can feel my hunger by inhaling this burger scent. It smells so good! 

“I used to work here, and I know you are going to love it.” Noah said and he looked at us to taste the burgers. 

Oh, I forgot, “Um, Jeremy this is Noah, and Noah, this my cousin, Jeremy.” Jeremy was eating his burger and he looked at Noah. 

“Are you Athena’s boyfriend?” This kid is very straightforward. 

I didn’t know what to say and we looked at each other and it seemed he didn’t know what to say either. 

“I—um... we’re friends!” Okay this is awkward, why do I feel awkward? “This burger is so delicious.” I said while eating my burger. I need to gulp my awkwardness. So, I eat half of the burger and almost choke out. 

“Here.” Noah gave me the water and he looked at me, concerned. There is warmth in his eyes. 

After we ate, Noah gave us a ride to our house and... we were so silent. I carried Jeremy in my arms because he was sleeping, and Noah carried his backpack. The sun was setting down. We walk to our house, and I faced Noah. 

“Thank you for today…”

“I should be the one to thank you and sorry I made you forget him.” I was processing his words and I just laughed a little when I realized he was talking about Jeremy. 

“He will hate you from now on.” I was just kidding and he says, 

“Then I will take him to the burger house.” He jokingly said because he notices that Jeremy likes the food there. 

He gave me the backpack and before I turned back, I smiled at him. A few steps away from him when he called my name. 

“Athena?” 

“Yes?” 

“It's just an excuse to be with you.” He said while I didn't get what he said, however I just smiled at him, “See you around.” 

I lay down on my bed after bath and it’s a very exhausting day but productive. I shut my eyes for a second and there he is again, appearing, appearing. I can see what we did today, and he has a very bright personality that my mind is with him. 

So, decorating his room is just an excuse? What does he mean by that? 

“Oh... shit…”