“I swear that you’ll like this one. We’ve been at this for weeks. I think I’ve figured out how you tick, and I think I finally found one that you’ll like.” I use my mug of coffee to hide my smile as she untangles her headphones.

        “You realize I have new headphones now, right? They’re plugged into the computer right here. Just gotta unplug them and we can use them instead of that knot.” She looks up with a stubborn pout on her face.

        “We started this with my headphones, we’re gonna finish this with my headphones.”

        “Just use my headphones.”

        “Fine.” She pulls my plug from my laptop and puts it in her phone, then starts the song.

        It starts with an upbeat and soft guitar rhythm, then the singer starts. After listening for a minute, I have to admit to myself that it’s kind of a good song. Eve stares out the window, mouthing the words and tapping her fingers to the beat. I start thinking she might win here and wondering what that would mean for our friendship. But then towards the end of the song-

        I love growing old with you

        I love growing old with you

        The song finishes, and she looks at me, skeptical.

        This is really fun at this point.

        “She can’t love something she hasn’t really done yet. So how can she love growing old with the other person.”

        “I hate you.” She pulls the headphones from her phone as I laugh. “My manager is looking at her watch, so my break is probably over.” I catch her wrist as she’s walking away.

        “Text me later?”

        “Maybe. I’m mad at you for ruining that song.” But she smiles at me as she walks away.

        It’s late that night when she messages me.

        ~I think I was trying too hard with that last one so here’s a basic song and let’s see how that works.~

        I listen to the song and start laughing when I realize what she had sent.

        that one’s just annoying

        ~how????!?!~

        like I literally only want to know that I look okay like every time I gotta run to the store and I'm like do I look like a gremlin or nah and you gotta spend 10 minutes screaming about how every detail is perfect or if I ask if I’ve got something in my teeth you talk about how radiant and warm my smile is like it’s a cute idea but too extra and ultimately annoying

        ~okay first of all, do you understand how important that is for people who have low self-esteem n shit or just anyone? how good it feels to have your praises sung? second, your smile really is warm and radiant~

        The compliment threw me for a second.

        first, I'm not saying it isn't good in moderation but "every time she asks me 'do I look okay'" EVERY TIME. second, so it’s actually a selfish fantasy about being worshiped??? third, trust me my smile is nothing compared to your laugh