"Let's say I just don't believe in love anymore."

Brooklyn

Justin snorted, running a hand through his perfect dirty blonde hair. “You’re such a bad liar.”

Of course I am. I mean, you’re sexy as hell but I don’t want to feed your ego anymore so I won’t admit it.

“I hadn’t lied so much in my life until I met you.” I thought out loud.

“And why is that?” Justin questioned curiously as we went up the stairs of the station and met the street again. I had missed the natural light back in that hole.

“Well let’s see.” I pretended to be thinking hard and started counting with my fingers. “I lied to my parents when I said I wouldn’t come to the Bronx ever again, I lied when I promised my brother I would never talk to you again, I lied to my boyfriend when I said you were my cousin, I lied to my parents that day too when I told them I was with an old friend…” I trailed off, thinking of anymore possible lies I’ve told in the past few weeks. “Oh and I lied to my mother today when I told her I was hanging out with some girls that don’t even exist.” I finished off and looked at Justin with an expression that read ‘see?’.

“Wow.” Justin opened his mouth theatrically dragging the ‘o’. “You’re such a badass Brooke. I’m surprised they haven’t kicked you out yet. What kind of parents let their daughter be that rebelious?” He shook his head trying to appear totally serious. And here he goes mocking me again.

I sent him a glare and started walking faster in whatever direction we were going.

“Hmm Brooklyn, do you have any idea of where you’re going?” His voice came from a few feet behind me, making me stop and inwardly roll my eyes. I slowly turn around. “Obviously not.” I snapped. “But since you’re making fun of me again – when you promise you wouldn’t- “ I made emphasis on that part. “I don’t wanna hang with you anymore.” I pouted like I used to do when my parents didn’t want to buy me a new doll back when I was little and turned around again.

I hadn’t taken two steps before Justin was standing in front of me impeding me to walk. I tried to dodge him but if I moved to the left, he mirrored me and if I moved to the right he did too. I sighed in annoyance and was about to turn around and walk in the other direction – wherever that could take me - when a pair of strong hands were placed on my shoulders. I tried to wiggle out of his grip but he didn’t move one inch.

“C’mon, stop getting mad Brooke.” Justin sighed. “I’m sorry I broke my promise.” He rolled his eyes. “But it’s just too fun to mess with you, you always fall for it.” A small smirk made its way across his face, ending up in a strange giggle. My head was tilted to the side and my eyes were narrowed, showing him that this wasn’t being fun to me. Then he became serious.

The seriousness died when we heard a rumbling sound.

“Someone’s hungry.” Justin chuckled.

I brought my hands to my stomach and it rumbled again. Why do these embarrassing things always happen to me?

“Just buy me food.” I said, giving up on my tantrum. I don’t know how Justin even wants to hang out with me because, honestly, I’m always acting like a stupid child. I need to change that.

Justin cracked a smile knowing he had once again won our little argument. “Let’s go.” He threw his arm around my shoulder and I couldn’t help but feel awkward. I don’t go around doing that with every boy I know but for Justin it seemed like it was no big deal so I let it go. It was kind of comfortable.

“Do you like milkshakes?” He suddenly asked, looking down at me.

I nodded. “Who doesn’t?”

Soon we came to a stop in front of what seemed like a café or a restaurant. The street it was in was nicer than the rest of the streets in the zone and it was also wider. Next to the café – that looked like one of those diners from the 50’s movies – there was a hairdresser’s and the employees were dancing inside while they cut the clients hairs. Definitely not something you would see in Manhattan. There was also one of those revolving sticks that have red, blue and white stripes. They’re funny. On top of the door of the café/restaurant/whatever it was, a big neon pink sign read “Betty’s”. One of the T’s was turned off and the S’s light came on and off constantly like in those motels in movies. In fact, this neighborhood is very movie-like.

Before I could see anything else Justin pushed the glass door open and dragged me inside. Only a couple of tables were occupied and the only waitress in sight was boringly picking at her nails behind the counter. Justin walked to a table of his choice, near the window, not even waiting for the girl to assign us one. We slipped in the light blue quilted seats opposite of each other and instantly the girl that was behind the counter was by our table.

“Hey Justin, I see you got yourself a new girl.” Now that I looked closely at her she looked more in her early thirty’s. She had almost black, curly hair that framed her face in an afro way. Her big dark brown eyes were free of makeup but it’s not like she needed it, she had a natural beauty.  She was wearing a light pink apron on top of her denim shorts and a plain white t-shirt.

“She’s just a friend Betty.” Justin quickly said causing her to giggle like she didn’t believe him.

“Sure. That’s what they all say.” She said not convinced at all and sent me a nice smile that I returned.

“I already have a boyfriend.” I added, not wanting to get people to wrongly believe I was with Justin. I don’t think I’m his type anyway.

“Oh.” She said but smirked. “Well what can I get you guys?” She looked at Justin again and I caught him making a weird gesture and mouthing a ‘no’ at her but I shrugged it off.

“I’ll have a vanilla milkshake.” Justin said looking at me expecting my response but Betty beat me to talking.

“Just like always. I remember Justin running around here with his vanilla milkshake when he was just a kid. He was so cute.” She sighed. “Where did those times go Justin?”

He playfully rolled his eyes. “Shut up Betty.” He mumbled embarrassed but he clearly wasn’t offended. You can tell this boy as many times as you please that he’s ugly and he will still think he’s the sexiest man in town.

“I bet you were a cutie when you were little.” I chirped in that voice grandmas make when they’re talking to a baby, imagining a mini Justin running around. Betty laughed.

“I promise he was. I don’t know what happened.” She shook her head in fake pity. What happened is that Mother Nature worked its magic on him turning the cutie into a hottie. God, I really need to stop this.

After we had giggled enough I ordered a chocolate milkshake and Betty said she would be back with our orders soon.

“It’s nice to have people making fun of you, huh?” I mocked him earning a glare.

“It doesn’t bother me because I know you both want my dick.” He added quickly, his cocky self coming back.

“Ew Justin, you’re disgusting.” I scowled making a gagging sound. He just chuckled.

“So, Jake is your official boyfriend now?” He randomly asked but I knew behind that ‘I’m just trying to make some conversation’ appearance there was some real curiosity.

“His name is Nate.” I corrected. “And if what you mean is if he asked me to be official already, the answer is not.” I snapped. I didn’t mean to snap at him because it isn’t his fault but he asked anyway.

“Who cares what his name is? He’s still a prick.” He snorted, sprawling on his seat.

“He isn’t.” I defended, taking off my jumper because it was hotter in here. The t-shirt I was wearing underneath showed some cleavage but not too much. In spite of that I found Justin staring at my boobs. “My face is up here.” I snapped my fingers to catch his attention and pointed at my face.

He looked up the instant he heard my voice and cleared his throat. “So how was your date yesterday?”

“Don’t even remind me.” I lifted a hand to stop him from going further in the matter.

“What kind of faggot takes his girl to the theater? What is he? 80?” Justin exclaimed and started laughing at his own joke.

The fact that I had to stifle a laugh irked me. He was insulting the guy I was dating and I was laughing about it instead of defending him. “We’ve been in better dates.”

“Really? What’s the most fun thing you’ve ever done together?”Justin asked leaning on the table on his elbows, both interested and ready to crack into laughter at whatever I was going to say.

“Well…we..we’ve…” I tried to think about something quickly. “We’ve been to the movies and to parties-“ Justin interrupted me before I could go on – if there was something else to go on about.

“Mozart parties.” He corrected with a smart expression. I rolled my eyes. He’s never gonna drop the joke, is he? “You should consider yourself lucky that I’m lightening up your weekend.”

My mouth dropped open. “Do you have cockiness for breakfast every morning or were you just born like that?”

“I told you it’s part of my natural charm.” He popped the collar of his denim jacket.

“Oh God.” I sighed, burying my face in my hands. “What makes you think I’m enjoying this anyway?” I asked with curious eyes, leaning on the table like he had previously done.

“Here are your milkshakes.” A female voice cut in and I lifted my head to see Betty placing two huge metal glasses on the table, adorned with a straw each. “Enjoy!” She sang and walked away again after we thanked her.

I took my milkshake and put my lips around the red straw, sucking so the brown liquid would go up. When the cool, sweet substance met my mouth I moaned.

“This is the best milkshake I’ve ever tried.” I admitted, making Justin laugh.

“I told you this was better than McDonalds.” He noted, pulling his lips away from his blue straw. “Let me try yours, I’ve never tasted the chocolate one.”

Before I could reply, he grabbed my glass and ignoring the straw, he took a long gulp of it. Wiping his mouth with the back of his hand at the end, he gave it back to me. I examined the contents to see he had drank almost half of it. Gaping, I reached for his and did the same, taking a long sip and then giving it back to him.

“Hmm, I prefer mine.” I finally stated.

“You have a mustache.” Justin said, giggling like he was five.

I licked my upper lip with my tongue in a slow motion, trying to look genuinely sexy and by Justin’s change of expression I could tell I had reached my aim. Smirking I watched as he licked his own lips but my smirk disappeared when I found that sexy too. No, no Brooklyn, what is this boy doing to you? Whatever it is, it’s not good so quit the flirting.

“So, I’ve told you about Nate but you haven’t told me about...what was her name again?” I asked, trying to get some information. This is the gossip part of me.

“You mean Alejandra?” Justin asked like he wasn’t too interested in the topic. I nodded. “We’re not official either. Never were and never will.” He shrugged.

I flinched at his harsh words. “But I heard she’s like in love with you…” I trailed off, wanting him to elaborate.

“I don’t know but I’m not in love with her.” He shrugged his shoulders again, taking a small sip of his drink.

“Then you shouldn’t play with her feelings. If all you want is a good fuck, then you can just go to a club and find a whore.” It’s not like I’m very fond of Alejandra but I know how it feels to be played by a boy (more or less) and I think men should respect women. Simple as that.

“Wait a second, did I just hear you swear?” Justin gaped like he wasn’t able to believe it.

I shrugged.

“Look, Alejandra knows what we have, she’s well aware that I don’t have feelings for her whatsoever and she keeps coming to me.” He explained. “Why do you even care? You two didn’t look like you liked each other too much the other day.”

“I don’t care.” I snorted. “I was just asking. I honestly don’t see what’s so fun about having a ‘relationship’ based on sex.” I quoted the word ‘relationship.

 “You’re just saying that because you’re a virgin.” He looked at me knowingly.

“Why do you assume that I’m a virgin? And what does it have to do with anything anyway?” I slumped on my seat with my arms crossed, getting slightly annoyed.

“I just know it. When you’ve never had sex you just see it as love-making and think that you’re only gonna do it with the right person, but after that you realize that people are not even worth it.” For some reason the words came out of his mouth bitterly.

“You seem to know a lot about it.” I said timidly, taking another sip from my drink.

Justin scoffed. “Let’s say I just don’t believe in love anymore.”

This triggered my interest. “Anymore?” 

He simply nodded.

“Have you ever been in love?” I asked while playing with the straw in my finger, not daring to look him in the eyes.

“No.” He said dryly. “But I’ve seen many people getting their heart broken because of someone they loved.” He continued. “My motto is: don’t let yourself love someone and you won’t let them hurt you.”

“But then you’ll miss out on the good things love has.” I disagreed now looking at him. But he wasn’t looking at me, his gaze was set somewhere behind me but his eyes were lost like they weren’t seeing anything.

“Have you?” He suddenly asked turning his brown eyes to me.

“Have what?”

“Been in love.”

“I don’t think so.” I said hesitantly after a few seconds of thinking. “I mean, I’ve liked boys before but I’ve never felt the butterflies when someone was holding my hand, I’ve never felt the need to be with a person 24/7, I’ve never felt like I would give my life for them…” I trailed off, naming all the things that you see in movies.

“You’re so corny. You’re very wrong if you think those feelings are real. They’re just bullshit they put in chick flicks to make them more interesting.” He scoffed, finishing his milkshake and making that annoying sound when there’s no liquid left to suck.

“I believe one day I’ll feel like that and I bet you will too. You just have to find the right girl.” I smiled dreamily. Even I, myself, I’m starting to get scared of my cheesiness.

“Do you think Nate is your right guy?” Justin asked with a mysterious emotion hidden in his caramel orbs.

The question caught me off guard. “I- I don’t know.” I stuttered.

A small chuckle escaped his perfect heart-shaped lips. “Why are you with him then? Isn’t that like losing time to find your prince charming?”

“For your information, I’ve had a crush on Nate for the past three years.” I retorted, putting my jumper back and blowing my hair out of my face after.

“Then, shouldn’t you be madly in love with him by now?” He said, his lips twitching upwards to form one of his infamous smirks I’ve grown to hate so much.

Even though he was annoying me, I couldn’t help but wonder if he was right. The first day Nate asked me out I was in cloud 9 but the past days I haven’t even felt excited about our dates. I’m afraid to admit that Justin might have something to do with that.

“My love life is none of your business, Bieber.” I snapped defensively.

“Calm your tits, I was just curious.” He said innocently and I scowled. Curious my ass. He just wants to make me say that I don’t really like Nate. Well, too bad because I do.

I finished the last sip of my milkshake still sending daggers at him.

Justin

I laughed at Brooklyn’s mad expression as she finished her milkshake. I knew she’d love this place. I got up to pay and she looked at me confused.

“Are you ditching me or something?” She asked half-mad, half-worried.

“No, I’m just going to pay for the drinks.” I explained.

“You sure you’re okay with paying? I mean I can if-“ I cut her off.

“Brooklyn I might not have money to burn but I can afford two milkshakes.” I chuckled making her relax and mouth and ‘okay’.

I went up to the counter and saw Betty texting on her phone.

“New boyfriend?” I wiggled my eyebrows playfully.

“Not everyone’s as lucky as you at finding new conquests.” She pointed her chin behind me at Brooklyn who was absentmindedly twirling the ends of her blonde hair in her fingers.

“I’m serious when I say she’s just a friend Betty. Don’t you see we clearly don’t match?” I moved my finger back and forth between us.

“Well, she seems a bit posh but nothing Bieber can’t handle.” She winked at me playfully.

“Just tell me how much I owe you.” I chuckled shaking my head and pulling my wallet out.

“It would have been on the house if you were a lovey-dovey couple but since you’re ‘just friends’-“ She quoted rolling her eyes. “-it’s  $6.” She smirked.

“Next time I’ll make sure to lie.” I mumbled digging in my wallet. I only had a $10 bill and some coins. I handed Betty, who was still smirking, the bill and she gave me my change.

“Hope to see you and your friend around soon.” She gave me a small goodbye hug and I did the same before walking back to Brooklyn.

“We can leave now.” I informed. She stood up from her seat and I led her to the door, my hand on the small of her back.

A sudden gust of air blew her hair in all directions as soon as we stepped in the street.

She groaned and pulled it back. Another gust of wind came making her shiver.

“Are you cold?” I asked seeing as she rubbed her arms for friction.

“I’m good.” She smiled small.

“Maybe if you let me, I can warm you.” I suggested as a smirk played on my lips.

She looked at me in bewilderment. “You’re such a guy.”

I took off my jacket and put it over her shoulders.

“No, Justin you’re gonna freeze.” She gave it back to me.

“I’m not cold, see?” I offered her my arm to touch. She hesitantly touched my biceps. “Yeah, I work out.” I said coolly.

She opened her mouth to say something, then closed it again.

“Why are you looking at me like that? I know you were thinking ‘Damn his arms are so hot and muscular’” I imitated a high-pitched girl’s voice poking her side with my finger.

“I don’t talk like that.” She whined. “And I was only thinking that you’re like a human stove. Nothing else.” She clarified trying to hide a small blush.

“Okay, whatever you say, Princess.” I grinned slyly. What can I say? I just love the effect I have on this chick.

“Don’t call me that.” She hissed, turning around and walking ahead of me.

Quietly I crept behind her and put the jacket around her shoulders again, whispering in her ear. “You know you love it.” I felt her shiver.

“Stop doing that.” She hissed looking at me like I had committed a crime.

“What? Making you shiver?” I asked amused, walking by her side now.

“Ugh, leave me alone Justin.” She spat irritated making me chuckle.

The silence that followed afterwards was interrupted by a car honk.

“Hey Bieber, you got yourself a new fuck?” Tyler’s irking voice came from the window on the driver’s side.

“Excuse me?” Brooklyn exclaimed in disbelief, her hands on her hips. I stepped in front of her protectively.

“Fuck off, Hudson.” I huffed.

Brooklyn peeked her head over my shoulder and emitted a gasp as she saw Tyler’s face.

“No way! It’s you Blondie?” He asked amusement dancing in his dark eyes.

She remained silent but I felt her grip my t-shirt tightly from behind as a signal that she was scared.

“Just go bother someone else Hudson.” I said not in the mood to deal with his shit.

“I’ll see you soon Bieber.” He sent me a glare. “And you too baby-doll.” He sent a wink towards Brooklyn, making her shudder.

The car disappeared as fast as it came and we were left in the street alone again.

“How do you know him?” I urged her to tell me everything.

“Remember when I told you I almost got rapped the other day?” She questioned referring to the text she sent me. I nodded my head for her to continue. “Well, I was in my car when a boy came and started tapping on my window and talking to me.” I clenched my fist in anticipation. “It was him.” She whispered the last part.

“That little fuckhead.” I muttered, clenching and unclenching my fists trying to calm down.

“Why do you know him?” She timidly asked.

“We’re kind of enemies. It’s a long story.” I waved my hand dismissively as I paced around trying to cool down.

She didn’t push it. “Should I be worried?” By the tone of her voice I could tell she already was.

“No. He won’t get near you if he knows what’s good for him.”

She gulped hard and I knew she was scared.

“Come here.” I motioned with my hands for her to come and she did.

I wrapped my arms around her petite body as she wrapped hers around my waist. “I hate this soft effect you have on me.” I mumbled in her hair. She giggled and we quickly pulled away, everything going back to normal.

“C’mon, I wanna show you something.” I encouraged her to follow me.

________________________________

“You play basketball?” Brooke asked raising her eyebrows when we arrived at a court in the street after walking for a few minutes.

“Yup.” I replied, popping the ‘p’.

“Nate plays too.” She added excitedly.

I rolled my eyes. “How not? Mr. Faggot had to play basketball too.” I said in a mocking manner.

“He’s the school’s team captain actually.” She smiled proudly making me roll my eyes yet again.

“Whatever, he’s still a fag.” I muttered walking to a group of people I recognized as my friends.

“He clearly isn’t.” She pointed at herself, following behind me.

“Justin, man, we’re about to start a game. Wanna play?” Tyson approached us man-hugging me and giving a small hug to Brooke too. “It’s getting usual to see you around here eh?”

She let out a small laugh. I looked at her asking for permission. “Go ahead.” She waved her hand, smiling.

“You sure?”

She nodded. “I’ll go talk to the girls.” She looked behind her at Sam and Alejandra among other girls.

“Okay.” I flashed her a grateful smile and joined the guys.

“Bieber you’re in my team. Shirtless.” Tyson said before the ball started passing from hand to hand and I took off my v-neck, discarding it to a small mountain of clothes that rested on the floor next to the basket.

Brooklyn

I walked slowly to the group of chatting girls that were leaning against a fence, biting nervously on my nails as I did so. This was so awkward, I only know two of them and one I’m sure hates me.

As soon as I came into view for them I got even more nervous but the girl, I remember to be called Sameera, came running towards me.

“Brooklyn!” She chrirped, hugging me tightly.

“Hi Sam.” I smiled at her, pulling away.

“What are you doing here?” She asked. At least, she seemed happy to see me.

I couldn’t say the same about Alejandra who was sending daggers at me. “Is that Justin’s jacket?” She rudely pointed her chin at the one I was wearing.

“Um, yeah.” I said awkwardly, having all eyes on me.

“And may I ask why you’re wearing it?” Her gum was showing every time she opened her mouth and it was gross.

“I was cold and he just lent it to me.” I spat in a matter-of-factly tone.

“He for sure isn’t cold.” Sam intervened almost drooling at the sight of at least seven boys running around the court shirtless. All the girls were giggling and arguing about whose body was the best one. And I already had my favorite.

Justin’s arms flexed and inflexed as he bounced the ball between his hands. His biceps and triceps sticking out while his stomach tensed showing his amazing abs. Boy was he hot. Without even realizing I let out and ‘Oh God’ making Sam chuckle.

“He’s hot, huh?” She nudged me with her elbow, bringing me back to the ground as Justin scored a basket and everyone in his team cheered.

I nodded, still gaping. I must be looking like a total fool right now.

The main reason why I was staring at Justin’s body was because he stood out from the rest, being the only white boy, but his friends were damn fine too.

“Look at Mike for fuck’s sake.” Sam mumbled biting her lip as she stared at him in pure adoration.

“Oh my gosh, you totally like him.” I squealed as she turned around blushing lightly.

“Is it too obvious?” She asked innocently.

“Just a little.” I winked at her. At that moment Mike looked at her flashing her a wide smile. “And it seems like’s he’s into you too.” I nudged her.

“I wish. But he’s never made a move on me.” She shook her head sadly.

“Well, for what I’ve seen he seems like a shy guy.” I noted, turning my eyes to the Greek God I was previously staring at.

As I was beginning to feel lucky that he hadn’t caught me staring, he turned to me and winked.

I felt all the heat of my body coming to my face.

“Justin’s totally into you too.” Sam squealed by my side.

“What? No! Plus I have a boyfriend.” I explained to her as I awkwardly tucked my bangs behind my ears, trying to ignore the tingly feeling at the pit of my stomach when she said that.

“Not for long.” She sang and I heard a loud scoff coming from – how not – Alejandra.

We watched the rest of the match casually chatting about banal stuff and I basically ignored Alejandra’s glares the whole while.

When the guys finished they made their way towards us as each one walked to a different girl. I noticed most of them were paired in couples.

Mike neared Sam and I gave her my thumbs up encouraging her o talk to him.

Tyson started annoying Alejandra. That’s one of the reasons why I like Tyson so much.

“After what you saw I think you can tell I’m better than your boyfriend.” Justin came towards me cockily and – may I mention – still shirtless. His abs were even better seen from a close distance.

“My face is up here.” He used my own phrase against me as I quickly looked up to see that stupid smirk of his on his face.

“I’m sorry but Nate is way better.” I said in sorry-not-sorry tone, eyeing him superiorly.

“What did you just say?” He stepped closer to me with disbelief written in his face.

“That Nate is better.” I repeated.

“You’re gonna regret ever thinking that.” He warned me with an evil smile as his sweaty body almost touched mine.

“Ew, Justin you’re sweating.” I gagged, walking away.

“Give me a hug Brooke.” He yelled, running behind me as I tried to hide somewhere but it was useless. He was gonna catch me eventually. After around a minute of me running away from him I found myself trapped between him and the fence, with no possible escape.

Our eyes exchanged playful glares as a mere inch separated our panting bodies. My chest was rising and falling due to the exercise.

“Don’t touch me Justin.” I said warningly, our eyes never breaking contact.

“Take it back.” He ordered.

“Take what back?” I played stupid.

He came a little closer so my chest was a millimeter away from touching his upper stomach as his body towered over mine.

“I think you know what.”

“No, I don’t.” I kept with my act.

“You sure?” He slid his arms around my waist.

I almost gagged. As much as Justin is probably one of the most attractive boys on this planet, sweat isn’t. He held me closer at my lack of response.

“Okay, okay. I take it back. You’re better than Nate.” I finally gave in causing a satisfied smirk to appear on his face.

He removed his arms from around me and walked back to his friends chuckling. I followed him and saw Alejandra sending me daggers and mouthing the word ‘whore’ at me. How nice.

“You jealous Ale?” Tyson mocked her, elbowing her on the ribs teasingly.

She scowled and elbowed him back hard. “Sam I’m leaving, the atmosphere is getting too slutty for me to handle. You coming?” She asked her but keeping her eyes on me as I gasped. Who does this bitch think she is?

Sam said her goodbye to me as the bitch only shouldered me before leaving, obnoxiously swaying her hips.

Once they were out of sight I told Justin. “Remember when I told you I felt bad for Alejandra because you were playing with her feelings?” When he gave me an affirmative answer I continued. “Well, I don’t anymore.”

Tyson and Justin broke into fits of laughter. “She’s a bitch, Brooke, she deserves being played by every single guy on Earth.” Tyson snorted.

“Agreed.” I said smirking.

The group started dispersing until there was just Tyson, Justin, a couple of girls and me.

“Ladies, I think we should get going.” Tyson said throwing his arms around the girls’ shoulders and leading them out of the court while they laughed at his attempts to flirt.

I leaned against the fence and sighed. Justin took the basket ball in his hands and twirled it, probably trying to impress me.

“Do you know how to play?” He passed me the ball as my reflexes acted making me catch it before it hit me full on the stomach.

“Not really. I’m not a sports girl.” I shrugged, bouncing the ball on the hard ground.

“Nate never taught you?” The way he pronounced his name like it was venom made me sigh.

“No.”

“Then I will.” He said snatching the ball from my hands.

“Hey, I was playing with that.” I whined.

He ignored me and started scoring baskets, showing off. “Come here.” He said after a while.

I did as he told me and he gave me the ball again.

“Okay, since you already know how to bounce the ball I’ll teach you how to score.” He explained.

I rolled my eyes. Everybody knows how to bounce a damn ball.

“Put on your t-shirt first, please.” I pointed to the white piece of clothing lying on the ground.

“Why? You’re enjoying the view.”

“I’m not and you’re gonna get a cold.” I warned him. Of course I was enjoying it, that’s the problem.

“You’re right. We don’t want me sick, now do we?” He grabbed the t-shirt and put it on covering his god-like body making me inwardly groan.

“Okay, Put you right foot here and your left here.” He positioned my legs and then my arms. “Now, shoot.”

I did and, of course, failed. I folded my arms and stomped my foot on the floor. “It’s not fair!”

Justin collected the ball and came to me laughing. He gave it back to me and positioned himself behind me, holding my arms in the right place. His body was slightly pressed to mine, making shivers run down my spine as he spoke near my ear.

“Now, launch the ball in a soft swift movement.” He whispered, concentrated. However, it was getting harder for me to focus. When I let the ball go it hit the panel and slid inside the hook in a perfect movement.

“Oh my God!” I squealed, jumping and clapping my hands. “I did it!”

Before Justin could say anything I jumped in his arms and hung my arms around his neck as my legs wrapped around his hips since they couldn’t touch the floor. He hesitantly hugged my waist and for a moment everything felt great. Our bodies together, my head in the crook of his neck and his head nuzzled in my hair. It felt…perfect. But reality hit me and I quickly climbed off him.

“Sorry for that. I was carried away by the excitement.” I laughed nervously.

“It’s okay. You can hug me whenever you want, Princess.” He winked at me and I felt my cheeks go red.

“Okay.” I mumbled, feeling awkward.

“Uh, what time to do you have to be home?” Justin asked, glancing quickly at the screen of his phone.

“What time is it?” I asked alarmed. Seems like it’s true that time flies when you’re having a good time.

“8 pm.”

“Then I should get going.”

“Do you want me to walk you to the subway?” He offered, stuffing his phone back in his pocket.

“I’m not ready to go there alone yet.” I quickly replied. “I’ll take a cab.”

“Okay.” He grinned widely.

We began our way to the main street where I could catch a taxi.

“Thank you for the milkshake and the jacket and all. I had fun.” I said truthfully.

“No need to thank me. I had a good time too.” He smiled.

He stopped a taxi for me and I gave him his jacket back.

“I guess I’ll see you on Monday at soccer.” He said, hands in his pockets.

“Yeah.” I nodded. It got silent until I realized that the taxi was waiting for me.

I put a hand on Justin’s chest for support and leant up on my tiptoes to kiss his cheek. I felt him smile and pulled away getting inside the car. Today was definitely quite an eventful day.