tonight is busier than usual , but cole has been maintaining a pretty good handle on everything —- himself and his co - workers are finally catching up on their tasks , some escorting customers into karaoke rooms as they free up while cole keeps his focus on fulfilling drink orders . and he’s maintaining a smile upon his countenance even under pressure , but the moment he detects a familiar face he’s not expecting to see —- lips falter and brow furrows . it’s not that he isn’t happy to see her , but given the rift their friendship has experienced as of late , he’s not sure how to react to her unprecedented visit . ‘ oh , hey dani , ’ cole greets her , not at all subtle about the fact he’s perplexed by her presence . and her request , somehow , is heard despite the emphatic environment , though his hands are still moving to complete the latest order of soju cocktails for the rather large group that currently surrounds the bar . ‘ uh , one second . ’ he’s grateful that he’s currently occupied , gives him a reasonable excuse from having to respond right away . but as soon as the order is out , the crowd seems to dissipate —– which leaves dani and him alone at the bar as his co - workers disperse to check on the customers within the occupied rooms . ‘ alright . sorry ‘bout that . what’s up ? ’ cole reaches for a rag to tidy up around the bar —- or just a ruse to continue to avoid eye contact with her , as awkward tension seems to fill the space between them , rendering cole’s entire mien rigid in the process .
rotting tongue is cut by the words she can’t say --- caught on the edge of her teeth in an attempt to keep the peace . always held together by the last remaining shreds of glue put in place , tearing at the seams because it just isn’t strong enough , dani’s mind is wrapped together like the delicate strings of a seemingly SOLID spine . words only spill when the spine is broken , torn by use and private hours in the seclusion of a shady tree . thoughts are standing still , tendrils that have made their way through the anxious mind in the hours ( days ) before she’s had the courage to bring her shaky legs here . ‘ i --- uh ... ‘ eyes dart through the room , worries always occupying the space in her mind , looking for an escape . unpredictable appearances weren’t like her , out of the ordinary for a girl who would rather spend her time ROTTING away in the comfort of her own room . liquid courage holds her nerves together though , dancing on the edge of her vision like an enchantment to lead her forward , and the thought of leaving dissipates along with the crowd of customers that had taken cole’s attention for so long . ‘ i just wanted to ask you something . i know it’s none of my business who you sleep with but --- logan’s gone now and i ... ‘ finishing the thought seems almost impossible , dry air forcing her cracked lips frozen shut as glossed - over eyes do their best to focus on the taller friend in front of her . ‘ i don’t know , it just doesn’t seem real . you didn’t really sleep with her , right ? ‘
