“Your methods are ridiculous and so are you, “Eliza said scathingly with a grin, tugging him even closer. She rested her head on his shoulder–or, well, she attempted to. He was a little too tall for her. “Brandi? Um, she really likes tea. You could make her some of that? Or, I mean get her some. I definitely wouldn’t ever let you near a kitchen…I’ll hold you to that, you know. Hoodies and sweatpants. And I’m not wearing any makeup, so get ready for that madness.” She snorted, her cheeks going a little pink, though she covered it pretty well (or, she thought she did. She pretended like she did was probably a little more accurate). “I always look amazing,” she replied, glaring at him with a smile. Yao was so awkward. They’d been friends since she was sixteen, at least seven years by this point. He was less awkward than eighteen-year-old Yao had been, but he was still so, so awkward and it was cute. She played with the window, opening it an inch or so and then closing it, rolling the window up and down over and over again as she held his hand. “I’m sure I will. I still want to know what it is, though, I think I deserve to be told. I’m wearing heels for this, Yao.” She eyed him suspiciously, her eyes narrowing as she squeezed his hand. “Are you going to propose to me or something? Is that why you’re being all weird?”
“I’m good with tea. I can pick some out for her or something. Oooh, maybe I can get mom to send me some specialty tea to give her or something. Something rare or something, I dunno. You could help me pick it out too...” He smiled a little, nodding. “I know, I know. No more trying to cook things for me. I get it. I’m lucky you’re a decent cook--between you and Insoo, I don’t have to worry about starving or anything.” Yao chuckled, straightening her hair affectionately. “Hoodies and sweatpants. And cuddling in bed and watching movies and eating junk food. And definitely no makeup. Oh, shut up---you’re incredible. With or without makeup,” he scolded gently. Hell, she could wear a paper bag over her head, and he’d still see her as the most beautiful woman on the planet. “Yep. You sure do,” he murmured sweetly. He was a bumbling mess, but at least he was (finally) getting more comfortable in his own skin, and Eliza played no small part in that. He was tempted to put on the child lock on the windows, but he resisted the urge, squeezing her hand gently instead. “You’ll find out soon enough.” His eyes widened in turn and he shook his head quickly. “No, I told you, I’m waiting for that. For when it won’t even occur to you that’s what I’m doing. No, this isn’t nearly that exciting.”














