24. Kirin
Kirin
He was sitting in his business economics class just after lunch on Wednesday when his phone buzzed. Curious, he wiggled it out of his pocket to find a message from Rose.
Rose
I should have gone home with you. This morning has been full of disappointments.
Kirin
Are you saying I would have been a disappointment as well? Or that I would have given you one non-disappointment in a day full of them?
Rose
The latter, obviously.
Kirin
I’m flattered. I’m sorry your day has sucked so far. Let’s fix that. Question time.
Hours later, he got a simple response that he literally leapt on, earning some snorts and laughs from down the hall when he knocked over a stack of books.
Leon called out, “Don’t break anything in there! We need you in top form for the USC game!”
“Yeah, I know. Thanks for your concern about my well-being!” Kirin called back. He could practically feel them flipping him off as they chuckled.
Rose
I thought we were past that.
Kirin
Never gonna tire of learning about you, Flower. So what’s a skill you admire in others?
Twenty minutes later he got her response, but his phone pinging brought the peanut gallery’s comments from the living room.
“My gosh, he’s whipped! I love it!” Leon called.
Kirin shook his head and opened her text. It was more expansive than he’d expected.
Rose
Playing an instrument. Elle can play three instruments, plus sing. That’s not a skill I’ve ever had. You?
“This is karma for all the shit you give other people!” Leon shouted, and Harrison laughed.
“Shut up,” Kirin answered, which made Leon laugh.
“Weak argument. He’s definitely whipped,” Leon countered.
Harrison laughed again as Kirin shouted out his answer while he typed out his response to Rose. “We aren’t faking anything anymore.”
“Finally!” Harrison and Leon said at the same time. He heard a slap of hands, probably a high five.
Kirin
That’s a good one. Definitely on my list. I’m gonna go with people who play multiple sports, especially at the top levels.
What three does she play?
It was less than an hour this time. His phone lit up in the middle of packing.
Rose
Piano, guitar, and flute.
I’ve gotta go do a team-building activity. Pray for me.
Kirin
Done, and those have next to nothing in common.
Rose
Thus, the reason for the admiration.
Kirin
Fair enough.
He didn’t get another response that night, so he sent his good night message before he passed out.