“But enough about that,” Max says. “Oliver, I know you and Jude are close, but it’s important that you don’t try to interfere with Nikki. Jude needs to come to their own conclusions about Nikki, and it’s our job as their friends to simply be there for them no matter what happens.”
I nod. “Yeah, that makes sense.”
“Well, I’m going to get the movie queued up. Does someone want to make popcorn?”
“I will!” Theo volunteers, leaping to his feet. I imagine he’s been looking for a way out of this particular conversation.
Only a few moments later, there’s a knock on the door, and I sprint to the door and swing it open. Jude jolts upon seeing me, then squints. “Oliver?”
I grin. “In the flesh!”
Their eyes widen, and their mouth hangs slightly open as they take in my appearance. “Your hair,” they whisper. “It’s so… wow, your hair is so long.”
I laugh. “I mean, yeah, it’s pretty long. It gets in the way sometimes. But I remembered that when we were at the tattoo shop, you mentioned I should wear it down sometime. And, well, here it is.”
Jude steps forward, their smile slowly growing. “I really like it,” they say. “You should wear it down more often.”
“Now that it’s getting cooler outside, maybe I will.”
Jude’s expression is hard to read, but it seems positive. Their cheeks flush slightly as their eyes continue to scan every inch of my head.
“So, are you coming in, or did you want to chill out here the rest of the night?” I ask.
Jude blinks out of their daze, and their distant expression morphs into embarrassment. “Well, move out of the way so I can come in, weirdo!”
Thursday, October 23, 2025
Nikki’s schedule has gotten much busier over the past couple of weeks, and it’s really taking its toll on us. During the week, Nikki’s schoolwork and TA responsibilities take up most of her time, and on weekends, she has to work and rest. Tuesdays between 11:30 and 1:30 are the only consistent times I can see her, and we usually spend the entire time “relieving stress.”
Despite everything, Nikki remembered our four-month anniversary and even made sure to keep that night blocked off on her calendar. After texting back and forth, we settled on a restaurant called The Violet Parlor. It’s relatively fancy but not completely unaffordable. Days before the date, Nikki insisted she’d be paying, and I was extremely grateful. She also made sure to tell me I’d have to find another way to repay her when we returned to her apartment after dinner. Luckily, I was already alone in my bedroom when I received that text.
We both agree to dress up a little, with the understanding that my wardrobe is pretty limited. Even so, I manage to piecetogether an outfit that makes me feel handsome—a pair of gray slacks, a black button-down, and a deep plum blazer with a matching necktie. I still have a decent pair of black Oxfords, too, which really completes the look. When I arrive at her apartment, I’m blown away by her appearance: a skin-tight, knee-length, lacey black dress with a deep-V neckline and bright red ankle-strap heels. Her voluminous black hair bounces in perfect curls, and her dark makeup is absolutely stunning. We hungrily stare at each other for several tense seconds, and it’s a testament to our self-control that we aren’t late for our reservation.
Nikki volunteers to drive us to the restaurant, and I’m happy to let her. She holds my hand the whole ride, rubbing small circles on my thumb. It’s the most romantic she’s ever been, and I’m almost afraid it’s going too well.
After placing our orders at the restaurant, we continue chatting about everything going on in Nikki’s life, which is fine with me because I don’t really have much going on.
In the middle of a work story, Nikki stops mid-sentence and furrows her brow. “Wait. Am I tripping, or is that nostril piercing new?”
I grin. “Oh, yeah, it’s new.”
“When did you get that done?”
“About a week and a half ago, I think? It was a Saturday, and you were working. But I was feeling spontaneous for a change. Do you like it?”
Nikki’s brows stay knitted across her forehead. “Yeah, it’s cute… But man, I would have loved to go with you for emotional support. Did you go all by yourself?”
I go to run my fingers through my hair, then remember I put product in it. “No, Oliver tagged along. He got his ears pierced, too.”
Nikki’s expression immediately sours. “Please tell me you’re joking.”
Panic rises in my chest. “Why would I be?—”
She sighs loudly. “Jude, I thought we talked about how I don’t trust him and don’t like how much time he spends with you when I’m not around. Can you at least try to respect that?”
I shake my head. “Babe, we did talk about it. I thought you said you trusted me.”
Nikki’s jaw flexes. “How would you feel if I started hanging out with some random girl whenever you’re not around? Would you not be at least a little concerned?”
