͏b͏r͏o͏k͏e͏n || ͏b͏i͏l͏l͏y ͏h͏a͏r͏g͏r͏o͏v͏e

T E N

𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐒𝐈𝐀 𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐓𝐎𝐍

The weekend had finally arrived, and after a hectic week, I was looking forward to a brief respite from school. However, I was stuck working at the arcade, paying off my debt for breaking a joystick.

"So, some sources informed me that your brother dumped Nancy," Keith said, munching on cheese puffs.

"Yeah, he did. Not that it's any of your business," I replied, sorting through the cash in the register.

"Well, good. Now I'll finally get my date," he smirked creepily.

"Hate to break it to you, Keith, but I don't think you're Steve's type," I smirked back, noticing the hard glare he gave me.

"I'm talking about Nancy, you idiot," he snapped.

"No offense, but you'll be lucky if she even gives you the time of day," I said, cutting him off as the wall phone rang.

"Hello?" I answered, a bit annoyed.

"Hey, I'm coming to get you. Be ready in five minutes," Steve's voice came through, sounding determined.

"What? Why?" I asked, puzzled. "I don't get off until seven."

"I'm at the convenience store down the street. I'm going to win Nancy back," he huffed.

Not this again.

"Good luck with that. You've got some competition," I smirked, glancing at Keith.

"Wait, what?" Steve's voice sounded alarmed.

"Never mind, just hurry up and get here," I said, hanging up. "I gotta go, Keith. Think you can hold down the place?"

"Obviously," he scoffed before walking away.

I rolled my eyes and walked outside, trying not to get hit by the bustling traffic. I heard the familiar roar of Billy's blue Camaro and saw Max angrily storm out of the car when it came to a stop.

"If you're not out in an hour—" Billy started, but Max cut him off.

"I'm walking home. Yeah, yeah, I know," she huffed, slamming the car door behind her.

"Hey! Watch the attitude, shitbird," Billy called out, pointing at her.

She rolled her eyes and headed into the arcade. Billy's gaze met mine, and I couldn't help but call out, "You know both of your lives would be better if you didn't treat her like crap."

"She treats me like crap, I treat her like crap. It's a mutual thing, princess," he replied, sticking a cigarette in his mouth.

Billy leaned against the car door, flicking his lighter with one hand, cigarette dangling lazily between his lips. The smoke curled upward, hazing around his messy curls like some dramatic movie shot. Typical.

I crossed my arms. "Right, because maturity is clearly your strong suit."

He chuckled darkly. "Maturity's overrated."

I gave him a flat look. "Says the guy who just called a thirteen year old a 'shitbird.'"

He blew smoke to the side. "She earned it."

I scoffed and shook my head, taking a step down from the arcade's front stoop. "You're impossible."

Billy tilted his head, eyes scanning me slowly in a way that made my stomach twist for no good reason. "And yet, here you are. Still talkin' to me."