Page 42 of Run Away Home: Tempered

“Yes, really. You’re going to ask me that? I’ve only been chasing you around for—”

I interrupt him by laughing.

“What’s so funny?” he asks.

“You. You’re really funny.”

“I wasn’t trying to be.”

I take a deep breath. Am I really about to say this? I’m probably going to regret it later.

“I think... Maybe we should give this a try.”

“Give what a try?” he asks, his eyes hopeful.

“Us. Give us a try. I don’t know if it will work, but maybe it’s actually worth a shot.”

“Do you mean that? Do you mean that we can try to be more than friends?”

I don’t think he’s blinked yet.Creepy.

“That’s exactly what I mean. I think you’re...not like anyone I’ve ever been with before, and I’m starting to actually...like that? I don’t know. I’m not sure. I’ll try it, though.”

“Even the man bun?”

“No, no. The man bun is still up for debate.”

“What if I make it into a man ponytail?”

“Nope.” I grab both of his hands, and we start to dance again.

“A man...braid?”

“Peter, you’re really, really ruining this.”

“Okay. I’ll shut up now.”

“Yup. That would be wonderful.”

He’s quiet. I rest my head on his shoulder. Do I really think this could work?

Danny

I’M SITTING ON THEcouch with the PlayStation controller in one hand and a can of Pepsi in the other. What a night. What do I want to play? My phone vibrates. I put down the controller and pick it up. It’s Matt. All of us from the party are in a group chat now.

Who’s down 2 play RL?

For real? I just left this guy’s apartment. I’ve had enough of him for the day.

I know u online danny

What a freaking stalker!

I hear the key go into the door.They’re home. I wonder how awful it was. Couldn’t have been good.

Hayley walks up the stairs first, followed closely behind by Peter. He’s holding a grocery bag. He puts it down on the dining room table.

“How was the party?” Peter asks.

---