Page 44 of Rules for Rule Breaking

“She came in just to ask how I was doing?”

“Either that or she’s joining the movement.”

Bobby beat his fist against the shower wall. It was all he could do not to return to where he was last week, curled up in his bed, wondering why Archie and Betty wouldn’t just get together already. Bobby ran both hands through his wet hair. He watched the water droplets fall from the tip of his nose onto the floor. “It’s fine. I’ve got a lot on my mind. Things are getting weird with Winter, and I don’t know... I think I’m losing it a little.”

Bobby could hear Kai smiling. “Weird how?”

“She was nice to me today, and I just got broken up with. That’s all I’m saying.”

“You two need to smoke that vape I gave you and chill. You guys are always doing the most when you’re together.”

“Can we not talk about me anymore? Tell me about that guy who keeps coming into the store. You get his number yet?”

Kai laughed his signature laugh. “Yeah. We’re hanging out in a little, so I actually have to go.”

“Kai, teach me your ways.”

“I gave you my ways. Go smoke it.”

“I love you, man.”

“Love you too, Bae.”

They hung up, and Bobby felt Kai’s absence immediately. He was jealous, in fact, that Kai was going on a first date with someone. Bobby remembered his first date with Jacqueline. They were fifteen, so they went to the movies while his parents had dinner nearby. He’d been friends with her for years, but he was still so nervous. He barely spoke to her during the movie, but they kissed during the entire ending credits.

He missed that feeling. That nervousness. The performance involved with a new crush. He sighed and turned the water hotter.

Winter Park

18. WE WILL BE DECENT

Winter was getting dressed after her shower when her phone rang. It was Halmeoni. She wrapped her hair in a towel on top of her head and picked up the phone.

“How are you, Soon-hee?” Halmeoni asked in Korean, without even waiting for Winter to say hello first.

“I’m great. Bobby and I ditched UPenn and went to the beach instead,” Winter said. She didn’t see the point of lying.

“Did you have fun?”

“Surprisingly, yes. How are Umma and Appa?”

“I’m sure they’d appreciate a call.”

“Noted.”

Winter lay down on her stomach on the bed. It’d been in knots since lunch. She didn’t know if it had to do with the exorbitant amount of food she consumed or because she realized Bobby might actually be made up of something other than ones and zeros.

“Halmeoni?” Winter asked, staring at the door leading to Bobby’s room. “Am I a bad person?”

Halmeoni let out a breath. “Of course not, Soon-hee. You are a miracle. What happened?”

“I think I’m losing Emmy, and it’s all my fault. I’ve been trying to control our whole friendship, and I’m probably pushing her away.And I think I’ve been doing the same thing with Bobby, only I started eight years ago. Why am I like this?” Winter whined.

Halmeoni clicked her tongue. “Have you eaten?”

“I’m trying to ask you a question!”

“Answers come to you when your belly is full and your mouth is shut.”