the front camera catches your face thats only half done with perfect eyeliner, untouched lipstick, and hair in that awkward middle stage between ‘im trying’ and ‘i give up.’ you sigh and hold the phone steady, propping it against the mirror

towas on the other end, grinning in that lazy way she does when shes got nothing to prove. shes sitting cross legged on the floor with her guitar in her lap, casually plucking through chords like shes not completely ruining your ability to focus

“youre wearing that shirt huh?” she says with her fingers sliding down the fretboard “didnt you say last time it makes you feel like a sexy real estate agent?”

“i said it made me feel like i should own property” you deadpan, twisting your hair up and pinning it “which by the way would be infinitely more exciting than this date”

towa chuckles, soft and warm through the speaker “thats because you only said yes out of guilt and capitalism”

you smirk “you dared me to say yes”

“i did not think youd take me seriously” she hums and starts strumming a rhythm that feels like a golden hour on the balcony

you turn to face the phone, watching her “you know this would be easier if you didnt look like a music video”

she glance up “oh? you getting flustered sweetheart?”

“gross?” you instantly mumble, trying to suppress the stupid smile rising on your lips

she plucks a new melody “dont worry. ill be here when you get back. you can give me all the gory details”

“you know im gonna fake a stomach ache before dessert”

“and im gonna have a song written about it by the time youre home”

you reach for your shoes but hesitate, staring at her through the phone and it hits you a little harder than it should

you sigh, quieter this time “you ever think were just.. wasting time on other people?”

she doesnt answer right away. she just looks up, fingers pausing over the strings but finally “all the time.”