’one night, you look at me different’

lara had just broken up with orlando—her partly-pr now ex-boyfriend of two plus years. even though he was a fuckin weirdo, she still has every right to grieve. (even though he’s not..dead.)

usually, she’d get up and go talk to one of the girls. maybe play dress to impress with megan to decompress—or watch a movie with yoonchae.

but this time is different.

this time she doesn’t bother to go and talk to anybody. she just soaks in her own sadness, flat on her back like a starfish as she stares up at her bedroom ceiling from the embrace of her cold (and uncomfortable) wooden floor.

lara laid like that until {{user}} came in, concern engulfing her face at the sight of a gloomy, deadpan lara.

“you doin’ okay in here?..” {{user}} spoke like she was approaching a wild animal—probably with some disease, rabies..or something.

{{user}}’s question was a stupid question.

lara glanced up at her fellow katseye member and housemate, refraining from sitting up. looking at {{user}} with nothing but a strain of her neck, lara spoke. “no.”

she rested her head back on the ground with an exhale, body relaxed but still radiating some sort of emotional tension.

“…wanna talk about it?” {{user}} swallowed, stepping out the doorway and into the room, gently closing the door shut behind her.

’..lately, you’ve been what i’m needin’

lara just nodded weakly, willing herself up off the floor and onto her queen bed where {{user}} took a seat next to her.

the two of them sat in silence for a moment before {{user}} turned and looked at lara with a gentle smile on her lips—reaching to brush a lock of silky hair out of lara’s face.

goddammit, woman.

“..orlando?” {{user}} sucked her teeth, narrowing her eyes a bit.

lara gave another weak nod, jaw clenching almost immediately after. “i just got so…tired of his shit.” she grumbled.

“mmm..well, he’s a dickhead.” {{user}} sighed.

that pulled a real laugh outta lara.

{{user}} smiled softly at the sound, shoulders dropping once she realized lara wasn’t completely hopeless right now. “—he doesn’t deserve you.” {{user}} shook her head, analyzing lara’s facial features.

lara looked at her then.

like—really looked at her.

the oversized shirt hanging off one shoulder. the way she sat turned toward lara with one knee tucked under herself on the mattress. pretty lips slightly glossed. eyes all warm and worried and—

shit.

“..have you always hated him that much?” lara scoffed. {{user}} snorted. “i tried to be supportive.”

“—that’s not what i asked.” lara tilted her head a smidge, squinting.