I didn't get home until about 8:45, given the car ride and the time we'd spent making out in the car while I refused to leave. Almost an hour late, I knew I had to go, so reluctantly I the side of her soft face and gave her one more kiss. She tasted like vanilla and it stayed on my lips all night.

 

"I'll see you tomorrow," I said happily, gearing up to go.

 

She smiled. "Get ready for the game."

 

The game, I remembered. Surprisingly - or maybe not so surprisingly - I'd forgotten all about it. "I can't wait," I said.

 

"You'll be great," she assured me. I knew that by "you" she meant the whole team, but I found myself wanting it to be just a compliment for me, so I took it as one.

 

"Thanks," I said, opening the door.

 

"Good night, Chaerin ," she said quietly, one hand wrapped casually on the steering wheel. I took in her silhouette, the image of beauty, as something to get me through until the next time I could see her.

 

"Bye," was all I said, shutting the door before she drove off.

 

_______

 

"She's home," my dad called to my mom as I walked in.

 

"Where have you been?"

 

"Just out," I said ambiguously, passively, obviously unable to tell him the truth even if she was all I wanted to talk about.

 

"With?"

 

"Friends," I lied casually.

 

"Don't lie to me, Chaerin ," he said, smiling knowingly. "You have lipstick on your neck. I mean not that it's any of my