Page 2 of Pick Me Up On Tuesdays

I groaned, already knowing who it was before I turned around.

Joy stood at the entrance to the balcony, her arms crossed, her emerald baggy pants shimmering in the moonlight. Her auburn hair was braided with strands of gold, because even when dressing down, elves like to be extra. Behind her, Shun leaned against the doorway, her dark eyes scanning me as if I were some sad stray cat.

"You disappeared," Shun said, moving closer. "We were worried."

“Yeah," Joy added, "I thought maybe you got kidnapped. Or trampled by a centaur. Or just spontaneously combusted from social interaction. Honestly, all valid theories."

I scowled. "I was having a panic attack."

Joy's smirk softened just slightly. "And now?"

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Recovering."

Shun gave me an unimpressed look. “Clark, why'd you even come if you're gonna stand around looking like a ghost that died from awkwardness?"

"Because you two literally dragged me here."

"Oh, right." Joy snapped her fingers. "Because you never leave your house unless it's for school or food. And that's just tragic."

"I like my house."

"You like your books," she corrected. "And your weird, nerdy ancient spell theories. And your anti-social lifestyle." She waved a hand toward the mansion. "This is supposed to be fun, Clark."

"Your definition of fun is broken."

Joy rolled her eyes. "Alright, grumpy hermit, let's get you home."

Immediately, I stiffened. Leaving sounded great. Leaving meant I could go back to my books, my quiet, my demon-free existence.

But if I left, Joy and Shun would leave too.

And despite my general misery, they wanted to be here. Shun had spent all week hyping this up, and Joy… well, she thrived in chaotic social settings like these. If they left to take me home, they wouldn't come back.

I exhaled. "No. I'm not leaving."

Joy blinked. "Wait, what?

"If you take me home, you won't come back," I said, pushing the words out against the tightness in my throat. "And I don't want to ruin your night."

Joy looked at Shun. Shun looked at Joy. Then back at me.

"You're voluntarily staying?" Joy asked.

I nodded.

Joy raised an eyebrow. "Did someone curse you while I wasn't looking?"

I sighed. "I just… need a little time to breathe.”

She hesitated, but finally she sighed. "Fine. But if you pass out from social exhaustion, I will drag your unconscious body home."

Just as I was going to thumbs-up the great compromise, Max—of all people—materialized behind Shun and playfully pushed her. She giggled, and just like that, they flirted and pecked at each other. The cheerleader and the jock—cliché complete.

After what felt like an eternity of half-closing my eyes in disgust, Max slung an arm over Shun's shoulder, grinning like the walking stereotype he was. "We're playing fear pong. You in?"

Shun smirked. "Obviously."

Joy snorted. "Depends. Is it actual fear pong, or just an excuse to dare people into embarrassing themselves?"

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