nobodylikemir

[nobodylikemir]

Miriam knew that Mei had been a bit distracted since things became serious between her and Slightly, but today Mei’s head was clearly in the clouds. Mir was filling in Mei on their recent time spent with Nibs when she realized that her best friend was clearly not paying attention. They watched Mei sigh distractedly as her head rested on Mir’s shoulder, eyebrows quirking in interest.

It was easy to assume it was about Slightly, especially when Mir was just talking about his brother and Valentine’s Day had just passed. Mir paused telling their update on Nibs and instead turned their focus to the redhead. “What gives?” She asked with a small laugh, curious about what was distracting her. “You’re here but your mind’s in outer space today. Let me guess— did something happen with your man that you’re dying to tell me?”

Ever since Valentines Day, Mei has been on cloud nine. How could she not be? Not only did she and Slightly have their first time together, but the redhead finally was able to experience having sex for the first time ever! And damn, what an experience that was! She knew from past conversations and shared experiences her squad has made, that having sex could be fun and really enjoyable, especially if with the right person. But that was always her main issue— finding that right person for her. And for years, Mei has been so curious yet afraid of being so open and vulnerable with someone in that way, it almost came to a point where she was even unsure if she could have sex with anyone even if she tried. After all, with her panda, the redhead knew she couldn’t hook up with just anybody, not without accidentally scaring them away if she transformed or at least completely ruin the mood. And seeing how she had ended up transforming just as things started to get all heated between her and Slightly….Ah, she still felt a bit embarrassed of that happening. But her boyfriend never made her feel ashamed for transforming, and considering what he ended up saying after she had done so?

Mei let out a hopelessly infatuated sigh, the redhead leaning against her best friends shoulder as she recalled the words her boyfriend uttered to her. I love you— she giggled, clearly lost within her fantasies to overhear what Mir had just said. “I’m sorry, can you repeat that? I wasn't paying attention.” ( @nobodylikemir ) 

[nobodylikemir]

Mir watched as Nibs described himself, playing it off as if it were someone else as he measured his own height and hyped himself up to them. She couldn’t help the giggle that escaped her lips; he was confident and they liked that. “Really? He doesn’t seem like the type,” Mir pointed out as he mentioned his job, though she didn’t mean that in a bad way. It made sense what he said though — if he had a boring job, he’d have to find fun elsewhere and the lost boys seemed to know just how to have fun. “Well, I’m 22,” she began, “working at a record store and still living with my dad, and my ferret Ava. I’m in the process of saving up to get a place with my best friends.” They continued, “I’m kind of the same — work hard but also play just as hard. It’s good to have balance, y’know?” Mir had always been the responsible friend, but they didn’t let that define their entire personality. “When I’m not working, I’m usually skateboarding or making TikToks with the girls, and Ava too. Pretty sure she’s more popular on social media than I am.”

“Right,” Nibs replied: couldn’t argue with that logic. “He’s about yea high—” He measured the height off from his own head. “Handsome, charming fellow. Humble, too,” he joked, only really hyping himself up for the bit and not because he was actually that full of himself. After that he got a little more serious, introducing himself realistically so he and Mir could get to know each other the way they meant. “He’s twenty-four, a temp worker—usually in an office somewhere—but I promise he’s not a lifeless drone. We play as hard as we work around here.” That much he hoped was evident if the positive party vibe was anything to go by. He stopped there, not wanting to talk too much about himself, and nodded towards Mir. “What about yourself?”

[nobodylikemir]

Miriam’s smile remained as he smoothly continued; they would gladly stick by his side, especially if her friend was busy with Slightly this evening. She didn’t have an issue with third-wheeling sometimes, but a special night like New Year’s Eve was a different vibe for sure. It was likely better for them to make some new friends and branch out instead, which Nibs seemed to be just her vibe so far. How had Mei or Slightly not introduced them sooner? The entire coffee incident was completely pushed to the back of their mind, though she had meant it when she said he owed her a new hoodie. “Cool,” Mir nodded, playing it off casually too. “So tell me more about this guy — it’s only fair that I get to know him better before a first kiss, right?”

Feeling the buzz of two texts from the phone in his pocket as Mir sent him what he presumed was a greeting as well as the selfie she just snapped—matching his energy in full—Nibs resisted the urge to check the messages immediately and elected to stay present in the moment (although later he would react with a heart to the picture and save it as her contact photo.) He was glad they had been enjoying the party so far, knowing that the lost boys didn’t generally host the most extravagant get-togethers. It was all about the company, and the vibes…and Cubby’s baking. If Mir had already met him and tried the food, they were on track to having a great night. The fact that she was even receptive to the offer of someone to kiss at midnight he’d sneaked in there instead of pretending she didn’t hear it was a good sign. He had to keep playing it cool. Don’t get too excited, Nibir. “You’re in luck, then; I happen to know a guy,” he said conspiratorially. “Just stick close to me when midnight comes up and I’ll point him out to you.”

[nobodylikemir]

Miriam smiled, watching as he put his number in their phone and even snapped a selfie for his contact photo. Mir rolled her eyes playfully, taking the phone back and going to send him a text right away. “It’s Mir! She texted, followed by a few emojis (a jacket, a coffee, and a winky face). After sending the first text, she opened her camera and also took a selfie, her expression similar to Nibs’ from his moments ago and sending it without further context — she was sure he’d understand it was for her contact photo in his phone. Once the second text was sent, Mir slid their phone back into the pocket of her jeans. “Yeah, so far it’s been fun!” They smiled again. Nibs politely began to check if she needed anything (a gentleman?), even squeezing in an offer for a kiss at midnight that caught Mir by surprise. Honestly, she hadn’t thought that far ahead with midnight not far away — it was obvious who her best friend would be kissing as the clock struck twelve, but Miriam was still new to this group of friends. The idea of a midnight kiss was great, but she had no plans to stress over it or overthink it; it seemed now that maybe it wouldn’t be so difficult after all. “Well, I did already raid the snacks and talked to Cubby in the kitchen — cool guy,” they continued, “.. but I am lacking in the someone-to-kiss-at-midnight department currently…”

“I’m a man of my word,” Nibs assured them as he took Mir’s phone to input his number in their contacts. As long as she actually texted him, he was sure of his own follow-through and that there would be no reason to sic Slightly on him, as sweet as that thought was. Nibs added a rabbit emoji to the end of his name as he finished entering his information, then snapped a winking selfie to save as the photo—complete contact info locked and loaded—and handed Mir’s phone back. “I hope you’re enjoying the party so far!” he said, remembering that he was one of the hosts and they were a first-time guest here. “If you need anything, just ask. Drinks, snacks, the bathroom, someone-to-kiss-at-midnight, party favors…”

[nobodylikemir]

Mir was feeling pretty lucky herself but not feeling the need to express that out loud — their silly grin and rosy cheeks were probably enough of a giveaway, instead playfully replying, "Good, you should." Miriam wasn't usually the type to be so easily swayed just from some flirting, but maybe the excitement from the holiday had them extra bubbly and receptive. Nibs asking to give them his number brought her back to focus, nodding as she grabbed her phone from the pocket of their jeans. "Yeah! Here —" Mir handed him the phone after she got to the right place to add a new contact, making a mental note to text him once his number was saved. They had to make sure he had her number too, right? "And if I don't hear back from you, I'll know to go to Slightly first thing to hunt you down."

Though their tone was teasing, he definitely believed that he might not have been given the benefit of the doubt if they’d met again without the presence of their mutual friends inspiring her to hear him out. “I do feel pretty lucky,” Nibs agreed, continuing to flirt lightly, because as far as he could tell, Mir wasn’t being put off by it—and as a matter fact, he was going to take their blush as a good sign that they might even be feeling the same vibe that he was. “Can I give you my number so we can work out how much I owe you and set up a time for that coffee?”

[nobodylikemir]

ODESSA A’ZION 2023, ph. Gulliver Oldman

[nobodylikemir]

Okay, he was definitely flirting, Miriam silently recognized as he winked, resulting in her cheeks flushing a light shade of pink. She dropped her hand to her side and smiled, hoping to play it off and not draw attention to their obvious blushing. "More like lucky for you, because this likely would not have gone so smoothly if we did run into each other again in the wild," they teased, though it was true. It was much easier to ease up on being upset with the context. Plus, well, he was charming! "I guess it works out better for everyone this way, though."

“I hope you do,” Nibs replied with a wink. Now that he was talking to her up close, he couldn’t help noticing how attractive she was; if he felt inclined to flirt a little, he couldn’t be blamed. He would ease up if he noticed it made her uncomfortable though—he absolutely wasn’t here to creep on Mei’s friends, but to envelop them into their own ever-welcoming friend group. Skipping straight to what she said friends call her, he said, “Nice to meet you, Mir,” as they finished their handshake. “Yeah, it sure is. Call it coincidence or kismet…Lucky for you, the ass who spilled coffee on you is your friend’s boyfriend’s brother, huh? We would have had to run into each other in the wild again for me to repay you otherwise!”

[nobodylikemir]

He seemed genuine, and Mir felt herself start to relax despite feeling worked up just a moment ago. They couldn't help but jump to conclusions before based on the minimal interaction they had that day — she had assumed him to be a complete ass, and now she kinda felt like an ass for judging so hard. Miriam smiled in return, and suddenly he was offering to get her coffee too .. Was he just being friendly or was that flirting? Obviously he wanted to make up for the misunderstanding, but she was more upset about her ruined clothes than the actual drink .. Oh god, she was totally going to have to debrief with Mei about this ASAP. Still, they remained cool (or as cool as she could be). "I'll hold you to that," they agreed somewhat-casually as they took his hand and shook it, her smile still present. "Cool, I'm Miriam. Friends call me Mir." It was so easy to match his energy, smoothly bypassing their not-so-great first meeting. "Soo, you're one of Sly's brothers? Small world."

“Yeah, of course,” he answered in a tone like he couldn’t even imagine any other option, like what kind of monster would spill coffee on someone and not even try to make up for it? Nibs hoped he didn’t give off those vibes, even if it did make sense that Mei’s friend would have had little other information to judge him by than their brief interaction at the cafe. Well, he couldn’t change the first impression, but he could make sure the second—and all the rest—were better. He smiled as she reluctantly gave into forgiveness, with the stipulation that he owed her for her stained clothing. “How about a new hoodie...and a fresh coffee?" He put out his hand for a shake, both to seal the deal and for a proper introduction. "I’m Nibir, by the way. Friends call me Nibs.”

[nobodylikemir]

Mir looked obviously annoyed as she recognized the stranger — one of Slightly's many siblings, as it turned out — who had recently spilled an entire coffee on her and left her in the dust. The jerk! Miriam thought their anger about the situation had finally subsided after a few days of cooling off, but seeing him again suddenly re-ignited it. She watched as he recognized her and instantly shifted his demeanor, crossing their arms over their chest as they waited for an explanation. Well, at least had an excuse behind the rude disappearance, but they weren't sure they were fully convinced. "You came back?" She repeated, as if to make sure he really meant it. Well, that was actually kind of nice .. Dammit, could she really be that mad? She huffed an indecisive sigh. "Well ... alright, but you owe me a new hoodie! I never got the stain out.."

@nobodylikemir said: "No WAY, it's YOU!"

“It’s me—ya boy,” Nibs replied on autopilot before his brain caught up with who had spoken to him, and the tone of disbelief in their voice that painted their own reaction to seeing him as less-than-positive. Oh. OH! This friend Mei had brought to the party was…“Hey!” He was torn between excitement and distress at the sight of the stranger he’d had an unfortunate coffee-related incident with the other day: excited at the chance to properly apologize, and yet concerned that she was still upset. “Firstly, I’m really sorry about that coffee spill-and-run. I would have stuck around if I could afford to be fired. But I swear I came back to the shop later and tried to figure out if you were a regular so I could offer reparations.”

[nobodylikemir]

Mir watched Mei's expression as she began to explain her crush's strange behavior. The heat forming in her cheeks was so obvious, and Mir couldn't help but smile. "Sharing utensils, feeding each other, sharing jackets, compliments..." They began to list aloud, holding up a different finger for each example as if Miriam were counting them. Was Mei really missing all the signs that were staring her right in the face? Once again, it was the best friend's job to point out the obvious, though she was more than glad to be of service. "It almost sounds like you're already a thing just minus the label," they giggled again, trying to ease the redhead's anxiety about all of this. "Maybe he's feeling the same as you and is scared to put his feelings out there!"

Now resting the pillow against her lap, a pout formed onto the redhead’s face as she began to recall all the different ways Slightly has been acting around her. “For starters, he’s been very keen on wanting me to share my food with him and, erm, feed him at that, plus sharing utensils....” As Mei spoke the latter part, the heat within her cheeks began to rise once again. Of course, there was an explanation for that, the main reason being that he still wasn’t use to eating with chopsticks, but even on days where she didn’t use any while eating her lunch, Slightly still would asked on being fed. “And the other day, it randomly got chilly and so he gave me his jacket. I told him I was fine because you know how the cold doesn’t phase me much and I told him that, just without the explication of why— and get this! He still insisted I wear the jacket and said 'it looked better on me anyways.'” She tried not to squeal when recalling that. The fact that she still had that same jacket inside her closet too, Slightly refusing to take it back even after they had reached the temple and she didn’t need it anymore. 

[nobodylikemir]

love love love this girl

[nobodylikemir]

Mir thought they were doing pretty well so far, until Mei had misunderstood what she meant. Oops! "I didn't say that's the only reason!" Miriam was quick to correct the redhead, holding a finger up as a matter-of-fact. "I'm just saying it's obviously a factor in your crush. Which, nothing wrong with that!" They clarified, watching Mei go through all the emotions throughout the conversation: embarrassment, doubt, even a bit of happiness toward the end as she cracked a smile. Mir smiled in return — that was what she was there for after all, to boost Mei's confidence and give her a little push sometimes, along with making her smile when she needed it most. "I'd say chances are pretty high, but I might be biased," she teased with a shrug. "Acting strange how? Don't all guys act strange anyway?"

Mei knew she was getting way too into her head. After all this time of getting to know Slightly, he didn’t actually seem like the type who would do anything like that. But even so, he could have options if he really wanted to, so why would he only want her alone? “Ah— don’t say it like that!” With her face heating up, the redhead buried her face into the pillow with embarrassment. “I don’t only like him because he’s a musician!” It may have started that way but now it was different— it felt way more than some crush! Peaking back up at her best friend, Mei stared back into Mir’s eyes before she smiled. Again, she didn’t actually believe that Slightly would do anything to hurt her, even hypothetically, but it always made her feel better being reminded that her entire squad had her back no matter what. “You really think there’s a chance he likes me back?” Pushing the pillow away, Mei leaned in closer over towards Mir. “Slightly been acting a bit strange towards me lately, but I don’t know. That could just be me wanting to get my hopes up, and I’m also trying hard not to accidentally go panda around him either. Not until I tell him.” 

[nobodylikemir]

Mir matched her best friend's smile, nudging her playfully with her leg. "Puh-lease, you're freaking magic, Mei, you can't get any more awesome than that," they giggled, giving the redhead a knowing look. "What? We all knew your type was musicians, it was only a matter of time," Mir pointed it out, as if it were that obvious. "Again, if he thinks there's other, better fish out there, then his judgement sucks. You're a bad-ass," she emphasized, sitting up a bit to ensure they were meeting Mei's gaze. "And if you two got together and then he pulled some loser rockstar, 2-timing stunt on you, oh you bet your ass the girls and I would kill him. He wouldn't know what was coming for him." She smiled, huffing a small sigh. "Don't worry Mei, whatever happens, the real ones always have your back. You just have to put yourself out there to see if he is one of those real ones, too."

Continued from HERE ( @nobodylikemir ) Smiling and rolling her eyes, Miriam was enjoying the sound of 4*town playing in the background while Mei continued to go on about Slightly. Even if hearing about her crush got a little old, Mir was always a supportive friend first. Miriam was now laying beside Mei as they both stared up at the ceiling, occasionally stealing glances at each other as if they were middle schoolers all over again. Some things never changed between the group of friends, but that was what made their friendship so special. “If he doesn’t, then he sucks! And I stand by that,” Mir was quick to respond, giving Mei a knowing look to prevent her from arguing on that. “Wouldn’t you rather know if he’s into you or not than waste forever and ever wondering what if? He’s just as likely to say yes than no!” They attempted to encourage Mei, shooting her a confident smile. “Come on, you’re Meilin Lee, like the most awesome person ever. Give yourself some more credit, girl!”

Squeezing the pillow even tighter, Mei found herself smiling. See, this is why she liked getting advice from Miriam. She accepted any kind of advice given by her squad, obviously, but there was something about the advice that Mir gives that can calm the redhead completely down and not let her wild imagination get to her. Probably because the brunette was always right about the things they said, which is why even with some doubts still within her mind at the thought of making a move on Slightly, what her friend had said to her made total sense. “Not as awesome as you are” She replied right back, stealing yet another glance back at her best friend with a smile. She was awesome! Awesome enough to be crushed on in return! But as soon as she thought that, the redhead then frowned and sighed. “But he’s Slightly Darling! He’s pretty much a literal rockstar already, and in a few more years, he’ll be even more famous! Even if he did like me back, how long would that be for when there are so many equally as awesome people out there for him to like? He can like literally pick and choose if he wanted to!”  

[nobodylikemir]

"Trust me, standing around and looking pretty isn't the only part of my job description," Miriam ensured him with a playful grin, rolling her eyes in a similar fashion. At least her offer had worked, watching their ex eagerly take her phone and unlock it for all access to the music. It was better than fighting with Max over who was in charge of music; honestly, they trusted Morty's choices more than their coworkers probably. "Something upbeat, to get me hyped for the rest of this shift. Avoid anything that'll put me to sleep."

“It’s not that I need a bribe to hang out with you. Gee, it’s just unfair, me doing your job while you get paid for it,” Morty replied with an exaggeratedly world-weary sigh and woebegone roll of his eyes—as if they hadn’t started sparkling as soon as Mir offered to give him control of the music. He came back towards the counter and grabbed her phone, swiped up and pointed the screen at her to let the face ID unlock it, and then navigated to his own profile in Spotify before they could go back on their promise. “Now what mood are we looking to set in here…The classics? Something indie that will make customers ask what’s playing? Something to get us all fired up?”

[nobodylikemir]

Smiling and rolling her eyes, Miriam was enjoying the sound of 4*town playing in the background while Mei continued to go on about Slightly. Even if hearing about her crush got a little old, Mir was always a supportive friend first. Miriam was now laying beside Mei as they both stared up at the ceiling, occasionally stealing glances at each other as if they were middle schoolers all over again. Some things never changed between the group of friends, but that was what made their friendship so special. "If he doesn't, then he sucks! And I stand by that," Mir was quick to respond, giving Mei a knowing look to prevent her from arguing on that. "Wouldn't you rather know if he's into you or not than waste forever and ever wondering what if? He's just as likely to say yes than no!" They attempted to encourage Mei, shooting her a confident smile. "Come on, you're Meilin Lee, like the most awesome person ever. Give yourself some more credit, girl!"

Ever since that day Mei was tricked into meeting Slightly at The Lucky Cat Cafe, it was as if all of her time was now consumed and preoccupied with the blonde musician. If she wasn’t meeting up with him after class or at another store around the isle, than it was likely that the redhead was spending her time daydreaming about him. And if she wasn’t daydreaming, than she’ll be going on and on about Slightly to her friends. And that was exactly what Mei was doing currently— laying back against Mir’s bed while clutching her best friend’s pillow, the redhead was retelling Mir about the events of earlier today and of how Slightly had asked for Mei to redhead when she tried sharing her lunch with him. “You should’ve seen the face he made when he asked me, Mir! You should’ve seen my face when he did! Ugh!” Fortunately, her face wasn’t as steaming the way it had earlier, but there was a silly smile very apparent on her face as she did so. Then at her best friends question on if she made a move on him yet, the red panda transforming girl snorted and shot the brunette a mock glare. “And risk getting rejected and losing all progress made with him? Are you kidding!?!” Mei rolled her eyes. “And what if he doesn’t, though?”

[nobodylikemir]

Odessa Adlon

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[nobodylikemir]

Miriam looked at her ex with a playful, unamused glare as he high fived their palm, finally bringing her arm back down to her side. Even if she acted annoyed, the truth was this was the most entertainment they'd had all day. She was holding down the fort on her own until Max came in for his shift later, so they might as well enjoy Morty's company, annoying or not. "Come oon, I'll even let you be the DJ while you're here," they offered with raised brows, motioning to her phone that was connected to the bluetooth speakers in the store. Crossing their arms over their chest, they continued teasingly, "You didn't have to get paid to date me, so why do you need to get paid to hang out?"

@nobodylikemir (continued from here)

"Absolutely not," Mir was quick to answer, holding a hand in between their faces for extra protection. Not that she thought Morty would actually do it without permission, but sometimes the typical platonic flirting could teeter on a line, even if it was all just in good fun and nothing more. Mir peeked their head to the side to look at Morty without the hand in the way. "Besides — who said you're leaving so soon? You can't just leave me here to die of boredom."

Morty laughed at the hand Mir raised between them, taking it as an opportunity for a high five and slapping his palm against theirs. There was no way she actually thought he was gonna kiss her, but it was funny getting a rise out of his ex, even with stupid throwaway flirts on his way out. “Yeah, well, I’m bored, so that’s why I was gonna—” He jerked his thumb over his shoulder in a gesture that said ‘scram and skidaddle.’ But he stopped in his escape attempt to add, “Why, are you trying to keep me hostage just ‘cause you’re stuck here? At least you're getting paid.”