Summer Dregs Challenge Prompt (Creator's Choice): Unexpected Encounters
Shifting up her glasses on her face, Korra scrunched her nose before flipping the page in her textbook. She skimmed the text using her fingers before pausing about mid-way in. She read that part of the passage more carefully before scribbling down neat and meticulous notes in her notebook. Once she was done, she continued skimming the passage before moving on to the next page. This pattern continued on for minutes on end and it wasn't until the library gave its last-minute call to closing.
Korra blinked away the dryness in her eyes before looking at her phone to check the time. "Oh shit, it's already this late." She sighed before grabbing and putting together her schoolwork.
Once her papers were all piled up, she loosely shoved them into her bag before grabbing her energy drink can and taking a sip. She tilted her can back for the remaining splash of artificial caffeine. After that, she lugged her bag onto her shoulder before heading out. Being the last person inside any building or business that was closing was not a title she wanted to achieve. Once she pushed the door open, she stepped outside before shutting her eyes at the gust of wind. The cold air brushed against her skin and she shivered before peeling her eyes open.
"Damn, it's chilly…"
She took a deep breath and breathed out a white puff before sighing out loud. Making her way across the quad, she stuffed her hands into her pockets before shriveling inward to keep the warmth. Her boots tapped along the concrete floor and she dreaded her fatigue before looking at the time again. It just hit half past ten. Signing yet again, she was thankful that her campus library remained open until 10:30 pm, even if it wasn't enough, to be honest, but at the same time, she hated it since it meant that she had to work through the night.
Despite getting a full scholarship to Republic City University, she had to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA for the full benefits but she was juggling more than she could handle if she was being honest. She was barely scraping by with how busy she was and thankfully she had a bright mind on her shoulders but that didn't mean that she didn't need to study. Classes this semester were sucking ass more than usual thanks to a few shitty professors but that was an entirely different story.
All in all, she was just so damn tired all the time.
In conclusion, she was a slave to the college education system barely sustaining life. Healthy meals every day? Hah! It was a miracle she ate more than once a day. Get a good amount of sleep? Pssh, who needs that when you have two cups of coffee and three energy drinks? With the way she was surviving school like a champ, there was no way in hell she was in the state of being or mind to open herself up to hanging out with friends let alone date someone.
Honestly, she was amazed by people who could manage such tasks.
Never in her wildest dreams did Korra think, let alone dream, that she could do something other than study. At least until tonight, that is. She shivered in place in front of the campus mascot statue, a ferret, before noticing a particular speck of red. Her eyes naturally focused on it, trying to uncover the source. As her brain caught up with her eyes, she registered that it was someone smoking.
A woman smoking in fact.
For some reason, something about this sight was breathtaking. Korra had the wind sucked out of her lungs from how beautiful this woman was. She looked utterly gorgeous for no apparent reason. It made her heart skip a beat and she truly admired her looks as she just casually stood there, perhaps waiting for someone. From what Korra could tell, the pretty lady was wearing a red blouse underneath that nice black leather jacket. Her casual yet sexy style alone was enough to steal her eyes' attention, let alone the way she was leaning against her motorcycle with those white skinny jeans.
That's when someone, or rather, some cute and petite-looking girl walked up to her. The pretty lady smiled before putting out her cigarette. They exchanged some words before sharing a brief kiss on the lips. After that, she hopped on her motorcycle and the petite girl joined her before they laughed again. She handed her companion a helmet and once she was settled, the beautiful woman looked her way. They made eye contact before Korra immediately turned away.
She shook her head to get it together.
She didn't have time to get distracted. She needed sleep. She shouldn't be jealous. She shouldn't feel jealous of their relationship when she was the one who chose to focus on her academic work. It was tough but she was proud of accomplishing what she had. Her family and community lived humbly so they didn't exactly have the most money out there. That's why she needed to do well.
To meet their expectations.
She knew she could do it but it was just… it would be nice to have a friend or two. Perhaps she should download an app to find a friend. It couldn't be that hard… right? Okay, it was decided, she'd try making an account later after she got some food into her system.
The next few days had been weird for her.
She downloaded that weird app called Bumble because it sounded kind of cute like a bee. However, the downside to the whole thing was that people used it for dating. She wasn't opposed to that idea per se but rather than jumping the gun and getting a girlfriend or boyfriend, she'd rather have a regular friend.
Which was hard when her profile picture wasn't exactly her. Just a picture of Naga, her dog, the cutest white Alaskan Malamute out there. She wasn't exactly surprised though since these types of apps were used for mainly hook-ups or one-night stands. She swiped left most days and rarely right for the handful of people who seemed not to be looking for a sexual release. She had nothing to lose in the first place so she hoped that at least one person out there was thinking the same as her.
Not much progress was made as to be expected but that was when one day, another user who had a picture of a white Shiba Dog reached out to her. Korra's eyes popped open the second she saw hope before she shot up right from her couch. Luckily, she had just finished her homework so she was eating dinner and watching a random movie. She clicked on the chat bar before reading her message.
From ShibaLoverX4:
Hi! (_)/)
Nice to meet you.
Korra's hand was shaking as she went to type a response.
Hey back!
Nice to meet you too.
Or well, chat with you, I guess.
To Korra's surprise, the three dots quickly danced a little before they responded.
Hahahaha.
Cute, you sound like a dork.
For some reason, that made Korra blush.
Sorry to be blunt but I want to set this clear before we chat further.
I'm not here trying to find a date or one-night stand.
I'm honestly trying to make a friend believe it or not…
So, if you're trying to get a favor from me, you won't.
Korra waited a second but there was no response. Way to kill the mood. She shouldn't have been surprised. Being blunt was always a hit or a miss when it came to making a friend or enemy so she was a little surprised when she saw the bubbles float on the screen again.
Hahaha, sorry for the delayed response.
I was shocked by how blunt you were.
She gulped.
I didn't know how to respond but I appreciate it.
I kind of assumed that based on your profile pic though.
I got curious so I reached out to you.
So, if you're fine with me, what type of friend are you thinking about?
That was a good question. She didn't think that through.
That's… a good question.
I guess just someone to… talk to?
Haha, well, I'm listening.
Okay.
Um…
Ah! Dogs, do you like them?
I love them.
My profile pic is of my baby boy. His name's Mochi and he's been with me for about three years now except I haven't seen him in a while since I'm in college.
How about you?
Same here! My picture is my baby girl Naga, she just turned two not too long ago! I'm in college too so I haven't seen her either /
What a coincidence :)
Did you only have one pet? I actually have three more. They're all Shiba dogs too, so a rowdy and dramatic bunch as you can imagine.
That's adorable!
But nope, just my baby girl.
What college do you go to if you don't mind me asking?
Republic City University.
You?
Shut up, no way! Me too!
Haha, maybe we have class together?
What year are you?
Huh? What do you know, what a small world.
I'm a junior majoring in business, engineering, and mechanical science. You?
What the fuck? Damn…
That's rough buddy but mad respect.
I'm a sophomore majoring in marine and environmental science.
I got a scholarship in those actually, that's how I'm here!
Hahaha, you're one to talk.
That sounds rough too and wow! A scholarship? That's amazing! :)
You're kidding me.
You're majoring in three difficult majors!
You must be smarter than me then ;)
It's sort of my family business.
I grew up around cars, bikes, and mechanical stuff. Oil is practically in my blood hahaha.
Doesn't change the fact that you're smart ;))))
Okay, enough of me.
You're smart too! It takes a lot of effort to major in those two. Not to mention getting a scholarship for that too? That's not easy and I'm sure you put all your effort into it which makes you all the more amazing than you already are.
That made Korra twitch. When was the last time someone acknowledged that her majors were hard? Any major was hard really but everyone's efforts were always simmered down to naught.
Thanks…
:)
So, have I passed the test?
?
What do you mean?
Have I passed your friend test?
You seem like a fun person and I'd like to get to know you better if that's alright?
Oh… right.
Hmm…
Well, seeing as you don't seem like a creepy old man trying to get in my pants…
Sure, nice to meet you new friend!
So, what should I call you?
Hmm… well if you want to keep up the anonymous persona, we can call each other nicknames so… I'll go by Sami.
How about you new friend?
Ah, that's a good point I guess.
I'll go with… Kor.
Nice to meet you Sami!
Nice to meet you too and as much as I'd like to chat, I think I should stop procrastinating and do my paper that's due in like, an hour
Yikes, how bad is it?
Five page essay.
I only have the intro and conclusion done.
Shit.
Rip.
Mmh, I'll talk to you later then :)
Yeah, sounds good, good luck!
Thanks, good night Kor :)))
Good night Sami!
Korra let out a breath she didn't know she was holding in before planting her phone on her chest. Was it really that easy to make friends? This 'Sami' person seemed nice. Oh well, even if they didn't talk to each other in the future, it was a pleasant encounter.
Fast forward a few days, she was surprised to say the least. It had been a month since she became acquainted with Sami and they still were chatting with each other. Of course, they moved to another platform and Korra was pretty happy. Having someone to vent to about school was nice. She didn't want to bother her parents all the time and well, they were her parents. As close as she was to them, there was a generation gap that couldn't be fully understood.
And well, that and the fact that Sami was truly a sweetheart. She was pretty smart and fun yet well-disciplined and a free spirit. Korra inspired her to be a cute girl no taller than herself. Maybe a brunette with pigtails on some days and a braid on most. She probably had warm brown eyes and wore overalls or loose clothes most of the time.
She even wondered what her name was. Samantha? Samara? Or perhaps a slightly different one like Sarah or Sabrina but, if someone had to ask Korra, she would totally say that Sami was Asian. She just gave that vibe so Korra would bet her money that her friend was Asian. Whatever the case was, the mystery between them was fun.
Despite being so close on the same campus, they were online friends, albeit with different majors. She wondered if they'd crossed paths before and if so, how many times? It would have been hilarious if they went to the bathroom around the same time or even passed each other in the quad. However, as fun as that thought was, it didn't matter since they didn't know each other's identities. For all she could know, maybe Sami was a guy who was sort of feminine.
So, here she was, all alone at the library again for the nth time this semester. She was leaving the library after the ten-minute call and just as she made her way to her dorm room, she ran into that familiar face again. That hot babe with a motorcycle. She had probably seen her every time she left the library late so it was sort of amusing trying to spot her. She wasn't in her usual spot this time, she was parked a little to the right of the usual lamp post she was by.
As for her outfit today… Still hot as ever. Now, Korra may not have been actively searching for a partner but she had eyes. She knew a hot gal when she saw one and she wasn't going to not appreciate her looks.
As always, she was wearing her usual black leather jacket but this time with a white V-neck and black jeans. Simple yet stunning as ever. It must be nice being born naturally pretty, Korra wouldn't class herself as pretty or ugly to her standards. She was just a normal gal behind thick glasses. Her shitty eyes were a curse really. She had been four-eyed since she was just a kid and many years later, it only got worse. Now, she could barely see about five inches clearly in front of her face and her astigmatism sucked ass.
Lights were her natural enemy.
Perhaps that's why she was a night owl and despised mornings. Either way, she made do with what she got. As Korra made her way through the quad, she noticed that the motorcycle babe was still alone. By this time of night, she was usually flirting or kissing with someone.
Maybe she got stood up?
That didn't make sense though. Who would ditch her? Even Korra of all passive people found herself drawn to her so that meant a lot. The babe was currently flicking her lighter, trying to light up a cigarette to no avail. It seemed like she was out of fuel but she kept trying anyway for whatever reason.
That made Korra shift in place. She did always carry emergency matches on her so she could help but trust would require interacting with her. No way in hell she had the guts to do that. But then she looked so pitiful flicking that sad lighter. Groaning to herself, Korra didn't believe what she was about to do. She set down her bag before rummaging through her backpack. Sure enough, she found the box of matches before pulling it out.
"What am I doing…"
With a sigh, she dragged her feet over to the girl. Once she was close by, she didn't know what to say so she just struck the match before walking up close to her.
"You should stop smoking, it's bad for your lungs."
The hot motorcycle chick immediately looked up at her before raising that confirmed perfect and cut eyebrow of hers. She stared at Korra blankly before leaning in with the cigarette between her lips toward Korra's match and lighting it up. Once it was lit, she pulled back and took a deep whiff before exhaling away from her.
"Would you believe me that I don't smoke often? Only when I'm stressed." She then shrugged slightly with a small yet forced smile.
God her voice sounded so fucking good. Like butter and amazing ASMR.
Korra flicked her wrist a few times to put out the fire before raising an eyebrow. "That's like, every night."
That made the girl shift in place as she shot Korra this look and for some reason, Korra had a suspicion of what her unasked question was.
"The library. I tend to study better there than in my dorm."
"Ah… you're that cute library girl Opal talks about."
Korra's face immediately widened as she fought off a blush. "Pardon?!"
The girl chuckled before apologizing, "Sorry." She took a puff of her cigarette before blowing outward. "My friend works there. She says there's always this one girl that studies late and leaves right before they close."
"Oh—" Korra cleared her throat before turning away and rubbing her face. "That's um… awkward."
She smiled this time. "How so?"
Grumbling to herself, Korra wished she didn't strike up a conversation. "Like I'm always there. They can't close when people are there."
She just shrugged. "That's what they're there for. At least you leave before they close."
"Doesn't make me feel any less bad."
She shrugged again before smoking her cigarette.
Korra took that as her cue to abort whatever this mission was and run away. "Well um… good night."
"Mmh, good night. Thanks for the light by the way." She raised her hand that was holding the cigarette as thanks.
"No prob," she quickly pivoted on her heels before walking off. She didn't dare look back after that.
Fast forward another month, Korra had learned a few new things about Sami. She was bisexual like herself and if anything, she leaned more toward women because women. That was a statement Korra would agree with. Men were great and all but then sometimes were the most irritating thing out there but women.
Women.
Korra found herself gravitating towards them more recently, particularly that pretty gal with the motorcycle. They hadn't talked since that night but they did wave or smile at each other when they noticed each other's appearance at night. It was the start of… an acquaintanceship? Either way, it was nice exchanging basic greetings from a beautiful person. As for the rest of Korra's social life, well, it was dry as ever minus her friend Sami.
Question, top or bottom?
She waited for a response, hoping Sami would respond quickly. After she went inside the campus cafe, she put in an order and by the time it was ready, her phone buzzed. She quickly snagged her items off the counter before thanking the staff and heading outside.
Hahaha, is this a trick question?
But… I'll say top.
Even without context ;)
Ha ha.
I was totally asking if you were a top or bottom in bed obviously.
But no, I was curious if you ate muffins from the top or bottom.
A muffin ey?
;))))
Korra cracked a smile before typing away.
What are you? Twelve?
I thought you were older than me.
What does age have to do with fun jokes?
You know what I mean.
Hey, you're the one who started the question with an open end.
But to answer your question, still the top.
You?
The bottom. Gotta save the best for last yah know? We all know the top is the best part of a muffin.
Fair, I guess you're eating a muffin right now?
Yup.
Nice but what a shame, if you were actually asking my preferred bed roles, that wouldn't have been the right answer.
Well, not entirely at least.
Might be tmi but I'm a switch that prefers top.
Well, Korra found herself blushing. She cleared her throat before pushing her glasses up and thinking of a response.
Nice I guess?
More like a top huh?
Hahaha, I didn't picture you as that.
How so? :)
Idk, you just give me cheerful and wholesome vibes.
Like a playful puppy of sorts.
Hahaha, I'm offended then.
I'm pretty tall so I at least deserve golden retriever vibes.
What? You are?
How tall are you?
5' 10"
You?
"Damn." Korra blinked repeatedly before shrugging her shoulders. Well, that just shattered her image of Sami. She'd have to start from scratch.
I'm 5'7"
Aww… how cute. How's the view from there?
Excuse you, I'm not short!
You're just tall.
That sounds like something a short person would say.
I'm above average for women's height!
Hahaha, I know I know.
I'm just pulling your leg.
Why you…
;)
But sorry, as much as I wanna continue chatting, my class is starting soon so I gtg. Ttyl :)
Ok, bye!
Good luck/have fun!
Thanks, I'll try :)
Korra locked her screen before shoving it into her pocket. She took a sip of her drink before finally pulling out her muffin and peeling off the wrapper. After that, she flipped it around before taking a big bite. The coffee must have worked quickly today before for some reason, she felt more energized than usual.
It wasn't until two weeks later that Korra had a panic attack. One second, she was studying in the common room of her dormitory apartments, the next, it was well past midnight and had fallen asleep before waking up to a full-on party. Like, full-on blasting music and drinking and or smoking college students.
How did she not wake up at the beginning of this nightmare?
Maybe it wasn't smart to stay up two days straight. She knocked the fuck out in public and was now awkwardly trying to escape without drawing attention to herself. She managed to pack her school stuff without fuss. She managed to make her way out the door without being stopped only to run into some gym bro that was tossing around a football.
Great.
"Oh shit— sorry missy! I didn't see yah!" The buff dude slurred with a smell of beer on his breath. "You okay?"
Korra's lips flattened as she forced a smile. "Yeah. I'm good. No worries." She quickly ducked under some covering before briskly walking away. Once she was in the clear, she pulled out her phone before texting a source of comfort.
Omfg!
I'm dead.
?
What happened?
I was studying in the common area.
Guess I fell asleep but when I woke up, there was a full on fucking party.
How did I not know?
Hahaha, oh my gosh Kor.
I told you staying up for 48 hrs isn't good.
It's not like I wanted to :(((
More like, wait. You're at a party?
At the common area?
At the Fire Ferret Dorms?
Shit, how'd you know?
I'm actually here.
No way.
Did you… want to meet up?
D=
I mean… yes and no?
Hey, no pressure.
I just hope you're not an old man in his thirties trying to meet up with a college kid.
Hey, that's my line!
Hahahaha.
But um… sure I guess?
Kinda scared but excited?
Ah— just a disclaimer, I am dressed like a slob. I haven't washed my hair in two days.
Shit— maybe we shouldn't meet, I don't want an oily first impression.
Omg Kor, take a breath.
You're good, I don't really care if you have oily hair.
Been there, done that.
…
Okay fine.
Where are you…?
The three bubbles danced at the bottom of Korra's phone and her heart began thundering in her chest. Was this really happening? Was she really about to meet her online friend? Maybe she was still dreaming? Maybe she was in her bed, dreaming this weird dream.
By the fit pit in the back.
By the pool.
She gulped hard. What should she do? She wasn't emotionally ready for this! Her hand was shaky as she hesitantly signed her faith and sent back a text.
Okay.
Korra took a deep yet shaky breath before she tucked her phone away. She then squeezed the strap of her backpack before looking in the direction of the pool. She breathed in through her nose before breathing out her mouth. After that, she glanced at her clothes before adjusting her clothes and brushing away the wrinkles. At least she wasn't wearing her stained hoodie or sweats.
"Okay… it's fine, I can do this…"
She lifted her foot before planting it on the floor and dragging her other one forward. Her eyebrows twitched and she repeated these steps until the pool was within sight. She then paused in place before nervously looking at her phone.
I'm close by…
I'm still here!
I'm wearing a black leather jacket.
"A black leather jacket?" For some reason, Korra was reminded of that hot motorcycle babe. She smiled at the amusing thought before shaking her head and walking forward. "What a coincidence."
I'm wearing a white hoodie.
Korra didn't see Sami's response as she looked up from her phone. She started scanning the crowd, looking for someone wearing a leather jacket and lo and behold, there was only one woman wearing one. That same motorcycle babe. Her jaw dropped.
"No fucking way…"
At the same time, the motorcycle babe looked up from her phone. She made eye contact with Korra before looking at her phone and back up. Her face immediately softened as she smiled and started walking closer. Korra twitched at her reaction and before she could escape, the attractive girl looked at her cautiously before starting:
"Kor…?"
Blinking a couple of times, Korra's brain wasn't catching up.
"Are you Naga'sFan4Life?"
"Y-Yes ma'am!" Korra immediately wanted to slap herself for that squeak.
The motorcycle babe blinked in surprise before snorting and laughing out loud. She covered her mouth and clutched her stomach to suppress her laughter before straightening up and fixing her posture. "Ma'am?" She repeated with a teasing smile before sassing back. "Okay, miss." She eyed Korra from top to bottom before smiling again. "I had some guesses about who you could be but I never thought you'd be the late-night bookworm." She laughed before resting her hand on her hip. "What a small world."
"Y-Yeah… I guess."
Korra felt like her tongue was tied. She had no problems or hesitation when she texted Sami but facing her in person was a completely different story for some reason. A part of her was trying to process that Sami was her low-key crush, or rather feminine admiration, was standing in front of her, and the other part was in shock that her online friend was the motorcycle babe she saw at night often!
"Well, this might be weird but I guess we should start with self-introductions?"
"Oh— uh, y-yeah. That sounds good."
Sami stared at her before finally cracking a smile. "I guess I'll start then, my name's Asami, I'm ShibaLoverX4."
Asami.
So her name was Asami.
"Asami…" Korra ended up whispering out loud. "Wait— shit that means I've been saying your name wrong the entire time!"
"Huh?" Asami tilted her head with a confused look.
Korra groaned to herself before grabbing her head. "I've been reading it as 'Sammy' not 'Sami' from Asami. How embarrassing!"
Blinking once, Asami cracked a smile before snorting and laughing out loud. "That's okay, don't worry about it. No offense taken, really miss…?"
Gasping lightly at that, Korra remembered she had forgotten to introduce herself. "Right— uh… t-the name's Korra."
"Korra…" Asami repeated in a light voice before smiling. "Nice to meet you, Korra."
Okay, why did Korra's heart skip a beat and why did her name sound so good coming from her mouth? A heavy blush crept on her face and she had to cough to distract herself from the truth.
"Wow—" Her voice cracked but she tried shrugging it off like nothing happened. "I never pictured you to be a mommy…" Asami's eyes widened at her choice of works and so did Korra's when she realized what she said. "Of four dogs! A mom to four dogs!"
"Pfft—" Asami covered her mouth but failed to stop her laughter. Korra's cheeks grew warmer than before and once Asami caught her breath, she wiped away her tears. "Were you always an adorable dork?"
Korra groaned to herself as she turned away to hide her face. "I'm just awkward when interacting with people."
Asami chuckled again. "I can see that." She ended up eyeing Korra carefully as if she were observing her. There was this soft smile on her face and she chuckled when Korra wouldn't stop fidgeting in place before nodding her head in another direction. "How about we change spots?" She then looked at her watch for the time, "I don't know if you're down but I know a good dumpling place that opens until two in the morning that's a quick ride away."
"Dumplings?" She blinked as she tilted her head. "That sounds…" However, before she could finish her thought, her stomach grumbled loudly, announcing her negligence and crimes. Of course, they both heard it loud and clear and Korra's face burned up before she coughed to distract Asami from her blush. "Amazing actually."
A happy chortle left Asami's lips this time and Korra could get used to it.
"Sounds like a date then," she quickly nodded and started walking toward the parking lot. "Come on, I'm parked nearby."
Korra wasn't sure what to react to, Asami's choice of words or her choice of words.
"Wait— a d-date?" Korra's voice cracked. "A ride away?"
"Yeah," Asami quickly confirmed. "My bike, it's nearby."
True to her word, they were standing in front of a familiar motorcycle Korra had seen Asami nearby multiple times.
"Is this your first time?" Asami asked as she unclipped her seat to grab a second helmet.
Korra was transfixed by Asami's lips, how sexy her voice sounded, and how dirty that question sounded. Wait, did she just ask a question?
"Korra?" Asami held up the helmet for Korra before asking, "You okay?"
"Huh? Oh, yeah— yeah, I'm good! Sorry, what did you just say?" Her body finally caught up to what she should be doing (instead of being a fumbling idiot) and grabbed the helmet from Asami's hand.
"I asked if this was your first time."
So Korra didn't hear wrong.
"Riding a bike."
Damn, of course.
What a shame.
Wait, a shame?
Why did that thought cross Korra's—
Asami chuckled before hopping onto her bike. "I'll take that as a no then. Don't worry, it's not as scary as it seems." She then patted the spot behind her. "Just hop on and hand on tight."
Korra could already feel her hands getting clammy. They were two times sweatier than they were and she ended up clearing her throat before hesitantly climbing her bike. It was weird straddling the damned thing but what made Korra tense the most was when she accidentally slid forward right into Asami's backside.
"Ah— sorry."
"Don't worry about it," Asami smoothly disregarded with a small smile. She then picked up her own helmet before putting it on. "Just tap on my shoulder if I'm going too fast for you." She then started the bike, rumbling it to life, before kicking up the kickstand.
That made Korra wobble before she awkwardly touched Asami to catch her balance. "Ah— sorry!"
This time Asami laughed and despite how muffled it was, Korra could tell from her bubbly attitude she was enjoying her awkward pain.
"You know you can touch me." She even reached back and grabbed Korra's wrist, gently guiding her hand to her waist. "No need to be shy."
"O-Okay…" Swallowing her nerves, Korra managed to bring her other hand up to grab Asami's waist. Once she was settled, her heart started to pound from the realization of what she was doing. Touching Asami's waist and riding her bike. She was so distracted with her silly thoughts that she almost missed Asami's words.
"Alright, I'm going to take off now."
Her heart half dropped when the bike jerked forward and Korra immediately slammed her eyes shut before latching onto Asami. She unintentionally squeezed her and once she was certain she wasn't going to die, she slowly peeled her eyes open. That's when they widened at the view. For some reason, the same campus that she had seen time and time again looked different. It was somehow more… sparkly. The flashing lamp posts looked like shooting stars and the fresh breeze blowing against her body sent shivers down her spine but was a welcoming, refreshing jolt that woke her up.
She felt the adrenaline pumping through her veins.
However, all good things came to an end and before Korra knew it, she was standing there in awe with shaky legs, gawking at Asami as if she was the coolest person alive. Asami got off the bike shortly after her and once on her feet, she took off her helmet before fluffing out her hair. Korra was still excited that she started spewing out some praises which sounded like gibberish. Asami looked at her before smiling and pointing at her head. That made Korra remember she was still wearing the helmet before she rushed to take it off and tried again.
"That was so freaking awesome!"
Asami just shrugged.
"I'm being serious Sami! I totally get why you ride a bike now! The rush of adrenaline and the speed and the wind and even the view! It's so cool!" Korra gushed in a rapid fire before she realized she was called Asami by her online nickname. "I-I mean Asami."
This time she laughed. "You can call me Sami, Korra, I don't mind."
"But…" She hesitated a little but it wasn't as if they were complete strangers. "Okay, Sami, it is. It was really fun, thanks for the ride again."
She finally smiled brightly. "Any time Korra."
"You can just call me Kor."
Her smile was something Korra could get used to. "Kor… I mean it, any time. If I'm free, I'm down to give you a ride."
Korra shot her a lopsided grin before she remembered where they were. She glanced at the dumpling shop before remembering her hunger and shyly changing the topics.
"So… about those dumplings."
"Right," Asami took Korra's helmet before putting it away on her bike. "Dumplings."
They started walking toward the shop and Korra shot her a look. "Any recommendations?"
She pulled the door handle and held it open before humming softly. "Well, personally, if you're into spice, I'd recommend the flameo spicy dumplings. Otherwise, the vegetarian ones are pretty bomb as well."
Korra stepped inside and the second Asami walked in, the cashier greeted them. "Welcome in! You want your usual Asami?"
"Good evening Kira, and yes please."
Kira smiled before punching in Asami's order. "And for your companion?"
Well that just put Korra on blast and she panicked to read the menu behind him. "Uh… t-the vegetarian dumplings and um, the fish ones."
"Alright, one vegetarian and one fish dumplings…" He punched in the order before asking again. "Any drinks for you miss?"
"Duhh…" Korra's eyes widened in horror as she quickly skimmed the drink menu. "The peach tea please." She could've sworn Asami giggled at her before she sneakily paid the bill the second the cashier read the confirmed their order out loud. Korra's mouth dropped before she turned to protest. "Hey! I was gonna pay for it."
Asami just turned on her heels with a smile before heading toward a table. "You can pay next time."
"Next time—" Korra froze like a deer caught in headlights before quickly recovering and following after her. She ended up clearing her throat before changing the topic. "Say, I meant to ask, how often do you come here?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean… the cashier recognized you and asked if you wanted your usual. That only means you come often enough for them to remember."
Asami crossed her legs and arms before chuckling softly. She gave her a shy smile before sheepishly confessing, "More than I'd like to admit."
"Oh."
"Mhmm."
"Hm—hmm…" Korra cleared her throat before looking around the shop. "This place does seem pretty cozy."
"It is."
"Mhh…" Korra ended up bringing her hands together and twiddling her fingers together. Starting a conversation via texting was one thing but in-person made her feel more self-conscious about a lot of things and trying to keep a conversation floating was one of them. "It does smell good here."
Asami laughed again. "It does. Just wait till you taste a bite. You'll become an addict too."
An awkward chuckle left Korra's lips before she wanted to shoot herself in the foot. Why was she making things so awkward? Time gaps didn't mean much over text because someone could have been busy. Even if they weren't, they wouldn't know why you had a late response. In person though? Pshh… You'd be right in front of them.
"Alright, here's your order. Enjoy!"
Korra's eyes widened in surprise. That was faster service than she expected. "Wow, that was fast."
"Yeah," Asami smiled again before grabbing a set of chopsticks from the container on the table. "Cheap, good, and fast."
Korra couldn't help but chuckle this time. "You're selling me." She then reached over and grabbed a pair of chopsticks as well.
Asami seemed to be waiting on Korra to take the first bite and so Korra obliged. She reached for one of her dumplings and the second she popped it in her mouth, she let out an unintentional moan.
"Fugck thatz guod…"
That invoked a spirited laugh from Asami which made Korra self conscious. She blushed as Asami finally took a bite while looking ten times more graceful than she ever did. She chewed a little more than Korra and once she could speak clearly enough, she spoke with a mouth stuff with food too.
"It is."
They gave each other this look and after they swallowed their food, they let out this laughter as if they had been friends for decades that haven't seen each other in years.
"This is fun," Korra confessed as she reached for another dumpling.
Asami followed in her lead. "It is." She ate another piece before sipping her drink and asking, "We should… hang out more often."
Her voice was soft and Korra's glasses slid down her face before she pushed them up and gulped. Korra opened her mouth and nothing came out. She was distracted by how green Asami's eyes are before she smiled warmly before answering sincerely.
"Yeah, that'd be nice."
Asami's eyes widened and Korra could've sworn her cheeks were a bit pink before she cleared her throat and picked up a dumpling.
"You should try one of the spicy ones."
"Sure."
Asami quickly plopped one down onto Korra's tray before Korra picked up one of hers. "Have you tried the fish yet?"
"I've tried them all." She easily and shamelessly admitted with a casual shrug.
Korra laughed before placing one on to her tray. "Then you know how good it is."
"I do."
A smile grew on Korra's face again and her cheeks were starting to get sore. She then picked up the spicy one before taking a bite. She immediately choked before covering her mouth, trying not to spit all over the place. Why were they so damn spicy? Were this place's dumplings that spicy? Korra fought for her life not to embarrass herself in front of this (not) stranger but the second she was downing her tea, Asami busted out laughing.
Wait a second…
Korra swallowed her last gulp before shooting Asami this look. Her eyes narrowed before she couldn't help but accuse. "What have you done?"
Asami rolled her lips together and it was clear as day she was trying to not laugh or smile. "Nothing."
"Lies! Your face is telling it all, what did you feed me!"
She licked her lips this time before casually admitting. "Well… these dumplings may or may not actually be on the menu."
That made Korra gasp. "What does that mean!"
"Meaning… These may or may not be a secret menu item that only I order."
Korra's lips were still burning from the stinging pain. "Oh you're the devil…" She started fanning her tongue since she ran out of tea, trying to relieve the burn. "Vaatu's incarnate you monster!"
That made Asami burst out into laughter even louder. Once she calmed down, she slid her own drink forward. "Sorry, I had to."
Pouting at her evil prank, Korra downed the rest of her drink, a classic green tea, out of spite. No drink for her now. "How can your taste buds even be alive?"
"What can I say?" Asami just shrugged innocently as if she hadn't royally burned Korra's tongue with spice. "I like it hot."
Her choices of words made Korra tense for some reason. Asami… no Sami always had this affect on her. She always drew this energy out of her and even she didn't know where it came from. It was different but not in a bad way. But then again, she was still nervous for other reasons.
Asami was attractive after all.
She wasn't blind.
Now, the only fear Korra had was getting lost in those green eyes and developing a stupid crush on her new found friend however, that was a problem for another day. Right now, she had to focus on surviving this late dinner and stupidly spicy dumplings.