Vermillion by Dzvinka Zilinko

Evelyn didn't like parties.

Too many people, too much noise, too many drinks. It was all chaos, and she could barely handle her bus coming a minute late.

So, naturally, she spent this one in the bathroom. Not locked, but just hanging around. Evelyn just watched, as another drunk girl stumbled past her, hand over her mouth. 

"Here, let me help you." Evelyn put her hand on the other girl's back. 

"Thanks... I'm Millie. That's short for Vermillion.” She sank onto the floor before the toilet bowl. 

"What a... unique name. I'm just Evelyn" she chuckled, pushing Vermillion-Millie's silky black hair out of her face. 

"My parents like to show off, haha. Your name is really pretty." Millie's words were interrupted by her throwing up. After a minute or so of that, she wiped her mouth and finally looked at Evelyn properly. 

She was tall and athletic with short hair, beautiful in a handsome way. Her clothes were simple, just a white shirt and a pair of slacks, but it really made her stand out at this kind of party. Millie's face flushed more than it already was. 

"Wow, you're... do you help out girls drunk often?" She didn't know why she stopped herself. Millie really wanted to compliment her, to say that she was pretty, but her heart was beating too fast? Or was it too slow? Too loud? Was Millie's heart even in her chest anymore after laying her eyes on this absolute goddess?

"No, not really. I guess you're special." Evelyn smiled. Millie felt her fingers brush against the back of her neck, sending shivers down her spine. With shaking legs, she stood up and walked towards the sink.

"I hope I am... especially if it's for someone like you."

It was Evelyn's turn to blush now. She coughed to cover up her embarrassment and reached into her messenger bag.

"Um, you probably want some water... here."

She watched at Millie took a sip and leaned against the wall. She looked a lot more sober and melancholic at the same time.

"You don't come to plenty of parties, do you?" She asked, and Evelyn shook her head.

"No. I'm just here to look after my friends and drive them home afterwards."

"Wow, you're reliable... every friend group needs someone like that. Must be nice to have people trust you so much."

Evelyn looked down.

"I never thought of it like that... but it's tiring, honestly. It feels like they don't want me around to hang out, only to help clean up their messes."

"Aw, I'm sure that's not true... but if it makes you feel better, I want to hang out with you."

"Sure, we could go for a coffee... or just study together." Evelyn smiled.

"Yes! Oh my gods, I'd love to go for a coffee with you! How about Sunday, on that campus cafe?"

Millie took a step closer towards her, but apparently, she wasn't as sober as she thought. Her ability to walk in heels betrayed her and she fell forward into Evelyn's arms.

Evelyn instinctively caught her. The sight of Millie so close made her flustered, but also brought up a mischievous side in Evelyn.

So, she carefully took Millie's face into her hand, tilting her chin up slightly and pressing her lips to her forehead.

"It's a date then."