At Midnight

Sage looked up at the flickering ceiling lights of the old laundromat. The Hispanic male felt uneasy as he looked around the quiet place. There were only a few people doing laundry at this time of night. His emerald green eyes glazed the washing machines to find one that he could use. He found one that was available to use that was the closest to the doors and walked towards it. Once he was in front of it, Sage fixed his hold on his basket so he could open the door of the machine.

Sage flinched as he felt a hand on his right shoulder. He looked over his shoulder to see a taller male. The male’s ebony hair cast a shadow upon his face, making it harder to see his eyes. The male let out a chuckle, “I didn’t mean to scare you, Sage.” Sage shook his head and let out a breath that he didn’t notice he was holding once he processed the voice. He turned his body to face the taller male.

“You scared me Alex,” he said, “Why are you here this late?” Alex lowered his mask and leaned on the machine next to Sage. He moved his dark hair out of his eyes. Quiet whispers filled the air, giving it a calm atmosphere.

“I picked up a late shift,” the Hispanic man started to explain, “I needed to do laundry, but my washer is broken.” Sage nodded to the taller male’s answer. The shorter male started to load his clothes into the washer. Alex yawned, covering his mouth with his hand.

“Wait, I didn’t see you all night. Where were you?” he asked Alex. Alex groaned, leaning his head onto the washer. Alex slumped down dramatically, almost losing his balance.

“I was doing inventory in the back,” he explained. Sage chuckled at his antics. He closed the washer’s door, turning his head to look at Alex again.

“Oh, that’s the worst, especially on delivery nights,” Sage said with a grimace. He took a bag of coins out of his pocket. He took three-quarters and inserted them into the machine. The lights above them flickered once again. The duo looked up at the lights with wariness. I just hope the lights don’t go out. They looked back at each other, their expressions the same.

“Do you think they’ll ever renovate this dump?” Alex asked, to which Sage shook his head. The washing machine started to whir as it began to wash the clothing. Each machine in the laundromat whirred in a similar manner. The chatter of the other patrons made the place feel a little bit more alive.

“This place has been this rustic since we were kids,” he answered. The duo went to sit down on the chairs provided. Rain started to pitter-patter onto the windows of the laundromat. A sense of ambedo filled Sage as he looked out the window that stood behind them. The rain looks nice, but why does it have to be when on the day I’m doing laundry? Alex scoffed playfully, shoving the shorter male’s shoulder. Sage looked over at him with a faux-offended expression.

“Ignoring me again, huh?”

Sage felt his face heat up, “Ah no, sorry! What were ya saying?” he asked Alex, breaking eye contact with the taller one. Alex smiled at his embarrassment, leaning his head onto his fist.

“I’m joking!” he laughed, “but I was asking how school was going.” Sage chuckled with him, brushing his dyed hair out of his eyes. His dual-colored hair seemed to darken in the dim light that entered from the outside.

“It’s been stressful, but I’m managing,” he answered. Alex nodded while looking towards the washers, seemingly checking how much time was left on his load. He looked back at the shorter male with a smile. His eyes were always so pretty. So chocolatey and warm. Sage thought to himself, breaking eye contact once again. “I mean, I am close to graduating, so I have to keep it up,” he added, twiddling with his fingers. It was a nervous habit that he picked up whenever he was around Alex. He didn’t know if he liked the taller male or not, but he didn’t want to risk losing a friend over his feelings he couldn’t even understand.

“That’s good to hear. You’ll be an awesome artist,” Alex said with a smile. Sage felt his face heat up again at the compliment. He covered his face with his hands.

“God, you’re too much sometimes,” Sage’s voice came out muffled. Alex laughed at his embarrassment again.

“But you love me!”

“Who told you that?” Sage teased with a smug grin, removing his hands from his face. Alex gasped and placed his left hand on his chest.

“How rude of you,” he laughed. Sage laughed with him, shaking his head. He took out his phone to check the time. 11:51. He put his phone back into his pocket. He looked back at Alex, staring into his eyes. They both stayed silent as they looked into each other's eyes.

“I’m just glad we don’t work tomorrow,” Sage said, breaking the comfortable silence. Alex let out a noise of agreement as he looked back at the machines. He got up once he noticed the washer he was using stopped. Sage kept his eyes on Alex, smitten by his presence.

Sage looked away from Alex once he released he was staring. He switched his focus to the laundromat. The whirring if the machines filled the air alongside old jazz music which the owner had on repeat. The cheap fluorescent bulbs gave everything a hazy blue hue. It reminded him of the liminal spaces he's seen on the interweb. Some of the other patrons were folding their clothes at the tables or putting their clothes to dry.

Sage examined Alex as the taller male loaded his clothes into a dryer. He had a black tank top on with black slacks. Sage assumed he had the top on under their uniform. He was surprised that the other didn't have his usual beanie on, but it was a busy closing shift. Alex walked back over to Sage after putting his last three quarters into the dryer. “When do you work next?” He asked the shorter male.

“I believe I work Wednesday,” he answered, leaning his head against the window. He yawned, covering his mouth with one hand. Alex grinned widely at his answer.

“Great. Would you like to go out with me then?” Alex boldly asked him. Sage froze as he tried to process his question. He felt like he was in a dream. Did he...? Sage swallowed the nerves and cleared his throat.

“With me?” He asked, pointing to himself. He was dumbfounded and needed clarity. Alex laughed and nodded, making Sage cover his face. “I- um yes! I'd like to go out with you,” he fumbled with his words. Alex grabbed Sage's hands and brought them away from his face.

“I've liked you for a while,” he confessed to the shorter male, “You've been there for me when we were growing up, and I want you in my life as we grow old,” he added. Sage felt a warmth flow through his body. He couldn't stop the smile that grew at his confession. Tears pricked at his eyes.

“I didn't think you liked me back,” Sage started to say, “but I'm glad you do. Although I didn't expect to be confessed here of all places!” They both laughed at this realization. Sage pulled out his phone once again to check the time. 12:00. Sage looked at Alex, “It's already midnight. Do you want to stay over at my place for the night?” he offered.

“I would love that.”