Our Awkard Nicknames

P R E S E N T

Matt Greyson: 29 years old

Nina Lun: 24 years old

✿

Life is quite humorous. Just when I thought I got everything figures out, you came crashing in.

When I heard a ding, I grabbed my phone, a smile crosses my lips when I saw a particular name pop up on the screen.

LongBean: Hey short stack (Matt message me showing an emoji smiley face with shades.)

ShortStack ♡ : Hey Long Bean. Nice shades. (I replied with a smile face nerd wearing glasses.)

Biting my fingernails, I stare at the screen, waiting for his reply.

LongBean: Gorgeous Geek, be prepared I'm putting on my shades for the sunny state call California. Want to hang?

ShortStack ♡: Sure Goofy Giant!

ShortStack ♡ : By the way, the Sunshine State is Florida. We are the Golden State.

LongBean: You get Gorgeous, but I get Goofy?

I couldn't help but snorted at his comment as I made myself a bowl of fruits. When I saw the three little dots, I know he wasn't finished. So, I grab the banana and slice it.

LongBean: New York is the Empire State.

Shaking my head, I place the phone down and reply his messages.

ShortStack ♡ : How about Glamorous?

ShortStack ♡ : Also it's irrelevant to bring in New York because we weren't talking about it, but an Empire is nothing without Gold

The banana that was on my fingers blurred all over the screen and I tried to wipe it off with my shirt.

I'm such a genius.

LongBean: Urg. Try again.

LongBean: And want to be the Gold to my Empire?

ShortStack ♡ : Gasy? And sure, I would love to be your gold....whatever that means.

Sometimes, Matt send bizarre messages that makes absolutely no sense. But, being friends, I accept his unique personality and extraordinary mind.

LongBean: I am not gasy Choccie!

I rolled my eyes at the message. Ever since we went to this random La Fiesta together, Matt been passing gas in front of me. He ate a really bad taco, and I regret that moment I told him "It's okay to fart in front of me."

To be fair, I tote in front of him. Yes, girls tote not fart.

ShortStack ♡ : Remember when we went out for burritos Biccie?

I continue glancing at the three dotted lines while resuming my orange peeling and strawberry cutting. When I finish, I wash my hand, grab a fork, and head towards the couch.

LongBean: Sugar, it was the dog.

I snorted at his response and took a bite of the strawberry.

Short stack ♡ : Spice, there wasn't a dog in the car ride home!

LongBean: Milk, Sorry.

LongBean: Not Sorry!

I snap my fingers towards no one in particular. He did not just went there I thought to myself shoving a piece of banana in my mouth.

ShortStack ♡ : Cookies, don't you quote Demi! And I know you aren't sorry! You lock the car window!

LongBean: Teach you to think once, twice, thrice before stealing my chips baby.

ShortStack ♡ : Bugga, I knew it! You said you didn't care! YOU LIAR!

LongBean: Boo.

He replied it with a chinky looking emoji, flat eyes and lips.

ShortStack ♡ : What's with that face? Are you upset Bumper Butt?

LongBean: First of all thank you, took you long enough to finally appreciate my fine apple bottom.

LongBean: And, Doll, I'm imitating you.

He sends the same emoji previously.

ShortStack ♡ : [I send him a photo of a crying baby.]

LongBean: Upset?

ShortStack ♡ : No. I'm imitating you.

LongBean: I'm a man. Men don't cry.

ShortStack ♡ : I saw the tissues you tried to hide.

LongBean: Probably those hellish onions you cook.

ShortStack ♡: Nope it was when we were watching The Notebook.

I remember when Matt and I watch The Notebook together. Kevin isn't really into corny love stories. He doesn't mind watching it with me, but the comments he input drives me insane.

LongBean: I was faking it. I didn't want you to cry alone.

I chuckled at his response while chewing on the banana. I remember bawling my eyes out during the movie. When I looked at Matt, he had one single tear rolling down, but he instantly wipes it off. I pretended not to see it, but it was really cute.

ShortStack ♡ : Admit it, your covers been blown.

LongBean: Are you rhyming?

Darn it, he caught on.

ShortStack ♡ : It's not a crime wanting to rhyme.

LongBean: This is horrible.

ShortStack ♡ : What is? My rhymes?

LongBean: You are too adorable.

Biting my lips, I flopped down on the couch, staring at the screen. Matt always gives me these little comments that make my heart flutter, but I know we are just friends.

Afterall, I have a boyfriend.

Glancing down, I realize the fruits spilled all over the couch, most likely creating stains. Darn it.

ShortStack ♡ : Stop. Rhyming is my thing.

LongBean: Anyways, do me a favor darling?

ShortStack ♡ : What is it?

LongBean: Can you pick me up at the airport?

I rolled my eyes at the message and sat up, picking the fruits off of the couch and myself.

ShortStack ♡ : Sure. Send me the info.

LongBean : You're the best Mini Marshmallow.

My eyes trail down towards the mess, and I started debating whether I should clean it up or watch tv. "I'll clean it up later" I mumble to myself.

It's been two years since I met Matt and we became the best of friends. Talking to Matt seems so natural and was not forced like other people. I don't like making forced conversation or meeting new people in general.

If I can, I would stay at home on my couch and watch mindless tv shows forever, but God won't allow me to have the luxury.

I look down at my finger. I couldn't wait to tell him my good news. He would be so happy for me.

While I waited at the airport, I played games on my phone and vigorously tap my foot. He said he was going to be here three hours ago that bastard.

"Boo!" I whipped around and saw Matt with a huge grin planted on his face. Immediately I kick him in his shin.

"3:00! You say 3:00!" I screamed, folding my arms across my chest.

He bends down and rubs his shin. Once he finishes, he looks at me with a pout "Sorry. I had some business, so I had to take a later flight."

I huffed out some air "It's okay" I mumbled.

He beamed me a smile and lifted me up "Good to see you again short stack" he whispers into my ears.

I wrap my arms around his neck "Good to see you again too."

"I miss you" he mumbled.

I burst out laughing "Matt I saw you a week ago."

He continues wobbling me back and forth in the air "Doesn't mean I can't miss you."

I looked at him, placing my hands on his cheeks forming a duck face "You know sometimes it doesn't feel like you live in New York. You're here all the time."

"Let's say there is something about California that keeps pulling me back" He placed me down and grab his bag "What are we eating? I'm hungry."

I shook my head and gestured him to follow. While I drove us to a restaurant, Matt played with my radio. When my current favorite song, came on, I slap his hands away. "Ow! I swear Nina. You're the only one who will ever hit me."

I placed a finger on his soft lips "Sh! I'm listening to my current favorite song right now."

He smacks my finger away "Don't do that! I don't know where that finger been!"

"Up your ass, if you don't shut up" I snapped.

"Oh Love, you know I don't roll that away" he winked.

"Baby you haven't tasted my magic yet. Once you taste it, you will be coming back for more" I wink back at him. Matt grinned at me, shaking his head as he rolled down the window, inhaling the fresh air or maybe...he farted. I wouldn't be surprised.

The swift wind was blowing past his brown hair, lustrous sun beaming down his hew features. My grip tense on the old wheel handle, eyes training forward in an endeavor not to crash into the car in front of me "So how is New York?"

Matt shoulder shrug in a lazy manner, elbow leaning on the door handle. "Same old same old."

Puffing up my cheeks, I gave a single firm nod "Really? Nothing happened?"

He turned his head, giving me a tender smile showing his loving deep dimple "Nope, you?"

I gave him a huge stupid smile "I'll tell you when we get to the restaurant. You, my cute dumpling, are going to buy me food to congratulate me."

Matt and I have been giving each other the weirdest nicknames ever since he calls me short stack.

As we walked in the rain, I held the umbrella on top of the both of us. It's so comfortable stepping on my tippy toe, trying to keep two people dry

There was a part of me that wanted to run away and carried the umbrella with me. Matt can get soak for all I care.

"Geez Matt! What does your mom feed you!" I struggle to hold the umbrella up. Matt isn't a gentleman, when we walked out of the building, he handed me the umbrella and told me to hold it.

He looked down at me "Apparently not what your mom feed you" he smirked.

"Are u implying I'm short?"

"I'm not implying. You are short."

"I am of normal height! You're just way too tall! It's like you stole all of my height!" I scream as I continue attempting to hold the umbrella up. I should've made shorter friends.

We stopped walking as he turn towards me. He bends his knees, positioning his face in front of mine "Better?"

I can feel my cheeks reddening as his minty hot breath hit me. As I stare into his hypnotizing eyes, I can hear the rain hitting the sidewalk. He gave me a light smile as he places his rough hands on my cheek, rubbing his thumb gently. Feeling his thumb getting closer and closer to my lip.

I jumped back and immediately turn towards the sound of honking, hitting my forehead on a pole. I drop the umbrella as I held both of my hands on my head. "Owwww."

Matt rushed towards me cupping his hands on my cheeks, staring at my forehead. I stare at his worried face, as the water hit his light red cheeks. Water was dripping off of his sharp, clean jawline. He does look younger shave. I can feel my cheeks heating up as the cold rainwater drip from my hair onto my face.

Badump.

Badump.

Badump.

I couldn't hear anything except the sound of heartbeats.

Is it mine? Or is it his?

Another honking sound seemingly brought me back into reality. I jumped back from Matt embrace and grabbed the umbrella. Placing a hand on my chest, I attempt to lowers my heartbeat.

Matt and I often have these tempestuous moments.

These moments make me feel like we are the only two people in the world, similar to how we first met. After every time we have these moments, a rush guilt would follow.

My boyfriend. I love my boyfriend

I would continually repeat that in my head over and over whenever I'm with him.

"Wouldn't it be easier if you hold the umbrella?" I shove the umbrella at his chest, his very nice firm chest. I looked at him and myself, there isn't really a point in using the umbrella since we are both wet.

"Okay okay short stack" he grabs the umbrella.

I stopped my tracks and looked at him with disbelief "Short stack?"

"Yup."

"You do not want to go there with me long bean!" I said in my best fake angry voice.

He smirks at me as he places an arm around my shoulder pulling me inward "Little cupcake come closer or else you will get wetter."

I can't help but smile at the nickname as the guilt roam around my stomach.

I don't like Matt that way. I don't like Matt that way. I don't like Matt that way.

I would repeat those words over and over until it comes true.

It never does.

He furrows his brows "Okaaaay" he said slowly snapping me back to reality

As we walked to the restaurant, the waiter sat us down. I don't know how but whenever I'm with Matt, we never wait in line for anything. I like it, so I'm not going to question it.

After some time of arguing which food we should order, we came to an agreement where I order his, and he ordered mine then we would share.

We started talking about random things. Matt would often whisper jokes in my ear, and I barked out a loud laugh throwing my head back, hitting the frames earning some curious looks.

"Shhhh" Matt attempt to shush me as he continues snickering, but I only laugh louder turning a bright shade of red.

"I-I c-can't believe y-you thought your dog was a boy for th-three years!" I place three fingers in the air laughing like a manic perhaps turning into a slight shade of purple.

Matt's eyes widen in amusement, looking as if he was going to pass out by my expression which only made me laugh harder, pounding my fist on the table. I was rocking back and forth, tears coming out of my crinkled eyes.

"I was five!" He threw both hands in the air with exaggeration as he pretends to pouted. Leaning back, he grabbed his fork mercilessly stabbing my steak with excessive force, muttering how despicable I am.

"Awww ish someone nawt happy?" I said in my baby voice as I poured out my bottom lip.

He turned his head in the other direction and crisply folded his arms. I scooted closer and tugged his arm "Pwease don't be mad at me," I beg using my best puppy dog eyes.

"You look like your constipated" he replied bursting into a roaring laugh, cheeks staining a gorgeous cherry.

I shot him a glare and scattered away. He smoothly slides closer, laying an arm around me as I place my head on his shoulder. The beats in my chest beat irregularly, feeling his summery body crashing into mine.

I looked at him and gave him a stupid grin. Peeking down I saw our matching best friends necklace. Matt's friend, Justin took a trip to New York to visit him once. Matt told me I should tag along and visit him too. When I went to New York, he shows me around.

I saw one of those old toy machines and immediately want to try it. I suck. I lost five whole dollars. That is like one cup of coffee.

Matt saw how I upset I was and tried to get the panda for me. He sucks too. I sat there for two hours, watching Matt continuously put in money into the machine.

I told him it's okay, but he said his manhood is on the line and he will get it. He got it. The panda was holding a pair of matching necklace. Matt took the silver and I took the gold

one.

It used to be a dull circular silver and gold necklace until Matt got it specially engraved. Now, there is a star shape in the middle like a compass, where in the back, it has our nicknames.

It's the first gift I got from Matt.

I mean he could have always used the enormous amount of money he spends to get the panda and took me out to eat, but I guess this is okay too.

"So what did you want to tell me earlier short stack?" He said taking a sip of his drink snapping me back to reality.

I turned towards him with a smile"I have something to tell you."

He smiled at me "Shoot" he said playfully as he made his hands into a gun and shot me. I covered my heart and pretended to die.

Digging into my purse, I took out the diamond I hid and place it on my ring finger. I don't want Matt to figure it out right away, I wanted it to be a surprise.

I cover my left hand with my right and place it in the air "Guess who is going to be a married woman soon" I sang sliding down my right hand to reveal a diamond ring.

Matt smile fell, skin turning a few shades whiter as he stares at my ring like he never saw a diamond before in his life. I watch as his mouth hung with lips slightly parted, eyes were wide, almost as if his eyeballs were about to pop out of its sockets any second.

"What's wrong Matt? Aren't you happy for me? I just got proposed" I said with a frown.

Immediately, his smile came back to his face "Congrats short stack! I'm happy for you!" He said as he gave me a hug.

When he lets me go, I beamed him a smile "I'm so happy. I thought he was never going to propose. Well I know he is since we talk about having kids and all that but - " I continue talking about Kevin and I the whole ride to Matt's hotel.

Matt would sit there smiling at me, nodding his head silently.

When we pulled up to a stop, I looked at him and bit my lips. Now or never, I thought to myself "Matt, I was wondering if your willing to be one of the best men at my wedding?" I ask quickly.

There was a flash of pain in his eyes, but I shook it off believing it may be the bright lights flashing from the hotel "Nina I don't know if I...." he trails off, rubbing the nape of his beck as he chews on his lips. I watch as his free hand tighten, turning his knuckles white as his Adam Apple jumped up and down.

"Please? Pwetty pwease?" I ask, batting my lashes a few times as my cheeks puffed, lower lip inching outward.

He releases a deep breath, a single edge of his lips twisting upward "Okay."

"Yay!" I threw my arms in the air, then proceed in tightening it around his waist. When I release him, he got out of the car and grabbed his stuff.

I rolled down the window "I'll text you the details!" I screamed, beaming him a smile.

"Looking forward to it" He gave me a tight smile, waving me while I drive away. Looking in the rearview mirror, Matt was standing there, staring. He wore a frown on his face, running his hands from his chin up towards his messy hair.

Tightening my grasp on the wheel, I continue driving forcing myself not to look back. My eyes trail towards the diamond ring on my finger, mind filled with doubts. This past week, I was so confident I was going to marry Kevin.

That is, until, I saw Matt at the airport.