Chapter 2 - You Again?

Trey ain't the type to be outside more than necessary, but somehow, here he is again. Another night, another spot, same bullshit. This time, he at the gas station, tryna grab a Black and mild and some chips before headin' home. He don't need to be here longer than five minutes, tops.

But, of course, life don't ever let shit be simple.

Soon as he step out the store, he hear a familiar voice.

"Aye, big nigga! That you?"

Trey close his eyes for half a second. He already know who it is.

He turn slow, and sure enough, Zay standin' by the gas pump, grinnin' like he been waitin' on this moment. He leanin' against somebody's car, arms crossed, chains gleamin' under the streetlights. He got on a tight-ass white tee, ripped jeans, and some Jordan 4s that look too clean to be outside at this hour.

Trey keep walkin' toward his car, tryna pretend like he ain't hear him.

Zay don't let him. "Damn, nigga, you deaf now?"

Trey exhale through his nose, pullin' open his car door. "What?"

Zay push off the car and walk over, smirkin'. "Damn, I can't say what's up?"

Trey glance at him, unimpressed. "Did you?"

Zay blink. "Huh?"

Trey pop his trunk, toss his bag inside, then shut it. "You said big nigga, not 'what's up.'"

Zay squint at him, tryna decide if Trey bein' smart or if he just naturally an asshole. "You real literal, huh?"

Trey shrug.

Zay stare at him for a second, then grin. "Aight, what's up, then?"

Trey pull his keys out his pocket. "Leavin'."

Zay suck his teeth. "Damn, you don't talk to nobody?"

"Nope."

Zay laugh like that's the funniest shit he heard all day. "You a real-life mystery, huh?"

Trey don't respond. Just open his car door and get in.

Zay step back, but he still smirkin'. "Aight, Zo. Be safe, nigga."

Trey pause. Look at him through the window. "Who the fuck is Zo?"

Zay tilt his head. "Nigga, you. Ain't finna be callin' you 'big nigga' all the time."

Trey shake his head. "You don't even know me."

Zay wink. "Not yet."

Trey start his car and pull off before he end up entertainin' whatever the fuck this nigga on.

But even as he drive away, he can feel Zay still watchin' him.

And for some dumb-ass reason... that shit sit with him longer than it should.