Chapter 3 - Nigga, Why You Here?

Trey don't get caught up with people. He mind his business, stay out the way, and keep shit movin'. That's how he been livin', and it work just fine.

So why, three days later, he sittin' in his car outside the same gas station, already knowin' who he 'bout to run into?

He tell himself he just makin' a stop-grabbin' some backwoods, maybe a drink. But deep down, he know it ain't just that.

And, like clockwork, as soon as he step out the car, that familiar voice come from the side.

"Ayo, Zo! Look who finally decided to pop out again."

Trey close his eyes for a quick second, exhalin' slow before lookin' over.

Zay standin' by the door, back against the wall like he own the spot. Dreads half tied back, the rest hangin' in his face. He got a black hoodie on this time, sleeves pushed up, showin' off some tattoos Trey ain't notice before.

Trey keep walkin' toward the store, not even entertainin' him.

Zay follow. "Damn, nigga, you ever happy?"

"Nope."

Zay chuckle, shakin' his head. "You always this dry?"

Trey pull open the store door. "Why you talk so much?"

Zay step inside right behind him. "Why you act like a old-head?"

Trey don't respond, just head straight to the backwoods section. He grab what he need, then move to the fridge to get a Gatorade. The whole time, Zay on his heels like he got nowhere else to be.

"You gon' keep followin' me?" Trey finally ask, not even lookin' at him.

Zay smirk. "Maybe I just like fuckin' wit' you."

Trey grab his drink and head to the register. "Find another hobby."

Zay laugh. "Aight, aight. But lemme ask you somethin' though."

Trey side-eye him. "What?"

Zay step up next to him, leanin' against the counter. "Why you always out here by yourself?"

Trey pay for his shit, grab his bag, and turn to leave. "Ain't got no reason to be wit' niggas."

Zay follow him right back out. "Damn, not even a girl?"

Trey unlock his car. "Nope."

Zay nods, like he just confirmed somethin'. "You real lowkey, huh?"

Trey open his car door, about to get in, but then he glance at Zay. "Why you out here all the time?"

Zay shrug. "I move around. Just be outside."

Trey pause for a second, takin' him in. The way he always pop up. The way he always smilin' like he ain't got no worries. But Trey know niggas like that. They move loud, act wild, but be dealin' with their own shit lowkey.

Zay tilt his head. "What? You tryna study a nigga now?"

Trey shake his head, gettin' in the car. "Hell nah."

Zay grin, backin' up. "Aight then, Zo. Don't be actin' surprised when you see me again."

Trey don't even bother respondin'. He just shut his door and pull off.

But he know, somehow, this ain't the last time this nigga gon' pop up.