Mao was freaking out. His pride was having an epic battle with his guilt, with a sprinkling of stomach butterflies. He had about ten arguments with himself on the way to their meeting place about calling Jaden and saying he wasn't coming. He thought about what Ariel said, playing nice and making friends. What if Rolan did actually like him? Then his distrust would take over and tell him it was ridiculous to think Rolan was serious about anything. So they danced and kissed, what of it? It didn't mean shit, and Rolan didn't even know him. Their bitchfest online had lasted longer then their time together at the party. It was all so stupid. It was no wonder that Patel chick was making jabs at him.
He was already late, but Mao couldn't quite bring himself to enter the building. He paced around outside in the cold, muttering and scowling to himself like a crazy person. Why was he being such an idiot? He had called Rolan a cowardly bitch, but here he was not having the balls to go in there and face him. Mao began to hope that maybe Rolan had decided not to come, he had seemed pretty reluctant after all. He was tempted to call Jaden and find out, but that'd sure be awkward if Jaden was in there with the guy at the time. Mao groaned and stomped his feet, knowing he had stalled as long as he could. But before he went inside, he decided he needed to burn off a little of his excess energy. Making sure there was plenty of room on the side walk, he began to sprint, then threw himself into a series of cartwheels and flips straight out of an Olympic Gymnastics routine. This earned a few honks from passing cars, which made Mao grin as he finally pushed his way through the door, still panting.
It didn't take Mao long to find the karaoke room, he had been to this place before. Upon opening the door, the Asian boy made a face as though he had just swallowed a bug. Rolan was there. And it looked like he and Jaden were engaged in civil conversation. Just great. He caught a tiny bit of what his would be nemesis said, something about being drunk. Mao thinned his lips and stepped inside, seemingly doing a spot on impression of that kid in A Christmas Story when he had to wear the bunny suit, he looked that uncomfortable.
"Hey..." he said dully, quickly sitting down next to Jaden, keeping his poor friend between him and Rolan.