Something Casual

Alex Valencia is a 25-year-old artist, a creative soul who captures the essence of Los Angeles through her vibrant paintings. As a first-generation Latinx, she navigates the complexities of her heritage, often feeling the weight of expectation from her traditional family. Her passion for art, however, defines her, and she pours her heart and soul into every canvas. In the city of angels, where dreams often turn into reality, Alex finds herself lost in the labyrinth of her own desires. Frankie Morales, on the other hand, is a 28-year-old professional dancer, with a body that can move in perfect harmony with the rhythm of the city. He has a confident demeanor, a charm that can light up a room, and a passion for his craft that knows no bounds. As a dancer, he's no stranger to the spotlight, but beneath his captivating exterior lies a vulnerable soul, searching for a connection that goes beyond the fleeting thrill of a good show. In the midst of this chaotic, ever-changing city, where hookups and casual sex reign supreme, Alex and Frankie find themselves entangled in a web of unfulfilling relationships. They both swipe through dating apps, attending parties, and engaging in the ritual of ghosting, as a way to avoid confrontation and emotional vulnerability. It's a coping mechanism, a way to shield themselves from the hurt that can come with truly opening up to someone. Their relationship with others is superficial, lacking depth and meaning. They're just two more faces in the crowd, blending in with the sea of people, all searching for something genuine in a world that seems to prioritize the instant gratification of Tinder matches and the fleeting thrill of a weekend fling. As they navigate this soulless casual hookup culture, Alex and Frankie can't help but feel suffocated by the emptiness of it all. They begin to notice subtle changes in each other, a spark that's been ignited, a fire that refuses to be extinguished. They deny their feelings, afraid to take the leap, yet find themselves helplessly drawn to each other. It's in the midst of this confusion that their series of misunderstandings unfold. Alex tries to ghost Frankie, but he can't shake off the feeling that something is off. She tries to brush him off, to make him believe that she's not interested, but deep down, she's consumed by the thought of him. Frankie becomes obsessed with Alex, trying to reach out to her, to understand what's going on in her head. She's flattered by his attention, but terrified of opening up to him. Their connection is a delicate dance of push and pull. They oscillate between obsession and confusion, never quite sure if they're on the same page. They try to sabotage their feelings, but they can't help but be drawn to each other's light. It's as if they're two magnets, oppositely charged, yet inexplicably drawn to each other's pull. As they continue to navigate this dance, they find themselves oscillating between the thrill of a quick hookup and the comfort of their own company. They become accustomed to the familiarity of their own solitude, but can't shake off the feeling that they're meant to be with someone else. It's in this limbo that they meet someone else. Their paths cross with people who are different, who represent a different world, one that they're not familiar with. They're forced to confront their own vulnerabilities, to confront the emptiness of their own relationships. Will they be able to love again, or have they lost the ability to love entirely? The series of misunderstandings that have plagued their relationship begin to clear up, and they finally find themselves at a crossroads. They realize that their feelings for each other go far beyond the fleeting thrill of a hookup. They begin to see each other in a different light, to truly understand the depth of their emotions. It's a fragile moment, one that requires courage and vulnerability. Will they take the leap and commit to each other, or will they retreat back to the safety of their own company? Will they be able to love each other without the weight of expectation and tradition, or will they succumb to the pressure of the world around them? As the story of Alex and Frankie unfolds, we're taken on a journey of self-discovery, love, and vulnerability. We're shown that true love requires courage, that relationships require effort and commitment, and that sometimes, it's okay to be vulnerable. In a world that's constantly shifting, Alex and Frankie's love becomes a beacon of hope, a reminder that true connection is worth fighting for.