a's

mind. The sound, the tone-everything felt the same. But my memory faded bef

lively conversation, heading towards my room. But a

university, isn't that exquisit

e like a princess in front of every

d turned back to the grown

lse sweetness. "Your mother was telling me that you love art. I'm

ife. I knew where it came from-jealousy. She could never have children, no matter how hard she tried. I did feel sorry for her,

proudly. "We did our best to train her well. My bab

. Everyone laughed-everyone except Jalen. His eyes never l

dy my room," I said softly, turning

tly, and yes-he was still watching. His eyes carried a knowing look, as though he understo

ave a habit of pulling off my clothes the moment I close my door and jumped onto my bed. M

dering how freedom would finall

o sleep when a knock l

min

or. My parents usually barged in without warning, and that has caused me to lock m

, peeking through th

l, exposing my naked body to him. I gasped, and my eyes widened as he s

, quickly picking up my towel. Heat surg

suggested, "I'll wait outside

up in the bathroom, com

y landed on one of my paintings. He walked closer, bru

muttered while I dressed up. "Where

int them. Sometimes I get ideas from music, a little bit

refer colorful tones to minimal aesthetics.

rise through my body as his gaze met min

ned you had some of your work I could look at, to see if you needed any guidance. But from wh

at down beside me, my breath hitched. My hand pinched my thigh so hard it stung. For a moment

again, just to confirm it. But

ng up. "I guess I'll see you more often in school." he

t my entire body shivered. A soft moan slipped from my lips before I coul

ou out," I

the edge of the rug, sending me tumbling forward. Jalen

. My lips parted slightly as I realized how dangerously close we were.

. My heartbeat grew louder, my body hea

ps were only inches apart. I closed m

th

rian's voice echoe

stood up, clearing his throat as he b

it wasn't-"

e said calmly. "I should

like that

him, and I could fain

n looking for you. Let's

, breathing heavily, my

ust ha

hat compromising position. The thought terrified me-but at the same tim

to come to any co

and began packing my clothes. The thought of meet

ushed softly against my skin as I rolled my suitcase out th

the car engine started, and we drove off, my excitement grew with every passing mile. My face st

y, taking in the gr

itement faded into nerves. A shiver crept up

as

lly

he air around