QUEEN
The next day started like any other. Ace and I made our way to the university together. Ace was his usual calm self, scrolling through his phone, while I was driving the car.
"Oh, Julene was trending again..."
"Hmm..."
"They are having a new movie."
"Good for them."
"You’re unusually quiet, Queen," Ace asked as he parked the car in the university lot. "Let me guess, still thinking about Vermont?" I rolled my eyes at him and he chuckled.
"Ugh, As if." Ace then laughed.
"Uh-huh," Ace said, smirking. "Sure."  
"Drop it, Ace," I said and glared at them. Aren't he nosy about my relationship with him?
We parted ways once inside the campus, I watch Ace heads to her respective class and when he was gone I made my way to mine. The day passed as usual—lectures, group discussions, and surpise quiz.
As the prof said goodbye to us, I immediately arranged my things and when I got outside Vermont was already waiting for me outside my classroom. He leaned casually against the wall, his backpack slung over one shoulder and have that familiar smirk on his face.  
"You hungry?" he asked as I approached.  
"Yeah," I said. "I want some pasta and chicken for lunch."
"Okay." He smiled at me and I cling unto his arms as we went to the cafeteria. I look around and saw that the students already got used at us. "I'll just order, wait for me here."
"Okay. I also want some soft drinks."
"No, that's bad for your health."
"Please." I gave him a cute smile and he shake his head. 
"Okay fine," I smile widely and wink at him as I said my thanks. When he was back he gently put down our foods in the table.
"So," he began, putting out two cans of coke. "How’s your morning?"
"Same old, same old, lessons, boring discussions and a surprise quiz." I replied, cracking open the can. "You?"  
"Pretty good," he said, taking a sip. "Though I’ve been thinking about something."  
"Oh?" I raised an eyebrow. "What’s on your mind? Is it a group work?"  
"A road trip," he said simply, his eyes meeting mine.  
"A road trip?" I echoed. "I thought it was serious." He chuckled and shrug his shoulders.
"After class today. Just you and me. What do you say?" I sighed and take a bite on my pasta. Tomorrow is saturday and I also have no plans for tonight. I nod at him.
"Okay. I'm up for it."
"Okay, I'll pick you up at the lib?"
"Hmm." When my class started again I somewhat get lost in my own thoughts. I was glad that I was not called in recit. When my class was done I went to Ace's room and gave him the car keys.
"So you're going out?"
"Mm, I don't know what time I will be back."
"Hm, you take care okay?"
"Yeah." After that I went in front of Vermont's building and I sighed when I thought about meeting his friends. So i stepped back and went to the libraray even though I have nothing to do there.
My chin was both resting in my hands and I was like that until he arrived.
"You done reading?" He asked and I just nod at him even though I didn't open my book. "Let's go?"
"Yeah."
We drove out of the city as it began to dark, the sky was now in shades of blue and orange. I watch as Vermont had his one hand on the wheel and the other one occasionally adjusting the music playing softly from the car speakers.  
"Where are we going?" I asked, realizing I hadn’t even thought to ask earlier. He shrugged.
"No idea." I laughed, shaking my head. 
"You’re unbelievable."  
"You'll love it," he teased. After an hour of driving we stopped at a roadside diner for burgers and milkshakes. We were laughing over silly childhood stories and debating the best ice cream flavors.  
"You’re wrong," I said, pointing my straw at him. "Mint chocolate chip is the superior flavor."  
"You mean toothpaste with chocolate chips?" Vermont shot back, and I rolled my eyes. 
"Don’t disrespect mint chocolate chip," I said and squint my eyes. He chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender. 
"Okay, okay. Truce." I laughed as we continue to talk about random things. We both watch the sky when the stars were beginning to peek out, twinkling against the inky black sky. 
"This is nice," I said softly, gazing at the view. The lights of a distant town sparkled like fireflies, and the sound of crickets filled the air.  
"Yeah," he agreed, standing beside me.
"Thank you for going with me." I glanced at him, surprised by the sincerity in his tone.
"Thanks for asking me out." For a moment, we stood there in comfortable silence. I felt his gaze on me, and when I turned to look at him, there was something in his eyes—something that made my heart race.  
"Queen," he began, his voice unusually soft.  
"Yeah?" I asked, barely above a whisper.  
"Do you want to go at Eastford?"
"Why?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. He shrugged he is back with that nonchalant charm of his.
"You know, just get away for a bit. Clear our heads." I tilted my head, pondering the idea. It had been a while since I do visit other places.
"Okay," I said with a small smile.
The drive was surprisingly relaxing. The coastal roads wound through cliffs, I can already hear the ocean waves. I couldn’t help but steal a glance at him now and then, admiring how effortlessly calm he seemed.  
"You’re quiet," I said, catching him off guard.
"And so you are."
"Well just enjoying the view," I replied, but that was not the real reason. I was quiet because this is the first time we are going on a trip with just the two of us.
When we arrived in Eastford, the salty breeze hit me immediately, bringing with it the unmistakable sound of waves crashing against the shore. The town was bustling but not overwhelmingly so, with small shops and eateries lining the streets.  
"First stop," Vermont announced as he parked the car, "We need to find a hotel."  
"Do you have in your mind?"
"Mm. Yeah." We are far from Uncle's resort and even though we are I cam't check in there. He didn't know that I was out.
When we finally got to check in, the next thing he said is that we should find a swimwear. He want us to swim at the beach.
"Are you sure this was a good idea?" I asked and he just chuckled.
"What? It would be boring if we just stayed in our rooms."
The shop we entered was cozy, filled with racks of vibrant swimwear. Vermont quickly found a pair of navy blue board shorts with subtle red accents, he let me find my swimwear. When I spotted it—a red one-piece swimsuit with a sleek design and a daring cutout at the back. I hesitated, holding it up for Vermont to see.
"What do you think?" His eyes widened slightly, and he cleared his throat.
"Uh… it’s... nice." I smirked, catching his hesitation.
"Nice?"  
"I mean, yeah, it looks good on you," he said, gulping, avoiding my gaze. "But, uh... don’t you think it’s a bit... much?" I raised an eyebrow, teasing him more.
"Too much? Vermont, it’s just a swimsuit. I thought thid was nice?" He rubbed the back of his neck, clearly uncomfortable. 
"I’m just saying... You’ll turn heads, that’s all."  
"Your face is so red, Ver." I said with a playful grin, heading to the counter before he could protest further. 
When we got to chance into our swimwear, I tell him that we should already dip at the water. He hesitate at first but still followed me, I was already wet and was waiting for him but he just stood there. He looks like his feet are buried in the sand. I sighed when I caught Vermont stealing glances at me. And his mouth drop as I adjusted my swimsuit in front of him.
"You okay there?" I teased, smirking at him.
"Could you stop that?"
"What?" I innocently asked. "Come here, I thought you want to swim." I said, laughing softly. He coughed, looking away.
"Yeah, but I'm fine here. I will just make sure you don’t, you know, drown or something."  
"Uh-huh," I said, laughing. For someone so composed most of the time, he was sure a different person this time.
After a few minutes he already went to my side to join me. His eyes is still fixed on the shore still not looking me. 
"Don't go far from me." He said firmly when I tried to swim away from him.
"Oh, yeah." Whenever there are big waves coming, I would cling unto him and he would put his hands around me to support me. He didn’t say anything, but his hold was gentle and careful, as if he was afraid to overstep.
After a few hours in the water, he decided to call it a day. 
"Let's go back now, it was already chilly." He said and I look at him. He was still not looking at me.
"Okay." I said following his lead. As we walked back to the shore, Vermont handed me a robe. We were on our way to the hotel and sometimes I can help but to notice him clenching his jaw. 
Is he... mad?
I want to ask him but I stopped myself coz I already know his answer. I already knew what he would say brush it off. Instead of asking him I stayed quiet as I followed his steps.
As we stopped in front of our room, Vermont shifted uncomfortably, his gaze still avoiding mine. The silence between us felt heavier now.  
"Thanks for today," I said softly, trying to break the tension.  
"Yeah," he replied, his voice low and strained. He reached for the keycard, hesitating for a moment before unlocking the door.  
I lingered in the hallway, watching him push the door open. His shoulders were stiff, and he seemed lost in thought. But my hand suddey stopped him, I couldn’t hold back anymore.  
"Vermont," I said, my voice firmer this time. He stopped but didn’t turn around.
"What?"  
"Are you mad at me?" I asked, stepping closer.  
He froze, his hand still on the doorknob. For a moment, I thought he would answer, but then he let out a quiet sigh. "Why would I be mad at you?"  
"I don’t know," I admitted, folding my arms. "You’ve been acting... weird. Avoiding eye contact, clenching your jaw—"  
"I’m not mad," he interrupted, his voice sharper than usual. He finally turned to face me, his expression is unreadable. "I’m just... tired,"  
I try to read him, but I can't. I decided to let it slide for now.  
"Okay," I said, annoyed by his behaviou. I stepped back and sighed. "Goodnight, Ver."  
"Goodnight," he replied, his voice softer this time.  
I turned to my own room, but as I closed the door behind me, I couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that something was bothering him. Something he wasn’t ready to say. But since he won't say about them I won't ask for it again.
But I can't help but to get annoyed at him.
He just ruined the atmosphere. Hmp.
—IAmRoseee