QUEEN 
There are no dull moments when I'm with Vermont. Everything feels perfect whenever he's around, and time seems to fly whenever we're together. The past few months have been filled with dates and sweet memories, moments I wish could last forever. 
Every little thing he does makes my heart flutter, whether it’s the way he smiles when he sees me, the sound of his laugh, or the way he holds my hand like it’s the most natural thing in the world. Vermont has a way of making me feel like I’m the center of his universe, and I can’t help but fall deeper for him every single day. 
I think it was around March when our date happened by accident. Our long quiz just ended when he texted. 
Vermont
Can we meet at the parking lot?
I miss you! 
I smiled and texted him back. 
Me
Okay! Miss you too. 
I chuckled when he send a kissing emoji. I shake my head and put my phone in my pockets. I rushed to the parking and when I arrived, I saw him leaning casually against a motorcycle, his leather jacket slung over one shoulder. 
"Wait, is that yours?" 
"Yes. I want to try this one." 
"Isn't that scary?" I said and he shake his head. 
"I will drive it carefully. I promise." He said and smiled at me. "Hop on," he said with that boyish grin I couldn’t resist. 
"Where are we going?" I asked, suspicious but intrigued. 
"It’s a surprise." Before I could protest, he already put the helmet on my head. Then he first get on and he offered his hand. I bite my lip before I hop in. "Don't let me go, okay?" 
"Mm." I grabbed his shoulders. "Let's go." I said when I was already settled. But this person suddenly set off in high speed that I shriek because of surprise. Vermont’s laughter echoed as I clung to him. I tightly hugged him. 
How dare he! I'll hit him later. 
And soon we were off and already in highway, the wind whipped through my hair as we sped down the quiet streets. The fading sunlight looks like a painting in shades of gold. 
We ended up at a quiet spot near the lake just outside town. The water shimmered under the soft glow of the setting sun. 
"This is so random," I said, as I watch the view in front of me. 
"Sometimes the best things happen when you don’t plan them."
"So what is the real reason?"
"Well, I assume that you must be burnt out. You said to me last night that you have two long quiz today." I smiled and hugged him. "I want you to relax and enjoy this."
How could this person hold so much goodness, so much love?
"I love you, Ver. Thank you." I let him go and I touched his face. He then closed his eyes and I smiled. Seconds later he held my hand and bring it to his lips and kiss the back of my hand.
"I love you more, Queen." My heart felt light as he said that and I couldn’t stop smiling.
I didn’t know that I would love him more like this.
"I'm happy to have you beside me." And just like that, the world seemed to still again. As the stars grew brighter above us, I leaned into him, closing my eyes as he pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead. This is just enough to make me love him more than I ever thought possible.
On the month of April, Vermont suggested a picnic. It was because I asked him that we should go on a picnic. And here we are after we clear our schedule.
The park was alive with spring bright flowers blooming everywhere, there are also couples around but we have our own worlds. Vermont had prepare a box pizza, packed chips, a cheese platter, and a bottle of wine.
"Gosh, thank you for this, Ver." I said, leaning back on the blanket as Vermont poured us both a glass. 
"You must be stressed," he replied, popping a chip into his mouth.
"Hmm. I am preparing for my qualifying exam."
"Right, goodluck on that. I know you can pass it with flying colors."
"I hope so."
We spent the afternoon talking about nothing and everything, laughing over ridiculous childhood stories and making up names for the couples that passed by. The wine made me a little giddy, and at one point, Vermont leaned in close, his hand brushing against mine. 
"I like this," he said simply, his voice almost a whisper. "But I like it more if we are in closed doors." He playfully said and I hit him. He laugh hard and rolled against the blanket.
"Argh, I hate you!" I angrily said though I am not really mad.
"You love me, Queen." Then he get up and stole a kiss from my lips. I glared at him and seconds after that I chuckled. "See you can't even fake that you are mad at me."
"Whatever." I rolled my eyes at him and I shriek when he started to tickle my sides.
"Whatever, huh?" He said and continue tickling me.
"Nooo... s-stop. HAHAHA. Love!" I was laughing even though he already stopped.
I raised my eyebrow at him when he stopped and just stared at me. 
"What is it?" I said and my laugh started to stop. I sighed and smiled at him.
The sun dipped low over the horizon, painting the sky in cascading hues of amber, crimson, and gold. I was mesmerized when his silhouette outlined by the radiant glow.
"You look so beautiful, Love."
I felt my cheeks flush, the warmth spreading from my face to my chest as I turned to meet his gaze. His expression was serene, yet there was something else, something deeper in the way he looked at me. In his eyes, I saw everything. I saw our past, I saw this present moment, And I saw the future with him.
When the month of May came, I almost cry blood because of pressure. The qualifying exam is just around the corner and so our midterm exam. I was pressured, I don't know what to study first.
"Hey..." I look up and saw Vermont. The moment I saw his face I started to cry.
"Hngg. Love." I cried in his chest the moment he pulled me into a hug.
"Why are you crying, huh?" He gently asked and I cry harder.
"I don't know w-where to start. I felt like I forget the things I just study. I don't know a-anymore."
"Aww, my poor baby." It took me half an hour before I calm down. Vermont was stopping himself from laughing, I just glared at him. I know my face must look like a mess.
"I'm okay now." I said and wipe my own face. Vermont then chuckled and brush my hair out of my face.
"You look beautiful, My love."
Vermont encourage me to and I got back on track. He told me that I should study first the topics that I know I will not easily get. He also help me to study and he would calm me down whenever I won't get the question.
And after the midterm exam, when then take the qualifying exam. I don't know if I did great. All I care is that it was already done. I just hope for a better outcome.
And after that hell week Vermont then planned a fancy date for us. We are going to celebrate a small accomplishment of us
I smiled when I saw him in a formal attire. He looks so handsome in black long sleeves and black slacks. He then handed me a bouquet of red roses when he got in front of me.
He stood tall, his presence has this commanding attention without effort. His thick, well-shaped eyebrows framed a pair of deep brown eyes, I almost tremble at the sharp look of it. Those eyes can take my breathe away.
His nose was perfectly sculpted, a feature that lent his face an undeniable symmetry, as though nature itself had taken its time to craft him. Below it, his lips, naturally red and full, curved into a smile.
Altogether, he was so handsome!
"Miss Ma'am stop drooling." He said in a teasing voice and I glared at him. "I look handsome right?"
"No." I said and rolled my eyes. He chuckled and grabbed my hand and gently kissed it.
"Shall we go, Miss Ma'am?" He asked and I nod.
"Yes." 
The restaurant he chose was elegant, the kind of place with low lighting and candles on every table. The air smells fresh food and there is a soft jazz music played in the background. Vermont pulled out my chair for me.
Over dinner, we talked about our exams and the conversation is flowing easily between us. We both admitted we weren’t entirely sure how well we’d done, poking fun at ourselves for the answers we might have gotten wrong.
It was lighthearted and easy, the kind of moment I don’t want to end. And there I found myself staring at him more than I should’ve, I was truly captivated by the way his eyes crinkled when he laughed and how his face light up.
"You’re spoiling me," I said as we eat the dessert.
"You deserve it," he replied, "You deserve everything, Queen." My heart flutters as I stare at his face that has shades of grays and golden hue because of candlelight. 
His strong jawline... his deep brown eyes that made me hold my breath, everything about him seemed magnified.
"Thank you." I genuinely said and his hand reached mind across the table. His touch was gentle but firm, his thumb is now brushing lightly against the back of my hand. "I love spending my time with you."
The world outside could have disappeared, and I wouldn’t have noticed. All that mattered was him, here, now.
It was around June and our date was a bit more chaotic but memorable. Vermont insisted we spend the day at the mall, something neither of us had done in months. 
We started at a fast-food joint, sharing a large plate of fries and arguing over who got to eat the nugget most. Then after our playful argue we went to watch a romantic comedy at the cinema. And of course Vermont is teasing me every time I teared up during the emotional scenes. 
And the highlight, of our date was shopping. Vermont decided we should pick out outfits for each other.
"Let’s see who has better taste," he challenged. 
I ended up in a simple summer dress he chose, while he tried on a button-up I picked out. Seeing him in it, with his sleeves rolled up and his usual playful grin, made my heart skip a beat. 
"I think I win," I teased.
"Why? You look pretty in that dress." he shot back.
"I know." I playfully hit him and he chuckled. "You look handsome, in cotton button-downs with rolled-up sleeves." Vermont had a wide grin in his face.
After that I tried a few outfits and ask for his opinion. He approved some of it and declined the crop tops, the backless tops, and the stringed ones.
Our we also went to arcades and we mostly spend our time at the claw machine.
Just why it is hard to get a stuff toy?!
After that series of fun dates, July was a blur of assignments, group projects, and endless study sessions. Vermont and I barely saw each other, let alone had time for dates. I already miss him!
We could only do quick hugs after classes and late-night phone calls were all we could manage. It was so hard, I miss him so much.
"Queen can you checked our paper?" Macy asked and I just nod at him. "I already did a major edit on it."
"Okay, I'll check it now."
"Do you think that is fine? Or should we add more to strengthen our topic."
"I think this is fine." I said and she sighed.
"Did you already contact Drew and Janet?" She asked and I shake my head.
"Ugh, I will not put their names." She said in an angry tone, clearly frustrated. "They are not the only one who is suffering right now. Fuck this life!"
The deadlines are left and right and exams are around the corner. Everyone was busy doing reports, doing assignments and studying.
Amd by the time the hell week ended, we were both exhausted.
"Let’s have dinner tonight," Vermont said after our last exam. I sighed and weakly nod at him.
Vermont ordered his usual double cheeseburger, while I went for the classic club sandwich. As we ate, the conversation took a surprising turn. 
"My sister’s wedding anniversary is coming up," Vermont began, his tone unusually serious. 
"Oh?"
"They’re having a celebration, and… I’d like you to come. I want you to meet my family."
The words hung in the air, their weight settling over me. I could feel my stomach flip, half from nerves and half from something I couldn’t quite name. 
"I—wow. That’s… ahm," I stammered. 
"You don’t have to decide now," he said quickly, reaching for my hand across the table. CI just… I want them to meet you." The warmth in his eyes steadied me, and after a moment, I nodded. 
"I’ll go," I said softly. The smile that spread across his face was worth every flutter of anxiety I felt.
I'm scared but excited at the same time. I'm sure that they are kind like Vermont.
—IAmRoseee