QUEEN
My days in Cornelle University feel like years; every minute drags on like hours. And as I stared blankly at the bustling students, lost in my thoughts, someone approached me.
“Hi!” I looked up and managed a small smile.
“Yes? How can I help you?”
“Can I have your autograph?”
I blinked, then let out a surprised laugh, pointing at myself. “Me? Are you serious?”
She nodded eagerly, thrusting a pink notebook toward me.
“But why? I’m not an actress or anything.”
“I saw you online! You’re so pretty,” she said, her cheeks flushing with excitement. Ah, maybe she recognized me from one of those modeling gigs or a magazine spread.
“Alright,” I said, smiling softly as I signed her notebook. “What’s your name?”
“Mea,” she replied.
I wrote her name alongside my signature and handed the notebook back.
“Thank you!” she said happily, bowing slightly.
“You’re welcome. But, hey, can you keep this a secret?”
“Of course!” Mea promised, nodding enthusiastically. After saying her goodbye, she skipped away, leaving me alone with my thoughts again. I was staring at the main university building when I felt a tap on my shoulder.
“Hmm?” I turned to see Vermont standing there with his usual relaxed grin.
“Let’s grab lunch,” he said casually. I laughed, catching the amused look in his eyes. “What’s so funny?” he asked.
“It’s just… after the whole hotel incident, this is the first time we’ve talked normally.”
He shrugged. “If you’re not interested, I’ll just eat alone—”
“Wait!” I grabbed his bag playfully. “You’re paying, right?”
He smirked. “Of course.”
“Alright then, let’s go,” I agreed.
As we walked to his car, he offered to carry my books, which I let him do.
“Where to?” he asked.
“Ahm, anywhere is fine,” I replied with a shrug.
“Sure about that?”
“Yup.” I nod at him.
"Ok." I go inside his car and we ended up at a cozy restaurant near the university.
“What do you want?” Vermont asked after we sat down.
“I have no idea what’s good here. You order; I’ll find us a seat,” I said, gesturing toward an empty table.
He nod and said ok when I already found a seat, I made a reminder for my upcoming exam, and then I saw a red mark on my calendar.
"It's been years huh? How can I forget that." I muttered bitterly, my chest tightening at the memory. How could I forget?
“Here,” Vermont said, placing a plate of pasta in front of me.
“Thanks,” I said, only to notice the shrimp.
“Problem?” he asked, noticing my hesitation.
“I’m allergic to shrimp,” I admitted sheepishly and bite my nails.
“Oh, my bad. Want to trade plates? I still haven't touch if, if you don't mind.”
“Sure, thanks.”
We swapped meals and ate in silence, except for the sound of Vermont flipping through his notes while eating.
“Hey, don’t stare at me,” he teased without looking up.
“Sorry,” I muttered, looking away. My phone buzzed with a couple of messages from King. Woah is he mad?
“Excuse me, I'll just take this call,” I said and he nod at me.
"Go ahead."
"Thanks... Hello."
(Finally, you answered,) King’s irritated voice came through. (I already called our driver, so wait for him.)
“No,” I replied firmly. “If I wait, I’ll surely miss it.”
(Queen,) he said sternly.
“King, I’ve told you, I can handle myself. Besides, it’s just a quick trip to Hartville City.”
(But-)
"I'll come back as soon as possible. I will try."
(Just want you to be safe, all the time.)
"As if going to Hartville would hurt me."
(Queen.)
"Still my answer is a no. You can't change my mind. I’ll take care of myself, I promise."
(Fine,) he relented with a sigh. (At least stop by the house before you go.)
“Got it,” I replied, ending the call. I returned to Vermont, who was eyeing me curiously.
“King Spade?” he said and I nod.
“Yup,” I said, finishing my food. After lunch, Vermont dropped me back at the campus. “Thanks for lunch,” I said, grabbing my bag.
“Thank you too,” he replied. I was about to leave when he called me. “By the way Diamond…"
"Yes?"
"Are you free tonight? It’s my friend’s birthday.”
“Ah, I can’t. I’m leaving for Hartville City, and I’ll be gone for a few days.” 
“Got it. Safe trip,” he said with a small wave as we parted ways.
I then headed to King’s class. Through the glass door, I saw him presenting a report. I wait for the class to end and his eyes widened in surprise at seeing me.
“Queen? What are you doing here? Don’t you have class?”
“Skipping the last one. I need to be there on time.”
“Go home first,” he said.
“Like duh. Obviously, I need to change,” I shot back, rolling my eyes. King laughed, but my attention was now into his friends watching me with curiosity. 
"Queen my friends." He then told me their names but I do not remember any of them, it's okay they are not important.
"Hi! Anyways, I'll go now." I said and look at the bitch who was clinging to my brother, I rolled my eyes and flip my hair. I heard them say woah but I do ignore them.
“Take care,” King said as I turned to leave. “Call me when you arrive.”
“I will,” I said, walking toward Ace’s class.
But from a distance, I saw Ace following a girl. My eyebrows shot up when she hit him with a book. Instead of getting mad, he laughed.
Did he finally move on?
“Ace, do you like her?” I asked as I approached them. They still haven't notice me and I just watch how he suddenly held the girl's hand. That was fast. I walk towards them and heard their conversation.
"Let me go! I still have class left."
"Come on let's go to the cafeteria first."
"I said no."
"Ace."
They both turned to me, startled. Ace grinned and went to my side and wrapped an arm around my shoulders.
“What’s up, Queen?”
“I’m heading to Hartville City,” I informed him. "I'll be gone for days, but I'll try to make it short."
“Alone?”
“Yeah.”
“Let me come with you,” he offered. "I think I need to visit him too, It's been a while."
“No need. Just keep an eye on King for me, okay?”
“Fine. Take care.” I smiled at Ace and hug him.
"No need, I'm fine. Love you Ace an be good, ok? Keep an eye on King."
"Hmm, take care. Call me when you arrived there." I smiled at him and nod. After that I go back home to change and get some clothes. When I finally get a cab, I sighed because of my mixed emotions.
I'll be there soon.
—IAmRoseee