Page 9 of Innocent Princess

"It is, and don't be afraid to ask him out. Most likely, if you’re both feeling it, he'll ask you, but don't be afraid to go for it." He walks backward, leaving me at the entrance of the Art building.

"It's going to be fine, Zella, promise. You'll probably even enjoy dating."

I give him a tight-lipped smile and wave goodbye as he makes his way to his own class.

All through my graphic design class, I think about what Cameron said. About how for the first time since, well forever, I met a guy and was instantly intrigued by him. Our conversation was certainly entertaining, but he didn't ask to see me again, so maybe the interest was one-sided.

I hope I see him again. If I'm lucky, maybe he will try his smolder on me again.

Sigh.

A girl can only dream.

4

Ryker

I stareout of the window in the second-floor study room in The Labyrinth, the university's well-funded library. I'm not sure why I'm here exactly, I normally do my studying in my dorm room. I can count the number of times I've stepped foot in this building to study over the past two years on one hand. Now there are other, more exciting, reasons to be here. There are some secluded rooms throughout the building if you just happen to find yourself here with an attractive and willing study partner, if you know what I mean.

Actually, I know why I'm here. I've been on high alert for a tiny blonde since I left the tower yesterday afternoon. I'm not sure when I will see her again, but I know I will. This campus isn't that big. I was on my way back to my dorm after my last class and decided I'd never find her if I hide away in my dorm, so I made a detour to the library. She seemed like the studious-type. I’ve spent a small amount of time here in the library over the past couple of years, so I pick a study room that is sure to see a lot of foot traffic. Plus, it has a great view of the courtyard. But as I settled in, I realize she probably did her studying in the tower.

I stay put, though. I'm not sure what I'm going to do when I see her again, but she intrigues me.

I've got my Beats on, listening to some old-school The Strokes when I hear a far-off banging. I glance around the tiny unit and see my roommate, Wells, knocking on the glass window-wall. I push my headphones off my ears and rest them on my shoulders; the music steams from them as Wells opens the door and leans against the frame.

There's a lazy smirk on his face. "I'm surprised the building didn't go up in flames the moment you stepped inside."

"Nah, that's only the Church of Perpetual Sorrows," I joke back. Things between us haven't been easy in a while, so I play along.

"Well, do us all a favor and keep your distance." His easy-going tone clearly isn't something I'm used to. Freshman year, we were paired up with two other guys in the dorm. Despite clicking and having a blast, things changed when he found out about my computer skills. By sophomore year, he wasn't shy about his disdain of my special skill set. Second semester, things went downhill when he took a job with on-campus security. He drew a line in the sand and said if he caught me doing anything illegal, he wouldn't hesitate to turn me in.

"Will do, Officer."

He straightens, and his causal stance is a ghost in the wind.

I play it cool, of course, but it fucking sucks to lose your best friend over something stupid. Truth was, the shit I was doing, it was all stupid. Petty stuff, but it wasn't hurting anyone.

Even though we steer clear of each other most of the time, we still continue to room together. When it was time to log our request for roommates, he asked and I said sure. Now, as upperclassmen, we are in The Lofts and share a two-bedroom suite.

Really, I didn't care to have a new roommate; I'm kind of a loner. Wells feels it's his civic duty to keep an eye on me or some shit.Whatever.Our situation could be better; it would be nice to be friends again, but what we've got going on works.

"So, you planning on coming to class tonight?" He's clearly got his panties in a twist now that I called him officer. I don't know why it pisses him off. I’ve been doing it since he became a student officer.

"What's it to you?" Humanities really isn't my cup of tea. I went the first week to check it out but didn't go back last week. Honestly, hadn't planned on going this week either.

Wells shakes his head and looks to the ceiling. "You know what, I don't even know."

"It's not like I'm going to get dinged for attendance. The Prof doesn't take it. And I can always get access to study notes, and well, other things." I smirk at him when his eyes narrow at my admission. I've got an old hook-up in the class, and we have an arrangement: she gives me copies of her notes, and I make sure her drunk social media posts are wiped before her parents see them.

The girl likes to party. Personally, I think she should embrace her crazy, but she's afraid Mommy and Daddy will cut her off. Wells doesn't need to know any of this. Let him think I hack into the school’s server for the notes and test answers.

Don't get me wrong, I will, and have if I needed to, but not for this class.

"I've wondered for a couple years now, how are you still here? Your attendance rating has got to be under fifty percent." He crosses his arms over his chest, acting like the tool he pretends to be.

Chuckles burst out of my mouth. "You really want to know?"

Wells takes a deep, calming breath. I can't help but be entertained at his annoyance.

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