Ever since we talked about our mothers… Rosine has been more… distant. Plus the fact that she had a panic attack when thinking about her mother? That can’t have been a good sign… Did I cross a line by asking…? Crap, I’m not used to worrying about this stuff anymore… I couldn’t help but sigh as I looked down. I need to do something to cheer her up… But she’s in class right now. I need to stay right outside her classroom door, just in case. On the bright side, people don’t think I’m her bodyguard. On the downside, they either think we’re dating, or that I’m fine with being flirted with. I’m working, I want to be left alone to do my job! I huffed, but put in an earbud to listen to the music on the… ‘MP3 player’ I got. First on the list was “Fly Me To The Moon” by Frank Sinatra. I closed my eyes, relaxing as I listened to the calming melody and his smooth voice. I can see why this song is popular. It’s quite beautiful. I thought, starting to hum along. Then, I heard a voice. “Sir?” I blinked and looked over. There was a young woman with blonde hair in a ponytail, blue eyes, a small top with a butterfly design on it, and… I think they were called ‘bellbottom’ jeans…?

“Ah, my apologies, how can I help you, miss?” I asked gently and paused the music.

“No worries, I’m Aubrey. Are you waiting for someone?” She asked and I nodded.

“Yes, I’m waiting for Rosine Lamar. I’m supposed to-” Then she cut me off, taking my arm and holding it close to her, though I got a bad feeling and looked away, feeling my skin crawl as she spoke.

“Why her? Come on, I’m so much prettier than her.” I froze in place, and felt my expression sour immediately.

“The fact that you said that all proves that she’s better than you. Beauty isn’t all appearance based. It’s also based on personality. And all that makeup can’t hide your garbage personality. Rosine is beautiful. Not just because of her ruby red eyes, or her ebony black hair, or her pale skin. Not because of any conventional way of defining beauty. Rosine is beautiful because she genuinely cares about the wellbeing of others. She is not just beautiful, she is beauty itself. The kind of beautiful that never fades, the kind of beauty that would make people think she was beautiful even at 80. Because every wrinkle on her face would be a time she smiled, laughed, a moment of joy. And whoever watches her gain those wrinkles would be the luckiest person in the world. Besides, the conventional beauty standards are just as bad as your personality. In ancient Greece, Rosine would’ve been revered as a goddess, as she should be. That woman is practically an angel, a diamond among coal.” The young woman stared at me in shock for a moment, then scoffed and rolled her eyes, but she let go of my arm. 

“... Whatever. You have horrible taste.” I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms as I leaned against the wall.

“Considering you’re the one saying it, I’ll take that as a compliment. Run along now, find someone else to annoy.” She scoffed and walked away, then I sighed, closing my eyes to try and calm down. I can’t let Rosine see me like this. What would she think? I don’t want her to be afraid of me. Focus… What should we do? After a few moments of thinking, I had an idea. Didn’t Cosmia mention that… ‘arcade’ nearby? I could suggest that, that could be fun. And, apparently, you can get prizes. Maybe I could get her something. I nodded to myself, deciding that I’d suggest that to her. After a few minutes, the bell rang and I looked up, smiling a bit when I saw her exit the classroom, though I felt a jolt of concern at the dejected look on her face. “Rosine! Princess, I have an idea.” She looked up and I couldn’t help but smile more at how she relaxed a little when she saw me, bumping my arm with her shoulder.

“So, Guard Dog, what are you thinking?” I chuckled and bumped her back playfully.

“I heard of an ‘arcade’ nearby. I wanted to try it, but I have to protect you. So, how about we go together?” She snorted and rolled her eyes playfully, but she smirked, and I felt my heart skip a beat at the confidence in her eyes.

“I’m going to destroy you, Guard Dog.” I blushed harder and found myself thinking, God, I hope so… Then I shook my head to focus. Shut up brain! I have to focus, I shouldn’t be thinking that! I took a slow, deep breath, then followed her out of the university and towards the arcade. “After we’re done, do you wanna go get lunch too?” I blinked, then smiled and nodded.

“That sounds like a great idea! Is there anywhere in particular that you’re thinking?” I asked, leaning forward and I noticed her gaze flick down for a second before she blushed a little and met my gaze again, then she looked forward once more.

“W-Well, there’s a great 50’s diner close to the arcade that I like. They make really good strawberry shortcake, and milkshakes.” I nodded a little and continued walking with her. Where did her eyes go? Why does it feel different when she does it vs when anyone else does it? When anyone else looks at me like that, it makes my skin crawl. But when she does… it makes me feel… proud. Why is that? I shook off the thoughts again, deciding to defuse the tension with a joke.

“You thinkin’ of sharin’ a milkshake or somethin’ sappy like that, Princess?” Rosine snorted and rolled her eyes. 

“No way, Guard Dog. Bet you like your milkshakes with, like, cale and spinach.” I couldn’t help but laugh at that, snorting as I nearly doubled over in laughter.