After a few hours of playing at the arcade, we got hungry and decided to move on to get our prizes, then go to get our lunch at the diner Rosine suggested. “I can’t believe you missed the punching bag on your first try.” I said with a chuckle and she rolled her eyes, despite the smile on her face.

“Oh, shut up. It was at your height! I couldn’t reach it. You should’ve lowered it.” I laughed harder and stuck my tongue out playfully, causing her to reciprocate. 

“What do you usually get here, Princess?” I asked as we entered the diner and she smiled as we were sat at a table, then she looked at the menu.

“Well, usually I get a burger, fries and a strawberry milkshake.” I couldn’t help but chuckle as I teased,

“Of course, everything you have has to be pink or white, after all.” She snorted and rolled her eyes again.

“Yeah, yeah, shut up, guard dog. What are you getting?” I chuckled and thought as I looked at the menu.

“Mmm… I’m thinking… I’m going to get a burger as well.” Rosine laughed softly and smirked, tilting her head to the side playfully.

“Awww, is the big, bad, bodyguard eating greasy diner food?” She teased and I stuck my tongue out at her once more.

“Oh, shush, you.” Then the server came over and Rosine greeted her with a warm, friendly smile.

“We’ll have two burgers, a plate of fries, and a strawberry milkshake.” Rosine said once the server asked for our orders. I wasn’t focused on the server at all, only focused on Rosine’s face as she spoke, the gentle curls framing her face, the soft smile on her face, and the slight sparkle in those ruby red eyes. As she talked to the server, I felt my eyes roaming her face. Her soft, pale cheeks with the pretty pink blush she loved so much, highlighted by the sparkly, pearlescent highlighter, the soft red of her lip gloss, which I remember she said was cherry flavor, the light pink of her eyeshadow and the brown of her eyeliner giving her a soft, innocent and doe-eyed look that was quite cute. Plus the black of her hair in those pretty ringlet curls and the red of her eyes contrasted beautifully with her pink and white outfit, the pink bow in her hair with white lace stood out particularly well. Then I noticed her gaze flick to me and she blushed as she looked away, causing my heart to sink. Did I make her uncomfortable…? I thought to myself and looked away as well. After a moment, I spoke softly.

“... I’m sorry for making you uncomfortable, Rosine… It wasn’t my intention. I just… I like how you did your makeup today, it looks nice.” She looked over and the weight I felt on my heart eased slightly as she smiled.

“Oh, thank you! I wasn’t uncomfortable, though, I just… uh… well…” I looked up and when I caught her eye again, she blushed and looked away again. Is she…? No, no, there’s no way. She doesn’t like me like that. She can’t. I’m not worthy of her, I’m just her bodyguard. She deserves someone who can spoil her, who can pay for all her meals and shopping trips without worrying about the budget. I thought, shaking myself out of my thoughts.

“Of course, Princess. So, have you read any good books recently?” I asked and my heart swelled in pride at how her eyes shined in excitement as she started telling me about the book she found and started reading, a novel by a new author, the very first story this new author published.

“It’s called ‘I Am Other’, by ‘Mahogany’. It’s about a teenager growing up in Scotland, feeling different from the people around them, disconnected, and they’re treated differently, no matter how hard they try to fit in. I’m only about halfway through the book so far, but it’s really good so far! In the last chapter I read, they were practically dragged to a party, and in the middle of the party, they turned into… something. They’re not sure what they are yet, so they’re just calling themselves ‘Other’. Especially because their family disowns them, even saying ‘You are not the child we raised and gave life’. Many of the people at the party call them a monster. But when they go outside to calm down, one of their friends approaches and says, ‘You’re not alone. I’m like you.’ As it turns out, many of their friends are at least somewhat similar to Other, and they all gave themselves new names as well. The author said in the author’s notes that they based it on what growing up LGBTQ+, physically disabled, and autistic was like. While I’m not under any of those categories, many of my friends are. They agreed that, yes, some of them were told similar things growing up. Cosmia even said that her parents said those exact words to her. It’s a really good story so far, and I hope they find the safety and community they’re looking for.” She explains and I nod along, smiling gently as I listen.

“It sounds like an interesting book. I might have to borrow a copy, if it’s so highly praised from you, Princess.” She giggled and rolled her eyes, then playfully kicked me under the table, causing me to laugh as well. “Oh, it’s on!” I said and did the same, smiling brightly as she squealed in laughter and we kept playfully kicking each other until our food came out, our faces flushed and our breathing coming out in soft pants as we laughed. I nodded in thanks to our server, then I noticed Rosine’s eyes lingering on my face, her eyes filled with an emotion I couldn’t identify, but it was… intense. I paused, staring back for a moment, then stuck my tongue out at her. She giggled and stuck out her tongue back, then we started to eat. It was pretty good, better than I expected. When we finished and the check was brought out, I reached for my wallet, but when I looked up, Rosine was already handing over her card, and I pouted. “Rosine, isn’t the guy supposed to pay?” She rolled her eyes a little and smiled gently.

“Guard Dog, you’re technically on the clock. So this is a company lunch, technically. Therefore, your employer should pay. In this case, my father and I.” I paused, opening my mouth to reply, but I realized… She was right. Technically. As much as it frustrated me, she was technically the one supposed to pay. I huffed and leaned back.

“... Fine. But I’m paying next time.” She giggled softly and nodded.

“Of course, Guard Dog.” She said and I could tell from her tone she was teasing me. I looked up, ready to argue… then looked right back down, feeling my face warm as I saw the smirk on her face. Dang it… If she wants to tease me, then I guess she can…. I can’t say no to that face… She looks so happy… I thought and she giggled again. “Good boy.” She said with a teasing tone and a smirk on her face. Immediately, I felt my face flush and I looked away, my mind racing. Why am I acting like this? Why do I feel like this, from such a simple phrase? I don’t understand. Why does my chest feel full and warm…? I… I think I like the feeling, but… it’s odd. What is it? Is it normal? Why is she saying this? And… why is the first thought that comes to mind… I thought to myself, then forced myself to take a slow, deep breath. Calm down. Calm down. Don’t think those thoughts! She’s my boss, and only recently turned 19! I’m almost 22, I don’t want to make her uncomfortable around me. Shut up, brain! She giggled again and smiled more. “Come on, let’s go home.