As the bus drove on towards the college, the two stayed wrapped in each other’s arms in the quiet chatter of the bus, not needing words.

Being with Demetri, Ambrosia forgot about Josephine and Callum. All her troubles seemed to slide off her. With him, Rose was happy in all this sadness, and she hoped it would never end. At least, not for a while.

“Give me your bag,” Demetri instructed, rigid, as they hopped off the bus.

As Ambrosia glanced up at him in confusion, he wondered if this was the right action to take. He had never felt the way he did for Ambrosia with anyone, and it scared him. Demetri wanted to do everything in his power to make her happy, but did not know how.

“Why?” Ambrosia questioned, unsure of his motive.

“Because I want to hold it,” Demetri stated, relaxing some. Ambrosia smiled, gladly placing her bag into his outstretched hand.

“Why, thank you, kind sir.” Demetri smiled, pleased with himself.

Hand in hand, the two walked to class with Rose smiling sincerely all the way there. Demetri had delighted her throughout the day, she couldn’t help it.

On the way, Ambrosia thought about what Demetri had done earlier and how much it surprised her at the time. Even now, she was in shock. It was the girl’s bathroom; he didn’t have to run in there for her, but she was glad he did. It was a wonderful gesture, and at the moment, Rose needed someone to cheer her up, even if she hadn’t known it at the time. Ambrosia was glad that person was him.

“Ambrosia,” Demetri whispered into her ear. His voice tickled, sending cool chills down her spine.

“Yes?” she stumbled out, feeling her heart hasten. Noticing how embarrassing her reaction had been, Rose felt her cheeks warm. Demetri smirked, watching her body tremble. He did his best to hide the desire he felt at knowing he could tease her and loved observing Rose think of him as a man, not only as a friend.

“We’re here.”

Glancing around, Ambrosia indeed saw they were standing outside their classroom door.

“You looked peaceful being in the clouds, so I let you be. What were you thinking about?” Demetri wondered. Rose felt her cheeks grow warmer and wondered how red she must be. Demetri chuckled. “You’re so cute when you blush.” Demetri rubbed her cheek tenderly, making Rose blush even harder.

“It’s ok if you don’t want to tell me. I don’t need to know,” he softly spoke. Ambrosia smiled weakly, thankful. Placing a hand over his, which was still rubbing her cheek, Rose leaned into his palm when suddenly, Demetri removed his hand.

“What--” she began, alarmed.

Demetri wrapped his arms around her tightly, cutting her off. As Ambrosia laid her head on his shoulder, she felt a tap on hers.

“I hate to break you two apart, but it’s time for class to begin,” Mr. West stated. They both nodded in understanding.

Mr. West held open the door and gestured for them to walk in. Demetri allowed Ambrosia to walk in first, and from the corner of her eye, she could see Mr. West smile in amazement. Rose walked to her seat, her ears flaring and her heart pounding, with Demetri closely behind.