"Are you excited for today?"

I nod, "I guess I am. Are you?"

"Yeah but I am a bit anxious too, what if I don't get selected? I don't wanna loose this opportunity." Dev's voice is laced with uncertainty.

I give him a side glance and truly, he looks nervous as he kept fidgeting throughout the way to our art class. Today is Monday and the day professor Vidal is going to announce the names of the students whose pieces are selected for day after tomorrow's art exhibition. It is grand opportunity for everyone as it is said some famous artist and sponsor will be there and that has everyone excited as well as nervous.

"How is Danielle?" I ask referring to his six year old sister.

"She is good and was asking a lot about you and your boyfriend."

"My boyfriend? Really?" I turn to him on my seat, surprised.

His face forms a scowl, "Yes, she wouldn't stop talking about how cute he is and how she wants someone like him to be her prince charming."

I can't help but laugh at this. Even a six year old can get charmed by him in just a meeting. Not that anyone can blame her, he is too beautiful to be true and it is still unbelievable that he is all mine. But Prince charming is not the word I would use for him, he is more like an angel, a dark angel, who has decided to make me his soulmate.

I recall how adamant he was about not letting me go to the diner Dev has invited me, but I was also stubbornly set on going there. I had informed Dev that I'd be coming and didn't want to go back to my word. Even when after lots of persuasion from him I didn't stir, he tried to bargain and boy did he negotiate.

We ended up with a compromise that he'd drop me off there and after a little introduction when he would feel like I was safe, he'd leave. I was reluctant but still I agreed. I remember Mrs. Carl's impressed, Danielle's awestruck and Dev's slight horrified expression at his arrival.

"You promised to not say something rude to them or Dev." I remind him, emphasizing Dev knowing his irrational distaste for my genuine friend, when we arrive the small restaurant Dev has informed me about.

His smirk is the only response I get in return.

Approaching their assigned table I clear my throat, "Hi."

All eyes turn to me but they don't linger any longer and run beside me at my boyfriend. I notice their facial expressions and can't help but feel proud at my man.

Mrs. Carl is first to recover, "You must be Akira, Dev told us about." Rising from her seat she greets me politely but in motherly way that I've come to miss so much.

I smile at her, "Yes that'd be me. Congratulations for your job Mrs. Carl and thank for inviting me."

Chuckling she shakes her head, "Call me Diane, Mrs. Carl make me sound older than I am."

The woman wouldn't be older than forty if not less. She still looks stunning considering she's mother of two children. With blond hair and beautiful brown eyes that matches with both of her children, she still manage to look gorgeous.

"This is my boyfriend, Romero King. This place was on his was so he offered me lift." I inform her.

Her eyes rakes him from up to bottom before offering him a polite smile as if she hasn't just checked him out, "Diane Carl. You are welcome to join us, Romero."

Romero stiffens beside me, "I prefer King and I have some important matters to attend." Some would consider it rude but I know he does not mean any of it in wrong way. That is how he is, he rarely offers any pleasantry to anyone.

Her smile falters slightly as she nods, "Oh okay."

Dev stands from his chair and comes toward us, "Thank you for coming. Jasmine is stuck in traffic, she would join us in few minutes," pausing he turns to Romero and offers him a hand, "Davis Carl, her friend."

Romero gives him a look and a smirk appears on his face, "I think we have met before artfu-" my death glare stops him from competing his word, "I mean, Davis Carl but didn't get a chance to introduce properly." Straightening himself he stands few inches taller than later and shakes Dev's offered hand, "King, her boyfriend." His tone is mocking to someone who tries hard to catch it.

His hand must have a tight grip for Dev winces, just slightly. Having it enough I grab his arm causing him to drop the other's hand. I open my mouth to speak but a voice cuts me dry.

"Are you a prince?"

Everyone turn to look at little girl who just got up from her seat and comes near Romero with awe filled face. When she doesn't get a reply she asks again.

"Are you a prince?" Her voice is soft and curious.

Romero looks uneasy under her eyes but manages a reply, "No, I'm not."

Her small beautiful face forms a frown, "But you look like one."

"How so?" He raises his one eyebrow.

"They are cute like you. I want you to be my prince charming." She tells him, bobbing her up and down.

Romero's face shoots up to me and I give him a grin as his expression turns to one distaste at the mention of 'cute' but recovering he gives her a smile, a dimpled smile, "Even if I was one, I'd be her Prince." He points at me and my heart skips a beat at his open disclosure of him being mine.

God, do I love him!

She scowls at me, "What about me?"

At this Romero doesn't know how to answer and relieves a breath when he is saved by Diane, "Dani come here sweetheart."

She looks like she'd refuse but ends up going to her mother. Grabbing the opportunity I meet Romero's eyes and pull him aside, "See? I'm safe here. You can go now."

He scowls at my attempt to be away from him, "Fine but if that artfucker tries anything, I will kill him."

I roll my eyes, muttering, "Yeah, yeah."

He doesn't look please but he has no other option. Giving Dev a cool look, who is watching us cautiously, he plants a lingering kiss on my forehead and turns around. I watch him until he is out of door and sigh when I can't see him anymore.

I look back to see Diane watching me with a knowing smile, "I remember what is feel like to be in love for first time. It is beautiful. Come on sweetheart, have a seat."

Obeying I sit on the chair on left side of Dev. I notice his unmoved frown and give him a questioning look. Sighing he murmurs, "Is he really your boyfriend?"

"Yes, he is. Why?" I ask, defensive of my boyfriend.

He shrugs, "Nothing. You both just seem so opposite and that guy intimidates the hell out of me."

I giggle remembering how terrified I was when I first met Romero, "You will get used to it."

Just like I did.

"-she wants someone like him. The guy scares the crap out of me."

Snapping out of past I catch some of his last words, "He is not scary." I deadpan.

Scoffing, he says, "Did you see the glare he sent toward me? I thought he's going to kill me right there."

I can't argue with that, because I know for fact that Romero can really intimidate someone if he wants to. Knowing I can't just make him like Romero despite how much I want everyone close to me like him so I decide to change the subject, "Did you ask Jasmine yet?"

A face of green eyed cute looking brunette who is still in school as senior appears at back of my mind. Jasmine was about half hour late because of traffic but somehow managed to arrive to lots of energy. She is bubbly and full on positive kinda girl, perfect match for Dev. They both looked cute together.

A mysterious smile appear on his face, "I did."

"And?" I prompt him but I think I know his answer.

"And she said yes. I can't believe she agreed to be my girlfriend. She is so amazing and beautiful, I think I am in love with her." He whispers the last part looking lost in thoughts as though he has just realised it himself.

I go to agree that he, indeed, is in love with her. It's visible in his eyes whenever he talks about her but our professor's voice halt my action and brings Dev back in present.

"I see, you all seem eager to know the names of students whose paintings would be put on show for exhibition. How many of you thinks you're selected?"

More than half of the class raise there hands in affirmation. I wonder how much disappointed they'd would be if they don't get named because only few of them would be able to go up. I know I'd be disenchanted for sure but I also know that I could get up after this.

Me. Vidal nods, "Hmm, how about we find it ourselves? Now I'm going to announce the name so listen carefully and you're not to question any further after that. The rest of the information will be sent to each selected student via email. Alright, here we go."

"Davis Carl."

I look at Dev who seems dumbfounded as his name is the first one to be announced. Grabbing his palms I squeeze it gently making him turn to me, I give him proud smile, "Congratulations."

He blinks few times before smiling back, "Thank you."

We return our back to professor Vidal as he continue to call out names.

"Courtney Ralph."

"Drake Talon."

"Ryan Porter."

"Akira Ray."

I block him out after I hear my name.

Oh, my God!

I really did it and I can't even believe it. This is surreal. Now I'm little closer to my dream. My real goal.

Dev gives me a wide grin that I try to return but it feels like my body is numb in so much. Throughout whole class I face a great difficulty to concentrate in lecture and not just daze off.

• • •

When I enter my room with a permanent smile that anyone else would find it creepy. I am still having hard time accepting the fact that I indeed got selected.

"You smile tells me you got it." I find Sydney on couch, grinning from ear to ear.

"I did!" I exclaim and for time I actually believe myself.

Getting up from couch she pulls me in hug and shouts, "This totally calls for a celebration!"

"Does it?" I ask pulling back.

"Hell yes it does! I'm gonna inform guys we are having a club night." She tells while picking her phone.

Club?

Of course, she'd celebrate like this. Back at home, celebration involved a cake and nice dinner with everyone from my grandma. Speaking of grandma, I really want to call her and tell about this. It has been five days since we last talked. But not wanting to spoil my mood I end up deciding I'll call her tomorrow and clear everything out.

"But I don't drink." I point out.

She gives me a look, "You gulped down a tequila shot at the party last time."

So that liquid was tequila, that would explain the sudden boost up in my confidence.

I frown at her word, "But how?"

"I was coming after you when I saw you take that shot but King stopped me saying he got you and I couldn't really refuse him."

"Oh." So that is how and why he found me.

"Yes and few drinks won't hurt. Inform King about this and that we are going to Kingly. Also come back here after your work so we can get ready together." After that she engages herself in phone and I'm left alone in my confused state.

Am I really going to have my first club party?