I went down the stairs when Aaron finally fell asleep after hours of helping him study for an upcoming test. Quietly, I entered the kitchen to see Professor Peterson leaning against the counter, a glass of wine in hand as she stared at the ring on her finger with a sad look on her beautiful face.

Announcing my presence with a clear of my throat, I cautiously approached the woman when she turned to look at me. Although it was timid, a smile was still given my way.

"Aaron?" She asked.

"Asleep," I answered. Biting my lip, I contemplated whether I should ask her if she's okay or not. The scene from yesterday still on my mind. She was fighting with her husband.

A small chuckle made me look at her. "You can ask."

Embarrassed, I scratched the back of my neck. "I just... I want to know if you're okay."

"I'm okay, Aiden. Thank you for asking," a smile, but this time a smile that I didn't like.

Frustrated, I clenched my fist. I don't know what I want or why I'm acting this way, but I needed her to know that I'm here for her, whatever that means. "I'm not... I'm not asking just because. I want to know if you're really okay."

"Why do you think I'm not?"

"Because your smile is different. On happy days you would smile with your teeth and your eyes would shine too. They would turn into this lighter shade of brown. But now it seems darker and you're smiling like you're hurt," I let out my frustration, furrowing my brows as I stared down at her.

A shocked expression crossed her face before finally, a genuine smile formed on her red lips. It was a whole day of not seeing her smile like that, and finally seeing it now made my heart flutter.

"Come here, darling," she gestured, beckoning me towards her. I obliged, stepping close to her. I think I felt my heart stopped beating when soft arms circled my waist and head rested on my chest. Her warm body pressed against mine, too close that I could feel her heart beating against her chest. I pretty sure she could hear mine too.

"Is this okay?" A soft voice asked. I didn't answer and instead wrapped my arms around her. Although my heart was beating too fast for my comfort and my tongue seemed to be tied right now, I let myself enjoying the feeling of her embrace. My body tingling, hands slightly shaking in nervousness. "Thank you for checking up on me."

I so badly wanted to ask what made her sad, although I already had a hunch from what I saw yesterday. I refrained myself from asking because it isn't any of my business.

Silence enveloped us, the sounds of our breathing and probably the fast beating of my heart are the only things that could be heard in the empty room. Hesitantly, I let my hand rest on her hair, lightly stroking the dark curls.

When she finally pulled away, I caught Professor Peterson discreetly wiping her eyes, probably from tearing up a bit. "Sorry for hugging you. I just really needed that," she said with a slight chuckle, trying to mask her emotions.

"You don't have to apologize," blushing, I continued. "If... If you want, you can hug me everytime you're sad or need someone."

I know I'm not the person you can open up to, someone you can vent your feelings. So, I'm settling for a shoulder you can just cry on and arms to comfort you. I don't know why, but I want to.

I want to be someone she can rely on. Even if it's something simple as hugging.

"Thank you, Aiden," smiling her beautiful smile.

"You say thank you a lot."

"That's because you make me feel grateful everytime."

I blushed at her words, but before I can utter a reply, the sound of a car entering was heard before Sir Tristan came inside the front door with a serious look on his face.

"Good evening, Sir Tristan," I greeted, already knowing it's my cue to leave.

"Good evening, Aiden," he gave a slight smile before glancing at his wife who looked even sadder compared to earlier.

Turning to Professor Peterson, I let my hand touch her shoulder like she always does to me. "I'll get going now, Professor."

"Take care, Aiden."

With heavy feet, I left the married couple alone. With one last glance to my Professor, I finally made my way out of their house.

"What's got you frowning?" Julius asked, pausing from doing his workout.

"Just school stuff," I easily lied. I was still thinking about Professor Peterson, wondering how their conversation last night went and if she's still sad.

"Oh god, stop being such a study freak," he grabbed both of my shoulders, making me face him. "You have a hot date later, think about that."

Both blushing and frowning at what he said, I shook my head in denial.

"It's not a date, it's more of a thank you and a sorry lunch appointment," upon hearing the formal word, Julius burst out in laughter.

"You're so fucking formal. Look, I'll make this easy for you. A beautiful girl takes your number, asked you for lunch and called you pet names. I'm pretty sure that means she has the hots for you."

"Or she's really just thankful and sorry," I emphasized because there's no way Vera likes me. She's so pretty and kind! Well, I'm not sure for the kind part, but she seems kind. "Besides, I don't think I like her."

Rather, I don't know the indications to know that I like someone.

"But you found her attractive, yes?" I nodded. "See! Give it a try and if it's really just that kind of date, then try befriending her. Go out of your comfort zone and expand your circle of friends."

"Okay, I'll try."

"Good," he ruffled my hair. I slapped his hand away, earning a laugh.

Once Julius and I are done working out, I prepared for my lunch with Vera who said she'll be picking me up here at the campus since she lives in an apartment. Settling for a knee cut jeans, black leather jacket over a gray hoodie and sneakers.

"How do I look?" I stood, showing them my outfit.

"You look beautiful, sweetheart," Lexie patted my jacket.

"And handsome," Zoey added and did a chef's kiss, making me smile.

"You look about ready to get laid," all of us rolled our eyes with Julius comment who only raised his hands. "What? I'm being supportive here."

The three of them guided me down like a little child going on their first field trip. Julius giving me ridiculous tips and the dos and dont's on a date.

I waited outside the campus, tapping my foot against the floor. I then spotted a car that fits Vera's description. The car then stopped in front of me, window sliding down to reveal Vera who had a smile on her face.

"Hi," she greeted.

"Hi," I gave a slight wave.

"Come on." Nodding, I entered the passengers seat.

"So, where are we going?" I asked after clearing my throat, a bit uneasy because of what Julius said earlier. Date.

"My favorite restaurant," she answered with smile. "Or we could go to yours. Whatever you like."

"I don't really have a favorite, I think yours is good."

"Don't worry, the food there will not disappoint."

"Okay."

It didn't take too long for us to arrive at the said restaurant. It was small, made of what looks like wood with many plans around it. Upon entering, the aroma of what I'm hoping are delicious food enveloped my nose. Vera guided me towards the back and outside where a garden is in place, a few tables and chairs around.

"The place looks perfect," I said in awe. I like plants, especially flowers, although I'm not capable of taking care of them so I like to stare a lot whenever I see some.

"I know right, I've been going here for two years now. Almost feels like home to me," she said before a waiter took our orders.

"I'm assuming this is your comfort place then?"

Chuckling, she nodded. "Yup. The owner and employees know me, so I go here everytime."

"So, Aiden, tell me about yourself," leaning against her hand, Vera stared at me with an encouraging smile.

"Oh, me? Uhm..." Why did I suddenly forget who I am?

"I'm 18, 19 soon, my birthday's next month. Currently taking up nursing, I'm a freshman. Uhh... I workout, I love to read and... I babysit as a part-time job."

What more should I say?

I didn't know why, but Vera suddenly chuckled. "You're cute, Aiden."

I flushed. "T-Thank you, you're pretty."

"See, cute." Her grin turned into a . "Why do you look so uneasy? Am I making you feel uncomfortable?"

I shook my head instantly. "No, no. I've just been thinking what my friend said earlier and it's making me feel kind of awkward."

"What did your friend say?" She asked curiously.

"That..." Should I be honest? "He's been teasing me that this is... this is like, you know, a date date. But I swear I didn't think that or am I thinking that way. I just... Sorry, it's just been bothering me." Yeah, I should.

"Oh," Vera's eyebrows raised before the side of her lips curved upward.

"Well, do you want it to be?"

Oh.

Do I want it to be?