"Where are you going?"

Julius draped his arm around my shoulders, peeking over to glance at me typing on my phone.

"Meeting Vera," I briefly answered.

My response earned a push to my arm and a shit-eating grin. Julius yelled 'fucking finally' before patting my shoulders as if congratulating me.

"I'm glad you're giving it a try, Vera is a sweet girl. I'm sure you two will work out just fine," he sighed dreamily.

Appalled, I smacked his arm lightly. "The heck are you talking about?"

"Aren't you going on a date with her?"

I shook my head immediately. "What? No! How'd you get that conclusion?"

"Keep denying it, you'll eventually get why," he said with a grin before leaving me alone.

But I really am not going on a date with Vera. She's a friend.

Not minding what Julius said, I bid goodbye to them and went down to the parking lot where Vera is already waiting near her car.

"Hey."

"Hi." I waved shyly.

Vera chuckled lightly when I run to open the door for her, even though she's technically the one going to drive.

"I see chivalry isn't dead," she commented and entered. "Thanks, cutie."

I climbed up the passenger side. "You're welcome."

"So, we've been to my favorite restaurant already. Do you have one in mind that we can try?"

"I don't really have a favorite, but I like yours." I gave a shy smile. "The ambiance was really great and the food was delicious. I loved it."

"Really?" I nodded enthusiastically. "I don't blame you, I have good taste."

We then decided to go to her favorite place and spend time there. Vera and I have been hanging out lately, she would message me, asking if I'm free before inviting me to eat with her. I don't think she noticed that I know why. Although I do trust that she treats me as a friend and enjoys my company, I kind of noticed that Vera seems lonely. Not the alone kind of lonely.

I'm assuming it's about her problem the first time I met her. If I remember correctly, her boyfriend broke up with her and her parents are going through a divorce.

Maybe she's trying to take her mind off of things.

I don't really mind accompanying her. She's really fun to be around.

"Tell me, what are your pet peeves? At least give me one." Vera asked as she ate her fry.

"That," I pointed to the way she carelessly spread the ketchup all over her french fries instead of putting the sauce on the side for dipping. "is one of my biggest pet peeves."

"Oh, shit. Sorry," she chuckled. "I've been doing this since I was young, it's basically a hobby at this point. Am I annoying you now?" She questioned playfully.

"Understandable. It's just food though, so you're good."

"Thank goodness, I thought this will put me on your bad side."

"Just don't be the kind of person who likes pineapple on their pizza, then we're good. That's just a deal breaker."

Vera scratched her neck. "Well, sorry to tell you this..."

I gasped. "No... seriously?"

"Yup, seriously. Sorry, Aide." Vera pouted, giving me her puppy dog eyes.

I couldn't help but stare at the pout and the cute way she called me Aide. It's the same nickname Aaron calls me. I blushed at the sight.

"You're lucky you're pretty." I murmured to myself.

"What? I'm pretty? Did you just call me pretty?"

But I guess she still heard.

"Nooo, I didn't." I denied, face turning redder from getting caught.

"You definitely called me pretty. Why? Do you find me attractive?"

I glared down at her. "It's not like you don't know. You're a beautiful woman, of course I would find you attractive. I'm not blind."

It was her turn to blush. Vera cleared her throat, looking away. "Thanks, uh... you're really beautiful, too."

"Thank you." I replied, also looking away.

Why am I getting embarrassed?

Silence enveloped us before Vera cleared her throat again. "So, do you want to come by my place? We could watch a movie or something," she offered, taking me by surprise.

She wants to extend this till later? At her place?

"Only if you want, that is," she added with a smile, easing my nerves.

"No, yeah. I think that's a good idea. You live near the campus?"

"Unfortunately, no. When I was looking for a place near campus last year, it's either they're already occupied or expensive. But it's like, only a 20-minute drive from there."

"Do you live alone?" She nodded.

"I used to have a roommate but she's living with her boyfriend now, so I have the place to myself."

"You didn't try looking for a new roommate?" I heard rents are expensive. Wouldn't she have a hard time paying for it if she lives alone?

"Why? You want to apply?" Vera smirked playfully. My eyes widened at her suggestive question, face heating up.

"Oh my g-d! You're so red!" She laughed, reaching over to pinch my cheek. "Aren't you a cute one."

"Stop," I involuntarily whined when she pinched my cheek, moving my face away. "It's not funny."

"It is though, babe."

"You're mean."

Vera feigned a gasp. "I am not, you're just whiny."

I was about to retort back when my phone suddenly rang. It's the ringtone I used specifically for Professor Peterson. Taking the phone out, it was indeed her.

"Excuse me for a minute, I need to take this call. Is that okay?" I stayed sitting, wanting to answer Professor Peterson's call but also hesitating as it might seem rude to her.

Vera nodded with a smile. "Go on, take your time."

"Really?"

Chuckling, she pushed me playfully. "Yesss, go answer. It might be important."

"Thank you," I grinned before pressing answer and immediately finding a quiet place near the restroom.

"Hey, Miss," I greeted with a smile. "What made you call?"

"Hi, Aiden!" I heard Aaron's voice from the background and his mom shushing him. I chuckled, already picturing the cute scene.

"We were wondering if you wanted to come by? It's game night."

My brow raised in curiosity. "Game night? Is this a new thing?"

I don't recall Aaron telling me anything about game night with his mom. It was always about how busy she is and how she barely spends time with him.

"It is, yeah," She replied with a slight chuckle. "Aaron told me he wouldn't forgive me unless I do this. So, my saturdays are now dedicated to solely playing with him."

"And I... I realized that I may have been neglecting him. I want to make it up to my son and spend more time with him."

"Wouldn't I be intruding?" I questioned. If this is the day they spend time with each other, I wouldn't want to impose.

"Of course not, we want you here. Please?"

"Yes, Aide! Pleaseee!" Aaron once again yelled in the background. "It's game night! We'll have pizza and everything."

I chuckled, delighted with the fact that they seem so happy. Not wanting to miss the chance of spending time with them and seeing this, I decided to come. I was about to answer when Professor Peterson spoke again.

"Only if you're not busy, of course."

"What kind of person am I to decline this invite? Games and Pizza? Count me in!"

"Really?" I imagined Professor Peterson raising a brow right now as she asks.

"Yes, Miss, really. Give me 20 minutes, I'll be there."

Aaron cheered and I heard noises in the background, assuming Aaron took the phone from his mom. "Yes! See you, Aide!"

"Bye," I chuckled, waiting for them to hang up first.

"Bye, darling." Her sweet voice said over the phone before hanging up.

Grinning from ear to ear, I was about to get my things to head outside when I spotted Vera waiting at our table.

Oh, shit, right. I'm with Vera.

I face palmed, scolding myself for forgetting. And we were supposed to hang out at her place!

I already said yes to Professor Peterson and Aiden, but I said yes to her first. I'm really so dumb sometimes.

I'm sure she'll understand. Hopefully.

Approaching our table with a nervous smile, I sat down carefully. "Uh, I know I said we could hang out at your place but I kind of have to do something now."

"Is it about the call?" I nodded, embarrassed. "Aw, don't be so down. It's okay. We could always hang out next time."

"Are you sure? You're not mad or anything?" She chuckled, nodding.

"I'm sure, cutie. But promise me you'll spend time with me when you're free."

"Yes, I will! Thank you. You're an angel."

My brows raised in confusion when Vera opened up her arms, gesturing to me. "You're really gonna leave me without a hug?"

"Oh, okay." Timidly, I walked over to her, wrapping my arms around her waist as she wrapped hers over my neck.

I couldn't help but compare how her body feels around my arms to when it's Professor Peterson I'm hugging.

Vera's a bit taller than Professor Peterson, while the former had her head on my neck, the latter would press their face against my chest. And I could say that Vera is more on the skinny side compared to the older woman.

I like a thick body better though.

"You smell good," Vera commented as we let each other go.

"Thank you, you smell wonderful too."

Definitely not a weird thing to say.

"Go now. Take care, cutie." I waved goodbye before jogging outside the restaurant. Eager to spend time with the two people who makes me happy.