We drove up to a beautiful, single house. I internally groaned, as I saw there was a car in the driveway. My only guess was that it was Ryder and his parents. I jumped out the car, as my parents waved to Ryder's parents from afar. They excitedly walked over to us.

Ryder's mom gave me a hug, giving me juicy kisses on my cheeks." Ivy, dear! We are so glad that you and Ryder are paired together."

"Yes we certainly are. You'll be a good influence to our boy". His father shook my hand.

"Thank you! I-is he here?" I asked hesitantly

She glanced at her phone. "Oh yes. He was fixing up the house. He'll be out to help you get your stuff, any minute dear".

"Ohh..he doesn't have to do that". I awkwardly laughed.

"What type of roommate would I be, if I didn't help you?" A deep voice asked

Ryder

"Well my boy, you shouldn't be thinking of it as 'roommates'." his father began.

"He's absolutely right. Technically you guys are a couple". My mother said, nodding with his mother.

Ryder sent me a smirk, but clearly his grey eyes weren't laughing. My father helped him to our car, and opened the trunk. I quickly ran over and took my duffel bag, as well as one of my suitcases. Ryder sent me a look, but shouldered my other bags and wheeled the other suitcases.

***

I am currently in the bathroom, I claimed. It has been a minute since our parents left, leaving us alone for the entire freaking year. I was terrified. I think he's still mad at me, but what are we going to do?! My thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door.

"hey Ivy. You okay?" Ryder asked

"Huh? Y-yea I'm fine. Did you need something?"

"I put together our room, before you came. I just wanted you to see it."

I cracked the door opened and stepped out staring at the floor. I slowly followed behind him, but he couldn't take my slowness anymore. He grabbed my hand and yanked me towards the room laughing. I was blushing from his touch, and confused all at the same time.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::We busted into the room, as I stood next to him. I gasped as I looked around the room. There was a huge window, that was draped in white curtains. Our bed was a grayish color, with a baby pink backboard. There was a grey and white rug, in front of the bed.

"R-ryder, It's really nice". I exclaimed

"I'm glad you think so. I tried to make it as 'gender neutral' as possible". He said sheepishly

"You can sleep on the bed, I'll take the floor". I quickly added.

He turned around and looked at me like I was crazy?!

"Why?! There's enough space for the both of us".

"I just. I don't want you to feel forced for this, or uncomfortable. Plus this whole falling in love thing, is a waste of time. We might as well treat each other, like college dorm mates". I said

"You're probably right about it being a waste of time". He began coldly.

"But I'm not letting you sleep on the floor. I promise I won't touch you. I'll keep my distance". He said softer.

I nodded and walked out of the room, to get my stuff. I am not going to make small talk with him, so I'd rather spend the day unpacking.