Class

"I can't, I'm sorry." You look away quickly to avoid the disappointed look that flashes across the man's face. "I'm already failing as it is, I can't miss another lecture... Next time?"

"Sure, next time." Ash nods casually before breathing in deeply and turning back towards the crowd. "So, you said you had some notes I could look over?"

"Of course, Ash!" The blonde quickly hurries over, binder in hand and loops an arm through Ash's as they begin heading down the stairs, followed closely by the woman's entourage.

Exhaling deeply, you try to steady your nerves as you slowly make your way to your own class. You hadn't been lying about failing, though that's not entirely the reason you rejected the man's proposal. Now that you've had ample time to think things over, you're not sure you're ready to devote yourself to someone so unpredictable. You still don't know where he's been all this time or if he's coming back to the house. Hell, you didn't even know he was still attending classes until you happened to run into him today. Was he looking for you? Or just taking advantage of a seemingly random encounter?

"Shit!" Your thoughts are interrupted by another familiar voice. "Come on Prof, I'm only a minute... three- shit okay, seven minutes late."

"Did she lock the door again?" You feel your heart drop as you round the corner and find Everette pulling furiously at a door.

"Fucking bitch." He mumbles under his breath, dejectedly releasing the handle before turning and kicking a nearby trash can.

"Woah..." You frown, slightly concerned by the man's unbridled anger. "Are you okay?"

"No I'm-" His words cut off when he turns and sees your anxious form. "Oh, it's you... Sorry you had to see that... God!"

"What's wrong now?" Your brow creases in confusion as the man paces around, clenching and unclenching his fists.

"It's just... I hate it when everyone is proven right." He seethes through gritted teeth. "But they're right, I am nothing but a fuck up. I can't even get to class on time."

"That makes two of us." You offer a half smile and the comment seems to calm him down a bit.

"Yeah, well, I'm sure it's your first time." Everette mumbles before adding under his breath. "Miss Perfect."

"Why would you think I'm perfect?" You can't help laughing slightly at the very thought. You, Miss Perfect? When you're barely passing half your classes due to the stress of not knowing if you'll be staying for your next semester, if you even make it that far.

"Ash certainly seems to think so..."

"Ash?" You're surprised to hear the mysterious man brought up again and can't help frowning at the reminder. "Why do you care what he thinks?"

"I don't!" Everette quickly objects before letting out an exasperated sigh. "I don't want to, but fuck, that guy has it all! We went to the same high school, you know? And he coasted his whole way through there too. Was one of the most popular guys, but did he care? Fuck no. Just spent the whole four years bitching and moaning... like his life was so hard..."

"I know the type." You remark, more to yourself than your companion. "If it's any consolation, I don't think you're a fuck up."

"Really?" The young man scoffs, shaking his head in disagreement. "Our first meeting was a total wreck and you don't think I'm a fuck up?"

"Clumsy maybe, but a fuck up, no." Your smile deepens genuinely as you feel yourself relax for the first time in a long time. "Maybe a little too passionate sometimes..."

His gaze follows yours and his expression turns somewhat sheepish as he regards the mess of trash strewn about. Wordlessly, you both take a moment to reaffix the now slightly dented trash can and tidy up the hallway.

"Hey, thanks for not judging me back there." Everette breaks the silence as you return the last bit of trash to its receptacle. "I don't like people seeing me get like that but you... you were... Well, like I said, thanks."

"I'm really not perfect, you know." You can't help interjecting as a light blush cascades across your face. "I'm honestly probably a fuck up myself-"

"Don't." Everette turns to face you, his hazel eyes fixed on you as his large figure looms over. "You won't change my mind about you."

Your eyes widen in surprise when he swoops down and catches your expecting lips against his. The breath you didn't realize you were holding in expels and you feel yourself melt into his strong embrace.