Alan

I smiled to myself as I woke up, no hangover symptoms plaguing me as I started my second day of classes.

She kissed me.

'What's up with you, lover boy?' Phil asked from across the room.

'"Lover boy"?'

'Yes, lover boy. Don't tell me you don't have a hippy-dippy smile on your face right now.' Phil smiled as he looked over at me from his spot next to the window sill.

'Really? A joint now? It's seven thirty in the morning.'

'I've been here since six, so shut up, lover boy, and answer my question.'

I sighed, knowing there was no weaseling out of this one. Hopefully he would believe it was a hazy dream once he got down from his high.

'Hurry up, lover boy.' He nagged me, exhaling and watching the smoke spiral out of the window.

'She kissed me, okay?' My stomach felt fluttery as I spoke the words aloud; there was no going back now. It was either the truth or a lie. Phil's eyebrows raised and he smiled at me.

'Nice.' He said, his eyes turning to he door as someone knocked on it.

'Mandatory dorm check! In three...' Vic shouted, twisting the handle. Phil jumped into action, rubbing the joint into the window sill to put it out, dropping it out the window.

'Two...' He grabbed sunglasses and leapt under the covers as I stumbled out of mine to hurry to the door to let him in.

'One.' As Vic started pushing the door open, I continued with the chore.

'Sorry for doing this now guys, but I need to see how you're keeping the joint.' He apologised, walking in and taking quick scope. As he did, I went to my dresser to retrieve clothes.

'Pretty good guys. But Phil,' Vic added, looking my roommate in the eye, 'get rid of the smoke hanging around and you may get away with it. Professors will also check into the dorms and they won't be happy to see you high, or that.' Vic pointed to a few empty beer cans in the kitchenette. 'You're still underage, and drugs are a no-no. Not that I particularly care what you guys do.' Vic left without another word and I smirked at Phil, who groaned and rolled over, smashing his head into the pillow.

'Shut up, Ashby!'

- - -

I walked into the cafeteria after my first music lesson, feeling slightly more refreshed than I had this morning. My professor had lunged headfirst into the class, assigning us a task due in the next lesson. We were to record ourselves performing, with no electronics used to alter the sound, and were going to have a test to see how much terminology we knew about the subject. I didn't worry about my music class at all, I was quite sure I knew how to play my instrument, though how well was a matter of opinion.

I saw Diana sitting by herself across the cafeteria, picking at a salad in front of her. After grabbing a plate of pasta and a bottle of water, I edged my way over to her.

'Hi,' I greeted, gesturing to the space in front of her, 'is that seat free?'

She seemed alarmed, but nodded, watching as I sat and opened my water, taking a deep gulp. I needed to keep my wits about me. She was good with words, and could twist them in an instant.

'How was last night?' She asked, keeping her tone, and hidden feelings, neutral. She was making an effort to be polite, and I took into account of this. I couldn't push her too much though, because she may turn and sprint away. Not physically, but emotionally.

'It was okay. I didn't have many beers, so no hangover.' I smiled, trying not to break out into too huge of a grin while this registered with her. Her eyes faltered in their guard and she looked down at her salad, spearing a piece of cucumber and sticking it in her mouth. I was no fool though, she was trying to avoid talking with me.

'Really?' She finally answered. 'That's good.'

'The party was quite boring. There was one highlight, though.' I was treading in dangerous water, and I knew it. Diana sensed it too and put her fork down, her chewing of the cucumber slice coming to a halt. She swallowed and looked through her thick lashes at me.

'I followed a gorgeous girl out to the ocean. And I kissed her.' Diana flew out of her seat, picking up her lunch and beginning to walk out of the cafeteria.

Diana

Shit.

I dumped my lunch in the bin and walked out of the cafeteria, finding a bench under a tree instead to sit and gather my thoughts. I didn't think Alan had followed me.

'Boo,' he said, leaning on the back of the bench next to me.

'Stop that.' I said, glaring at him. I'd had enough of his games.

'Diana, don't you see how much I didn't mean it? Don't you see how much I care for you?'
I did, but my heart had been locked away in a box. I didn't want to trust the ginger-haired boy with the new tattoos again. I didn't want to open myself up to him, and let down my guard. I didn't want to have my heart broken again by the same band shirt wearing, guitar playing idiot who made me laugh and feel carefree.

Or do I?

Alan was still staring at me, searching in my eyes for an answer. I looked back into his chocolate orbs. 'I do.' I whispered, the words barely audible, even to my ears. Alan leaned in closer, smiling and glancing at my lips for a split second. I felt the butterflies building in my abdomen, my breathing shortened, and I found myself leaning in slightly too.

His scent hadn't changed, nor had the feel of his lips on mine. Last night's brief peck didn't count; this was a real kiss. To me, at least. I felt Alan's smile the whole time, and I longed to see his bright eyes looking happily at me once again. I parted our kiss and looked into his a fore mentioned feature. It was as I had hoped, but better, because it was real.

Notes

Title cred: Walls - All Time Low