chapter 37: love

Andrew POV:

It was Monday, and the whole fashion department was heading to a show in Milan. The group consisted of three students, our department manager Juliette, Mika, and me. We decided to take the bus, a six-hour journey starting at 7 am. We woke up at 5 am, and with a tight schedule, we'd arrive in Milan around 1 pm, with the fashion show scheduled for 5 pm.

I had hoped to sit next to Mika on the bus, but Juliette had beaten me to it. I ended up next to Juliette, who was absorbed in her fashion magazines. It was clear she wasn't interested in chatting, leaving me with no one to talk to. With six hours ahead of me, I was desperate for some conversation, and Juliette's silence wasn't helping.

An hour into the journey, I found myself gazing out the window, my mind racing with thoughts about Bridget and her brother's girlfriend. And so much more random thoughts. I needed to ask someone something, so I turned to Juliette. "Can I ask you a question?" I inquired.

"Yeah, of course," she replied with a polite smile.

"Can pineapple be on a pizza or not?" I asked. It seemed like a trivial question, but it was driving me crazy.

"Yes, of course. It's healthy and offers a nice mix of sweet and savory," she said.

"It's your opinion, but come on. Pineapple on pizza just doesn't work," I countered.

"Uh, sure," she said, clearly uninterested, and returned to her magazine. I sighed, realizing that Juliette wasn't going to be the conversational partner I needed.

After 2.5 hours, we finally stopped for a lunch break at a gas station with various shops and cafés. I noticed Mika stepping out through the middle door, while I had to exit at the front. I quickly followed her.

"Hey Shorty, how you doing?" I called out, trying to catch up.

Mika turned, looking surprised. "Don't call me Shorty and act like we're all friends. I still don't like you and what you did," she said, her tone more blunt than I expected.

"Oh, sorry," I said, feeling awkward.

She sighed. "You're good. It's just that I'm sitting next to a girl who's giving me attitude, and it's annoying."

"Funny, I'm stuck next to Juliette, who clearly thinks I'm weird. She doesn't want to talk," I said.

"And your loud thoughts need to be voiced, huh?" Mika said with a knowing look.

"Exactly. I asked Juliette if pineapple belongs on pizza. She said yes, but I'm not convinced," I explained.

"Andrew, really? You wasted her time with that question?" Mika stopped and looked at me as if I was a clueless kid. But she used my name. That meant something.

"I know, okay? I had a million thoughts buzzing in my head and needed to ask her that to confirm pineapple doesn't belong on pizza," I said.

"You need a girlfriend, or a boyfriend," Mika said as we entered the mini grocery store.

"Well, what do you think? Does pineapple belong on pizza?" I asked, steering the conversation away from my personal life.

"Honestly, absolutely not. It's disgusting. But if someone likes it, fine, but I'm not eating it," she replied.

"Thank you," I said.

Mika grabbed two bottles of water and some European candy. "Why are you still following me? Don't you want to get something?" she asked.

"Oh, sorry. I just didn't want to go back to the bus and face either the students who are all over me or Juliette, who clearly thinks I'm from another planet," I admitted.

"You're being cocky," Mika said.

"It's the truth," I replied.

"Whatever. And you'd rather be with me?" Mika asked, laughing at my expense.

"If that's okay with you. I'd like to sit next to you on the bus," I asked cautiously.

"Oh boy, you really can't handle Juliette, can you?" Mika laughed again.

"So, what do you say?" I pressed.

"Fine. But only because this student is annoying me. I'd rather sit next to a sheep than next to you, and I'd rather sit next to you than next to her, so don't feel special," she said.

"That hurt," I said.

"You'll get over it," she replied, rolling her eyes.

We got back on the bus, and I sat next to Mika. "How's Lily, by the way?" she asked unexpectedly.

"Lily's good. Last week, she asked if you'd come to babysit again," I said.

"Aw, she's so sweet. You're lucky to have a sister like that," Mika said.

"She's sweet to you, not to me," I replied. "But I wouldn't wish for a different sister."

"Well, whenever she doesn't have a babysitter, just let her come to my house. She likes it more than yours, and I don't blame her." Mika offered.

"You're a hater," I said, smiling despite the jab.

"I babysit your sister for free, did modeling in your fashion show for free, trained your superpowers for free, and the only thing you did was humiliate me by making me fall for you ten years ago. So don't go there," Mika said.

"Fair enough. Can I do something for you then?" I asked.

"Yeah, be quiet and let me get some sleep," she said.

"Sure," I said, though her words stung. I put on my headphones and started listening to music. Mika quickly fell asleep. After 30 minutes, her head rested on my shoulder. I didn't move, captivated by her presence and the sweet scent of her perfume. For three hours, I remained still, feeling a mix of guilt and relief.

When we finally arrived in Milan, I gently lifted Mika's head off my shoulder as she slowly woke. "Are we there yet?" she asked groggily.

"Yeah, we just arrived at the hotel," I said.

As we got off the bus, Mika misstepped and fell. I caught her, and she landed in my arms. "Let me go," she said firmly.

I let her go, and we headed inside. At the reception, we were given five room keys instead of six. "I'm sorry, I thought we booked six rooms," I said.

"According to the reservation, you booked five—four small ones and one big one," the receptionist said with an Italian accent.

"Shit, I forgot to book for you. I only booked one extra room in our other hotel. How could I forget?" I said.

"It's okay," Mika said. "Are there any more rooms available?"

"For now, no. But one will be available in an hour," the receptionist said.

"Great, then we'll put your luggage in my big room and get you into the new room when it's ready," I suggested.

"Good idea," Mika agreed.

I handed out the room keys, and Mika and I went to the top floor. Once in the room, Mika jumped on the bed. "I deserve to lay on your bed before you protest," she said.

"I'm not saying anything," I replied.

"Good. Can I take a shower and get dressed first?" Mika asked.

"Go ahead," I said.

"Thanks," she said, grabbing her suitcase and heading to the bathroom. Moments later, there was a knock on the door.

"Room service!" a woman called.

I opened the door to receive a plate with a lid. "Hey Mika, did you order room service?" I called out as she was still in the bathroom.

"Oh yeah, I did. It's a surprise for you," she said.

"Oh, thanks. I didn't expect this," I said.

"Just wait one second," she said, stepping out of the bathroom in a beautiful, long yellow dress.

"You can open it now," she said. But I was still captivated by her astonishing look.

I lifted the lid to reveal a pizza with pineapple on it. I couldn't believe it.

"You're unbelievable," I said.

Mika burst into laughter. "Your reaction is worth a million!" she said.

"I'll be very happy when you have your own room," I said, though I didn't really mean it.

Bose POV:

Today was supposed to be about sightseeing, about exploring Rome with the music, cooking, and entertainment departments while the fashion department attended the big show tomorrow. We roamed around the city, visiting the landmarks Andrew recommended, but I couldn't stop thinking about Chapa. She was with the art, designer, and music departments, and not seeing her all day felt like torture. I had responsibilities, though. I couldn't just bail on the group—they expected me to be there, to guide them.

When dinner came, it was the first time I had a chance to see her. As soon as I spotted her, I made my way to her side. "Hi beautiful," I whispered as I sat down. "Long time no see."

She didn't waste any time. "Can't you arrange something, so we could be together for one day?"

I leaned closer, keeping my voice low. "Of course. Tomorrow we'll all be together, and Wednesday we have free time. We can do whatever we want." I could feel the tension ease a little.

"Good," she said, still not looking directly at me, but I knew she felt better. After dinner, back at the hotel, I tried to sleep, but I just couldn't. By 1 a.m., I was wide awake, my mind racing, so I texted her to meet me outside the hotel.

She showed up not long after, dressed in a black top, leggings, and a loose red kimono that fell over her like a cape. Even with her makeup removed and in slippers, she looked effortlessly beautiful. "I was about to sleep," she said, her voice slightly irritated.

"I can tell," I said with a grin.

"What is it?" she asked.

"I can't sleep," I admitted, watching the wind blow her hair softly.

"So, just because you can't sleep, you have to disturb my sleep too?" She sounded annoyed, but I knew better.

"You chose to come," I teased.

"Only because I can't let my billionaire boyfriend down," she replied sarcastically, and I raised an eyebrow at that. "Don't judge me, I'm tired," she added, stepping closer.

After a few moments of silence, she turned to leave. "Well, I'm off to bed now."

"Stay," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. She stopped. "Come closer." And she did, no hesitation this time. I took her hand and pulled her into my arms, giving her my warmth in the cool night air.

"You're so cold," I said softly after a minute, but there was no response. I pulled away slightly and saw her eyes closed, fast asleep in my arms. It made me smile. This was a side of Chapa I hadn't seen in a while. She had always been the one to stay up late, whether during our old sleepovers or when I had nightmares and texted her in the middle of the night. Yet here she was, completely at ease, trusting me enough to fall asleep without a second thought.

I gently woke her as we headed back inside the hotel. "Bose..." she murmured, stopping for a moment, still half asleep.

"Yes?" I asked.

"I want to tell people about us. Soon," she said, catching me off guard.

"That... that would be amazing," I replied, trying to stay calm, but my heart was racing.

"Good, 'cause I'm tired of sneaking around and barely being together," she added.

"Same."

We made our way to my room, and I helped her climb into bed. Usually, she'd insist on doing it herself, but tonight, she didn't. I lay down next to her, our faces close, and watched as her eyes fluttered, struggling to stay open.

"I think I like you when you're tired," I whispered with a smile.

"Why, hm?" she mumbled, half asleep.

"Because you let me help you without being stubborn," I teased. She lightly tapped my arm.

"I can still be stubborn when I'm tired. Don't underestimate me," she said, her words slurred by exhaustion.

"Yes, ma'am."

As we lay there, facing each other, I could feel sleep finally pulling me under. But before I drifted off, I whispered, "I love you." She didn't respond with words—just a soft, sleepy smile. That was enough. We fell asleep like that, side by side, knowing that soon, we wouldn't have to hide anymore.

Chapa POV:

When I woke up, the soft glow of morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a golden hue across the room. Everything was quiet, and for a moment, I couldn't place where I was. Then I realized—I was still in Bose's room, curled up next to him in his bed.

My heart raced as memories from last night came rushing back. I remembered sneaking out, the cool wind on my skin, and Bose pulling me into his arms. But what really stuck out was the memory of him whispering those three words: I love you.

But... did he really say that? Or had I dreamed it?

I felt my face flush with heat. The idea of Bose actually saying he loved me felt too surreal. My mind raced with doubts. Maybe it was a dream, a silly, hopeful dream. After all, who in their right mind would actually love me? I wasn't used to people expressing their feelings like that—not so directly, not in a way that felt so... real.

I glanced at him. Bose was still fast asleep, his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. He looked peaceful, his usual playful smirk softened in the quiet of the morning. I felt a tug at my heart, a mix of tenderness and panic.

I couldn't stay here. Not after that. What if it was real? What if I had heard him correctly? I didn't know how to handle someone actually loving me, especially Bose—someone who could have anyone, who had a billion-dollar empire at his fingertips. And yet, here he was, saying he loved me? It didn't make sense.

My chest tightened with a mix of fear and disbelief. I felt like I didn't deserve this, that maybe it was all some mistake or misunderstanding. What if I stayed and things became awkward? What if he regretted saying it?

I carefully slid out of bed, trying not to wake him. As my feet hit the cold floor, a wave of embarrassment washed over me. I quickly grabbed my kimono and slipped into it, my hands shaking slightly. I couldn't face him right now. I needed to get out of here, to clear my head, to figure out what the hell was going on in my heart.

Without another glance at him, I tiptoed out of his room and made a beeline for mine. Once inside, I closed the door and leaned against it, my heart still pounding. I pressed my palms to my face, feeling the warmth of my cheeks, still flushed from the embarrassment. Luckily Olivia and Paloma weren't in the room.

But today the departments were finally coming together, which meant Bose and I would spend the day in the same group, just like he promised. But even though I was excited to be near him, I couldn't shake the awkwardness from last night.

If it even had happened.

We boarded the bus, and as soon as I saw him, Bose gave me a warm smile. His eyes seemed to linger on me for a moment, and my heart did this little flip. I managed a quick greeting. "Hey," I said, giving him a small wave before quickly slipping away to sit with some of the other students from the art department.

I told myself it was better this way. It wasn't like I was avoiding him on purpose—okay, maybe I was, a little. But I needed space to think, to sort through everything I was feeling. After all, just last night I had woken up next to him, and now here we were, surrounded by people, pretending everything was normal.

Throughout the day, we visited monuments and walked through the bustling streets of Rome. The city was beautiful—ancient ruins standing proud against the modern skyline, the scent of espresso and fresh pastries filling the air—but I found myself drifting through it all, distracted. I stayed close to a group of art students, occasionally chatting, but my mind kept wandering back to Bose.

I glanced at him a few times from afar. He was mostly leading the entertainment department, talking animatedly, making people laugh like he always did. It was so Bose—effortlessly charming, so sure of himself, while I was just trying to keep it together.

And the more I watched him, the more the question nagged at me: Did he really mean it?

I couldn't wrap my head around it. The thought that someone actually loved me, in a way that wasn't just superficial or fleeting, made me feel vulnerable in a way I wasn't used to. Sure, Bose and I had been close forever, and we'd always had this chemistry, this thing between us that neither of us ever really named. But love? That was a whole different level.

Had he really said it last night? Or was my mind playing tricks on me? Because how could someone like Bose...? I wasn't sure I could believe it.

I had always been the girl who didn't expect much in terms of love. I'd seen enough of the world to know that people don't just fall for you unless you're perfect, or at least someone close to it. I wasn't perfect—I was a mess half the time, stumbling through things, pretending like I had it all together when I didn't.

What if I didn't live up to his expectations? What if I messed this up? It felt overwhelming, like too much to take in all at once. But at the same time, a small part of me—a part I'd kept buried—was excited.

I didn't want to hurt him, didn't want to push him away. But I wasn't sure I could handle this.

And yet, despite all the confusion and self-doubt swirling in my head, I couldn't deny the warmth that spread through me at the thought of him.

Maybe I didn't fully believe it yet, but a part of me—a quiet, hopeful part—wanted to believe that it was true.

But not yet. Not today.