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I steal another glance at Vic as I'm tying my shoe. He's packing up his textbooks after an alarm just went off on his phone.

We've made casual, friendly conversation today, but neither of us have mentioned last night. I want to, but I don't know if I could. It honestly feels like a distant world, almost like it didn't happen, like it was just a dream. But I know it happened, because somehow Vic's lips still linger on mine.

"So what class do you have now?" I ask, concentrating on my shoelace harder than necessary to avoid looking at Vic again. I feel like I stare at him way too much.

"Music theory." He chirps.

"Ooh, sounds fun." I say sarcastically.

"I hate it. I wouldn't be taking it if it wasn't essential to my course. I prefer creating music." he explains. "Anyway, where are you headed off too?"

"Sam and I are getting some brunch, then I have an appointment." I explain, cringing for mentioning my therapy appointment. I hope he doesn't ask about it. I don't know if when Brandon told him I had an appointment whether he said just that, or whether he actually told Vic that I attend therapy.

"That's nice. I like that you and your sister are close. My brother and I are the same. He's actually visiting today. But I assume you will be at your appointment at that time." He explains.

"Well I'd love to meet your brother some other time." I smile. "What's his name? Is he younger or older?"

"Mike. He's eighteen. He hasn't really been my little bro for a few years now though." Vic explains.

"What do you mean?" I frown confused.

"Since I went blind, he has been more of a big brother to me. Wish it was different but it's not." he explains then he smirks amused. "Am I over-sharing? I feel like I'm starting to sound like Brandon."

I giggle and shake my head, then remember Vic can't see me.

"No," I clarify. "Brandon's oversharing is only a problem when he talks to strangers. And I wouldn't call us strangers. I like getting to know you. You're not over-sharing at all."

Vic's suddenly blushing and he seems to be holding back a grin.

"There's that laugh again." he murmurs.

I feel my face heat up as I become really conscious of my laugh.

Suddenly there's a knock on the door. Thank god. I don't know how much longer Vic and I could be alone together without me just imploding.

"That must be Sam." I chirp.

I jump to my feet and excitedly go answer the door. I feel like a loser, but I don't get to see her as much as I used to. And she's definitely my biggest comfort in all this mess.

I open the door and am met with not just Sam but also Conner and another guy.

"Hi, I bought guests." she chirps.

I move aside confused and the guy standing behind Conner pushes him inside the room.

I turn to Vic only to find him more confused than I am. He probably has no clue what's going on. I mean, less of a clue than I have.

"Vic, um, Conner's here." I explain.

He looks nervous and a little unsure as he stands to his feet. I go stand beside him and inconspicuously brush my hand against his to let him know it's okay.

"My brother just has something to say then we'll get out of your hair." the older guy says. I can now assume this is his brother Jordan.

Conner rolls his eyes at his brother's words, looking incredibly embarrassed and frustrated.

"I'm sorry for taking your clothes last night." he huffs.

"You better quit that attitude real quick." Jordan snaps.

Conner sighs and looks pained, but soon his whole demeanor changes.

"I'm sorry for calling you a faggot." he says apologetically. "I didn't mean it like that. I didn't even know you were gay."

"It's fine." Vic smiles, just seeming happy that he's being apologised to. "I accept your apology. And I'm so sorry for ruining your shoes. I'll get the money to replace them as soon as I can."

I'm confused to see Conner cringe at Vic's words.

"Dude, don't worry about it." Jordan says. "They're twenty dollar shoes. He can just get new ones."

"But they're Gucci?" Vic says confused.

I'm confused.

"Wha–dude no. They weren't–wait." Jordan begins then looks down at his brother amused.

"Did you tell him they were real Gucci?" Jordan snorts.

Conner just looks down, fixing his eyes on his shoes, that don't seem to have a proper Gucci logo anywhere.

"Dude, they're knock-offs. As if he could afford Gucci." Jordan laughs, softly smacking his little brother over the head.

"Yeah, I'm an asshole. And I'm sorry. Can we go now?" Conner whines.

"Not so fast, fucknuts." Sam smiles sweetly. "Aren't you forgetting something?"

Conner then looks up at me.

"I'm sorry for hitting you. It was an asshole thing to do." he mumbles.

"Apology accepted." I smile, honestly just amused by this whole thing.

"Well then," Sam beams, clasping her hands together and turning to Jordan. "Thank you for this, Jordan."

"My pleasure. I'll see you later, yeah?" he asks seeming a little hopeful.

I'm immediately suspicious. Does he have a thing for my sister?

"Sure." Sam shrugs.

Jordan picks up a plastic bag that he must have placed down then hands it to Sam. He then grabs Conner's shoulder and guides him out of the room as they leave.

"I have your clothes here, Vic. I'm just going to put them on your bed." Sam smiles as she walks around us and places the bag down.

"Thank you. Thank you for this and for last night. You didn't have to do any of it." Vic says gratefully but I can tell there's a hint of embarrassment in there.

"It's not a problem, honestly." she says then she turns to me. "Kells, I found an apartment that is open for inspection in about an hour if you want to check it out."

I then realize it's just about the end of the month.

"An apartment? You're leaving?" Vic asks sounding saddened.

It's his disappointed tone that causes me to make my decision.

"No," I smile. "Not anymore. I like it here."

Both Vic and Sam seem relieved by my statement.

"That's so wonderful, Kells. See, I told you it'd grow on you." Sam beams as she ruffles my hair.

I glance at Vic, knowing that he's the only reason I want to stay here. I wonder if he knows it.

"Well I should get going." Vic smiles. "But I'll see you later though? Well I mean, I won't see you–you know what I mean."

I can't help but to giggle at how flustered he is. A small smirk falls on his face and I know it's because of my laugh.

"I'll definitely see you later." I assure him.

He says goodbye then he leaves with his things for class, closing the door behind him.

"Oh, my, god, Kellin!" Sam immediately exclaims. "You told me he was hot, you didn't tell me he was fucking gorgeous!"

I want to downplay my attraction, say that Vic isn't that hot, but he is. I can't even lie about it.

"It's kind of something you have to see for yourself." I chuckle, shyly.

"Is he why you want to stay here?" Sam grins cheekily.

I find myself blushing but don't answer her question. I think she knows the answer anyway.

"We should go. I'm starving." I tell her.

"Absolutely." she grins, taking my hand and pulling me along with her as she leaves the dorm.

"Did you get a chance to eat last night, seeing as your date didn't happen?" Sam asks, being her usual sisterly self.

"Yeah, Vic actually did order me some food." I tell her.

"Oh, so this date was with Vic?" she pries.

"I don't think it was a date, Sam." I sigh.

But I'm not so sure now. Was it a date? Could that have something to do with Vic kissing me? But I kissed him first. What if he only kissed me because I kissed him?

"I totally think he's into you." Sam laughs, nudging my side teasingly.

"You do?" I blush.

"Oh come on, he asked you out, for one. He is so flustered around you. And then he buys you food. Once they buy you food, you know they're whipped." she explains.

I think about mentioning the kiss to her, but I know Sam, and I know she'd make a big deal out of it. And if Sam makes it a big deal, then I'm going to make it a big deal, and if I make it a big deal, it's definitely not going to be in a positive way.

"Has Jordan bought you food yet?" I ask.

"He actually has." Sam laughs. "He bought me chocolate last week because I was on my period."

"Wow, he is whipped." I snort.

We make our way off campus grounds and I want to ask where we're going for lunch but I'm too interested in this conversation to interrupt.

"Yeah, he definitely likes me." she sighs. "He's my roommate, you know?"

"He is?" I ask surprised and she nods. "So, do you like him?"

"I'm not sure. But what he did today was really sweet." she sighs. "Anyone who looks out for my little brother is pretty good in my books. Do you think he's cute?"

I blush at the question. I'd be lying if I said I didn't notice that he is rather attractive.

"Yeah, I'd say so." I answer.

"I think so too." she smiles. "He's a bit of a dumb jock, but he's a big softie."

"Maybe you should test the waters, see if you like him." I suggest.

"Yeah," Sam sighs, then a fond smile falls onto her face. "I love talking about boys with you. We haven't done this in forever."

I think back to the last time I talked to Sam about boys. It was after things between Brandon and I started getting romantic. I was so giddy back then. Now I feel hesitant even mentioning Vic. Getting physical with Brandon set me back more than I'd like to admit.

"Sam," I sigh softly.

She hums, encouraging me to continue.

"I think I like Vic." I say shyly.

I'm expecting her to react, to make a huge deal out of this, to put me off mentioning Vic ever again, but she doesn't.

Instead, she takes my hand and rests her head on my shoulder.

"That's nice, Kells." she smiles. "Maybe you should test the waters, when you're ready."

I find myself tearing up a little at her words. She's so supportive, so patient. I'm so grateful for her.

If I ever get through this, it'll be because of her. 

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