How To Paint Love [✔]

🖌 17. Prodigies

When the class has been dismissed, Uriel approaches my seat with his lips hooking on each side.

"Want to go grab lunch together? My treat," he says.

"It's okay—"

"Oh, I can't—"

Maize and I look at each other after speaking simultaneously.

"Mom asked me to do an errand for her and I can't refuse. As much as I love to, I can't," she explains.

"No problem, Maize." Uriel swivels toward me. "How about you, Remy?"

"I can go but you don't have to treat me," I decline since I don't want him to spend money for my sake.

"No, really. Let me treat you. You've been a great help," he replies right away.

"But—"

"Please?" 

Once again, I am too weak to reject him when he has that type of beauty trap.

"Okay." I glance behind him. "Who's coming with us?"

"No one. It's only us."

"Huh? What about Gray? And, won't you invite Fleur?"

"Gray has basketball practice and Fleur has some errands too," he answers.

"Oh..."

That's the only thing I manage to say while my brain is already spinning from thinking. 'Won't it be like a date?'

"Why don't you go already? I'm sure places are packed during this time." Maize's words bring me back and I quickly notice the teasing flash in her eyes.

Uriel nods while I turn to Maize. "Then, see you later?"

"See you too, Remybear," she says and heads off first.

"Remybear?" Uriel prompts on my side.

"Just a nickname she made," I say and grab my bag.

"Cute. It suits you," he comments with a lopsided grin.

Then there's me who has to force myself not to overthink — he's just being friendly, after all.

🎨 🎨 🎨

Maize is not joking when she said that the cafeteria's crowded during this time. It's not only a struggle to find a chair but the line seems endless.

Uriel has been lining up since half an hour ago and he's still not here. Thankfully, the next subject is Foundation Class. I'll just chat Terrence that I'll be late.

I normally go to his studio on time but at this point, I don't think I can. After I sent the message, I catch a glimpse of Uriel holding a tray.

"That took so long. We should've eaten outside," he says when he arrives at the table.

"It's okay. The food's good here too." Besides, it's much cheaper here.

"Here you go." He offers a plate of grilled chicken and mashed potatoes.

"Thanks." The smell quickly invaded my senses. My stomach rumbles, making me realize how hungry I am.

"I've also got you some brownies. Though I don't know if it's as tasty as the one in the Atelier Café." He chuckles as he hands me the bag of brownies.

"Oh, you honestly don't have to but thanks." This time, I do not bother rejecting. I can never say no to brownies.

Uriel settles down and for some reason, I am suddenly engulfed with inhibitions. Since we were grouped from a class project weeks ago, we've been having lunch together. But, this is the first time that it's only two of us.