Rhythm || Ashton Irwin

Chapter Twenty-Six

(Lauren’s POV)

           A week had gone by since the almost kiss between Ashton and I and, like the mature adults we are, neither of us brought it up.

           I typed aimlessly on his bed as we sat in silence, trying desperately to get some form of coherent material for this project done. Looking over at him from across the room, I couldn’t help but notice how effortlessly he seemed to be working while I struggled to even think properly.

           I couldn’t take the silence anymore, deciding to break it myself, “So, uh… Em really loves that bandana you gave her last class! She won’t even take it off. All of the other kids are starting to get jealous.” He chuckled, looking up from his laptop.

           “Really? That’s adorable!”

           “Yea,” I sighed, looking back down at my computer screen, “Why did you give that to her anyway? Just out of curiosity.”

           “She asked me for one a couple of weeks ago, she told me not to tell you.” I looked up immediately at that. Why the hell would she say that? She’s never kept anything from me before… The confusion must have been clear on my face by the smile that spread over his, “Look, she’s six, they do that. I can’t even tell you all of the stupid ‘secrets’ my siblings had told me when they were younger.”

           “Yea, well… that doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt.” I pouted from where I sat, fiddling with the pillow that was beside me. “But, unfortunately for me, the kids really want you to come to class this week, it being Halloween week and all.”

           “I’d love to come, kids at Halloween are the best! The costumes, the excitement, the candy! You can definitely sign me up for that.”

           “Great, they’re all dressing up so, if you don’t, they’ll probably kill you.”

           “Must have costume, got it.” He laughed, getting looking back at his computer and typing once more.

I couldn’t help but stare at him as he concentrated on the task in front of him. The way his eyes flickered across the screen, lips moving slightly as he read. I had found myself looking at his lips a lot this past week. When he spoke, when he laughed, when he smirked—NO LAUREN. STOP THINKING ABOUT HIS LIPS. Shaking my head, I looked at my phone, noticing how late it was, I figured it was time for me to head home.

“It’s getting late, I should probably get out of here,” I sighed, stretching my arms, letting out a yawn before I started to pack up my stuff.

“Oh, yea… Let me just…” Standing from his seat, he started to clean up his desk of all the papers and books he’d been working from. Taking a look around his room, I noticed his leather jacket on the end of his bed. Throwing a glance his way, I quickly snagged it, putting it in my bag for the little surprise I was planning for him.

“Alright, ready, lets go,” Walking towards the bed, he stopped, looking around, before looking at me, “Didn’t I put my jacket here?” I shrugged, pretended to know nothing of its whereabouts. He simply shrugged in return, grabbing a sweatshirt from his closet and then exiting the room.

This had become a routine for us, study at his house, he’d escort me home ignoring my protests, we’d say goodnight on my doorstep and he’s leave. Sure, it seemed boing, but it was the only time that was just for us, and I was cherishing every second of it.

“So, when do you think you’ll finally ride the subway by yourself?” Ashton asked as we stepped onto the empty train. My heart fell a little at the question, but I shrugged it off, putting on a smile instead.