close to my dialling heart

42🌹didn't mean to scare you

🎶you are the coffee that I need in the morning. You are my sunshine in the rain when it's pouring. Won't you give yourself to me. Give it all🎶
                  ~H.E.R x Daniel Caeser~

DOVE 🕊

I woke up to find Xavier standing beside me, his eyes fixed on mine. I'd done the same to him countless times, but now I realized how unsettling it must be. No wonder he'd called me weird. I flinched, and he chuckled, his deep laughter sending a shiver down my spine. "My goodness, why are you staring at me like that?" I asked, trying to sound calm despite my racing heart.

Xavier sighed and sat on the bed, looking effortlessly put together in his military green golf shirt and black pants, complete with sleek black suede Chelsea boots. "Good morning," he said, his voice smooth as silk. I smiled, and he reciprocated, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Your first class is over," he said, his tone deceptively calm.

I sat up with a start, panic setting in. "What?" I threw off the covers and leapt out of bed. Xavier burst out laughing, his throaty chuckle sending a flush to my cheeks. "I'm joking," he said, still grinning. I glared at him, trying to hide my relief. "That's not funny," I said, but he just laughed again, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

"My god." I pushed my hair back and wiped the invisible sweat from my forehead, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. "I said your class was over, so where were you rushing to like that?" I laughed at myself, realizing my mistake. Xavier glanced at his watch. "It just hit six."

I breathed out in relief, knowing my classes started at eight. I had enough time. "Why are you up so early?" I asked, pressing my lips together as I sat next to him. "I couldn't sleep," he replied, his eyes fixed on mine. I tried to study him, but he was too skilled at hiding his thoughts. Not like he was with me - he could read me like a book. "What happened?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

He shook his head slightly. "Nothing serious. I just couldn't find any sleep, and you looked so cute when you slept, so I was entertained." I put my hands up to my cheeks, trying to hide the blushing. "No wonder I dreamed about you."

Xavier laughed. "What was the dream about?" I felt even more shy, and my cheeks bloomed after he asked. I wasn't lying, I did dream about him, but the dream would sound funny to him. "Just tell me," he said, his hand on my lap, slightly gripping my right thigh.

My cheeks couldn't get any redder. "I'll tell you on our way to my dorm."
Xavier looked at me doubtfully. "I promise," I said, pinching the flesh on my throat slightly. He ended up laughing. "Where did you get that from?" I shrugged, unsure. "I don't know, but I'm sure I saw it somewhere."

"Tell me now," Xavier said, his curiosity piqued as we approached my dorm. I hesitated, then blurted out, "We had kids." I pressed my lips together and looked away, not wanting to see his reaction. "How many?" he asked, his interest piqued. I cringed, regretting my decision to share. "About five." Xavier's response was calm and collected. "Interesting."

I couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking, but his expression remained neutral, giving nothing away.

We reached my dorm, but Xavier hesitated to enter. I had to coax him inside, where Mal and Ela were already waiting, dressed and ready for their class.

"Bye, sweetie," Ela said, giving me an unexpected kiss on the lips. She often treated me like her own daughter, despite being only two years older. I glanced at Xavier, who smiled warmly at me. "Bye, love," Mal chimed in, rushing out the door. "Bye X!" her voice echoed from outside, making Xavier shake his head in amusement.

After a quick shower, I dressed in a long blue denim skirt - my favorite style - with buttons running down the length. I paired it with a simple black long-sleeved top and black and white Converse sneakers. But when it came to my hair, I was stumped. I sat in front of the mirror, unsure what to do. "Need help with that?" Xavier asked, appearing behind me.