Young Folks (Ross Lynch AU)

three.

"When do your classes start?" Nina asked as I gathered the last of my things.

"Two hours from now," I replied.

"Then why the fuck are you leaving now? At 7 a.m.?"

"Because I'm going to stop at a coffee shop on the way for a pick-me-up. I'm exhausted. Plus, I have quite the walk to get to where my class is being held."

"You're crazy," she shook her head.

"I'll take that as a compliment," I winked as I swung my backpack over my shoulder. "See ya later!"

I left our dorm room and descended 16 flights of stairs to the ground level. As soon as I stepped out of the building, the sounds of the city surrounded me. I was in the heart of the concrete jungle.

I walked several blocks and finally found a local owned, quaint coffee shop I knew I would enjoy. I walked in and took in the relaxed, laid back surroundings before ordering a caramel latte and a blueberry muffin. I took a seat on one of the sofas that was placed at the back of the café. I soon noticed a flyer that was tacked to the wall opposite of where I was sitting.

"NOW HIRING. Part time, flexible hours. Students are welcome to apply."

There were roughly 8 tear-off tabs left at the bottom of the flyer. I ripped one off and then took my seat on the sofa again.

My breakfast arrive rather quickly, and I finished it in a matter of minutes. I paid for my small meal before leaving the coffee shop and continuing my trek to my first college class.

It was in a fairly large building called the Harrison Center. It was roughly 5 stories tall and filled to the brim with classrooms. I found room 308 and entered.

I was surprised to find that there were quite a few people already in the classroom. I was almost 30 minutes early, but I guessed all these people wanted to make a good impression on the professor.

The classroom was set up in an almost auditorium fashion. It was similar to a lecture hall. There were endless rows of long tables that reached from wall to wall with chairs set up behind. Each table was raised a bit higher than the one below, providing a good view of the front of the classroom. There was a large projection screen screwed to the front wall and a laptop connected to the projection unit.

I walked up towards the front third of the tables and took a seat near the middle. I grabbed my laptop from my backpack and turned it on. I then tinkered around, messing with some of the pictures I already had loaded onto my laptop and editing them for my own pleasure.

Before I knew it, the classroom was full, and the professor stood in front of all of us, ready to teach and lecture. He was rather tall with dark brown hair and electric blue eyes. He seemed to be on the younger side, probably late 20s or early 30s.

"Good morning, everyone. My name is Professor James Danforth, and I will be teaching, lecturing, and guiding you in the fine art of photography."

"Now," he started off, "what is photography to you? What do you see when I say the word 'photography'? What do yo-"

The door to the classroom squeaked open, and all heads turned toward the sound. In walked a tall, frazzled-looking boy who was rushing to find a seat but suddenly stopped when he saw all the eyes on him.

It was the boy from the party.

He was hardly recognizable because his platinum blonde hair was covered with a gray beanie, only a few strands sticking out here and there. But I could tell it was him by the way he stood and his composure. Now that I was able to get a better look at him, I found him to be extremely attractive and extremely intrigued.

"I-I'm sorry, Professor, I got lost on my way here," the boy stuttered quietly.

"That's alright, Mr." Professor Danforth trailed off, not knowing the boy's last name.

"Lynch, Sir. Ross Lynch."

"Okay, Mr. Lynch. You can have a seat at any of the open spots. You are excused this time, but there will be consequences next time you are late, is that clear?" Mr. Danforth warned.

"Crystal," Ross smiled weakly. He looked around the classroom shyly and tried to find an empty seat. This boy caught my eye and I would've offered that he sit next to me if those seats weren't already taken. Granted, I could just push the brunette to my right off her chair, but that probably wouldn't be my best option.

After about 15 seconds, Ross took a seat next to a bubbly ginger that looked as if she was ready to pounce on him and bang him right there on that table. He smiled weakly at her before pulling out his laptop and starting it up as well.

"Now, as I was saying, what is photography to you?" Professor Danforth continued on with the lesson as though nothing had happened. Several students raised their hands, and he called on a brunette boy sitting towards the back.

"To me, photography is a way to express myself. I'm able to express both my emotions and my interests all while creating beautiful artwork to display to others."

"Excellent, excellent. And your name is...?"

"Turner Green."

"Thank you, Mr. Green. And what about you, Miss?" Professor Danforth asked, pointing to me.

"Well, for me, photography is my way of going new places and seeing new things. My ambition is to one day become a photographer for National Geographic, seeing as I love nature and the art of photography. It is my way of exploring new landscapes and meeting new animals and people. Oh, and I'll save you the trouble. I'm Aspen Othrough," I smiled kindly.

"Brilliant, Miss Othrough. This is exactly what I mean. Photography isn't just a hobby or an art. Photography is a lifestyle and a living. What you're shooting for, Aspen, is excellent. Dream big, and don't stop until you've achieved your dreams. Well done."

Give me some feedback on what you guys think of the story so far. I'm really excited for this one, the ideas are flowing like crazy. Don't forget to comment vote. I love hearing from you guys!!!