Unwritten Chemistry

Hello, New York

Kylie's POV

As my dad helped carry the last of our luggage up to our new dorm, I couldn't help but shake my head.

- Dad, you really didn't have to come all the way out here. - I said, trying to hide my smile.

I had told him a million times that Ruby and I were perfectly capable of handling things on our own, but Alex Cantrall wasn't exactly the kind of guy to take no for an answer when it came to his only daughter.

- I know, I know. - He said, brushing me off like always. - But I wasn't going to miss your big move to New York, Ky. This is huge. Plus, - He paused, glancing around the hallway of our new dorm building, - I wanted to make sure you girls were settled in. This city's a beast.

He shot me a wink, making me roll my eyes.

Ruby and I exchanged a glance. My best friend had flown out from LA with us, and she was giving me that you know he's just being your dad look, which, to be fair, was true. Ruby and I had been planning our move to New York for months, imagining everything from where we'd live to the late-night walks around the city. And even though we had it all figured out, my dad still insisted on coming along.

Once we reached our room, the door swung open, and I couldn't help but let out a little sigh of relief. It was bigger than I expected, especially for an NYU dorm. Private bathroom, two separate rooms, a lot of space to breathe. Just a little apartment. Sure, we might've paid a little extra, but the thought of not having to share a room with Ruby? Worth every penny. I won't have to worry about waking up in the middle of the night and presence her and Joshua.

- Okay, this is actually kind of cool. - I said, stepping in and spinning around to take it all in.

It wasn't home, not yet, but it had potential. I could already picture how Ruby would rearrange everything, making the place look Instagram-worthy in no time. Her eye for design was basically magic.

- I told you it would be awesome. - Ruby chirped, tossing her suitcase onto the bed by the window. - I already have ideas for how we're going to make this place look amazing.

I could see the wheels turning in her head as she mentally decorated the room. That was Ruby for you. Always ten steps ahead, especially when it came to design.

My dad clapped his hands together, breaking the moment.

- Well, girls, I think I'm gonna head out. I've got a flight to catch back to LA. - He said, sounding a little reluctant.

He hugged Ruby first, squeezing her like she was his second daughter, then turned to me, pulling me in tight.

- You're going to do great here, Ky. I'm so proud of you. - He whispered before pulling back to look me in the eye. - Just remember to call me, okay? And if you need anything, don't hesitate.

- I'll be fine, Dad. - I reassured him, though I felt a tiny pang in my chest. Moving across the country was a big deal, even if I didn't want to admit it. - I'll call. Promise.

With one last wave, Alex headed out the door, leaving Ruby and me standing in our new home, alone for the first time.

The second the door clicked shut, Ruby let out an excited squeal.

- Okay, Ky, this is it. We're really here! - She was practically bouncing as she moved around the room, already picturing where we'd put everything. - I'm thinking we could put a couch in the middle, then a little table by the window for the best light, and maybe hang some fairy lights above the beds...

I couldn't help but laugh. Ruby's enthusiasm was contagious, even when I was still processing the fact that we'd actually made it.

- Whatever you want, Rube. Just make sure my stuff doesn't end up looking like a total mess, okay?