honey ◇ ai

mates

Helene sighed as she wandered into macroeconomics. It was one of those classes that no one seemed to enjoy aside from the professor and the few math enthusiasts within the room.

The class wasn't technically mathematics but it might as well have been; a plethora of numbers never failed to fill the page. The content was exhaustive and nothing ever seemed to stick even though her professor had been so passionate about his cause of teaching. The professor had also happened to be very easy on the eyes though so Helene couldn't complain too much about her choice to see him for his Monday, Wednesday and Friday courses.

He was technically only a Teacher's Assistant yet the actual professor rarely showed up aside from when she'd passed out the rather lengthy syllabus. She's also introduced Luke Hemmings as her TA for the semester, he was a gorgeous blonde who all the girls in the class seemed to fawn over.

To Helene he was a bit of a distraction but it still didn't help her to get over her immense hatred toward macro. He did have a nice smile though; that helped to ease the dread just a bit.

As he droned on about the recent changes in the economy, the topic quickly took a political turn causing the room to fall into chaos. Luke was trying his best to settle down the clearly opinionated students yet he came to no avail.

His face reddened after several ardent yet failed attempts, only to eventually decide upon dismissing the group.

Helene stayed back a bit to make sure he was recovered from the sudden collapse of the class. She had no idea why she'd felt the need to do so, but in the moment it felt right.

"I'm sorry about what happened in class Mr. Hemmings," Helene smiled softly as she slung her bag over her shoulder.

"Ah, it's Luke, Helene, we've been over this. But the situation is expected, I'm just a mere grad student attempting to make some extra cash but it's clearly not worth it," he laughed. It was actually more of a giggle but a deep one, that nice giggle boys have that every girl swoons over. That included Helene.

"Ashton was right, this gig wasn't worth the crummy pay," Luke continued.

She was completely caught off guard. He certainly wasn't talking about library Ashton but Helene still found herself curious, "Ashton?"

"Oh, he's my good mate, we live together and he's a grad student here too," he rambled, "I'm sorry, you don't need to hear about my personal life."

"It's fine, Luke," Helene shrugged, the words feeling odd as they fell from her lips, "I shouldn't have asked anyway, it's none of my business. I just wasn't expecting you to mention Ashton."

Luke was taken aback by the girls response, curiousity flooding his mind, "You must know Ash then? It's not a common name around here."

"Uh not really, but I should get going. Sorry to keep you Sir. Have a good rest of your day," she continued, rushing out the door.

Shaking his head, Luke himself smiled, "You too Helene, and don't forget your report is due Friday."

Helene mentally slapped herself as she headed toward the cafeteria. Her favorite teacher was now most likely under the influence that she was a freak and there was no turning back.

As she stepped into the line, her stomach felt as if it were tied in knots but not from hunger. She was just anxious from her conversation with Luke, so eating really wasn't in her best interest.

Helene made her way through the line, smiling softly at the cashier before she requested her daily order of tea, only this time requesting a larger cup.

"Will that be it," the boy asked.

"Get her two honey scones and a large black coffee too please Mike," a familiar voice butted in.

"Of course Irwin," the cashier, Mike, nodded and took Ashton's card before Helene could fully protest.

"You don't have to do that Ashton," she frowned slightly at his gesture, "You barely even know me and you're already going out of your way-"

"I want to do this, okay? Just let it be Helene, and it's only proper that you have a bit of a snack with your tea," Ashton smirked down at the girl, accepting his order and taking his card back from the man now identified as Mike.

"I'll see you around Ash," he smiled, his green eyes seeming to sparkle against the fluorescent light he stood beneath, "And I'll probably be seeing more of you too," he smirked toward Helene.

Ashton knowingly rolled his eyes as he led Helene toward an empty table, "Too early for the library yet," he smiled.

"We're the only night owls in that place," she remarked, taking the seat that Ashton had graciously pulled out for her, "And chivalry clearly isn't dead," she continued, heat rising to her cheeks.

She found the situation to be a bit odd, how Ashton and herself had suddenly crossed paths. Helene was also caught up in how he seemed to be known by everyone on the campus.

It seemed all too coincidental how the day had been playing out yet Helene didn't question it any further.

"I hope I didn't scare you back in the line," Ash spoke up, "I just happened to spot you and figured we could both handle some company. Today's a bit too gloomy to be alone," he continued, his words falling eloquently from his lips.

"It was fine, I was just a bit surprised to see you here," Helene replied softly before taking a sip of her tea.

Ashton watched her lips purse in discomfort as she set the cup down on the marred surface of the small table.

"Too hot?" He questioned.

"Just a bit," she winced.

In that moment Ashton struggled to keep his offer silent, it would've been the perfect opportunity for him to make a move. He wanted to offer to kiss it better, too feel her soft lips against his own rough ones.

It would all come in due time, the man had to convince himself.

So instead he offered her a bit of sweetness to ease her beautiful mind, "These are my favorite, Mike always insists they are too sweet and girly" Ashton explained handing her the small pastry.

Helene took it without hesitation. There was a small bite then a soft giggle, "Everyone loves a bit of honey, there is nothing wrong with that."

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This was such a filler chapter but it was also a bit fluffy. I'm in an odd mood so this chapter took an unexpected turn; it's so strange.

But anyway, stuff will begin to have more importance soon and Mike, Lu and Cal will also be involved in the story. I just haven't gotten to Cal yet, I didn't want to overwhelm you guys.

Please vote and let me know what you think. You guys can literally comment anything and it will make me smile.

Stay beautiful