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thirty-seven

"Why do you always have to wake me up when you go to class?" Ashton groaned, pulling the covers over his head as I nearly tripped pulling jeans on. 

"Because," I snatched the comforter from his body, tossing it on the floor. "This isn't your house."

"Whenever I sleep at Michael's and he has to be somewhere, he lets me sleep and I leave when I'm awake."

"Babe, you live with Michael," I rolled my eyes at him, pulling a new shirt over my head. "Don't even know if you do live with him anymore, you practically live with me."

"I'm sorry," he whined, wrapping his arms around my waist, pulling me into bed. "I just love my bestie so much, I can barely sleep without your cuddles."

"Ashton, I have class in less than an hour, I want to get some coffee."

"You need to buy your own coffee maker."

"Luke always made my coffee, I have no idea how he made it," I said to him, prying his arms from me. "Plus, the Hideout has my order perfect."

"How much money a week are you spending on coffee?"

"How much money a week are you spending on alcohol?"

He squinted his eyes at me. "Touché."

I grinned at him and chuckled. "Now get dressed," he groaned and started to move slowly out of bed. "Quickly, Ash."

Ashton took my hand in his as we walked down the street, that stupid grin on his face. I've thought about dating Ashton but there are too many variables that aren't in our favor. Luke would hate us, Michael wouldn't approve, I don't even feel that way about Ashton.

I've gotten to know him very well over the past few months, I came to the realization that Ashton isn't as happy as everyone thinks he is. Ashton was actually really sad all the time. He had his own demons he was trying to fight but he was helping me most of the time.

He opened the door for me, not dropping my hand as we both entered the Hideout.

The cashier smiled at me, already ringing up my normal order. I looked to Ashton, who always ordered something different, something weird and over the top.

"Umm..I want the Pistachio-Rose Latte, please." Ashton said, looking at the menu.

"Really?" the cashier said before apologizing. "Sorry, it's just- no one orders that."

Ashton shrugged, sending a wink at me. "I'll take it."

I rolled my eyes and took the order from the barista. I stood at the table with all the sugar, stirring cream and sugar into my coffee. 

Someone set a drink beside me and I expected it to be Ashton but was met with those green eyes. He smiled gently at me, stirring his drink. "Iced almond milk latte."

"Really?" I smiled at him.

He shrugged. "Thought I'd give it a shot, yeah?"

"You like it?"

"Don't know yet."

"Holy shit, this thing is delicious," Ashton said, coming up beside me. "It's fucking weird, but it's good."

I laughed at Ashton before turning to the stranger. "I was just talking to..."

"Harry," the green eyed boy smiled, sticking his hand out to me. "Styles."

I took his hand and shook it before pulling away. "Arabella Toth."

"Like the Arctic Monkeys song?"

I nodded. "I love that song."

"I do too."

"Ashton Irwin." Ashton cut in, sticking his hand out for a handshake.

Harry took it and nodded. "So, Arabella, are you doing anything today?"

I chuckled as he took my hand in his, his protective side making an appearance. Harry's eyes fell to our hands, his mouth opening. "Oh-I didn't know you two were together-I didn't even ask, I'm sor-"

I pulled my hand from Ashtons, shaking my head. "No, no, we're not together! We're best friends."

"Oh," Harry replied, obviously relieved. "He still looks like he wants to beat my ass."

"He's just protective," I pinched Ashton's cheek as he groaned. "My Ashy-poo."

"Stop it, you know I hate it when you pinch my cheeks." He said, his face starting to turn red.

"Anyways, to answer your question, Harry, I have class until 2," I said to Harry. "Why're you asking?"

"A beautiful girl like you should be taken out."

"Smooth," Ashton said, kissing my cheek quickly before turning on his heel. "I'm going home, catch you later, Aria."

"Later, Ash," I said before turning my attention to Harry. "So, what time tonight?"

"That's a yes?" He seemed shock.

"Yeah..." I trailed off. "Unless you're some kind of serial killer."

He laughed, grinning at me. "Even if I was, I wouldn't tell you."

"Looks like I have plans tonight anyways-"

"Oh, come on, I'm kidding." Harry smiled at me.

"I have class in twenty five minutes," I said, glancing at my watch. "I'm free anytime after 2."

"So, 6?" he asked. "Dinner?"

"Sure," I grabbed a napkin and a pen from the barista before scribbling my number and address down and handing it to him. "Call me when you're outside."

"Will do, darling."

"See you later, Styles." I smiled, biting my lip to keep from grinning like an idiot.

"See you later, Arabella."