I have always thought my Dad is the hardest person to wake up but Maize seems to be worse. When I agreed to wake her up yesterday, I never had the intention to follow her suggestions, however, that surely won't be the case.

We have planned to go before nine and this time we need to be on time. I shake her whole body but it feels more like rocking her back to sleep.

I take a deep breath, get some pillows to cushion her, and pull her out of the bed. I guess having an older brother pays off in times like this.

She finally opens her eyes, looking at me dazed and confused.

"It's already noon, you know?"

That quickly shot her up to her feet. "What?" Her groggy eyes become wide as saucers as she gazes at me.

My lips curve, meeting her blank look. Her blonde strands are a mess. Her eye bags are a little darker from staying up late and the drool marks imprint on the side of her mouth.

I motion for her to wipe it before saying, "I'm joking." I turn around, going back to my dresser. "It's eight o'clock. Better get ready. It's our first day today."

She groans and slumps back into her bed. "Whoever starts school on Wednesday?"

"Ours. Hurry up now. Though this is the first day and no teacher will give lessons right away, we still shouldn't be late. We have orientation this morning, in case you forgot."

"Fine, fine," she grumbles.

The running water from the shower fills the room while I curl my hair. It is naturally wavy but I have to make sure it will be impeccable. I sit down and get my brushes. I'm addicted to the no make-up-make-up look lately and it suits me the best. After all, this is the first day and I should be presentable.

Concealers are perfect to hide my blemishes and the light shadows accentuate my eyes. I apply a red lip tint on my cheeks and lips to complete the look. I swivel and take the outfit I prepared last night.

A light brown vest overlays my baggy white sweater. I pair it with a plaid beige skirt that reaches up to half of my knees. I grab my dirty white platform boots to achieve the light academia aesthetic I am aiming for.

I check my bag and make sure I have everything I need. Essentials, a charger, a sketchpad, a pencil case, and a notebook will suffice today.

The door clicks open and Maize walks to her closet. While I take half an hour to prepare, it's only minutes for her. She has no qualms about being in her underwear as she wears her baggy mustard long sleeves and pairs them with faded jumper jeans.

She simply ties her hair and grabs her backpack. Her almond-shaped eyes frame the light brown irises twinkling with excitement.

"Let's go," she says.

I nod, taking my bag, and we head outside.

🎨 🎨 🎨

As expected, the campus is swarmed, especially the Diamond Boulevard where all main buildings are located.

Going from Valley Dormitory to the Picasso Building takes longer than I expected. Thankfully, I and Maize have already toured the University yesterday, or else, we will get lost due to the crowd.

Maize leads the way, her hand latching on my wrist, while my eyes roam around. No wonder it is jam-packed since there are visitors as well.

"I hear the seniors will be having their exhibit and some alumni will come too," Maize says, full of zest as her steps become quicker.

"It's the school's tradition after all," I reply.

"Why don't we drop by first?"

"Okay, but are you sure? The exhibit will be up until Friday and I'm betting it is ten times more crowded there."

"That's the point. There will be a lot of people. Who knows we might cross some famous ones?"

If there is such thing as artist paparazzi, Maize will suit the job as if it is created for her. I haven't met an art collector that is as passionate as her yet. Or more like never have tried getting close to one.

🎨 🎨 🎨

The two of us finally reach the Picasso Building. All kinds of individuals fill my view. We wander inside, pausing for some work that caught our attention.

"OMG!"

I quickly turn to Maize, along with the rest of the people in the room who are probably surprised by her squeal.

Maize doesn't seem to mind the eyes focusing on her. She is holding my arm so tightly while her gaze remains on someone. I follow her line of sight and only see several people circling around.

"What's wrong?"

"Oh, gosh. Can't you see? It's Terrence Wright!"

"Are you sure?"

I look again. The group huddling together is all tall but when one moves, I catch a glimpse of him. My eyes return to Maize. We barely reach five feet but how come she is able to notice Terrence?

"I have to meet him!"

"Wait—" My voice falters as I watch her back scurrying to the mob.

I can't understand her excitement. The university is known to accept a limited number of students per year so there is no doubt we might be classmates with Terrence in one of their subjects — hopefully not but I already prepared myself for the worst.

As for Maize, is she aware that they can be block mates with him? It's not like we'll never see him after today. Or maybe is it just her nature to get so eager to meet famous artists?

Glancing at my watch, it has only been past ten. I can just message her to meet up later.

Now alone, I have more time to appreciate the artworks displayed. Upon walking further, I pause at the painting in front of me.

It is a portrait of a woman dressed in Regency clothes. Her hair is tied in a bun with tendrils of raven curls framing her heart-shaped face. Her thin lips with a prominent cupid's bow are pigmented in rosy pink. The same color is applied to her cheeks to create a healthy flush to her pale complexion.

Her doe eyes have the color of the most saturated blue, obviously exaggerated to create a startling gaze that draws inspiration from the iconic allure of the 'Mona Lisa' or the enigmatic eyes of the 'Girl With A Pearl Earring'. It is a half-body artwork with a meadow background but the details on the umbrella she is holding are so intricate that it deserves all the praise it garnered in the past years.

The swirling patterns replicate the texture of lace, down to the shadows and the details. The ruffles are painted to exude volume, making it more realistic, and using colors that pops out amidst the pastels.

The juxtaposition of the bright hues of the umbrella and the woman's calm mien is a strange combination that somehow works well.

"She looks like you," a voice says beside me.

"Of course. It's my brother's paint— Uriel?"

His swooning smile appears, making me blink. 'Why is he so inhumanly handsome?'

"I'm glad you remember me."

"O-of course." I struggle to get my composure before continuing. "You're my father's apprentice after all. It's not like I'll forget you after a few days."

"I'm just kidding." He chuckles and pauses but there's still a glimmer of glee. "So this is Leonardo's work?"

I nod. "He's an alumnus here so his work is often requested to be displayed. I just don't get why he chose a portrait of my face for thousands to see. It's a total jerk move— I mean, it's an honor but it can be embarrassing."

"Why not? It's beautiful."

'Is he pertaining to the art or me?' The latter is quite obnoxious of me, but that does not stop the blush from making its way to my face.

I recall our last meeting. Nothing eventful happened. Only that, I acted like a dazed dumbo in front of him. I cannot stop giving him glances and I'm hoping I was not that obvious that time.

It's probably because of his smile. Every time his lips tilt, it disarms me for some reason. There is just something on the way his lips curl, breaking into a full smile, that is so appealing. 'Almost angelic.'

"By the way, Rembrandt, are you heading to the orientation?"

I winced hearing my name. "Uh yes. Also, please do call me Remy. I prefer it."

"Alright, Remy. Do you want to go together?"

"S-s-sure." The letters jumble from the sudden invite.

My mind and heart compete in a race. One is overthinking from all kinds of scenarios while the other is fluttering from the fast pace heartbeats. But, both are overwhelmed since I'm invited by him.

"Remy!" My name resonates across the hall, instantly pulling me away from my daydream. There is only one person who loves to shout in this kind of place.

I swivel to see Maize running towards me, her hands flaunting a piece of paper up in the air.

"I got Terrence's sign!" she states, excitement lacing her voice.

"Good for you," I mumble.

Her sight drifts to Uriel since we are approximately close to each other.

"Hi! Are you Remy's friend?" she inquires.

He flashes another smile. "I guess so. I'm Uriel Acker."

"Maize Campbell. Are you also a student here? What course?"

"Fine arts. Major in Painting," he replies.

"So we're all the same! Do you want to go with us? We'll be heading to the orientation."

"Sure, I just invited Remy and it seems like you're going with her. I hope you don't mind me then.

"Oh." Maize's eyes travel to me. "Maybe it's me that's disturbing you."

I quickly pinch her waist.

"Ow!" She gives me an eye before diverting back to him. "Will you mind if we go to the powder room first?"

"No problem, go ahea— Wait, I don't think I have your number. Is it okay if I ask yours just in case?"

"O-of course." I give mine but the thought still runs in my mind. 'Who even texts nowadays?'

"Maybe it's better if we add each other in messenger? It'll be easier," Maize interrupts.

I almost hug her when she voices my inner thoughts.

"Hm. Right."

The three of us exchanged info before Maize drags me away.

"OMG. Where did you meet that guy? He's so smooth at asking your number and absolutely handsome! Almost as handsome as Terren—" I cover her mouth when she starts bombarding the moment we enter.

"Your voice," I remind and let go, gesturing to the few women around us.

"White shirt and faded jeans combined with those amiable eyes and bright smile. Isn't he the epitome of a boy next door with smoking hot looks?"

"Right..."

"Come on, tell me where you met him and I might visit that place to chance up with some handsome guy too."

"He visited our house. He is Dad's apprentice."

"Gosh! Why are you so lucky? Tell me, do you like him? If not, I'm going to pounce on him." The eagerness is obvious but if not for the joking tone, I'll really think she's serious.

"I only find him attractive but's not that kind of like. He has a cute smile and he's definitely a gentleman. I..." That's when my mouth shuts. I already said too much upon seeing the smile creeping on her face.

Maize nods in satisfaction. "Uhuh. I got it."

"What?" My voice almost shakes knowing I just ousted myself.

"Don't worry, Remybear. I hereby swear as your roommate and under your parent's name, he'll be off-limits and I'll be your support." She winks, letting out a carefree laugh. "Let's go. We won't keep pretty boy waiting."

"Urgh please no. I'm glad for your help but still no." I raise my palm to emphasize my words but Maize clutches it with both her hands, eyes glistening with mischief.

"Leave it to me!"

'Huh? Leave what?' She hauls me back outside where Uriel is waiting. His side faces us as his right leg props to the wall while leaning with his arms crossed on his chest. It did not evade my view how the girls passing by spares him a second look.

He seems to sense our presence and turns to us. He gives a small wave. With the tilt of his lips, his eyes also become gentle curves.

"You sure have exceptional taste in guys," Maize whispers beside me.

"Uh... please stop teasing me, especially in front of him."

"Sure," she says but seeing the smirk plastering on her face, I doubt she will do what she has agreed.

Note: Hello lovelies~ Just wanna say thank you to Ms_Ryomen for all the comments. I may not reply to all but I really enjoyed reading it <3