The next morning. .

I silently curse at myself when I see the sun rising outside. I must've fallen asleep waiting for his call. I checked my phone but there was nothing from Ash. No missed call, no text.

It was around six thirty when I decided to crawl out of bed.

I stretched and yawned while making my way into the kitchen to make some coffee. Axel's probably still knocked out on the--

What the?

Where is he?

To my suprise, the couch was empty.

If he left already the least he could've done was leave me a note. Typical Axel.

I made my way into the kitchen to start my brew. Soon the entire place smelt like fresh coffee.

"Mmm" I hummed in satisfaction as the beautiful aroma filled the room. This is what I live for. Coffee.

Suddenly, a strong pair of arms wrapped around my waist. My eyes grew wide in shock as I was so caught off guard. I almost spilt hot water on myself.

"What the hell? Axel?!" I said in shock.

I instantly got goosebumps all over when his cold body was pressed against my back.

"Good morning to you too. Is that coffee? Yay" Axel says cheerfully.

A few droplets of water dripped off the ends of his hair and down my chest as he nestled his chin on my shoulder.

And here I was thinking he had left. Turns out he just had a shower.

"Why are you even up? It's just six-thirty" I ask curiously.

"Well I knocked out soon as you left me so that's why I'm awake. I had enough sleep darling" He tells me.

"There's also something called personal space" I replied, removing his arms from me.

I turned to face him and saw he was looking all sad.

"Really? How childish" I tell him, rolling my eyes. It's amusing how he's elder than Ash yet he acts like a baby. Too funny. I couldn't help but chuckle.

"For me? Thank you roomie you're so thoughtful" Axel says, taking my cup of coffee and walking towards the living room. A smug grin on his face. He lives to annoy me.

Did he just--

"That wasn't for you!" I shouted, growing irritated.

Thank goodness I had to be somewhere today, I don't think I would be able to survive a full day with this guy. I'd rather have an extra long class with Gio.

《《《

I got dressed in a pair of jeans and my usual tank top, threw on a jacket and let my hair down. It looked okay enough to leave down so I didn't bother pulling it up into a tight bun like I usually did.

"I'm heading out. See you later" I tell Axel as I pass him on my way out.

"Hang on a sec, we were supposed to spend the day together" He replied, pulling me back by my jacket.

"We never made any plans and plus I've got a class to get to" I tell him, pulling away from his grip on me.

"Later then. I'll text you" He says with a cheeky wink before laying back down on the couch.

"Fine" I agree before heading out the door. I didn't need to lock up because he would probably be home anyway.

《》

I could already hear Giovanni's voice as I walked up the steps to the old building. It sounded like he was arguing with someone. Maybe he was on the phone. Most of his phone calls went like that anyway.

I took off my bag and hung it up on one of the coat hooks next to my jacket. As I got closer to the art room, I could finally make out what Gio was saying.

"I'm sorry but you're gonna have to take her out another day. We've got work today" Gio says sternly.

"Oh come on! I haven't seen her in a long time. Why are you being so difficult?"

When I finally saw who Gio was talking to I felt giddy with excitement. I wanted to burst out laughing on the spot.

"Dani?!" I called out cheerfully, making my way towards the curly-haired girl.

She pulled me in for the tightest squeeze as Gio stood there blankly, wondering what was up.

"I'm sorry, I haven't seen her in like forever" I explained to Gio, still holding Dani's hands in mine.

"Uh huh, I don't care. You can catch up later. We're busy today Kaia" Gio warns me before strutting to his room.

"When did you get here?" I ask Dani.

"Around seven- thirty. Your majesty was already in here and twirling to some shitty ballad music" she tells me, laughing.

"He's... an early bird" I explain, giggling.

"Yeah and a total weirdo" she continues, eying Gio's room.

"I'm so happy to see you Dani. I've been so lonely lately. Have you heard from Todd?"

"Uh huh, living it up on some posh yacht. He's been everywhere. I cussed him out on not keeping in touch before we lost touch again. It's hard to keep up with him nowdays" she tells me.

"Tell me about it! We haven't spoken in ages" I inform her.

Dani takes in my appearance and smiles. I smile back and begin to chuckle at her and the curly mess on her head. It had extra volume today.

"Anyway, hows my girl? And how's Ashton? I haven't seen him in so long" She asks.

"I'm great. Been going through things but I'm still here. Ash's away overseas on some work project. He should be back soon" I answer.

She looks at me closely before nodding her head. Probably not buying my answer of being 'great'. Knowing her, we're probably going to have an in depth discussion about this later.

Gio re-enters the room clapping loudly. A serious look on his face.

"Let's go, let's go. Get in the car Kaia, we're going down to the gallery."

I was confused. I thought we were supposed to be working on some new techniques or something. Dani looked irritated. She gave Gio one last snarl before turning to face me again, her usual bright smile on her face.

"I'll swing by your place soon with some goodies. Hopefully Ash will be back by then, too. Have a fun day with grumpy over here" she says before pulling me in for another tight hug.
I smile as she sways me from side to side.

"See ya!" I call out as she walks out of the room.

She gives me a wave in return.