Ryan's POV

I quickly ran into my apartment, threw my guitar onto the table and unhooked the hinges. Every since I saw Stella on the shuttle this morning, a melody has been going through my head. I searched high and low for my little notepad and pencil, quickly writing out the lyrics that's been on the tip of my tongue since I've kissed her.

Stay here in my arms tonight

There's nothing that I wouldn't doI just wanna be the one you're holding onto

I strung a couple of chords trying to find the right key, and soon enough the melody came to me. I begin humming the lyrics and smiled with how quickly this song was coming together.

I see it all aligned in front of my face

But like a shooting star fades

It could be gone just as fast as it came

I've been in a drought since the beginning of summer. I haven't been able to write anything original, no music, no lyrics, nothing. I've tried to find inspiration from reading or watching people. I've even tried to watch stupid romance movies, and nothing.

Until Friday night.

I've written some things in the past about Stella, but this, this was something more. I could feel it deep in my bones and through my fingertips as I played the familiar chords.

'Cause the "unexpected beautiful"

I'm about to admit I've been longing for

I sat my guitar down beside me on the couch, sinking back and covering my face with my hands. I still can't believe what happened last night, and what happened today.

Last night after I kissed Stella, I had to get out of there. I know I took her by surprised by the face she gave, but I know she wanted to kiss me just as badly. "Friends" just don't kiss each other like that. But me being the fool that I am, bolted. I packed up my stuff, apologized to the manager and left. If I hadn't, I would have asked her to come back to my place and I couldn't handle the rejection which I know I would have gotten.

It's one thing to kiss someone when the moment is right, but it's entirely different scenario when the moment pass and you don't know if that's what the other person wanted.

I want her so much and she hasn't gotten the slightest clue.

Stella was more than just beautiful with her blonde hair, hazel eyes and full figure. She was smart, willing to work hard and she was top of the class. I've seen her around campus with her camera and was shocked to hear the backstory of it. I know high schoolers can be cruel, but I would have never guessed she would be on the receiving end of a bully. She carries her head on her shoulders with confidence and that was fucking sexy to me.

I'm gonna take this moment and chase this fear right out of me

I jumped up from my couch, looked for my hoodie and ran out my door. I had one goal for tonight, and that was to find Stella and ask her out. She's the reason for the extra bounce in my step, she's the reason for my smile and the itch to start writing again. I know this is all happening so fast, but I have to take that chance.

Friends don't kiss each other like that. 

~*~

A/N:  Okkk so who wants to go to NC with me to give Blaney a hug after what happened today?! *pouts* So heart breaking seeing him wreck from the lead like that.

Sorry this is a week late! Promise Chapter 10 will be posted on time!  I know this is short, but I hope you like it!