| Damn it Mira! He locked me out! How could he do that after everything I've done?! Tell him to open up! |

I snorted as I read Leo's text. Brandon was actually serious when he said he was gonna kick Leo out of the apartment just so we can be alone in our uh, sleepover, as he liked to call it.

| Quit whining. You can sleep in our apartment tonight. I'm going out anyway.|

I didn't even need to say that. I already knew that was his alternative.

| You two planned this, didn't you?! Didn't you?! |

I rolled my eyes. My best friend is hysterical.

He didn't even wait for a reply because he sent another one after that.

| Just thinking about all the things you're gonna do is making me lose my appetite! Promise me Mira, just not the couch, or my room, or the kitchen counter, or the bathroom. |

My eyes were bulging out of their sockets as I furiously sent a reply.

| Wtf Leo! You think we're gonna shoot a porno?! |

| I left a box of protection in the bathroom. You can never be too safe. |

| Leo damn it! We're just gonna watch a movie! |

| But you're gonna sleep over right? And you two are gonna wear those weird pyjamas? |

| Yeah, so? |

| Just do it in his room and we'll pretend this conversation never happened. |

| I hate you. |

I groaned before throwing my phone on my bed. He is ridiculous. Just because I'm gonna sleep over doesn't mean we're gonna do it.

And the couch? His room? The kitchen counter? The bathroom? I mean, what did he think? That we'd screw around the apartment in eighty minutes? What were we, animals?

"What're you so stressed about this time?" I heard Nichole come in. She sat beside me on my bed as she took her phone out.

"Your boyfriend," I scoffed. "He's ridiculous."

"I know." She sighed. Of course she did. "But forget about him. Tonight's your big date right? Be happy!"

A small smile crept on my face, forgetting about Leo's stupid texts for a minute. That's right. Tonight's going to be our first real date.

Unable to express my joy in a completely normal way, I slammed my back on my bed while taking my best friend down with me. I was giggling like a total girl.

Maybe because I am a girl. I forget sometimes.

Kidding.

"Look at you so excited," she struggled to break free from my hug. Not a chance woman. "I'm so happy you're not in denial anymore. Now let go."

"No." I said, tightening the hug. She squealed unhappily.

"Save it for later. My shirt's gonna get all crinkled!"

I paused. I just noticed how nice she looked. Oh.

"You going out?" I asked, releasing her.

"Yeah," she replied, fixing her shirt and glancing at her phone "Leo's picking me up in a bit. We're gonna stay out of your way this time."

I rolled my eyes so hard, I saw my brain. And was surprised to see I actually had one. After all this time.

Kidding again.

God.

I'm losing my sense of humor. Somebody help.

I was about to claw her back into my death grip but she jumped away and escaped just in time. Before leaving the room, she stuck her tongue at me. "Have fun Mira."

°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

I had just finished fixing my hair for the third time (read: it won't listen to me even after I grew it myself) when my phone vibrated. It was Brandon.

| I'm here. You ready? |

I sucked a deep breath. Yeah. Sure. Ready.

| Yup. Be down in a bit. |

We decided to eat dinner out tonight. He said it was gonna be in another special place and I was almost sure it was gonna be in his kitchen again.

I was wearing a red, off-shoulder blouse and a pair of black pants. I shrugged, thinking how pointless this was because I was gonna change into that damned potato pyjama set later. But Brandon was holding on to it at the moment, so I have no idea what he was planning tonight.

When I got down, his car was parked right in front of our building. I was about to open the door to the front seat when I felt someone approach me from behind. A hand barely grazed my shoulder because I quickly caught it.

Are the guys from yesterday back to take revenge?

As a natural reflex, I turned around quickly, about to break the arm of that person until I realized it was just Brandon.

"Oh." I mumbled, nervously. Then I looked around and released his hand. "I thought - "

"It's fine." He chuckled, taking my hand again. He pressed his lips gently behind the palm of my hand and smiled at me.

I feel faint.

I noticed that he was wearing something nice tonight. A blue V-neck shirt, dark pants and his black Toms.

I frowned. "I feel sorry for our clothes."

"Why?" He asked, brushing a thumb over my hand.

"You want us to wear those pyjamas later right? The clothes we're wearing right now are such a waste."

He smiled again before taking my other hand. I just kept looking down because I seriously can't look at him. I still can't believe this is real. He's really here.

"You're beautiful." He said. I finally looked up just to give him a look. Well, some sort of expression to conceal my embarrassment. His smile never left his face. "We're going somewhere tonight. It won't be a waste. Don't worry."

I raised a brow jokingly. "Where exactly? Your definition of special places have given me trust issues."

He chuckled. "Any place with food and with you is special."

"And the sweet words have returned." I announced, feeling the heat rise from my cheeks. I'm just acting tough. This boy, seriously.

He just kept staring at me smiling, and I couldn't help but feel too conscious of my appearance. Maybe I was overdressed again?

"This is gonna sound weird," he mumbled, laughing nervously and looking away for a moment. His ears were red. "But can I hug you?"

"What?" I said, surprised. He looked embarrassed. My self-confidence came back quickly and I grinned at him widely. "Why do you need permission for that?"

He shrugged his shoulders upon sending me a boy-like smile. That was too adorable. "Well. It's been a while."

I laughed before staring at him, slowly killing him with suspense until I nodded my head. He didn't have to ask.

He gave me a big, warm hug as he placed his lips on the crook of my neck. His hands were wrapped fully around my shoulder.

I live for moments like this.

He moved his face away from my neck and kissed my forehead, giving me the sweetest smile ever. God I love his smile so much.

"I missed you, potato babe." He quipped as he played with the loose strands of my hair. "I missed you."

"I missed you too, scaredy potato." I laughed.

I honestly never knew I could say the word potato with so much affection. I'm not even being sarcastic anymore.

I didn't want to break that hug but I forgot we were in public. And the security guard of our apartment building kept staring at us.

Brandon noticed this too and gave me another smile. Then he let go just to open the door for me. Such a gentleman.

I gladly accepted his offer and stepped inside his car.

Please don't let this be a dream.

°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

"Oh God really?" I couldn't control my laughter when I realized where Brandon had pulled over. "Are you sure?"

He grinned at me before he got out of his car and ran to open my door. And then he sent me another grin. I rolled my eyes.

"You don't have to keep opening my door you know," I smiled.

"It's not a problem," he shrugged his shoulders. He took my hand and unbuckled my seat belt. "Opening doors for you makes me feel like a gentleman."

I snorted. "Ah, has the patient wolf returned?"

He smirked. "A wolf's still a wolf."

We both laughed at that short recap before I asked him again, glancing at the small restaurant behind us. "Are we really gonna eat here?"

It was the place where we had that burger-eating contest.

"Yeah," he said. Then he sent me an unsure look, or some kind of guilty expression. "Sorry it's not that romantic, but I wanted to show you something."

"No, not at all. I don't mind," I shook my head and smiled to put him at ease. "What did you want to show me?"

He grinned. Uh-oh. "Let's go inside."

°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

Our orders arrived pretty quickly. We chose a meal we never tried before and were already pleased with the aroma alone.

Sizzling cheese steak, Buffalo wings, french fries and... one spicy burger?

"Is that..?" I pointed at it unsurely until he unwrapped it. I almost gasped in horror. Maybe he didn't notice? "Brandon that's - "

"I know." He simply said, placing it in front of his mouth, ready to take a bite from it. "This is what I'm gonna show you."

I stared at confused and I was literally on the edge of my seat as he took a huge bite from the burger he was supposed to hate with a passion.

I saw a sweat drop from the side of his face and I was half-standing, half-sitting, getting ready to dump a glass of cold water on him.

I mean, that won't necessarily cool his tongue but there's no way I'm offering my neck again. At least not in this situation.

"I'm good." He said weakly while showing me a thumbs up.

"What is this?" I snatched the burger away from him. "Why are you punishing yourself?"

"I'm not punishing myself." He mumbled, trying to get the burger back. "I'm practicing how to eat spicy stuff without half-dying."

I was this close to losing my mind.

"But why?"

He chugged down a whole glass of water before replying with a haggard smile. "I wanna like the same thing you like."

Oh God. Oh no.

"No." I firmly said. "You don't have to force yourself. It's okay, really. What the heck Brandon?"

I was serious. He didn't have to do this, but he looked too damn motivated to stop now.

"And," he added. "I want to get over this ridiculous fear of spices. I want to love it just as much as you and my mom did."

I was in a loss for words. I don't know if I should insist he stop that this instant or be touched. This was crazy.

But after hearing him say it was for his mom too, I kinda gave in. It was his decision after all.

I was still gaping at him when he took another bite, and then another, until he finished the whole thing. His face was flushed and sweaty as he chugged down the whole pitcher of water he ordered beforehand.

At least he was prepared.

"You're crazy," I mumbled as I began slicing the cheese steak. It was a medium-sized steak that was covered in cheese and mushrooms. Yum.

He just laughed, sticking his tongue out a bit to somehow quicken the cooling process. He didn't look so good. "I know."

°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

After dinner, Brandon stopped by a store to rent a few movies while I waited in the car. When he came back, he gave me a nervous smile before driving us to his apartment.

What was that all about?

When we got to his room, he gave me the paper bag containing the pyjama set. Then he sent me a wink when I looked at him.

"You do realize this is ridiculous what we're doing, right?" I rolled my eyes as I took the bag. He snickered in reply.

"It's relationship goals, c'mon."

I don't know why, but I burst out laughing. His grin just got wider and wider. "Said who?"

A faint blush appeared on his cheeks. "Just go with it please, potato."

I laughed again before standing on my toes to peck his pinkish cheek. "Anything for you potato."

°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

"Again," I said as I made myself comfortable on the couch in front of the flat screen. "Are you serious?"

We were already wearing the potato pyjama set and I couldn't help but snort at our silly appearances. Nonetheless, it was cute, and Brandon looked adorable.

"Um. Yeah?" He said unsurely. So this is why he had that weird expression in the car earlier. As for the movies we were gonna watch tonight, he chose three.

Three horror movies.

I smirked at him as he put the first CD in the player. "The Conjuring, Unfriended and Paranormal Activity? Oh goody."

He looked at me with a pout on his face. "Have you seen these movies already?"

"Nope," I shook my head.

Lie. I saw them at least two times each already.

"I don't believe you." He mumbled before grabbing the remote and sitting right next to me in the couch. "Are you ready?"

I smiled my sweetest at him. And then I pinched his cheek. "My potato is so adorable."

He frowned. I giggled.

"Don't worry," I said, my confidence skyrocketing. Best feeling ever. "You can just throw yourself at me if you get scared enough."

My triumphant grin was cut short when he snaked his arms around my waist and pulled me close. He pressed his lips on mine as he poked my ticklish spot, causing me to jump away but he held me firmly in place.

My eyes were as wide as saucers as he made a smug smile with his lips still against mine. "That's the plan."

I couldn't make out a clear expression. Oh my God. Oh my God. My heart.

He was too close.

I liked it.

"Leo said the couch was off-limits," I blurted out before mentally smacking myself. He raised his brows.

"What?"

"The movie's starting." I pointed at the screen. He chuckled before he kissed my lips again and then my cheek before he turned his eyes to the screen. Oh God.

I have no power here.

°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

"Is it over?" He asked, his face buried on my shoulder and his arms around my stomach. "Is it really over?"

I turned my head to look at him. I don't know how and when he got behind me. I was too focused on the movie to notice what he was up to. "Yeah. Congratulations! You managed to finish three horror films without pissing yourself."

He groaned, probably regretting the fact that he chose to watch this movie with me of all people. I was touched though. Maybe he did this for the same reason he ate that burger earlier. Ridiculous, but since it's Brandon, it was fine.

He took the remote and turned the TV off. That's when I finally felt afraid. I don't know. Afraid, nervous, anxious, excited - I can't tell the difference anymore.

He took my hands while he was still behind me, and then he brushed his thumbs across the back of my palms. I could feel his warm breath on my ear. I tried my best to be steady.

He was silent for a bit, just brushing my skin. I felt him sigh. I don't think he realizes how that affected me, since his mouth was so close to my ear and neck.

I was so sensitive to his every move.

I'm pretty sure it's not the body soap I'm using this time.

"They're gone," he said. I still didn't move. His hands felt so warm. "The bruises. They're gone."

I looked down when I remembered how he kept staring at the bruises on my knuckles back when we were still ignoring each other. It wasn't that long ago, but it felt like forever.

Hearing no reply, he continued. "I'm sorry."

This time, I broke away from his embrace so I could look at his face. As I was still adjusting my position, I could see how his eyes dulled, like he was really regretting something.

It was me who felt bad.

"Hey," I said as I crossed my legs. I held his hands and kissed them lightly. "That was my fault. A lot happened and I didn't know how to release my frustration. And didn't you know? I punch walls and floors in a daily basis."

I said that as a joke to lighten the mood, I hope it worked. The corner of his lip tugged up. He intertwined our fingers and stared into my eyes seriously. "I don't want you doing that again. Whenever something like that happens again, we'll talk about it. I promise, I won't take this long again."

I smiled, nodding my head. I trusted him.

After looking at each other for a while, his hand found its way to my face. He caressed my skin as his eyes narrowed to my lips.

I had to refrain myself from swallowing hard and ruin the moment.

"How can I make you forget that Sam kissed you?"

I held my breath before releasing it along with my reply. What was happening to me? "I already forgot about that."

"I haven't." He said, a bitter look flashing in his eyes.

I sighed, feeling bad about myself. I wouldn't know what to do if I saw Brandon kiss some other girl. How should I make him feel better?

I took his hand off my face so I could place my hands on his. I waited until he met my eyes.

I pecked his lips lightly. "I love you." Then I kissed him a bit longer. "I trust you." Then I kissed him again, deeper. "I'm in love with you. You."

After that kiss his eyes were still closed, but a happy grin was on his face the whole time. "Can you do that again?"

I laughed before pinching his nose. "Not a chance."

When he opened his eyes, looking a bit dazed for a moment, he slowly leaned closer and closer until my back was pressed against the couch. "I need to tell you too."

He stared at my lips and out of instinct, I closed my eyes. I felt him kiss the corners of my lips. "I love you too." He kissed me again. "You don't know how much you drive me crazy." And then he deepened the kiss, almost forgetting that he wasn't finished with what he was about to say. I smiled, and I felt his smile against my lips too. "I love you, Mira."

I wrapped my arms around his neck and pressed my lips on his ear. "Leo's not gonna let this one go. Let's go to your room?"

His mouth curled up into a smirk. "Really?"

I nodded. And then I sent him a playful grin. "It's not a sleepover without a bed right?"

His smirk couldn't get any wider. "I'm thinking bed things."

"I'm thinking..." I lowered my voice into something close to seductive as I pressed my hand on his chest, and then moved it lower and lower until I reached his pants. I saw his Adam's apple go up and down quickly. I grinned. When my hand reached my destination, I slid it inside his pocket and took his phone out. When I showed him what I just took from him, he looked at it confused, and then a silly grin formed in his face. I chuckled. "I'm thinking potato pyjama selfies."

He laughed as he peeled himself away from me, and then pulled me up as well. He shook his head smiling, realizing how he got tricked by my little teasing.

"First one to make the best pose wins," he said as we made our way to his room. I sent him a challenging smirk before I took my own phone as well. He's not winning this one.

"You're on."

°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

Five months have passed since Brandon and I officially became a couple. A lot has happened during that time too.

Brandon introduced me to his foster parents. His dad was so happy to see me again that he cooked dinner for all of us. Brandon's mom was a complete sweetheart - she even bought me a few dresses as presents when I came to visit. The nervousness I initially felt before I met them disappeared immediately.

Leo and Nichole were still the same, still going strong. Leo keeps complaining whenever Brandon and I flirt in front of them even when he and Nichole practically did the same since, well, forever. We just brush him off like the usual and did what we wanted to piss him off.

Potato thug life bruh.

Sam met a girl and they've been together ever since. She was his friend's younger sister and I heard she had a crush on him since forever. They were pretty happy together, and thus our circle of friends grew larger.

Emma introduced us to her boyfriend. Yeah, they were still together. He was really nice, and as expected, he was really protective of her. Who wouldn't though?

I met my dad again, but this time it was me who wanted to meet with him. Brandon suggested I do that. I thought that since he did something about his fear, then I can too. I didn't tell my dad what I've felt since he left us, because I know he already knows that. I wasn't even asking for an apology. He introduced me to his new family and I got to meet my half-siblings. They were all nice and welcoming. I'm glad I made that choice and faced him straight on.

Mom and Uncle Ray stayed the best of friends. One time Brandon told uncle that he should hook up with my mom. Uncle just laughed.

Those guys that harassed me - Brandon's old enemies - we met them again. They changed somehow. They were polite towards me, and I sensed that it wasn't just for show. I don't know if my uncle did something or they were just being like that because Brandon was with me.

I was pretty much still the same. Only, my violent habits lessened, which was supposedly a good thing since I was turning eighteen soon. All credits go to my potato.

Life turned out to be pretty nice. I'm thankful everything fell into place. Turns out, all I had to do was face it instead of avoiding it and beating myself up afterwards.

Like I said before. You don't always need a complicated solution for a complicated problem. You can start with something simple, and take baby steps until you reach your goal.

If you think you can do it, and if you do something about it, then you can.

Brandon grabbed my hand as I made my way to the principal's office. No, I wasn't in trouble this time. I just wanted to say hi.

"Wanna go out tonight?" He asked, linking our fingers together. "I saw a pizza-eating contest downtown. I think I might actually beat you this time."

I smiled at him. I can't believe this potato is my boyfriend. I've never been happier in my life.

"Face it, you'll never win against me. But since you asked nicely," I winked at him. "It is so on."

°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

A/N: It is finished! Thank you so much for reading until the end! I had no idea this story would affect a lot of people. And I didn't think my trivias would actually make you guys laugh. Thank you!

So now, I'm going to focus on editing OUK and post the edited versions on a separate book called Peanut Butter Kisses. I hope you guys will follow me there and read until the end!

And as for this story, sorry but I'm not gonna make a sequel. I don't want to destroy the ending and I'd like you to remember So On's ending this way. Please stop asking me to write a sequel. Like I've said before, I'm in college, time is an issue. And I'm also editing OUK so there.

Thank you so much again my lovely potatoes! After I'm through with Peanut Butter Kisses, see you in my next book!

Potatoes for everybody!

- Lin