Chapter 51 Sweet.
CHAPTER 51
Sweet.
Morning arrived gently, carried in by the soft sound of waves brushing against the shore. Sunlight slipped through the wide glass windows of the beachfront apartment, painting the room in gold. The air felt fresh, calm, and peaceful, completely different from the rushed mornings Ruby was used to.
Ruby woke up first, she shifted slightly, her cheek pressed against something warm. It took her a second to realize Leo. Her eyes slowly opened. She didn't move either, she just stayed there, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her ear, feeling the comfort of his arms still wrapped loosely around her. A small smile formed on her lips. Then she tilted her head slightly to look up at him.
Leo was already awake and she caught him watching her.
Ruby froze for a second. “How long have you been awake?” she asked softly.
“A while.”
Her eyes widened slightly. “And you didn’t wake me?”
“You looked peaceful.”
Her smile deepened. “Good answer.”
Leo smirked faintly.
Ruby adjusted, sitting up slowly but staying close. Her hair was slightly messy, falling over her shoulders, and she tried to smooth it down with her fingers.
“Good morning,” she said.
“Good morning.”
Their eyes locked for a long while and Ruby laughed softly. “We fell asleep on the couch.”
Leo glanced around. “We did.”
“You didn’t even move me to the bed.”
“You seemed comfortable.”
“I was.” Then Ruby added playfully, “My back might disagree later though.”
Leo chuckled quietly. “I’ll take responsibility for that.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Oh really?”
“Yes.”
“And how do you plan to do that?”
Leo leaned slightly closer. “I’ll figure something out.”
Ruby felt her cheeks red. She quickly stood up. “I should get ready for school.”
Leo stood as well. “I’ll drop you.”
She turned to him, surprisingly. “You don’t have work?”
“I do.”
“Then—”
“I’ll still drop you.”
Ruby smiled softly. “Okay.”
×××××××××
A little while later, the apartment was filled with quiet morning activity. Ruby stood in the bedroom, choosing her outfit while occasionally glancing at the ocean view outside. She settled on something simple but neat, perfect for class.
When she stepped out, Leo was already dressed, looking composed as always—but somehow more relaxed than usual.
“Ready?” he asked.
“Almost.”
She grabbed her bag and slipped on her shoes.
Before leaving, she took one last look at the apartment.
“Can we come back here again?”
Leo followed her gaze. “Yes.”
That simple answer made her smile.
The drive back to the city felt different. Ruby sat comfortably in the passenger seat, her body slightly turned toward Leo instead of facing the window like she usually did. At one point, Ruby reached out and adjusted his collar slightly.
Leo glanced at her. “What are you doing?”
“It was crooked.”
He smirked. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
A few minutes later, Leo rested one hand briefly over hers where it lay on the seat between them.
Just a simple meeting of his hands on her made Ruby’s heart flutter, she didn’t want to let go of the moment or pull away either; instead, she turned her hand slightly, letting their fingers brush. Leo didn’t move his hand away either. They stayed like that for a while.
When they finally arrived at the school, the familiar campus came into view. Students were already gathering, chatting in groups as usual.
Leo pulled over near the entrance. Ruby unfastened her seatbelt slowly.
“Thank you… for everything,” she said softly, looking at him.
Leo met her gaze. “You’re welcome.”
They stared at each other for some time and then Leo leaned slightly closer. “Come here.”
Ruby didn’t hesitate, he kissed her slowly, and moved her body so close to him that they could hardly breathe and enough to make her forget where she was for a second.
When they pulled apart, Ruby smiled shyly. “Someone might see.”
Leo glanced around casually. “Let them.”
She opened the door but paused before stepping out. “I’ll see you later?”
Leo nodded. “I’ll pick you up.”
“Okay.”
She stepped out of the car and closed the door, she stood there watching him drive away. Then she turned and walked toward the campus.
“Ruby!”
Jane’s voice came almost immediately.
Ruby turned to see her jogging over, as energetic as always. “Good morning!” Jane said.
Ruby smiled.
“Good morning.” Jane stopped in front of her and immediately narrowed her eyes.
“Why are you glowing?”
Ruby blinked. “I’m not glowing.”
“You are.”
“I’m not.”
Jane crossed her arms. “Did something happen?”
Ruby hesitated. “Maybe.”
Jane gasped. “I knew it!”
Ruby laughed, pulling her aside. “Okay, okay, calm down.”
“No, you calm down. Tell me everything.”
Ruby shook her head, smiling. “I will. But not here.”
Jane leaned closer. “Was it him?”
Ruby nodded slightly.
Jane squealed quietly. “I knew it!”
Ruby covered her mouth quickly. “Shhh!”
They both laughed.
As they started walking toward class, Jane kept glancing at her. “You look really happy.”
Ruby softened. “I am.”
Jane smiled warmly. “I’m glad.”
They walked in silence for some while before Ruby spoke again.
“Jane?”
“Hmm?”
“I need your help.”
Jane raised an eyebrow. “With what?”
Ruby hesitated for a second. “Leo’s birthday is coming up.”
Jane’s eyes widened. “Oh.”
“I want to do something special.”
Jane’s expression immediately turned excited. “Yes. We’re doing this.”
Ruby laughed. “I knew you’d say that.”
“Of course. This is serious.”
Ruby nodded. “I don’t know what to get him.”
Jane tapped her chin thoughtfully. “Okay… we need ideas. Something meaningful.”
“Exactly.”
“Not just expensive.”
“Yes.”
Jane grinned. “This is going to be fun.”
Ruby smiled, but there was also a hint of nervousness. “I just want him to like it.”
Jane nudged her. “He will. It’s from you.”
Ruby looked down slightly, smiling to herself. “Still… I want it to be perfect.”
Jane wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Don’t worry. We’ll plan everything.”
Ruby nodded. “Thank you.”
As they entered the classroom, Ruby felt lighter than she had in days. She just can't wait to surprise him. What if he doesn't like the gift? Of course he will since it's from me, she convinced herself with those words.