AN: So most of the reviews I have received have been amazing, but there are a select few that I need to call out and will state are unacceptable. The reason it's called a review is because it's just that: a review of my story, content, and characters. That does not mean you have the right to blatantly insult a certain group or anything in general. If you think my content can be improved upon, state it, or I will delete your "review." Each time this case has happened, it's been from an anonymous person because they are too cowardly to stamp their own name on their unintelligible foolery. If my stories offend you, say why. I will admit that I have a crass sense of humor, but I poke fun at groups that often deserve to be joked about every now and then. So if you're going to get pissy with me, it better be for a good damn reason. All of that aside, most of you, I absolutely adore you. Keep sending me love, and I'll sure as hell be replying with an even greater degree.

Chapter Four- Just a Little Closer

On the second afternoon back from our winter break I found myself setting up my notes while glancing every few seconds at the door. Ymir had been absent from the seat to my right the previous day and I wondered if she would return this time.

Considering our now close-quarters seating, I wondered how long we'd been like that. I started out a row behind her and far to the left. Maybe I'd gradually inched closer as time passed until there wasn't even a single desk separating us. All throughout December our frequency of conversations had gradually yet largely increased. It currently, and slightly suddenly, seemed odd not to comment on small things the professor did or share answers to homework. It was like a snowball effect, one that I hadn't even realized was occurring.

Tapping the eraser of my pencil against the lined note paper, my gaze shifted between the blank board and the door which was flooded with students continually milling in.

Then as I craned my head to look further outside of the doorframe, I noticed an easy-to-recognize taller frame. Her shoulders were hunched down the slightest. With her head tilted down, she must've been talking to someone shorter than her. Her back shook the smallest bit with a laugh that my ears never caught.

Two pale hands reached up and pushed the brunette back. Ymir staggered for a moment, visibly laughing even harder at her mock assailant. As her companion stepped closer and, finally, into my strained line of sight, I noted the large gray hoodie and pulled-up blonde hair. She definitely wasn't smiling, but her eyes held a trace of amusement.

Shaking her head, Ymir's counterpart said something that was drowned out by the dull roar of the history classroom. The corners of her lips twitched up in a miniscule manner. Ymir tilted her head and replied, then swung around playfully and waltzed into the room. The blonde rolled her eyes and began walking away.

I rested my chin on my upturned palm while donning an inquisitive expression. Ymir waggled her brows at me as she strode closer. Of course it was in that single moment that I noticed the way her jeans hugged her lower body, hanging low on her hips. Tan skin peeked out from between the hem of her jeans and her shirt which was messily scrunched towards the bottom.

Catching my lingering eyes, I averted them to meet Ymir's, an embarrassed yet joyful smile stretching across my face.

I turned myself around when she sat in her usual spot on my right. "A friend of yours?" I immediately asked as Ymir got her supplies situated for the period.

"I haven't even been here for a minute and you're already so talkative" the other teased, leaning close. "But yeah, that was Annie. She's my girlfriend, to be more exact. She made me stay home yesterday, convinced that I was sick. Then she walked me to class like a loyal parent."

I widened my eyes intentionally and replied, "Oh? You didn't look too sick out in the hall."

She fake coughed to the side, then looked back at me with half-lidded eyes and a smirk. "Trust me, I am so very ill. I could barely even get out of bed yesterday. You should treat me to a late lunch to properly express your sympathy."

I snorted and tried to not get flustered over the proximity, though it was difficult with her bright amber eyes boring into my own. "Sorry, but I already ate. How's dinner sound?"

Her features lit up at my suggestion. "I actually need notes from what I missed. You think we could work on that over food tonight? You're still paying."

I couldn't help releasing a raspy laugh at her persistence. Honestly I'd buy her a plane ticket to Japan if she asked. Okay, so maybe my willingness to please the young woman wasn't totally healthy, but resistance was becoming increasingly difficult. It must be her charm.

"Sure" I answered. "But I don't have a car, so I hope you're fine with walking to somewhere on-campus."

"Cool with me. Free food is free food" Ymir said, leaning back with her analyzing gaze still focused on me. As the professor began the day's lesson, I had a bit of a tough time paying attention when much more… taxing subjects were occupying my thoughts.

AN: Stay safe, everyone. There are many parts of the world that are struggling with some harsh situations at the moment. All I can offer are my well wishes and hopes toward those who are suffering.