If the attention Blake received earlier in the day was invasive, it was nothing compared to walking off campus with Yang. Everyone they passed gave them a second or third glance, often followed by excited whispers or outright stares. No one bothered to hide their gawking, but Yang didn't seem uncomfortable or even aware of the spotlight she drew without even trying.
Blake realized too late that being spotted together lent credence to the rumor. Because if it was only a rumor, why were they alone together?
She quickly decided that the additional scrutiny was worth it. Maybe she would have to deal with the looks and whispers for longer than initially hoped, but she also couldn't believe the circumstances. What would people do for the opportunity to spend even a minute alone with Yang? And here she was - entirely undeserving, yet somehow blessed with the moment regardless.
"Sorry if I ask the same questions," Yang said, smiling at Blake while they walked. "This will probably feel like starting from scratch, right?"
"You could say that," Blake replied, catching Yang's gaze for a second before turning away. She'd seen those beautiful eyes a million times across a million advertisements, but they were even more powerful and alluring up close.
"Ok, so...what's your major?"
"Sociology." Blake watched Yang mouth the word to herself before asking "Yours?"
"Biology."
Blake's brow rose at the response. She'd expected theater or performance art - something more appropriate for the field Yang already worked in and, admittedly, something a little...easier.
"That sounds interesting," she prodded, hoping to learn more.
"It's hard," Yang replied with a good-natured laugh. "But yeah, most of the classes are interesting."
"How do you make that work with your, um...schedule?"
"I don't sleep much," Yang answered with another short laugh. Noticing Blake's concern, however, she shook her head. "It's actually not that bad," she added. "I try to keep work to a minimum during school so I don't burn out. That means my breaks are pretty chaotic though."
"I guess I don't need to ask what you did over winter break then?"
Blake's heart fluttered when Yang smiled at her, which seemed like a silly yet somehow appropriate reaction.
"Worked a lot. It was hectic but boring at the same time." After briefly pondering that idiosyncrasy, Yang shook her head. "Some of the stuff should be released soon if you're interested."
"I'll...keep an eye out for it."
That felt like the response Yang expected, but it didn't feel right to Blake. Honestly, she didn't particularly care about seeing Yang on yet another billboard; everyone saw those and fawned over them. She was far more interested in the version of Yang walking beside her - the one with a more difficult major than expected, who was more personable and easy to talk to than expected, especially without her entourage of sorority girls.
"When you say boring…" Blake began, trying not to overstep boundaries but also wanting to know more. "Does that mean in a bad way?"
When Yang's brow creased and she gave Blake a curious look, Blake worried it was the wrong question to ask. To her, however, it made the most sense. She didn't care about what the new advertisements were, or who they were for, or how much they paid - she wondered how the life of a supermodel could be boring. Fortunately, after several seconds of being studied in a way she hadn't felt in quite some time, Yang gave a small smile and answered.
"Good and bad. I mean, how long can you stand in one spot before you wish you could do something else? Plus, those lights get wicked hot after about three minutes - imagine standing in front of them for three hours."
Blake wrinkled her nose at the thought, making Yang smile and nod before the two of them fell silent. Considering they were essentially strangers walking through campus together, the silence should have been about twice as uncomfortable. At least, that was Blake's assessment of the temporary lull in conversation, but maybe Yang felt differently. Maybe Yang already regretted asking Blake to get ice cream. Although nothing about her smile or good spirits suggested that was the case.
Ringing interrupted the silence, and Blake looked over when Yang said, "shoot," and pulled her phone out of her pocket. "Sorry," she said while gesturing to it. "Let me get rid of her real quick."
"That's fine."
Blake smiled to reassure Yang that she wasn't upset. Fortunately, it seemed to work, and Yang smiled before lifting the phone to her ear.
"Hey, Mel."
"Where are you?"
The voice on the other end of the line was audible to Blake, who frowned and wondered what type of person started a conversation in such a demanding tone.
"Getting ice cream with a friend." Yang winked at Blake while saying 'friend,' sending a flurry of butterflies through Blake's chest.
"Should you really be eating ice cream?"
This time, Yang sighed and rolled her eyes.
"I'll starve myself later," she joked - at least, Blake hoped it was a joke - before motioning with one hand. "Anyway, I'm kinda busy. We'll talk later." Before the caller had a chance to respond, Yang ended the call and put her phone away. "Sorry about that. She's easier to get rid of that way."
"I really don't mind." Blake meant it - she saw nothing wrong with Yang taking a phone call, especially when Yang had a much busier schedule than she did.
"Your friend seems...protective," she added, trying to be tactful while addressing the conversation she overheard. Everything about it threw her off, from the girl's tone to the words she used, but Yang chuckled.
"Mel can be...controlling."
"Ah."
'Controlling' was the perfect summation of what Blake just heard. Someone who felt they deserved a say in how Yang lived her life, even though Blake was willing to bet they deserved no such thing. At least Yang recognized it. Blake was willing to leave it like that, especially as they reached the edge of campus and crossed the main street into the city, but Yang continued.
"We've known each other since freshman year. She tried to get me to join a sorority with her, but I said no. We didn't talk much after that, then I got that modeling gig a couple years ago and suddenly she's my best friend."
The more Blake learned about that particular 'friendship,' the less she liked it. She couldn't say as much though - that wasn't her place. Instead, she shook her head and offered a diplomatic, "She sounds...loyal."
Surprisingly, Yang laughed while gesturing for Blake to follow her towards one of the biggest shopping centers near school.
"She's fine, I guess," Yang added as they walked. "She knows everything that goes on at school though. She's actually the one who found out about what happened at the party."
"Oh."
Reminded of that little lie, Blake couldn't think of a response. Thankfully, Yang continued.
"I didn't believe it at first, because it didn't sound like something I'd do. But I asked her to show me a photo or something. Then I was like...wow, she's beautiful."
"You...think I'm beautiful?" Blake asked while her cheeks warmed. She could hardly believe the compliment, and Yang hadn't noticed what she said until Blake pointed it out. Suddenly embarrassed, Yang stuck her hands in her pockets and stared at the ground.
"I mean, yes," she mumbled towards the sidewalk before looking up, flashing a small smile, and quickly moving on. "But then I felt bad because I couldn't remember what happened. Did we hit it off? Did I even get your name?" After thinking about the slew of questions, she shook her head. "I'm just glad you aren't pissed at me."
"Why would I be pissed at you?"
"What if I promised to call?" Yang asked before turning to Blake with renewed worry. "I didn't promise to call then not call, right?"
Yang's expression was so concerned, and that concern was so astoundingly cute, Blake nearly laughed. Instead, she shook her head in hopes of erasing Yang's unnecessary worry.
"No, you didn't. But I wouldn't be upset even if you had."
"You wouldn't?"
"Of course not." Blake smiled and gestured to the girl walking beside her. "I mean, you're Yang Xiao Long -" When Yang immediately groaned, Blake paused and tilted her head. "What?"
"You just did the thing," Yang said, making Blake's confusion grow.
"The...thing?"
"The name thing! Where you say my name all weird."
"I'm...sorry. what?"
"People do it all the time," Yang went on. "It's Yang Xiao Long, but they say it like Yang Xiao Long."
"That sounds the same…"
"The emphasis is weird though."
When Yang threw both hands in the air, seeming perturbed by this phenomenon, Blake couldn't help but laugh.
"I'm sorry," she replied with a smile. "I didn't mean to say your name weird."
"It's ok. It just...makes me feel different."
When Yang stuck her hands in her front pockets and shrugged, Blake made a mental note to say Yang's name as normal and boring as possible from then on. She hadn't realized she put any emphasis on it, but she could see why she might have. Yang was Yang Xiao Long, after all - the 'next most popular model,' just voted one of the world's hottest people.
And she thought Blake was beautiful, which could be added to the list of unbelievable occurrences happening today.
"Have you ever been here?" Yang asked then, gesturing to an ice cream shop across the street.
"Can't say that I have."
That wasn't saying much. The perimeter of campus was an endless loop of eateries and shops. The more adventurous students made goals to try each one before graduation. Blake, on the other hand, found a few that she liked and stuck to those.
"I know a couple of frat boys who did this whole ranking thing," Yang explained while they crossed the street. Then she jogged forward to open the door for Blake, who smiled at the chivalrous gesture. "They swear this one's the best," she added as they were greeted by a rush of warm air, soft drone of voices, and overwhelming scent of sugar.
"Wow," was Blake's initial response as she took in the crowded interior. "It's busy."
'Busy' was a nice way to describe the ice cream parlor practically bursting at the seams with college students. 'Fire hazard' was another term that came to mind.
Blake knew she didn't get out very often - too busy working towards her life goals - so she never knew this was the place to be on a Thursday afternoon. That explained why Yang suggested it, as she was undoubtedly more aware of what was 'cool' than Blake was.
"Don't worry." If Blake had any worries, they disappeared when Yang lightly set a hand on her elbow and led her across the room. "The line goes fast," she added while they squeezed through the packed space, slipping between tables and dodging students as they made their way to the line.
"Yang Xiao Long!"
When a tall, crew-cut boy called out her name, Yang gave Blake a look.
"Ah," Blake said, smiling at the irony. "Got it."
"What's up?" the boy continued, leaving his seat to hug Yang.
"Not much." After accepting the hug, Yang returned to Blake's side. Actually, she moved a little closer to Blake's side than she'd been before, close enough that their arms brushed. "Just felt like grabbing some ice cream with special company."
When Yang nodded Blake's way, making her heart flutter by identifying her as 'special company,' the boy finally acknowledged her existence. After looking her over, he tilted his head much like a dog would while puzzling something out.
"You look familiar...have we met?"
"I don't think so," Blake replied courteously.
"Are you sure? Didn't we have that massage class together last year?"
"Uh, no." She shook her head this time, positive she'd never seen the boy before in her life.
"Oh!" He snapped his fingers and grinned. "I got it - the homecoming party earlier this year."
"No." Blake shook her head again and decided she needed to be a little firmer. "We've really never met before."
"I swear though -" he said before his eyes widened. "Oh, did we...you know…after the spring break bash a couple years ago?"
"Really, really no."
"Ok, Cal -" Yang interrupted, stepping forward and patting his arm to stop the guesses. "You haven't met her before, but I'd like to get some ice cream with her. See you around?"
"Alright, alright - oh, wait!" Before Yang walked away, he reached out to stop her. "We're throwing a party tomorrow and you have to be there."
"I don't know…I have a busy weekend."
"Come on - you know you'll have fun! Plus, we already told everyone you'd be there."
Curious, Blake waited to see how Yang would respond. Clearly, she didn't want to go. If she had a busy weekend, that made sense - who wanted to be out until the wee hours of the morning if they had something important to do the next day? But she still thought it over for quite some time.
"I'll think about it," she eventually said. From Cal's celebratory fist pump, however, he took the answer as a firm 'yes.'
"Bring Mel and the girls with you. It's gonna be lit."
"Right...see you later then." After flashing another bright smile, Yang subtly motioned Blake away. "Shall we?" Once Blake nodded, Yang led them to the back of the line.
"Sorry about him…" she said as they waited for their turn to order. "He's...well, he's kind of dumb and thinks he's hooked up with everyone. But he's a nice guy."
That sounded like the definition of a harmless idiot, but Yang seemed to know as much. So, rather than pile on, Blake focused on what really bothered her about the interaction.
"Do you get invited out like that a lot?"
"Uh, yeah, kinda. People like to say I'll be somewhere so everyone shows up."
Blake frowned at what seemed to be way too much presumption on everyone else's part, but she tried to imagine what it would be like to live like that. If anyone took half a second to gauge Yang's reaction or consider her feelings, they would see that she wanted to do something else with that time. Instead, someone else dictated her evening for her.
"You realize you don't have to go, right?"
Yang shrugged and stepped forward when the line moved. "I don't have a good excuse not to. What would I say? 'I'd rather sit at home in my pajamas?'"
"Well, yes. That's exactly what you could say." Blake nodded when Yang glanced at her. "I tell my roommate that all the time. There's nothing wrong with taking time for yourself."
The response drew another long, searching look from Yang, as if she couldn't fully comprehend what Blake was saying or why, before a smile finally appeared.
"Eh, it shouldn't be too bad. I'll show up for a few minutes then duck out early. Not really feeling up for a party anyway - not after the last one."
When Yang winked and nudged Blake's arm, Blake forced a smile and turned her gaze towards the front of the line. The reminder of their 'introduction' rankled her, but not as much as the idea that Yang attended events even though she didn't feel like it. If she wanted to do something else, then why go? Why let her friends schedule her life for her? Didn't she need time for herself?
Ultimately, Blake let it go with a small shake of her head. She'd never considered it before, but going through life without that type of social pressure was a privilege. She did what she wanted, and Sun hardly ever gave her a hard time about it. Or he jokingly gave her a hard time, but he never made her feel guilty about declining his invitations.
"Any recommendations?" she asked instead while nodding ahead of them. Unorthodox flavors and combinations filled the menu hanging in front of her, listing everything from traditional chocolate and vanilla to something called 'smushed monster.' For someone who'd never been here before, the selection was overwhelming.
"Strawberry's my favorite. But if you're feeling extra adventurous, order a 'Ruby's Special.'"
From Yang's grin, the suggestion was either mind-boggling or disgusting and not something Yang would actually let Blake order.
"Strawberry it is," she replied while they inched closer to the counter. "Who's Ruby?"
Yang had mentioned the name twice now, and Blake was curious to know if it was yet another controlling or presumptuous friend. Hopefully, neither. She didn't know if she could handle learning that Yang's life was filled with people who only wanted to control and use her. They hadn't known each other long, but...Yang deserved better than that.
"Ruby's my little sister." Yang's smile grew at the mere mention of her sister, and Blake was immediately relieved. "She comes here so often that they named her order the 'Ruby's Special.' It's a lot of ice cream."
"Well now I'm curious…"
When Yang laughed, Blake felt a flurry of success and butterflies in her chest.
"I won't stop you," Yang added happily. "But I'll warn you - it's diabetes in a bowl."
That did nothing to ease Blake's curiosity, but there was no way she could eat that much ice cream in one sitting.
"Maybe next time."
With their turn to order finally arriving, they stepped up to the counter and were met by an older gentleman with a warm smile.
"Yang Xiao Long," he greeted Yang, adding emphasis to her name that Blake couldn't stop noticing now. "Want the usual?"
"Yes, please." Yang then smiled at Blake. "Last chance to change your mind."
"I'll have the same," Blake told the man, who nodded and grabbed two cups and an ice cream scoop to fill their order.
"The strawberry's really good," Yang said while he scooped out two large balls of ice cream and dropped one in each cup. "They make it here every morning."
"And only use fresh strawberries," he added proudly. After setting both cups on the counter, he motioned towards the register, where an older woman waited for them to pay. "Enjoy!" he told them before hurrying to help the next customer.
"Thank you," Blake said while accepting one of the cups from Yang, who smiled before walking to the register. Recognizing that it was time to pay, Blake hurried to keep up and searched through her bag for her wallet.
"I got it." Already with her wallet in hand, Yang waved Blake away from the register.
"It's ok. I don't mind."
"Yeah, but I invited you. That means I pay."
While Yang seemed more than happy to pay, Blake didn't want her to feel used, which seemed to be a recurring theme with everyone they met.
"I really don't mind..." Blake tried one last time.
"I got it - how about we rock-paper-scissors for it?"
The idea sounded fairer than making Yang pay 'just because,' so Blake nodded and held out her hand. Yang mirrored the motion and grinned.
"Ok. Rock...paper...scissors...shoot!" As soon as they picked their respective items, Blake shook her head and Yang laughed. "Aha," she said while cutting Blake's 'paper.' "I knew you'd be a paper girl."
Having lost fair and square, Blake moved out of the way while Yang handed her card to the cashier.
"What makes you say that?"
"You seem studious, and that you'd like books - all paper-related things."
Blake did handle paper often, but she'd never considered its impact on her rock-paper-scissors choice. "Then why'd you choose scissors?" she asked. As soon as she heard the question aloud and saw Yang's amused expression, a hot blush crept onto her cheeks.
"I chose scissors so I'd win," Yang replied, before softly clearing her throat and leading Blake away from the counter. The light pink dusting Yang's cheeks did nothing to ease Blake's blush, which was hot enough to melt her bowl of ice cream if she held it too close to her face. Fortunately, Yang let the subject drop there.
"Ok," she said instead. Standing off to the side of the small ice cream parlor, she smiled. "It's kind of cold out, but do you want to walk around? Or would you rather stay here?"
That question was easy to answer, especially when there weren't any open tables and the people already sitting seemed equally curious about what Yang would do next.
"Walking sounds nice."
"I was hoping you'd say that."
With their cups of ice cream in hand, they left the warm, crowded ice cream parlor in favor of the slight chill outside. The cold wasn't bad though. If anything, it was a worthy trade-off for the quiet and relative privacy that being outdoors offered. They headed back to campus in silent agreement, and Blake took the first taste of her ice cream before humming in delight.
"This is good," she added before trying another bite, finding it just as delicious as the first.
"Yeah?" When Blake nodded, Yang smiled and tried a spoonful for herself. "Mm...you're right. It is good."
Something about the response, and the way Yang ate one tiny spoonful at a time, reminded Blake of the phone call from earlier.
"You aren't really going to starve yourself, are you?"
When Yang looked confused by the question, Blake motioned to the ice cream in her hands. As soon as Yang looked at it, she laughed.
"Oh, no. I'll just hit the gym hard tomorrow to even things out."
The answer was somewhat relieving, but Blake couldn't help feeling guilty that this outing negatively impacted Yang in any way.
"Don't worry," Yang added, gently nudging Blake's elbow and sending her a smile. "I do this about once a week."
That knowledge erased most of Blake's guilt, and she smiled to show as much. She shouldn't even be eating ice cream with Yang to begin with. The last thing she wanted was to steal Yang's time for ice cream then force her to spend extra time at the gym just to make up for it. If this was a somewhat regular occurrence though, Blake convinced herself that she was just along for the ride. Yang would have gotten ice cream regardless - Blake just happened to accompany her.
The sideways glances from a group of passing students reminded Blake why Yang requested her company. A lie - a rumor - and now the two of them walked through campus on a thoughtless path while enjoying some ice cream.
Maybe it was Blake's guilty conscience speaking, but it felt like everyone was looking at them. The students standing outside the doors to the main lobby. The bicyclists pedaling towards the edge of campus. And the people walking past definitely took a second glance to confirm their identities.
Yang didn't seem to notice or mind the looks sent their way. She walked as if no one else was around - a skill Blake wished for at the moment.
"You...get a lot of attention..." she finally pointed out, if only so Yang acknowledged the phenomenon.
"Huh?" After looking at Blake, Yang turned to the side and caught two girls staring. They quickly looked away, but Yang sighed. "Oh, yeah...that. Sorry, I try not to let it bother me."
"It bothers you?"
"I mean, yeah. I don't mind some attention, but the entire school treats me like a celebrity or something. I never wanted that much attention."
"That magazine named you as one of the hottest people alive," Blake pointed out, having seen the article only after Sun shoved it in front of her.
"A blessing and a curse," Yang replied with a light laugh. "I only picked up modeling as a side job to help pay for school."
"Oh." The more they talked, the more Blake realized she knew next to nothing about Yang. She had a lot of assumptions, but those assumptions kept turning out wrong. "I thought you wanted to be a model," she admitted.
"Eh." When Yang shrugged and swirled her spoon around in her bowl, it felt like that was all she had to say. Then she added, "Other people want me to be a model."
The answer was surprising because, from everything Blake had ever heard, Yang was one signature away from becoming a bonafide star. A very wealthy, very pretty star. Shouldn't she be excited about that? Ecstatic about the opportunity? Chomping at the bit to reach that future?
"If not modeling, what would you do?" Blake asked, only for her surprise to grow when Yang looked at the ground and sighed.
"You won't believe me even if I tell you."
"Try me." When Yang looked up, Blake nodded and motioned with her free hand. "I'll listen."
"Ok…" After thinking about it for a second, Yang flashed a hint of a smile. "I want to be a pediatrician."
At first, Blake thought it was a joke, and she almost laughed. Then she noticed Yang's sincere expression, and the way she looked ready for Blake to laugh at her.
"Really?" Blake asked instead.
"Totally serious."
Thank god she hadn't laughed, but she had no idea how to respond to that. All this time, she - and everyone she knew - assumed Yang wanted to be a model. Why wouldn't she? She'd already achieved success, so why not keep going and make more money than most of them could ever dream about?
"Wow."
"See?"
"I believe you, but it's still pretty unbelievable." After shaking her head, she gestured to Yang. "I mean, you're -" Realizing she was about to call Yang beautiful, Blake paused and blushed. "You're already a successful model," she redirected. "So everyone would assume you'd keep doing that."
"Right. It makes sense, but sometimes I just...don't know."
They hadn't known each other for more than an hour, and they couldn't even legitimately say that they were 'close,' yet Yang answered with refreshing honesty. It made Blake want to ask questions all night long if only to hear Yang's thoughts and break down the ill-conceived assumptions built up over time.
"What makes you want to be a pediatrician?"
"I like taking care of people. I took care of Ruby growing up, and I like working with kids. They're so happy and innocent, you know?"
For whatever reason, Yang still seemed embarrassed or ashamed of the admission, which likely explained why she looked straight ahead while mindlessly spinning her spoon in her cup.
"That's really sweet."
The comment drew Yang's gaze, and she narrowed her eyes as if trying to read Blake's mind.
"You don't think it's stupid?"
"No." Taken aback by the question, Blake gave Yang a confused look. "Why would I think that's stupid? It's a great dream to have."
"But that's just it." Suddenly more animated, Yang turned towards Blake and motioned with both hands. "People say I'm dreaming too small. That I shouldn't want something so 'simple' when I could be famous."
"Good thing it's your dream, not theirs."
For a second, Yang looked stunned by the response. Then her eyes regained their sparkle, and she laughed.
"You're different, aren't you?" she asked.
"What do you mean?"
"You're unapologetic for who you are," Yang explained while motioning towards Blake. "You say what you feel and mean it. It's different and...nice."
People often told Blake that she was different, but no one had ever phrased it the way Yang just did. The way Yang put it made her feel different in a way worthy of the smile directed towards her.
If Yang appreciated the honesty so much - and it appeared that she did - then Blake would keep offering it. Not that it was hard to speak the truth when these were all things she believed in. There was nothing wrong with being a pediatrician. It was noble, sweet, and clearly something Yang wanted to do. Unfortunately, no one seemed to care what Yang wanted to do.
When Yang finally broke eye contact, Blake realized that the two of them had stood beside one of the school's many fountains for the past few minutes by themselves. This section of campus wasn't busy at this time of day, loaning them this moment of privacy that Blake had yet to experience with Yang.
Did Yang know this area would be less busy? Did she lead them here to seek refuge from the staring? Or did her feet subconsciously seek out peace and quiet on their own? Blake wasn't sure which made her feel worse.
"Are you done with that?"
When Yang motioned to the cup in Blake's hand, which was empty save for a layer of melted ice cream at the bottom, she glanced at it before nodding and handing it over. But she held it out at the same time Yang reached for it, resulting in Yang knocking the cup right out of her hand. She caught it before it hit the ground, but not before melted ice cream spilled on the bottom of her shirt.
"Oh crap." Yang hurriedly took the cup from Blake and tossed it into the nearby garbage can. "I'm so sorry!"
"It's fine."
Fortunately, Blake still had the small napkin in her other hand, which she used to wipe off as much of the sticky substance as she could before tossing that into the garbage as well.
"I can get that dry cleaned for you. Or buy you a new one?"
"Yang," Blake replied with a laugh, finding Yang's concern endearing but ultimately unnecessary. "Seriously, it's fine. It'll wash out, and I'm more than capable of washing it myself. It's no big deal."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm sure."
"Ok…" Yang acquiesced before taking one last look at Blake's shirt. "I'm still sorry. I swear I'm not usually such an idiot, but whenever I'm around a girl I like, I kinda lose the ability to function and -" She paused and took a deep breath. "I guess what I'm saying is, sorry for losing my ability to function."
Yang gave a timid smile with the apology, but Blake stared. What Yang just said without realizing it was that she was interested in Blake. That seemed unbelievably unlikely, but that's what she said. She could mean 'like' in a platonic way, but...Blake didn't get that feeling.
Admittedly, she was also having a really great time. Once she got over the shock of being with Yang Xiao Long, this outing became something more along the lines of...getting to know someone she liked more and more by the minute.
"Nothing to apologize for," she finally replied. "I've had a great time."
It wasn't until the words came out that she realized they sounded too much like something someone said before leaving for the night. Unfortunately, Yang caught the subtlety before Blake could correct it and responded in kind.
"Yeah, me too," Yang stuck her hands in her pockets and smiled. "It's been a while since I've had such a nice time. You're really easy to talk to."
The admissions made Blake's heart flutter, as she couldn't imagine two nicer compliments from a sweeter person.
"You are too," she replied, knowing that she had to tell Yang that she was also a pleasure to speak to. Not only a pleasure to speak to but an all-around wonderful surprise.
"At least drunk me has good taste," Yang joked.
Blake laughed when Yang winked at her, but her guilt immediately returned. Now was the time to tell Yang that they actually hadn't met before. Maybe she wouldn't mind now that they knew each other better. Maybe they could both laugh about it and decide it was a funny way for a new friendship to form.
But it didn't feel like the right time. Not when Yang was in such good spirits. Blake didn't want to ruin the mood. So, rather than bring up that subject, she remained silent and waited for Yang to speak next. Because Yang clearly had something to say, as she shuffled her feet and wrung her hands.
"Hey, so, I don't want to be super forward or anything..." she said before pausing and shaking her head. "I guess it's a little late for that, but I don't want to make you feel like you have to say yes just because...of things..."
When Yang chuckled nervously and ran a hand through her golden hair, Blake watched with a growing smile. She'd always imagined Yang as an outgoing and confident person. But this was...even better.
"Uh, but I have a work thing this weekend that I'm supposed to bring someone to. I was going to drag Ruby, but maybe..." When Yang trailed off with the invitation half-finished, Blake nodded for her to continue. The small encouragement was enough to make Yang break into a big smile. "Maybe you want to come with me? It shouldn't take too long - just a short meet-and-greet with some execs and stuff. Good food though. And I promise not to spill anything on you."
Yang smiled at the promise, and Blake chuckled before nodding. Her only plan for the weekend was to finalize her capstone topic, but she couldn't feasibly spend the entire weekend racking her brain for that. She would need a break at some point, and why not use that break to spend more time with Yang?
"Sure, I'll go."
"Yeah?" Yang looked excited about it, which filled Blake with an indescribable feeling. Like her heart wanted to flutter right out of her chest, especially when Yang smiled and again ran her hand through her hair.
"That's awesome. So, uh, maybe I can get your number and text you the details?"
It didn't slip her attention that Yang just asked for her number, but she certainly wasn't saying 'no' to that either.
"Sure," she replied with another smile. When Yang pulled out her phone and handed it over, Blake entered her information and returned it. Her heart did another somersault when Yang grinned at the screen before putting her phone away.
"Ok, great. I'll text you then."
"Please do."
Blake smiled at how happy Yang looked from something so simple. To someone like Blake - someone 'normal' - this was an opportunity of a lifetime. But it felt like more than that, and maybe she wasn't crazy to think it meant more than that to Yang too.
"Thanks for walking with me," Yang added before looking at the fountain and the privacy they hadn't left since finding it. "It's kinda nice here," she remarked as if noticing this place for the first time, giving the courtyard a nod before returning her gaze to Blake. As she opened her mouth to add something else, however, her phone interrupted.
"Of course," she grumbled while pulling out the device. After a quick look at the screen, she sighed and gave Blake an apologetic look. "How horrible will it make me look if I can't walk you home?"
"Not horrible at all," Blake replied without hesitation before motioning for Yang to take the call. "I actually don't live too far from here - don't worry."
Even with the reassurance, Yang looked hesitant, which was flattering and sweet but also unnecessary. Hoping to make it a little easier, Blake took several steps away to put some distance between them. She didn't want to leave - she wanted to continue their conversation through the night - but she also knew Yang had other responsibilities to return to.
"I'll see you this weekend," she added, and Yang finally smiled.
"I can't wait," Yang said before waving, answering the call, and hurrying in the opposite direction.
With no reason to linger, Blake headed home for the evening. She couldn't stop smiling, but that felt like an appropriate response after meeting someone so...amazing. She understood that it was a fluke - that the only reason it happened was that Neptune couldn't keep his mouth shut - but that hardly mattered to her at the moment.
They would see each other again in a couple of days. Until then, she would focus on her work and not on how much she wanted to sit down and talk to Yang for hours...or she would focus on work while thinking about how much she wanted to sit down and talk to Yang for hours.