"I was wondering if you... wanted to go out with me at all?"

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Just outside of the village I was staying in was the college I came to study abroad for. It wasn't a long walk, so thankfully it wasn't like I needed a car or anything. I opened the door to my classroom, filing in just before my classmates.

The class itself was taught by my professor Alexandru Baciu. He wasn't anything I thought was special, at least, personality-wise. His lectures on the other hand, now that was what I was here for. I sat down in one of the chairs connected to these long tables that circled the first half of the room.

The professor talked to us about character studies for our writings, pacing back and forth in front of the white board. I already had a relatively good grasp on this, but seeing as I paid for this, I listened intently for any new tips and tricks.

Unfortunately for my intentions, my mind fought to wander elsewhere, particularly to the man in the castle. Now that I imagined him moreover in my mind, the more mysterious he became. Why live alone in a castle? Why were the boys scared of him? His eyes are dark red... but he's not an albino because of his dark hair? Is he pale because he lives in the castle? How does he get groceries in the village if people don't even think he's real? Surely someone must have seen him or knows who he is? I should probably ask around, but is that even a good idea?

I forced myself to focus instead on the class, writing down notes and answering questions about character design. I would like to say I was doing pretty well.

Once class had ended, I was the first one out the door. I headed down to the library in the village and said my usual "Hello" to the librarian. I sat down at my usual table and opened my computer from my bag.

For a while, I sat there writing my manuscript about... well, I guess I didn't really know what it was about. It was just a story I had in my head about this romantic idea between two time travelers who were destined to hunt and kill each other. Not exactly a cheery premise, but I guess it was working out rather well? I didn't know where it was headed despite having already planned out the plot. It wasn't like me to write like this, but I guess you could say I've been distracted.

"-ello?" I heard a voice peek through my ears. I turned towards the sound and found a guy about my age just kind of... standing there.

"Uh, hi?" I responded nervously. He chuckled slightly, flashing his white teeth.

"I suppose you didn't hear me the first time," he adjusted the straps to his backpack. "May I sit down?" He pointed to the chair opposite of me.

"Oh, sorry, sure! I must have zoned out or something." I laughed, leaning back a little.

"Something like that. I'm David. Your name's Lucille, right?" He pointed a finger at me, smirking a little. It came off as slightly creepy and arrogant.

"Um, yeah... Who told you?" I asked, tilting my head ever so slightly. David's eyes widened.

"Oh I'm- Sorry I- I asked the professor after you left..." He stumbled over his words, not making eye contact until he figured out what he was going to say.

"Uh huh... may I ask what you need from me, or...?" I did my best not to cross my arms and appear rude. I genuinely wanted to know.

"I-uh, um, well ya see, uh, hang on-" He took in a deep breath. "I was wondering if you... wanted to go out with me at all? Get to know each other? I know it sounds super weird to ask someone you've just met and I really hope I'm not making you uncomfortable or anything. It's obviously okay to say no. I just think you're gorgeous and smart and- I'm rambling aren't I?" He scratched the back of his neck after running his fingers through his red hair. I nodded slowly, a small smile. He seemed a little more dorky than creepy, but I knew I had to be cautious.

"You are, but it's cute," I laughed and David just stared slightly, as if he was in awe. I slowly died out and cleared my throat. "A-Anyway. I'll agree as long as it's in a public place. I'm not going over to your house and you're not coming over to mine. Sound good?"

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

"Wait, really? Ya mean it?" There was a sparkle in his green eyes and a smile upon his freckled lips. His goofy expression made me laugh once more.

"Sure! Just don't pick a time that's too late. I gotta take care of my kitten."

"No way...," he breathed. I raised an eyebrow.

"No way what?"

"You have a kitten? Can I see them?" He leaned towards me ever so slightly and I felt the need to back up.

"Uh, sure. One sec." I scooted away from him, and thankfully he got the hint, pulling away. I pulled out my phone and showed him pictures of my kitten Luma. He cooed.

"Wait, Luma? That's her name? Isn't that the name of a video game character?" I nodded.

"Yeah, but it also has this really nerdy explanation for her name, too..." I died off, chuckling.

"Well, obviously I have to know now." He playfully crossed his arms.

"Okay, fine. When older computers were still around, they'd separate the colors from the black and whites. The colors were called 'chroma' and the black and white were called 'luma.'" He nodded, slowly understanding.

"And Luma is black and white! I get it. That's smart." I watched as his eyes flicked over to my screen. "May I ask what you're writing?" I tried not to blush and what I was starting to consider a failure.

"It's-uh- a romance.." I spoke softly. I knew he heard me when his eyebrows raised.

"Huh? What? I didn't hear that..." He cupped his hand around his ear and leaned slightly, not as much as the first time. I gently hit him with my notebook. "Hey!"

"I know you heard me! Besides... it's not going very well anyway." He laughed.

"Well, we are in the same class. Maybe I could help you out. Besides, there's nothing wrong with writing a romance! I like them myself... wait. I did not just admit that. Forget what I said-" He shut himself up as I started laughing.

"You'd know more than me, then. I don't usually read these things, much less write them." I gestured to my laptop and he nodded knowingly.

"Yeah, well, if you keep it between us, I'll give you some advice?" He offered and I thought about it with a smirk on my face.

"Alright, you're on, David." We shook hands on it and he had to leave for his next class.

I finished out my day excited to see if I got a letter from my new friend, but I went home later that afternoon disappointed to see I had not. Maybe he needs more time to think about his day? Or my questions? I plopped into my chair at my desk, Luma bounding into the room from the kitchen screaming. She probably wanted a treat or something. I sighed and stroked her fur. It was more wiry than soft, but she appreciated it nonetheless.

I debated whether or not to write another letter to my new friend, but I decided on giving it more time. Besides, I had a date to prepare for in the next few days.

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My doorbell rang. It was a few days after I had been asked out by David. I still have not received a letter from "A." Part of me hoped I didn't scare him off, but I had a date to focus on.

I took in a deep breath as I checked myself in the mirror again. We were just going to the local bookstore and then to the cafe before it gets dark and they close. I had my light blue overalls on with my muted green crop top underneath them. Something cute, but not completely overdressed. I didn't know why I cared so much. Maybe it was because this would be my first date in years, or maybe it was because I didn't know what else to worry about... well, besides my book.

I opened the door to find David in a mahogany button down and jeans.

"Well, don't you look nice," I smiled, complimenting myself for the blush that crept onto his cheeks.

"I would say the same about you," he rubbed the back of his neck. He also stepped aside and motioned out of the door. "Shall we?"

"Of course!" I followed him and he led us to the bookstore.

Once inside, all I could do was gush about my favorite books. He was patient with me, commenting and asking me questions rather than talking over me. Before we left, he bought me the book I was interested in. It was sweet.

Then, we ordered at the cafe and sat down.

"So, Lucille," he started. "Why did you choose creative writing to study abroad here?"

"I could ask you the same thing, but in all honesty? It was the cheapest out of my options and I really like Romania," I shrugged and smiled. He nodded.

"Sounds about right. It's about the same thing for me as well. I also had family here that I could visit. They moved here, I stayed in the UK, all's well." He smiled at me and I felt something in my chest flutter a little. Not enough for it to mean anything to me, but it was noticeable.

"Right. What book are you working on?" He took a sip of his drink.

"It's a murder mystery. I'll keep the rest a secret." He winked and I chuckled. "Let me ask you the same thing: What are you working on?"

"Well, you already know it's a romance, but I suppose it doesn't have to be a secret. It's about these two time travelers tasked to, er, take each other out, and they slowly fall in love with each failed attempt." I moved my hair behind my ear.

"I see, well, I hope you won't mind me gushing over it because you're such a good writer." He smirked and I laughed.

"You don't know that, but thank you. It means a lot."

We chatted more about our professor and the class, and eventually it came time to go. As we watched the sunset from outside of the coffee shop, David held his arm out for me.

"May I escort you home?" He asked. I gingerly took his arm and allowed myself to be escorted to my apartment. He made sure I got in and I stood with the door open. I turned to face him. "Is it alright if I hug you?"

"Of course, thank you for asking first," I hugged him. He stepped back afterwards, blushing slightly.

"Well, goodnight, Lucille."

"Goodnight, David." With that, I closed the door and got ready for bed.

That's when I heard something slip under my door.