"Tell me how to be in this world, tell me how to breathe in and feel no hurt. Tell me how 'cause I believe in something; I believe in us." —James Bay.

🔞

Kelly is dripping wet as she stands in Nikolai's spacious bathroom, waiting for him to return with one of his dry T-shirts. There is a slight embarrassment settling in due to her impulsive visit to his house, but her parents' separation outweighs all the bashful feelings.

Cowards. They are nothing but cowards in her eyes. Love is never futile, in her opinion. If they could somehow regain the reason they first fell in love, then they could work things out. Counseling. Maybe they could try marital counseling. A lot of couples do it. She could run it by them; perhaps they haven't thought about it.

The door to the bathroom opens, and she looks up as Nikolai steps inside. He's now wearing a black tank shirt with spacious underarm slits. If she weren't feeling this disheartened, she would have drooled over the yummy display of his tats. She can also see a piece of his pink nipple poking out at the side of his shirt.

"Kelly?"

His voice pulls her back to earth, and she lifts her gaze to see another one of his white button-downs extended in her direction.

"You can wear this."

"Thank you." She accepts it from his hand.

His observant eyes move down to her chest, taking immediate notice of her white bra printing through the damp blouse.

Kelly tracks his focus, then wraps an arm around herself, eliciting a small chuckle from Nik as he reaches around her for a towel.

"Don't cover yourself around me, Kelly. You don't have to."

She blushes pink as he begins to ruffle-dry her hair. She stares up at him through the wet strands, wondering how she became this lucky. He is always around whenever she needs him.

Nikolai's face is focused, his rosy lip bitten and his brows pulled in a furrow. Something he does when he's putting all his attention on a task.

She is grateful that she can always run to him whenever she feels hopeless, and he doesn't seem to want anything in return except for her success and good well-being.

The grateful emotions and respect become too much to sustain, and so she wraps her arms around him, placing her cheek to his sternum.

Nikolai stills with his arms above her head, the action undoubtedly catching him off guard. She is still wet, but for the second time tonight, he doesn't mind. He looks down at her, finding her eyes closed.

His shirt smells like fresh laundry, and his body scent is relaxing. Kelly allows her frame to melt into his as she strengthens her hold around him.

"I am sorry." She mutters, her voice muffled by his soft fabric.

"About what?"

His torso vibrates as he speaks, tickling her face. He hangs the towel on the rack with one hand while the other strokes her back, encouraging her to talk further.

"...for showing up here and giving you a hard time."

Her soft, weary voice fills the quiet room. Nikolai moves away with a sigh, and Kelly stares in confusion as he places his palms under her arms, lifting her and sitting her on the bathroom's counter.

He settles between her legs and lowers himself to her height. "What did I say about constantly apologizing?"

She chews on her lip, looking down between them.

"What did I say about it?" He repeats, and she reignites their gazes. She's not sure if it's the stress of everything that causes the absence of her voice.

"I told you I don't like it. There is nothing to apologize for, alright?"

She nods her head. "Okay..."

"If you do that again...no doubt, I will punish you." He whispers, gazing into her eyes. "And I am not talking about a detention..."

Kelly stares at him, and Nikolai internally rebukes himself. He's solid as a rock in his basketball shorts, and it's certainly not the time to be aroused. She's going through a hard time, so there shouldn't be anything harder than that.

"Alright. I will be waiting for you inside the room, okay?" He eases up, turning away so that she won't see the tent formed at his front.

Graduation. Wait until graduation and she will be all yours.

He can already feel his plans failing. Nikolai Todd has always been a man of control and regimen, but when it comes to Kelly...he cannot help questioning his self-discipline.

She finally exits the bathroom wearing his roomy shirt. She isn't keen on the fact that she keeps borrowing his clothes, and she's worried she's causing him a lot of trouble...though he already told her that everything is fine.

The rain is still hitting against the windows in a heavy downpour as Nikolai turns his head to regard her. His breath hitches in his throat immediately.

She looks...sexy in his shirt. It could pass for a dress on her, and her thighs look quite inviting. He places his laptop on the nightstand and shifts against the mattress, swallowing the ball in his throat.

He has never felt this way about a woman before. It's all new to him, and he has no idea how to react. The monster in his clothes won't cooperate, for starters, and keeps giving him nasty bits of advice in his head.

He feels like a fourteen-year-old boy who has just seen his first pair of boobs. Maybe he should excuse himself and try to get off in the bathroom? But his guilt won't allow him. How can he stroke himself while knowing she's going through a tough time? He would have to save that for another time when he's alone. Right now, she needs him.

"Come here, Kelly." He calls her over by his finger, and she struts over to him, her hips protruding against his shirt at every step.

He breathes out. It takes a lot to keep his composure around her; he is doing the best he can.

She sits on the bed, and he guides her into his arms. She rests her head against his chest while he perches his chin on the top of her head.

"Do you want to talk about it?" He asks quietly.

She shakes her head. "No..."

"Okay." He presses his lips to her hair. "I know what will cheer you up. Keith is getting married on Saturday..."

"What?" She lifts her head, her eyes lighting up at the news. He thought right; it did cheer her up.

"Yeah. And I want you to come with me." He smiles at her.

"Oh." Her grin stretches wide, and it causes his heart to relax. He had no idea her happiness affected him until now.

But then her face forms a loose frown. "Won't your parents be there?" She asks quietly.

Nikolai has already thought it all through. Of course, his parents will be there, but that won't stop him from having her there with him.

"Yeah. But I still want you to come. You know Keith as well, and he's looking forward to seeing you there."

Kelly smiles a little, thinking about it. She hates being around his parents, especially after what happened at that restaurant, but the fact that Nikolai wants her there swells her heart.

"Okay. I will come."

"Thank you." His lips quirk up, setting her face on fire again.

She drops her head against his chest, and he trails his fingers through her hair. A comfortable silence flows between them while the raindrops fill the emptiness. Kelly feels warm and at peace in his embrace, wishing she could somehow move in with him and never return home.

"I know you don't want to talk about it..." Nikolai whispers, "but I heard this once somewhere...when a couple is going through a hard time, it is best if they separate for a while or they'll end up ending each other instead of the marriage."

He plans to stop talking there, not wanting to stir up bitter emotions, but she snuggles closer to his body, signaling for him to continue. His voice comforts her.

"And so, it is healthy that they separate for a while. Get rid of the built-up anger. They don't have to divorce right now, but having some time apart will help. Don't force them to stay around each other; domestic disputes tend to end nasty. If you have good communication with your parents, you can give them some advice; tell them they should separate for a while until they are certain they want a divorce. See if absence makes the heart grow fonder."

Kelly smiles a little at his advisory, lifting her head to stare up at him. Nik meets her watery eyes, a frown of worry forming on his forehead.

"Don't cry again."

"I won't." She snakes her arms around him, pressing her face into his shirt. "I am just so happy to have you, Nikolai. You're my favorite teacher, my favorite muse...and probably even my best friend."

Probably? Nik frowns, amused.

"After Derrick of course." She continues.

Nah-uh. He holds her arm, gently pulling her back as he squints his eyes playfully.

"After Derrick?"

"Yes." She nods. "Derrick is my first best friend. I have known him for a long time now. I don't think it's fair to give away his spot." She scrunches her nose.

Nikolai feels strong, petty jealousy carving its way into his system. He twists his lips as he narrows his eyes, and Kelly blinks hers obliviously.

"Derrick is your first best friend..." He bobs his head. "Okay...then I won't be giving you my advice for free." He says jokingly, and Kelly smiles.

"No, no, I am kidding! You both are equal; I love you two the same!" Realizing what she just said, she presses her lips together.

Love. That's a huge word...

"I like you two the same." She covers it up, and Nikolai smiles at the color in her cheeks.

"Okay. Well, you have a lifetime of coupons left to use. Anytime you require my service, you would have to use a coupon."

"What's the coupon?" She narrows her eyes cynically.

Nikolai leans his head closer, placing his palms on either side of her. She stares into his compelling eyes. "A kiss."

Her face morphs into a giant strawberry, and Nik's smile stretches wider, his teeth shining amidst the dim room lamp. Oh, how he loves to see her blush.

"There are different levels, no worries." He leans back, crossing his arms against his chest. "Simple advices warrant a small peck on the cheek. Medium-level advices just a..." he smirks. "A smooch on the lips."

Kelly bites her lips, already 'dreading' the last level. "And huge advices?"

"Huge advices..." His eyes glisten with mischief and lust, both elements wrapped in one. "Will warrant a fresh kiss. Tongue and everything."

Kelly reddens.

"And the advice I just gave you...was a big one." He quirks his eyebrows, a devilish simper on his mouth. "So...imma need the coupon."

He drags her by her middle, puts his lips on hers, and flips them both over on the bed. The sudden action caught Kelly off guard so she can't stop laughing into his mouth. Nikolai breaks their lips apart and hovers above her convulsing figure.

"That was a smooch; I still need my payment." He smiles, placing his hands on either side of her.

She shakes her head, pressing her lips together and smiling so hard it's almost painful.

"So I won't be getting my kiss?"

She shakes her head again, her eyes sparkling below him. She's enjoying this.

"This is why I don't do loans." He says, and Kelly bursts out laughing, curling up against the bed. Tears spring from her eyes, her complexion becoming a bright red.

Nikolai smiles at the priceless sight below him. If only he could snap a picture of how breathtaking she looks at this moment. He'd look at it forever.

He lays behind her, pulling her into his hard chest. Her laughter dies down into little giggles as he places a kiss on her cheek.

"Don't forget; you owe me."

She bites her laughter away and turns her body in his direction, placing her head in her palm as she smiles up at him. "I owe you, you say?"

"Yes."

"Okay...come a little closer, let me give it to you now."

Nikolai quirks an impressed brow. "Really."

"Mm. Close your eyes."

Amusement shines within them before he flutters them shut. The bed dips as Kelly draws closer to him, smiling her face off. She puts her lips close to his, but instead of kissing him, she sinks her teeth in his cheek.

Nikolai's eyes snap open as she laughs, quickly moving to scramble off the bed when he drags her back down and hovers above her.

"What was that?" He chuckles, using one palm to swipe against his wet cheek. Kelly giggles as she tries to slip from underneath him, but Nik pulls her down and grips both of her arms, easily pinning them above her head.

"Huh? What on earth was that?"

"It's your coupon." She says, panting and grinning at the same time.

"Oh. Coupon, huh?"

"Yes, you said tongue and all. So I gave you a little tongue and a lot of teeth." She smiles toothily, showing hers.

"Oh, I see, is that so?" He smirks, fixing just one hand to hold both of her wrists while the other adjusts his chain around his neck. "I was thinking more along the lines of this..." He takes her thigh and hoists it onto his waist, causing a soft gasp to slip from her mouth.

She can tell he's no longer 'playing' as his pupils become dark. "Or like this..." He lowers his face close to hers, smiling as he stares at her mouth. His eyes move up to hers, finding anxiety swirling within them.

"Not laughing anymore, are we?" He whispers, using one hand to separate both of hers, placing them flat against the sheets and lacing his fingers through hers.

Kelly stares up at him, her heart pumping so heavily she's almost positive she can hear it above the rain.

"I love having you like this, Kelly..." He says softly. "Underneath me..."

The confession leaves her a dissolving mess between his arms, his necklace dusting above her nose.

And then he connects their lips, his warm tongue finding hers in no time, taking her breath away for the hundredth time today.

••

"Woah, you look amazing." Caroline beams, hands on her hips as she steps back to inspect the work she has done.

Kelly is looking breathtaking in her nude skin-tight dress and silver heels. Her hair is in a loose bun, slim tendrils on either side of her face. The attire is simple yet classy, making her appear a little older.

"Ikea won't have anything on you."

Kelly rolls her eyes playfully, not quite agreeing to that. The woman has her own clothing line and sure knows how to put herself together.

"Don't exaggerate, Caroline."

"I am not," she groans, placing her palms on her shoulders and shaking them. "You do look amazing. And Nik will be so stunned when he sees you."

Kelly smiles, already feeling anxious at the thought of him.

She is happy Keith's wedding came around, or Mr. Todd would have had his first session with Bella today. Kelly would have had to spend her Saturday pinning over the fact that another girl is at his house. She trusts Nikolai, but Bella? She's not sure she can trust her.

Her cellphone dings as Caroline fixes the thin strap of the dress.

"Who's that?" She waggles her eyebrows suggestively, and Kelly chuckles, shaking her head.

"It's not Nikolai. It's Derrick. He's outside; he's going to come with me to the wedding." She drops the phone in her silver clutch.

"Oh." Caroline twists her lips wonderingly. "Does Nik know he's coming?"

"Not yet. I am about to send him a text. I invited Derrick so that things wouldn't be too weird. Ikaya and his parents will be there, and I wouldn't want to arouse their suspicions. I will have to keep my distance from him today so they don't catch onto us."

Caroline nods understandingly before plopping down on the bed, her body bouncing up. "Oh. It must suck keeping everything a secret."

"Kind of." Kelly smiles a little. "But I respect his decision for us to lay low. I wouldn't want to be the reason he ruins his career, you know?"

"I do." She smiles. "You're getting older, Kel. It's starting to show on you."

Kelly only smiles. "We all have to grow up someday." Though she feels she has a lot more sprouting to do.

"True." Caroline looks down at her fingers. "How's everything with your parents, though?"

"Bad." She breathes. "My dad hasn't been home since that night, and my brother is distant." She shrugs. "I'll get through it."

Caroline stands up and wraps her arms around her, pulling her into a comforting hug. The younger girl relaxes in her embrace, closing her eyes.

"It'll be okay. This is all just a phase."

Kelly sighs. "I wish it was."

Caroline breaks away, smiling sadly. "Derrick is waiting."

"Yeah, let me send Nik a message." Kelly reopens her purse and retrieves her cellphone.

It doesn't take that long for her phone to vibrate with a text, as though Nikolai was just about to send one of his own.

She doesn't fully believe that he's okay with the sudden change in events. The plan was for him to get her, but she didn't want to trouble him to pick her up when he's the best man at the wedding. He has to be there early to get things sorted out.

"Is he okay with it?" Caroline skeptically checks.

"I guess..." Kelly sighs and slips her phone into her purse. "I'll see you later, Caroline; it's getting late."

"Okay, let me walk you downstairs."

••

Nikolai stares down into his cellphone, his mind occupied with only thoughts of Kelly.

He knows it's stupid and childish to take offense that she chose to let Derrick take her, but he can't help himself. He's not insecure or jealous about their friendship, but he feels it would have been best if she had told him from yesterday.

He won't be too angry with her because he is aware of how detached she has been acting lately. She is a bit distant and keeps spacing out during their sessions or whenever they would talk. He knows it's because of her parents' divorce.

"Yo, you good?" Nathan perches his rear on a table in the room, tucking his hands in his pockets.

Keith, Nathan, and Nikolai, along with two other groomsmen, Gavin and Cole, are gathered in the men's dressing room. Cole is Keith's cousin, and Gavin is another friend of his—both males are in their early twenties. All groomsmen are dressed in light blue tuxedos and neckties, while Keith is wearing a full black suit.

"Yeah, I am good. What?" Nikolai asks when Keith and Nate both exchange looks.

"You're not 'good;' we can all see that something is bothering you," Nathan says, and Keith nods, buttoning the neck of his white dress shirt.