Going out with Colin and her old classmates wasn't a bad idea.

It was just a bit awkward, but it was nice...for the most part. They asked her about university and South Bend, and they revisited old times in high school—most of which Andy wasn't a part of, but she listened and laughed along.

After about two hours, they wrapped it up, and Colin insisted to drive her home instead of booking an Uber. Andy agreed.

When they arrive back at her house, they say their goodbyes. Andy thanks him for the ride and steps in the front door, feeling the exhaustion creep all over her body.

She's ready to shower and go to bed, but her father stops her before she steps on the stairs. "So. How was it with Farrow?"

Andy shrugs. "Um. It was fine. We were with our old classmates, too."

He clears his throat. "He drove you home."

Andy blinks. "Yes, he did."

"He's a good kid. I know his father."

"...yes, Dad. I know that. You've been friends with him for years."

"Maybe," her father starts awkwardly, placing one hand on the railing and the other on his hip. He doesn't meet her eyes. "Maybe, you know. Before you go back to South Bend. You can. See. Him. Again. Just the two of you."

Andy's face scrunches. "Dad, no. Are you trying to set me up on a date with him? I have a boyfriend."

Her dad scowls as he turns to leave. "Boyfriend," he spits in disgust. "Whatever. Whoever he is, Farrow's better for you."

Andy can't help but laugh as she runs up the stairs. "You haven't met Rhysand yet, Dad. You'll change your mind."

She doesn't wait to hear his response before she's heading to her room to freshen up.

She's been texting Rhysand updates since the moment her dad dropped her off at Winslow's. When she's ready for bed, she sees another text from him. Come back to South Bend now.

Andy grins. Sorry about Colin. He offered :D

No you're not.

I'm home safe tho :D

Go to bed.

Andy laughs.

And the rest of the days before she has to leave pass by freely, and when she's packing her bags for South Bend, her dad watches her. Leans against the doorway with his arms crossed. He grumbles, "Call me when you're back at the dorms."

"Yes, Dad," Andy says with a wide smile, zipping her suitcase. "Don't worry. You'll have plenty of desserts here while I'm gone."

He presses his lips into a thin line. "I'm just concerned. About this...guy you're seeing."

"Dad. Seriously."

"Does he live alone? Do you stay over?"

Andy decides to spare him the details. Just a tiny bit. "He has a roommate. And you don't have to be worried, Dad! Trust me. I know what I'm doing, and Rhysand's a good guy."

He huffs. "I'll decide that for myself when I meet him. That better be soon."

Andy plucks out the tiny envelope buried at the bottom of her bag and steps closer to her father. "Yeah, Pops, I got it. Here."

"What's this?"

She shoves the envelope into his hands and moves back around to her suitcase. "Just a little treat."

"Andrea," her dad says, stern. Andy turns around in surprise. His features are drawn together in a frown as he holds up the envelope. "I don't need this. You earned it—it's yours."

"I don't need it, either," Andy counters brightly.

"Andrea."

"Stop saying my full name, Dad, it's weird."

"I don't want it," he says again, through gritted teeth this time. He tosses the money on top of her neatly-made bed. "You know I don't."

She stands up to wrap her arms around his waist. Her dad squeezes her back. Andy says against his shoulder, "I know. But I really want you to have it, Dad. Yes, I've been working for it, but I just want to...I don't know, help out a little. Give back. It's not enough yet, I know, but it's a start."

He presses a kiss on top of her head. "You don't need to. But thank you, kid. Are you sure you don't need it? For school? Or even for yourself?"

Andy pulls back and grins. "I set aside some of the money I earned, don't worry."

"Good." Her dad picks up two of her bags. "Let's go, then."

When she says goodbye to Parkway and her father, it hurts—but the thought of seeing Rhysand, Jenner, and MJ again softens the pain.

She doesn't unpack her things immediately when she arrives at her dorm. Andy dumps her bags in the middle of the quiet room, retouches her makeup a bit and fixes her hair, then heads out to the bus station once again.

Jenner greets her at the door. His eyes widen and his jaw drops. "Andy! You said you weren't coming home 'til later—we were supposed to pick you up at the station!"

"Change of plans?" she says sheepishly, jumping into his arms. "Ah, missed me?"

"House was quiet without you."

"Hey!"

Jenner laughs and squeezes her tight. "I'm kidding. Come on, get inside. He's upstairs—sleeping, I think. He's been up since four in the morning."

Andy takes off her shoes. That doesn't surprise her, but it makes her a little sad. It isn't healthy. She's going to scold him later. "Dinner's my treat."

Jenner fist-bumps the air. "Great to have you back, sweetheart."

She shakes her head, still grinning, and runs upstairs. Her heart is wild and threatening to leave her chest, but she inhales a shaky breath once she's standing outside the door of his bedroom, and twists the knob open.

Rhysand doesn't open his eyes from where he's lying on the bed.

Even in his sleep, his eyebrows are drawn together in a frown. His black hair falls messily across his forehead, and he's gripping his pillow. Tight.

It's only been two weeks, but Andy feels as if she's been gone longer. Her heart feels incredibly nice to see him in person again.

Andy sits on the edge of the bed and looks at his face. He's so handsome. Intimidating, yes, even like this—but so handsome.

Carefully, Andy reaches across the space between them to brush the strands of his hair away, but her fingertips only brush his skin before his hand wraps itself around her wrist and his eyes fly open.

Andy's gasp catches in her throat at his sudden movement. "Hi," she whispers, trying for a smile.

Rhysand stares at her. Doesn't release her arm. "You're here," he rasps, voice deep with sleep.

"I am," Andy answers quietly. "I...left earlier than planned."

"You didn't text me."

She swallows hard. "I wanted to surprise you."

Slowly, Rhysand loosens his grip. Andy's hand falls on the bed. "Consider me surprised." He turns on his back and closes his eyes again.

Andy frowns. Two weeks and she's greeted like this—no hug? Not even a smile?

She pouts and crosses her arms. Leans back against the headboard.

Rhysand says, "Why are you all the way over there?"

Andy looks at the space between them. It's huge. "Do you want me to leave?"

"That's not an answer to my question," he drawls lazily, eyes still closed.

Andy raises an eyebrow. Does he...? "You can just admit you want to cuddle with me, you know."

Andy doesn't have it in her to be embarrassed because she hasn't seen him in two weeks and she wants his touch. And he might not show it, but he missed her just as much as she did. Maybe more.

"No, I don't," Rhysand says gruffly, and Andy wants to scoff—he does. "You hog all the blankets, you snore, and you push me to the end of the bed."

Andy wants to protest—but she knows they're not true. So she shrugs and stays quiet. Counts the seconds.

Eight. It takes eight seconds before Rhysand grunts, "Get over here."

Andy laughs cheerily, warmth flowing through her, as she cuddles up to his side. Her small frame fits perfectly against his broad build, and his arms immediately go around her when she lays her head on his chest. His heartbeat is strong and fast against her ear. "That took you eight seconds."

"Shut up," Rhysand says, but there's no harshness to it. He smooths his hand down her hair. Quietly, he murmurs suddenly, "Did you know that you flashed me the first time you rode the Jeep?"

Andy knows it's a comeback, but she sits up with a gasp, horrified. "Seriously? Seriously?"

Rhysand's mouth twitches, but he doesn't answer her.

Andy slaps his arm and wails. Covers her face. "Oh my God, Rhysand, that is so embarrassing, I'm going to cry."

"There's the reaction I wanted."

"Rhysand!"

A snort. "Don't worry, I didn't look."

"Yes, you did."

Rhysand pulls her to him again. He's smiling now, and his dimple is showing. Andy hugs him. "Let me sleep. I've been up since four in the fucking morning."

Andy pouts. Snuggles closer to his warmth and touch. "That's not healthy."

"Lecture me later, sunshine," he mutters, exhaling deeply. "Missed you."

Andy smiles. "I missed you, too."

*

"But seriously, did you look?"

"No."

"I don't believe you. I'm eating all the cheese tarts I made for you."

"No, you aren't. And go to sleep."

*

Andy's summer classes go by without difficulty.

She's taking time off work until the new semester starts again, and the dorm is a little quiet without Sabina, but MJ and Andy survive.

Rhysand is still busting his ass off at work, but he's lessened the smoking, which Andy is happy about.

He called her during one of her class breaks, just to announce to her that he bought lollipops instead of a pack of cigarettes that day, and Andy was so proud of him.

He's trying. He really is. And Andy lo—appreciates him for it.

They still have movie nights and dinner with Jenner, and Andy always covers her eyes when she knows a romantic scene is coming. Even just a kiss scene. Rhysand and Jenner laugh at her.

Sometimes, it's just the two of them. Rhysand has taken her out on cute dates after tiring days of lectures—lunch and ice cream, a tour at the dessert museum (which Andy absolutely loved), long drives out in the night with only their Disney music to accompany them (Andy made Rhysand's ears bleed), and they make it a point to visit the shelter whenever they can. He says that dates aren't really his thing, but spending time with her is.

Andy accidentally slapped him on the face when he said that and leaned in close to kiss her. (She was aiming for his shoulder).

And now...now. A week before her second year rolls around, and months of asking her boyfriend for a listen. A tiny listen.

Rhysand's looking at her, and Andy knows him enough by now to know that he's nervous. "Cut that shit out."

Andy's excited. She's so excited that she can barely sit still. She squirms in her seat and widens her smile. "I'm not doing anything."

"Stop squirming."

"I'm sorry, I can't help it."

Rhysand presses his lips onto a thin line and begins to stand up. "You know what, forget it."

"No!" Andy wails dejectedly, gripping his arm. "Come on, Rhys. You promised. Just a tiny little listen. I want to hear one of your songs."

Rhysand looks at her. His eyes are so mesmerizing and dark and beautiful. Andy could stare at them for hours. "This one doesn't make sense. It's bullshit."

Andy laces their fingers together and smiles up at him. His hand is so big compared to hers, but they fit. Perfectly. "You say that to all the love songs you produce and write."

"That's because it's true."

"No, it's not. Even if it is, I want to hear it anyway."

He slumps back down on the chair, hands her the headphones, and leans back. Hovers his hand on the keyboard. "This is just a small, small part of the chorus. Don't fucking laugh."

Andy squeals in delight and puts the headphones on. "I won't."

She sees his Adam's apple bob up and down once before he presses play and music begins to fill her ears.

It's slow...and rising. Like the piano's chasing something, but it's in no rush.

Andy closes her eyes, but suddenly, the song stops. There aren't any lyrics yet, but it sounded so incredibly...raw.

Andy gasps loudly and rips them out. "Rhysand, that was amazing. Wow."

Rhysand clears his throat and focuses on the computer. "Happy now?"

"Very," Andy tells him, throwing her arms around his neck. Rhysand grunts at the sudden weight on his lap, but he welcomes it—wraps his arms around her waist. Andy whispers, "Thank you for trusting me."

It might not seem much, but it means the world to Andy. Rhysand is incredibly protective of the work he creates, and Andy has been waiting for him to show his music to her.

Rhysand brushes his hand down her cheek. "Thank you," he returns lowly, the deep rumble of his chest pressing against Andy's own that it quickens her pulse as she stares at him, and he stares back at her with equal intensity and trust and genuine care. It's overwhelming. "For waiting for me to show this to you. For waiting for me to let you listen. I know you could've easily searched me up, and you could've listened to any of my shit songs—"

"Stop saying that—"

"But you didn't," he finishes quietly. "And...thank you."

Andy smiles at him widely. "Nothing to thank me for. But you're welcome."

Rhysand's eyes travel slowly from her own, to her nose, and down to her mouth. Andy swallows the lump in her throat and prepares herself for what's coming. Months of dating and her heart still can't take it.

"I just noticed," Rhysand murmurs, curling his hand around the nape of her neck. Andy's heart jackhammers against her chest. She doesn't force herself to stay still as much as before, when her first instinct would be to duck her head and to run—but her nerves haven't eased up at all. "That you've never tried to kiss me first."

Andy noticed. "I can't."

The corner of Rhysand's lips lifts. His hand falls away from her skin, and he leans back against his chair—placing more distance between them. Andy blinks at him. "Try."

"Rhys," Andy whines, embarrassed. She covers her face with her hands. "I'm going to mess up."

"It's just a kiss," Rhysand says, amused. "We've done this before. Multiple times, actually."

"You always started it."

Her boyfriend hums. "It's not a test, Sanford, come on."

"I'm going to clash into your teeth."

"I don't care."

"I can't even say the word ki—that word, how do you expect me to—"

"Sanford. Please."

Andy takes away her hands from her face. Rhysand's waiting for her, expectant.

If it's possible, her heart is slamming against her body—much louder this time. She's never done this, she's going to humiliate herself—

"Hey, baby, it's just me," Rhysand tells her, reaching around her small frame to hug her waist, pull her closer to him. "You're not going to embarrass yourself. Stop overthinking it."

"Just you," Andy repeats, scoffing. Her hands find purchase on his shoulders. "Yeah. Like I don't have a big, fat crush on you."

Rhysand raises an eyebrow. "We're dating already."

"I still have a big, fat crush on you regardless," Andy says quietly. "I'm nervous."

"I can tell."

"Rhys!"

The dark in his eyes twinkle. "Are you going to be this nervous around me forever?"

Andy pretends to think about it. "Yes."

Rhysand's dimple shows. "Just one kiss. And then you'll get used to it."

No, she won't. Andy grips his shoulders. Hard. Her fingers are shaking as she shifts closer to him. She can hear her own pulse against her ear, and it's so embarrassingly loud she's sure Rhysand can hear it, too.

"Do you want me to close my eyes?"

"Oh, God, please," Andy squeaks, taking a stuttering breath.

Rhysand closes his eyes.

Andy can see every dotted freckle forming a constellation on his pale skin, and if she could, she'd kiss them hello.

She focuses on his lips—his beautiful Cupid's bow shaded light red. Andy leans forward.

When her nose brushes his, and Rhysand's pushing forward, squeezing her hip, she panics and pulls back, and drops her head on his shoulder. "I can't," she whispers miserably, shutting her eyes. "I'm sorry, I can't."

Rhysand smooths his hands down her back and kisses her temple. "Alright."

Andy shakes her head. Hugs him tighter.

And Rhysand doesn't bring it up again.

He still kisses her, yes, but doesn't bring it up again.

And Andy really wants to change that. Rhysand has probably been with plenty of girls—girls who are confident and experienced and deserving of him. Andy is—she's taking things too slow. Because she's too nervous to try anything.

So, a few days before her second year, Sabina returns, and she confronts her best friends about it.

"What did you just say?" MJ asks, scratching the back of her head.

Andy lets out a groan of frustration. "I'm asking you guys how to—how to smooch someone!"

"You mean kiss," Sabina says, unimpressed.

"Y-yeah, that." Andy nods. "Kiss," she says quickly. Her eyes widen. "Oh, look at that, I have no problem saying the word when I'm not around Rhys. "

"There's no guide for it, bub," MJ answers, laughing. "You just...do it."

Sabina turns to her, completely serious. "Wanna try it with me?"

Andy scoots back on her bed. "Um, no, that would be cheating on Rhys. Even if it's for practice."

The eldest rolls her eyes and stands to continue unpacking her things. "Like MJ said, you just do it. Has he ever kissed you before?"

Andy bites her lip. "Well, yeah."

"Then what's the problem? It's the same thing."

"The initiation!" Andy says, exasperated. "I can't lean into his face the way he does with me, and he always takes the lead. I just—I don't know how to do it."

MJ turns away from her laptop to look at her. "You do know. You're just shy and afraid to do it first."

"He can still take the lead," Sabina says, nodding. "But starting it—yeah, that's—I don't know, that comes naturally to me when I date someone, you know? I just move closer and it happens."

"Same," the redhead agrees.

Sabina puts a hand on Andy's shoulder. "Sorry we're not much help, kid."

Andy sighs. "It's fine, thank you. I'll figure it out."

And soon, she hopes.