12. 'A Proposal'

*Song Meng POV

When I go to Qin Shan's class on October 27th, I am surprised to see her waving me over. Usually, it's me who does the waiting and her who has a cute reaction - no matter how many times she sees me. I'm sure my expression must be unusual because she blushes and calls out to me to come.

She leads - or almost forces me into the corner of the room where her artwork is. I stare at the painting in wonder. It is a vampire. And, it looks like me. Her artistic skills are phenomenol, I'm honestly speechless until she says

"What do you think?" She looks really eager, but at the same time slightly nervous, like I'll criticize her work or something.

"Petite canvas for a petite girl." I muse. She rolls her eyes at my bad joke. But I can tell she is really curious to see what I think of the drawing of, well, me.

Her pouting makes me give into praising her painting. "I love it." I say "How did you think of something so grand?" My voice is a little bit uneven for this joke and she senses it. Her figure relaxes and I can tell she is satisfied with my answer.

"I had the best inspiration." She says then chargrins. That's not what matters. What matters is that this girl, this small, delicate girl is quickly making her way to being the center of my universe. Almost unconciously, I pull her into a hug.

"Thank you." I say, trying to stop the awkwardness that she probably feels. She has grown tense again. I look up to see that other students are eavesdropping on our conversation and just invading the space but I don't care. All I see is the girl in front of me who's hair I have buried my face in to hide against reality. She smells so sweet.

She brings up the people around us and suddenly I get upset. They are the ones who are ruining the moment. So I keep the calm side and try to get her to relax again. Her being nervous makes me nervous. She starts to calm down after seeing that I don't mind te audience.

"So much for ice prince reputation, huh? she says in a light voice. I can tell she's trying to diffuse the situation by cracking a joke. I'll get her out of here.

After we exit the art building, she recieves an 'urgent' text from Xiao Huan who needs her to go dress shopping or something. 'That's right' I think to myself 'the dance is just around the corner.' We depart and she promises to see me tomorrow.

I go to the dorms, ditching fourth class and to my surprise, Wu He is waiting there for me.

"Dude, we gotta go look for suits for the dance on the 30th." He sounds surprisingly eager and I know what he is hinting. I don't plan to give into his schemes quite yet.

"Mmm, we're going to that dance? Do you even have a date?" I watch his reaction carefully. Wu He has never had problems getting dates before and in the past, he has even tried to matchmake me with other girls in an attempt to get me to go to these pointless social events. Well, at least there's good food there.

"I definitely have a date." Wu He counters "But do you have someone in mind this time around?" His tone is teasing, but I can tell that he really wants me to ask Qin Shan to this dance.

"Should I ask somebody to the halloween dance?" I muse. Wu He's eyes brighten and he waits for me to continue.

"...but who would be willing to go with me?" I continue. Wu He's reaction is priceless. He is just about to burst with a response. Though, now that I think about it, I really do want to see Qin Shan in my arms as we dance the night away.

Wu He seems to notice that my teasing expression fades and gets interested.

"When are you going to ask her." Darn. He really knows me too well. When would be the perfect time to ask this girl to the dance?

"I'll ask her soon." I say. Best get myself situated first and then ask her. Wu He seems disappointed.

"Song Meng." He says pointedly "She's already rejected three other guys. Sooner or later, someone is going to ask her and she is going to say yes." I freeze.

"How do you know that?" I almost snarl. Who are the idiots stupid enough to try to go and pick my flower? I know she is beautiful, and that she is bound to get asked several times, but I want her beauty all to myself.

"That girl, Xiao Huan, is in my band period. She was gossiping and, well, I overheard a few words. Besides, they are going dress shopping today." Wu He's words anger me. That Xiao Huan girl really needs to learn how to shut her mouth, before I do it for her.

"I'll ask her tomorrow, okay" I growl at Wu He, who looks like he is going to implode with happiness. "But don't tell anybody okay?" I add, and his smile turns mischievious.

"Deal. Now lets go look for some suits. We'll make sure she stays with you for sure." Wu He is scheming so early. But, now, I am a little bit excited. I hope that we are far enough in our friendship to do these things. I really hope that our trust extends to events like this. I hope this is the next step in making her mine.