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"You think maybe each millisecond is a painting? Someone is painting us and that's the only reason we're moving?"

I turned from the Picasso painting hanging on the cream-coloured wall to stare thoughtfully into Kaoru's golden eyes. The museum we were visiting as a field trip with our class was chock full of old paintings, sculptures, busts, woodworks, and various other pieces from all over the world. I felt so out of place, as I usually did everywhere this school presents me. The white floor was a smooth alabaster, complimenting the high ceilings that flew overhead. Chandeliers hung wayyy up there, almost so far away I couldn't see it. The museum had three floors, each the size of a football field, and the long staircases and hallways going up were lined with a satin carpet, decked with gold all over the dang place. Fancy schmancy. And I'm wearing my sneakers, some old skinny jeans, and a t-shirt while others are dressed in their Sunday best. Stares thrown my way had me staring at the ground most of the time.

The class rep. had told us to split up into groups of two, and Kaoru had immediately picked me, beaming happily down at me through orange bangs. "I'd never really thought about it that way," I muttered, thinking the interesting idea over.

He continued hurriedly. "And is that person painting the future as he wants and imagines it, or is he painting it because he somehow knows that it just has to happen? Like he can't change what he's told is the future?"

I pondered it a moment, carefully choosing my words. "Well it depends on who the painter is, I guess. If it's just a random guy living in another world that's being painted too, the why paint something like us that seems so normal? Unless they're aliens in a world of turmoil and this is bizarre for them." I am thinking about this way too much, I thought to myself. Quickly I stared at the floor, hoping to hide my embarrassment. "Or if it's God then I guess He knows all possible endings to the future, and He can definitely choose what He wants to happen if He chooses anything at all."

When I dared a glance up at him, I saw Kaoru smiling down at me still. I risked a grin too. At least he doesn't think I'm as childish as I really am. He tugged my sleeve into yet another roomful of ancient works, almost running into the center of the empty space. "Hikaru is boring and ignores me when I try to debate with him. You're a lot more fun." At this I blushed, hoping the bright lights of the chandeliers above would... Oh who the heck am I kidding, they only made my face even more visible. Kaoru giggled and I felt his fingers on my jawline, tilting my head up to see his. He was blushing too. Less than I was, but I felt a little better about it. His grin widened when he saw my face and his eyes lit up. Like the chandeliers... The fingers under my chin were unexpectedly warm...

"...I really really really want to kiss you right now," he whispered, his face taking a solemn gaze on. Wow. Subtle. But even the sarcastic thoughts raced through my head, I felt my heart skipping beats in my chest. The blush that creeped across my face now was so much worse than before. I wanted to run, to hide my embarrassment, but his golden slits for eyes were so captivating that all I could do was stare back into them. His breath was so heavy on my face, nervousness surrounding each one. Is he really going to kiss me now? Here, in this Beauty and the Beast themed museum?

But suddenly I was pulled into his warm arms, feeling his head buried in my neck. The tips of his hair crawled on my neck and into my collar, sending shivers up my spine. What just happened??? My brain was screaming, and I had no answer. First he said he wanted to kiss me. Now he's hugging me instead-

"I can't do it here," I heard him whisper, his words muffled in my clothes. "You deserve so much more than to be kissed in a stuffy old museum that isn't special in any way to us. It has to be special to both of us. Especially you. It has to be perfect."

Whoa. I was so shocked, and the heat continued from my cheeks down my neck. I hugged him back tenderly and pressed myself into his comforting hold. "Kaoru, it's amazing that you think of it like this," I said into his shoulder. "I want the same for you." It was so strange to be hearing these things out loud. How often had I thought this to myself? We both knew that these feelings existed, and we knew that the other person knew too... But hearing it finally happening was so much more different. I had to tell myself that, yes, it's really really happening.

I heard him giggle shyly, feeling the sensation running through my body. "I'll make sure it's perfect for you." Everything was going to be great. Everything's awesome, everyone's feeling groovy, I have Kaoru in my arms and I'm in his... in this beautiful museum under the perfect chandeliers.

"...Kaoru, I think the rest of the class took the bus without us."

"...Oops."