Chapter 6: Reunion Under the Stars

After summer break, I headed off to one of the top universities in the country. I especially loved the barbecue joint outside the school.

It was the kind of place that smelled like smoke and spice, with sticky tables and neon signs. I went there whenever I needed a taste of home.

If you were lucky, you could catch a starry night while eating late. Tonight, the stars were out in force.

The sky was clear, and the air was warm. I leaned back in my chair, soaking it all in. The barbecue smoke clung to my hair, making everything feel cozy and nostalgic.

I was about to send a photo of the sky to my cool sister when someone tapped my shoulder.

I jumped, startled. My phone slipped from my hand, clattering onto the table.

"Hey, I've been watching you for a while. Can I get your number?"

A tall, rough-looking guy stood over me, reeking of alcohol. I edged my chair away. He leaned closer, voice low: "You smell really good."

Gross. I wrinkled my nose and tried to scoot farther. His breath was hot against my cheek, and I fought the urge to gag. I glanced around, looking for an escape.

I stared at him, incredulous. Embarrassed, he looked away.

He shuffled his feet, suddenly unsure of himself. I almost felt bad for him—almost.

I said quietly, "That's a bit much."

I kept my voice calm, but my hands were shaking under the table.

He glanced at me, annoyed, muttering, "Knew I shouldn't have listened to my friends."

He rolled his eyes, glancing at the table next to us. I followed his gaze and saw a group of guys watching, egging him on.

He leaned on our table, explaining, "I'm from the school next door. Just add me on Instagram, I won't bother you. My friends are watching—do me a favor, okay?"

His voice was pleading, but I wasn’t buying it. I glanced at my roommate, hoping she’d back me up. Was it worth making a scene?

I glanced at the next table—seven or eight burly guys, all muscle, all glaring at us.

They looked like they belonged on the football team. I swallowed, suddenly nervous.

I frowned, about to say no, when my roommate tugged my hand under the table.

She squeezed my fingers, her eyes wide with fear. I could tell she was scared, and that made me even angrier.

She looked scared, whispering, "Chloe, maybe just give it to him. They look scary, and what if they cause trouble when we leave?"

Her 'whisper' was loud enough for the guy to hear. He scratched his head, looking more embarrassed. Just as he was about to say something, a familiar, teasing voice cut in: "What's all the commotion?"

The sound of that voice sent a jolt through me. I turned, and there he was—Jake, looking older, taller, and somehow even more handsome. My heart did a backflip.

I turned and met a pair of jet-black eyes.

He smiled, lazy and confident, and for a second, it felt like no time had passed at all.

The guy looked shocked. "Jake?"

He stepped back, suddenly unsure. Jake just grinned, slipping his hand into his pocket like he owned the place.

Jake stood there, one hand in his pocket, the other resting on my chair. That familiar scent from my memories—cologne and coffee—washed over me, and my heart raced out of control. Seriously, why did he still smell so good? Ugh, focus!

He leaned in, dropping his voice so only I could hear. "You okay?"

The guy clearly knew Jake, too, and even seemed a little in awe. "Jake, want a drink?"

He offered a beer, but Jake just shook his head, eyes never leaving mine.

Jake's features looked extra sharp in the light. He gave a lazy grin. "Nah. What are you doing at this table?"

His tone was friendly, but there was steel underneath. The guy shifted nervously.

The guy mumbled, "Trying to get her number."

He couldn’t meet Jake’s eyes. I almost felt sorry for him—almost.

Jake jerked his chin at me. "Hers?"

The guy nodded, and Jake smiled, clapping him on the shoulder. "Sorry, man. She's my girlfriend."

His words rang out, clear and certain. The guy blanched, then nodded, backing away fast.

He handed the guy a cigarette, who took it eagerly, apologizing over and over.

The guy scurried back to his table, and his friends looked away, pretending nothing had happened. I let out a shaky breath.

After he left, Jake didn't look at me, just glanced over casually, his tone indifferent: "Long time no see, Chloe."

His voice was cool, but I could see the tension in his jaw. My heart pounded, and I tried to play it cool.

My roommate sensed the weird vibe and quickly found an excuse to leave. Now it was just the two of us.

She winked at me as she left, mouthing, "Good luck." I rolled my eyes, but I was grateful for the privacy. God, could this be any more embarrassing?

I stared at Jake, taking him in. So this was what it felt like to miss someone.

He looked the same, but different—older, more confident, but still the Jake I remembered. I wanted to reach out and touch him, just to make sure he was real.

Suddenly, a beeping sounded—his fitness tracker alerting him to a rapid heartbeat.

Jake cursed under his breath, fumbling to silence the alarm. I tried not to laugh, but I couldn’t help it.

Jake couldn't keep up the act, letting his true self slip out. "Damn."

He ran a hand through his hair, his ears turning bright red. I smiled, feeling my own cheeks flush. I almost wanted to tease him, but my brain short-circuited.

He looked away, rubbing the back of his neck. I reached out, gently hooking my pinky around his.

I called softly, "Jake."

He froze, his eyes wide. I smiled, feeling braver than I had in years.

He didn't look at me. "What? My heart's just always fast."

He tried to sound nonchalant, but his voice shook. I squeezed his hand, feeling the calluses on his palm.

I hooked my pinky around his. Jake froze.

He stared at our hands, then at me, his eyes full of hope and disbelief.

I whispered, "Want to be my boyfriend?" Did I really just say that?

My voice was barely audible, but Jake heard every word. His breath caught, and he squeezed my hand tight.

His eyes filled with emotion, fists clenching and unclenching. He stared at me, as if checking if I was serious.

I nodded, smiling through my nerves. Jake let out a shaky laugh, his whole body relaxing.

Finally, he spoke, his voice trembling: "Yes, please."

He grinned, his eyes shining. I felt a rush of joy, like I was seventeen again, like fireworks went off inside my chest.

For the first time, I saw the vulnerability he'd hidden for so long.

Jake looked at me like I was the only person in the world. I reached for his hand, holding it tight.

I gently took his hand. "I regretted turning you down in high school. I'm a coward, but thank you for not giving up on me. I..."

Before I could finish, Jake pulled me into a tight hug, holding me completely.

He buried his face in my neck, voice hoarse: "Can I kiss you? I've waited so long."

His breath was warm against my skin. I nodded, blushing.

Blushing, I answered, "I don't know how."

He chuckled softly. "I'll teach you."

He cupped my face, his touch gentle. Our lips met, soft and tentative at first, then deeper. I melted into his arms, feeling safe for the first time in years.

...

"Breathe, sweetheart."

He whispered the words against my lips, and I laughed, breathless and happy. The world felt new again.

...