TIFFIN

90

Hey everyone!! Hope you're having a good morning. <3 The story is nearly over. I'm kinda sad lol. The beginning of Hero and Kristina's journey has been fun 😭
_________________________________________

On the car ride, I couldn't help but eye the black silhouette etched on my arm from under the patch. It felt different and unfamiliar. Like I was making a change in direction. I liked it.

When we finally made it to the dorms, I was still at a loss of what exactly was going on with Hero and me.

Once again, for what felt like the millionth time, we had broken up and gotten back together. This time, however, it seemed Hero was willing to change. After all, how many chances could a person get before they realized something had to give? 

"Hey, wait," Hero began as I exited out my door. "I want to talk to you."

I immediately climbed back in and shut my door. Maybe this was going to be a heartfelt apology from him? 

"What do you think of moving out of your dorm?" He went on, taking me off-guard. 

I stood still, frozen, not really knowing how to respond. I wasn't planning on moving out of the dorm anytime in the near future. Jo's parents had just made another payment. 

"I haven't. Why?" I asked. 

"Well, you had a job offer from Niall's parents. Since you're not going to be taking your college classes, a dorm wouldn't be necessary."

Whoa, easy there, cowboy.

"I actually haven't decided whether I'm going to be taking the job or not." I spit out. "I mean, I don't know if it's something I'd enjoy and I need these classes. It's the career I want-"

"I get that," Hero stated softly, "But this job offer is never going to come along again. I can promise you that. Do you realize how many people applied for the job but got rejected because Niall's parents decided to hire you on a whim? I really think you should consider."

I now felt extremely cornered. 

"What can the company offer?" I asked, wanting to get a better feel of my decision. 

"I don't really know," Hero huffed drastically, "From what Tawnee told me, you'll start as an assistant, then move on to a position of your choosing. You do know they specialize in finances. I remember you mentioning that."

I sighed. God, there were so many things I could benefit from the job. I just didn't want to upset my best friend. 

"I'll think about it." I finally said. 

Hero smiled. "That's all I ask."

He then reached over, taking my chin in his hand, planting a swift kiss. These were the moments I yearned for. the soft, intimate moments. Why couldn't he always be like this? 

"Another thing," He went on, "If you take the job, what would you think about getting a studio apartment together here in the city?"

My mouth fell open. What? 

"Hero..."

"I know things haven't been perfect between us and I haven't been reliable," He frowned, "But I want to make a promise; I swear that things will be better from here on out. I realize that to be the man you deserve, I need to change who I am. If I'm wanting us to get a lease on an apartment, I need to grow up. I'm willing to do that. With you."

I smiled, feeling tears gather in my eyes. I felt myself choke on my sobs.

"Why does it need to be a studio?"

I nearly laughed at this question. You would think I'd ask something to do with the relationship between us. I did want to move forward. There wasn't anyone else I wanted to do these things with.

"It doesn't need to be studio," Hero chuckled. "It was just an idea. If you want something a bit more extravagant, I'll make it happen."

Oh my god. He was willing to change. 
I climbed over the middle console, straddling his lap. I cradled his face in my hands, crushing my mouth to his. 

"So, I'm not just some good girl you wanted to play?" I asked, worried for his answer.

Hero shook his head. "Far from it, baby."

I felt chills run through my veins as his hands smoothed up my legs and grasped my backside. I grabbed his hands, halting them. 

"I'm still sore from earlier."

"Sorry." Hero apologized, yanking them away. "I just can't keep my hands off you."

"Another time," I winked. "For now, you'll have to put up with self-gratification."

Without another word, I climbed off him, reaching for the car's handle.
 
I exited the Ford as fireworks erupted within me. For the time being, things seemed to be mended between us and they couldn't be better. If only I could figure out a way to avoid fights that could jeopardize that.

I squeezed my job application and phone, ready to get to signing when I sat back on my bed, but unfortunately for me, someone was already there.

There was Niall, sitting on my bed holding Josephine's hands as she stood on her feet, looking down at him with a wide smile.

Oh no, he wasn't!

"What the hell are you doing here?"
I rushed to face Niall, forming my hands into fists. 

"Easy, easy!" Josephine begged, holding up both her hands. "It's okay. I invited him here."

"What? Why?" I questioned. "Why would you do that? Don't you remember what this sleazeball did to you?"

"Now, you just wait one moment," Josephine ordered, taking me off-guard, "You need to remember just who started this game, Kristina. Are you going to tell me you weren't with Hero for the night? Yeah, I already know.  Niall was texting him."

I folded my arms, feeling like I'd been proven wrong. Fine. She had a point. 

"Can I ask why you decided to invite him here?" I asked. "I promise I'm not mad..."

Josephine sighed. "Well, Niall texted me the other day. Said he wanted to talk."

Niall stood up, his eyes going soft.

"I'm so sorry to have included you in this mess," He said, "Any of you beautiful girls. I was a jerk- worse than a jerk. I was a coward. I love Josephine, more than I've ever loved anyone. I'd do anything for her. The game me and Hero created... It was so long ago. In the beginning, I wanted to play her, but.... When the game was over and I realized she was out of my life for good... I couldn't deal. So, I told Hero to fuck off and I rushed to fix things."

My eyes widened. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. 

"Wow, Niall, I..."

"You may not believe me," He went on, "But I will not let her go. Not again."

As Niall picked Jo up off her feet and planted a deep kiss, I wondered just how things had been mended for the both of us for the better.

Hope you all liked this chapter <3

See. Niall isn't a complete jerk. He has a soft spot for Jo ❤

Don't forget to vote and comment.