We Were Rivals

ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝟙𝟝

The next day I walk into the office with a sigh, glad that I brought extra concealer just in case. As I approach my office I spot my door, which is supposed to be closed. That's odd, I always keep my door open. I hesitantly push the door open, hoping that I don't find something bad on the other side. The door slowly opens with a creak, revealing a bouquet of roses and a note. I let out a breath of relief, glad that I wasn't getting fired or something of the sort. I close the door behind me and walk over to my desk, placing my bag next to my chair. Who would send me roses? And why? Was this some crazy ex trying to wreak havoc on my life just for fun? My fingers tremble slightly as I pick up the note, carefully pulling it away from the tape that is holding it in place.

I slide my finger in between the flap of the letter and break the seal, pulling out a beautifully decorated card. I scan the card, a classic hallmark letter with fancy lettering. As I open the card I instantly look for a signature, seeing that it's from Jon.

"Y/N. I'm so incredibly sorry about what I did. I truly didn't mean to hurt you, I guess I just got caught up in the moment. I hope you like roses. Please come talk to me, I have something else for you. -Jon"

I feel my heart begin to pound in my chest as I read over the last sentence. What could he possibly want from me now? I slide the card back in the envelope and tuck it into my bag, placing it out of sight. I readjust the roses on my desk before heading out of my office to walk over to Jon. When I walk up to Jon's door I take a moment to straighten out my clothes before I knock. I raise my fist to the door and let out a series of raps on the door, signaling my arrival.

"One moment!" Jon calls out.

"Okay!" I call back, not really knowing what to say.

I step beside his door and lean against the wall, anticipating my conversation with Jon. After a few moments of silence I begin inspecting my nails, as they have suddenly become very interesting compared to the boring atmosphere of the office. I am startled by the sudden sound of the door next to me swinging open. I am greeted by Sophia walking out of the office with a kind tone etched on her face.

"Hey, Sophia!" I say happily as she walks past me.

"Hey, Y/N!" She says sweetly back. "How are you?"

"I'm doing pretty well, how are you?"

"I'm great! Really excited for this campaign."

"Me too, I'm really-" I am cut off by Jon exciting his office and leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed over his chest, giving me a look that signaled to end the conversation.

Sophia notices the sudden end of my sentence and looks past me to study why I stopped talking.

"Are you okay, Jon? You look a little nauseous." Sophia questions Jon.

"Yeah, I'm fine." Jon says while shifting his weight onto the back of his heels.

"Okay," Sophia continues suspiciously. "Well, I'll talk to you later Y/N. Have a good meeting!" She says with a smile before walking away.

"See ya, Sophia!" I call out to her before turning back to Jon.

"Come on in," Jon says while motioning to his office with his hand.

I give him a slight nod before slipping past his tall frame into his office. He follows me in and after the door is closed turn to him to follow up with what Sophia mentioned earlier.

"Jon, Sophia was right, you look sick. Are you okay? Truly?"

"Not really, Y/N. I've been thinking about our relationship and all I see is how I constantly ruin it. Once we repair our friendship, we go right back to square one and now that I look back on it, it's usually me who does something outrageous. Like how I pinned you against a wall for literally no reason and how yesterday I grabbed your chin so hard it left a mark. That's just not right, Y/N and I don't know how to make it up to you." Jon says while rubbing his chin, evidently deep in thought.

"Jon, it's not completely your fault. I'm the one who gave you reason in the first place to do any of those things. Please don't blame yourself, it's not fair." I reason with him.

"But it's mainly on me. It's not like you've left marks on me like I've done on you." He says while walking closer to me, surveying what he left on my skin. "May I?" He asks while gesturing towards my chin.

"Uhm, sure." I say, unsure of what he is wanting to do.

He takes yet another step towards me, closing the distance between us. He lets out a sad sigh as he lifts his hand up to my chin, gliding his fingers across my neck. I stand there awkwardly as Jon finds himself intrigued by me. I lift my head up, allowing him to fully see the marks, which deeply evolved overnight.

"I'm so sorry," he says quietly, in a voice that is barely audible.

"Jon, it's okay." I say, trying to reassure him.

"Does it hurt?" he asks while sliding his fingers across the bruise.

I wince as he does so, not used to the pressure on my sensitive skin.

"I'll take that as a yes," he says sadly.

"Jon, it's okay. I'll just take Advil or something." I say with a chuckle while grabbing his hand and pulling it away from me.

He gives me a sad smile before heading over to his desk.

"Is that what you called me in here for?"

"Partly," he says while rooting through his drawers.

I decide to stay standing, deciding not to sit down as I have a feeling that I won't need to.

"Ahh, here it is." Jon says while pulling something out.

He walks back over to me and hands me a small box.

"What's this?"

"Just open it."

I look down at the small box and carefully tear the paper off of the outside, revealing a hidden velvet container. I glance up at Jon to see him eagerly waiting for me to open it.

"Jon, you didn't have to do this."

"But I did," he says with a small smile.

I glance back down at the box and hesitantly open it, revealing a small, gold necklace with my initials elegantly carved into it. I let out a small gasp as I glaze my fingers over the jewelry.

"Jon!" I exclaim, looking up at him.

"What? You don't like it?" He asks worriedly.

"I love it," I say with a smile.

"I'm glad."

"Jon, why did you do this? I can't accept it." I say while trying to hand the box back to him.

"You already know why I gave it to you and I'm not returning it, so it looks like you have to keep it." He says while pushing my hand away.

"Thank you, Jon." I say while carefully pulling the necklace out of the box.

"May I?" He asks while holding his hand out for the necklace.

"Of course," I say while handing it to him.

I turn around and he gently sweeps my hair out of the way, grazing my neck with his fingertips that leaves a chill running through my body. He wraps the gold chain around me and clasps it before signaling his finish so that I turn around. I step closer to him and wrap my arms around his torso. He stands still for a moment before wrapping me in his arms, feeling his muscles relax.

"Thank you," I mumble into his shoulder.

"You're welcome." he says back to me, allowing me to feel the rumble of his throat on my neck.

We stand still for a few moments, taking in the physical contact before we let go of each other.

"See you soon?" He asks while shoving his hands into his pockets.

"You know it."

We exchange smiles and I exit his office, genuinely beaming while I walk out the door.

A/N Sorry guys, we know this chapter is super short, but we are trying to get back onto a good schedule so we thought you all may like a short chapter rather than updating a day late. Love ya, besties. -The authors :)