𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐞 ~ 𝐉𝐢𝐚𝐫𝐚

𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑬𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕

"I'll admit it, you completely shredded those waves." He said, attempting to get water out of his ear.

She held the towel, drying her hair. "I told you I was gonna whoop your ass."

"You didn't whoop it, you mildly touched it."

"Mhm, whatever. If you can't take the heat Maybank, then just say that." She teased, taking a seat on the sand.

He looked down, "Are you saying you want to go again?"

"Wouldn't make much of a difference, I'm still better than you."

He scoffed, hiding his grin sitting next to her. "You always were nothing but talk."

"I'm sorry, did I offend you?"

He chuckled, laying down with his hands behind his head, "You can never offend me."

Kiara hugged her knees feeling herself overjoyed with their silly banter. Despite everything, he was always her source of comfort. He knew exactly what to say and what to do. He did it for Pope, John B and even Sarah at times. JJ could never let anyone have a bad moment if he didn't try to let them have a good one first.

After a few hesitant minutes, she laid down with him. Having her head touch her towel that she placed moments ago. The stars were finally awake once the sun took its temporary nap for the day. Kiara took in a deep breath, finally getting the chance to relax.

"Kie?" He uttered.

"Hm."

Maybe right now might be his only bet. She's happy, she's calm, and she probably beat him in a competitive yet crucial game of surfing. She's on top of the world. He can't live another day without saying anything knowing she's not going to be here much longer.

JJ looked over. Her damp hair rested on the towel with her hands placed on her stomach. He watched her chest rise and fall delicately.

He leaned up, laying on his elbow, "I just want to say one thing, and one thing only."

She met his gaze seeing how serious he'd become.

"For years I've had this crush on you. This- This attraction for you."

"I didn't know what it was or what it meant but I knew you meant something to me. I tried so many times but I kept getting rejection, after rejection, after rejection and at some point I knew that door was never gonna open for me." "I knew you didn't feel the same so I stopped trying to be something more and started being what I was capable of...your friend."

She stared up at him knowing exactly where he's going with this, "J-"

"And let me tell you, it was the hardest thing I've done. Pretending that I wasn't madly in love with you was the best lie I've ever told, and that's saying something."

That feeling swung around once again. The fluttering of her stomach. The acceleration of her pulse. Kiara denied this feeling. Telling herself that it's just some stupid fantasy that she dished out on.

JJ stared deeply, hopelessly at her beautiful browns, "But now, I realized that maybe just maybe...there's a chance. A chance to say that I'm still madly in love with you, Kie"

"The minute I saw you to this moment I'm laying in front of you, I loved you." "And I will continue to fall for you because...you're everything I never knew was possible for me."

He let out a breathy laugh,"You're it."

JJ wanted more. He wanted more than just glanced looks, simple smiles, brushed shoulders, and innocent hand touching. The more he ignored the more his heart fought, convincing his mind to agree. The longer they gazed the more his mind finally saw. Her eyes, her hair, and her lips... everything about a girl you craved, she had. He always knew that too. But the rule. Oh curse that damn rule. The irony of it all still taunts him every now and then.

But not today, not tonight.

He saw her slowly lift her hand, putting it on the side of his cheek.

"You read my mind." she whispered.

JJ felt his heart miss a couple of beats once those words left her mouth.

That's it.

That's all it took.

Every fiber, every muscle in his body finally agreed on one thing. The moment his skin touched hers, their whole world fell away.

He held her feeling his heart explode with excitement and sanity. Her lips he has longed for far too long. So soft, so gentle , he could kiss her for hours if their time wasn't so limited. Her arm wrapped around him, pulling him closer to her safety.

He tasted her only to realize how really starved he's actually been all these years. And oh my, did his stomach throw a celebratory parade. He attempted to bring her in more, laying on his back having her straddle him while they're lost in each other's addiction.

Two aching hearts finally came out of the pits of denial.

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I am so freaking happyyyyy😁
Hope y'all enjoyed
Until next time

Sincerely, Nicole🤎