War Paint | Jonnor

Chapter 16

Connor's POV
About a week later, people started accepting the fact that Jude and I were together. A rush of relief surged through me, knowing I could hold his hand in public. Sure there were a few glares and exchange of words as people passed by, but overall, no one came up daring to threaten us or call us out.

I missed this feeling so much, my hand in his.

The only other time I showed Jude my affection for him was when we were outside of school. But now, things had changed, for the better to say the least.

When Lena found out what Daria did at the assembly, she contacted her parents straight away. Then, she told us that there was no need to worry about her being a problem in our lives anymore. Daria's parents made her switch schools, so it all worked out perfectly.

-

Jude opened his locker as I stood behind it, my arm resting on the side. He smiled when his eyes found mine and spoke softly.

"Hey Connor."

"Hey."

As soon as Jude finished retrieving the supplies he needed for class, I shut his locker and pulled him closer towards me. He gasped at first, then relaxed his shoulders. I placed my hands around his waist while he extended his arms out, resting them behind my neck.

"What do you want to do after school?" I asked.

"We could play some video games at my place."

I smiled at the idea and responded, "Sweet."

Jude's POV
Connor walked me to class with a wide grin on his face. I nudged him, my eyebrows raised. Obviously, there was something on his mind that he needed to tell me.

"What is it?"

"I'm just so glad to be with you."

Before I could answer, he leaned in and pressed his lips onto my cheek. The sudden move made me blush instantly. Connor pulled back, staring at me with hopeful eyes.

"I'll see you later?"

"Yeah, sure."

After that, we parted ways and went to first period.

-

The bell rang, signaling that it was lunch time. I hurried out of my seat and paced through the halls. Along the way, Taylor bumped into me.

"Hey Jude."

"Hey, what's up?"

"Is it okay if I have lunch with you and Connor? I don't really know a lot of people other than Daria. She was like the only 'friend' I had."

I gulped at the sound of her name. A slight burning sensation released in my throat, making me startle. Taylor rubbed her hand on my shoulder, calming me down.

"I'm sorry what she did to you guys. I can't believe her, you two didn't deserve to be treated like that by anyone. And it was wrong of me for not standing up to her for you both. Just know that you have my back from now on, alright? I support you and Connor being together. Plus, you're cute as a couple."

"Thanks, I appreciate it."

"So...about lunch?"

"Oh yeah, you can totally come sit with us."

"Awesome."

We made our way outside and found Connor at one of the tables. I took a seat beside him while Taylor sat in front of me. He looked confused until I placed my hand over his arm.

"It's okay, she's a friend."

Connor nodded, then gave a reassuring smile to her. She broke the silence and went into conversation with the two of us.

"Did you guys hear about that new horror film, Unfriended? It premieres tonight."

I gazed at Connor as he answered first.

"Well, Jude and I were planning on playing video games after school."

"Oh, okay. I guess we could see it another time. I just thought the three of us could hang out together."

Taylor raised her head back down, staring at the food she brought. A feeling of guilt came across me. I didn't want to leave her alone doing nothing, she needed a friend.

Nonetheless, I opened my voice and said, "We'll go with you."

"Really, you mean it?"

"Yeah. Besides, we can play video games some other day."

Connor looked at me, lifting his eyebrows. "You like scary movies?" he mentioned.

"Of course. I mean, who doesn't?"

"I've never seen this side of you before Jude, I like it."

"People can change."

What was I saying? Connor knew for a fact that I hated horror films. It had been so long since the last time I've seen one. I still remember the night when Jésus laughed at me for wetting my pajamas.

It was so embarrassing. I erased the thought from my head and went back to reality. Taylor was on her phone, swiping her fingers on the screen.

"I just checked the showtimes. Does 7:30 sound good?"

"Yeah, okay."

"Then it's settled. I'll see you both tonight."

After that, the three of us continued eating our food before lunch time was over.

Connor's POV
Jude and I arrived at the movie theater to find a crowd of people outside of the building. From the entrance, I could spot Taylor's hand flapping in the air. We cut through the swarm of unknown faces and entered inside. Taylor came running towards us, throwing her arms open for a hug. She pulled back first and opened her mouth.

"Hey you two, are you guys excited?"

"Definitely."

Taylor turned her head to Jude, waiting for him to answer. He nodded, trying his best to be more enthusiastic. Then she mentioned, "We should go find our seats now, the movie's about to start."

The three of us sat at the top row as more people came in, filling in the extra spots that weren't taken. A few trailers ran on the digital screen, making my heart burst with adrenaline. Jude stuck his hand to the arm rest with his fingers over the cup holder.

As the lights dimmed down, I whispered into his ear.

"Don't be afraid, you're safe with me."

Jude's face lightened, his features becoming more relaxed. I raised my arm over his shoulder and pulled him closer towards my chest. "I've got you Jude."

With that being said, the movie rolled onto the screen and began playing.