Under Your Skin | Jude Bellingham

009

Huddled by myself in the corner of the room, my eyes scanned the vicinity, searching for Chloe and Gio amongst the crowd of people. The room was dimly lit, offering no favours to help me spot them. I'd only popped outside for a few moments for some fresh air, and already they'd seemingly disappeared from my view.

We'd been invited to Karim's party which meant this was my first time meeting Gio and Jude's teammates. Parties were usually a fairly comfortable occasion for me, but I didn't really know anyone here and I was starting to feel really awkward and out of place.

I decided to check the kitchen for any sign of my friends. On my way, I was greeted by Karim Adeyemi himself. He offered me a smile and didn't hesitate to pull me into a hug as if we were old friends, and I realised Chloe had been right about him being so welcoming. Karim kindly pointed me in the direction of the kitchen, but Chloe and Gio were nowhere to be seen when I got there.

"They've probably snuck upstairs for some private time," Jude said, somehow correctly guessing that I was searching for Chloe and Gio. He was leaning against the kitchen counter, dressed in a plain white shirt. "If you know what I mean," he added with a wink.

"Well hello, Bellingham," I said. I ignored his comment, just grateful to see a familiar face. "What a surprise to see you here."

"I don't appreciate the sarcasm, Hannie. I thought we agreed to put all that behind us." His mouth twitched with the threat of a smile.

"Sorry," I sighed.

Jude offered me a drink. "Here, you look like you need it." I took the drink from his hands, thanking him as I did so. "Once you get to know everyone, it'll be a lot less nerve wracking," Jude said.

"How'd you know I was nervous?" I asked him.

"It's written all over your face."

"It's just a lot to get used to, all this change. I've never been good at small talk."

"Yeah, I get you."

I looked up at him. Sometimes I forgot how tall he was, how much he towered over me. There'd been a time when I'd been taller than him, back when we were really young, and I'd always teased him for it. The tables had significantly turned when he started to grow. Jude always took great pleasure in snatching things from my hands and holding them over my head knowing full well I couldn't reach to take them back.

"Social gatherings make you nervous too?" I asked him.

He nodded a response, and I have to admit I was slightly surprised. Jude always seemed so arrogant and in control — it seemed as if little fazed him. As much as I hated to admit it, he was effortlessly charismatic. People were naturally drawn to him, and Jude could seamlessly blend into any social circle with his easy charm. But as I'd learned that night in Gio and Chloe's kitchen, there was a lot I didn't know about the eldest Bellingham brother.

"Yeah, I get nervous from time to time. I mean, who doesn't?" He answered with a grin. "Unfortunately you've just got to find a way to deal with it."

"Easier said than done," I said.

"Yeah, that is true. But I'm used to it by now. I kinda have to be, my career demands it."

I exhaled a deep breath, noticing my heart rate had quickened as it dawned on me just how tense I had become in the last few minutes. I couldn't tell if it was the anxiety of standing alone in a room full of strangers, or the fact that I was standing here, talking to Jude. The thought made me shake my head, trying to brush it off as ridiculous —surely Jude wasn't the reason for my nerves. And yet, I couldn't help but admire him. Despite being dressed casually, his presence could turn heads and make hearts flutter. There was no denying how attractive he was.