Whispers of Truth | Matt Sturniolo

𝒳𝐼𝐼𝐼

𝘼𝙧𝙖𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙖 𝙋𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙚

As Chris stood before me, his eyes filled with anticipation, I couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement mixed with a touch of apprehension. I was drawn to him, and I knew that our connection was undeniable, but my heart wavered, still haunted by the shadows of the past.

I met his gaze, our eyes locking in a moment of shared vulnerability. The room around us seemed to fade into the background, and all that mattered was the question he'd posed. "Chris..." I began, my voice a soft, almost inaudible whisper, my heart pounding in my chest as I gazed into his eyes. "I'd love to go out with you."

"Yeah?" He leaned in closer, our faces mere centimeters apart. I nodded slightly, my breath hitching at the closeness, my gaze dropping to his lips for a fleeting moment before returning to meet his eyes.

"Yeah." I responded, my voice filled with desire. Chris pulled away, my heart racing as our breaths lingered, and for a moment, I closed my eyes tightly to process the electrifying moment. My entire body seemed to tremble, caught between anticipation and a lingering uncertainty.

"Great, I'll pick you up at eight. Dress fancy" Chris announced, his voice tinged with excitement as he lay back on his bed, staring beside me as he winked before he let his gaze wander off into up at the ceiling. I could sense his enthusiasm for the upcoming date, and a similar feeling stirred within me.

As his words hung in the air, I echoed with a soft, "At eight." The prospect of what the evening held filled me with butterflies, and I couldn't help but wonder where this newfound connection might lead. I couldn't contain my excitement, and a wide grin stretched across my face as I stood up. My thumb unconsciously found its way to my lips, where I lightly nibbled on the skin nervously. Chris tugged gently on my hand, trying to anchor my attention.

As Chris tugged gently on my hand, he inquired, his eyes searching mine. "Where are you going?" his warm thumb traced soothing circles on the back of my hand, and his eyes held a mix of curiosity and affection. His touch and gaze created a moment of sweet intimacy, making my heart race.

With a grin taking over my lips, I rolled my eyes playfully but still wearing that radiant smile, I replied, "Shopping, I need a dress. Oh my god, I need to call Kami"

My eyes drifted to Chris, who couldn't seem to tear his gaze away from his desk. But all I could notice was the photograph on his desk. There it was, a cherished memory trapped within a picture frame. It was a candid snapshot of the four of us, the way we used to be, with Justin, their older brother, sneaking into the side of the frame, playfully holding up a peace sign behind Nick's head.

I reached into my purse, searching for the keycard to my apartment complex. With a mischievous glint in my eyes, I tossed it gently at him, the small card arcing through the air before landing softly on the edge of his bed.

Chris caught the keycard with a snicker, his eyes meeting mine a grin that held a touch of intrigue. His fingers traced the edges of the keycard, and his eyes danced with curiosity as he looked back at me. "What's this for?"

The soft, golden hues of the afternoon sunlight bathed the room, creating a serene atmosphere. Rays of light kissed the side of my cheek, giving a gentle caress as I spoke. "It's for you to get into my building without having to use the call box," I explained with a slight tilt of my head, my voice carrying the weight of our moment together.