Love with a Nerd!

Chapter 15

Continuation...

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As the class ends, all students went home. Jane and her friends started getting ready for their girl's night out.
While Mari is preparing for her clothes, her brother and friends was already in the club. They were too early, must be because of excitement. She knows when she gets there, they are all tipsy or drunk.

At the Club...

The music was thumping through the speakers, bass vibrating the floor, and colorful lights flashing around. The club was alive, filled with people dancing, drinking, and laughing. The air smelled of perfume, alcohol, and anticipation.

Mari's POV

I walked in wearing my black fitted jeans and a dark wine-red cropped top with a leather jacket. I scanned the room and spotted James with Jacob and Daniel already by the bar, waving at me.

James: “Took you long enough!”

Mari: “Traffic. And I had to look good, obviously.” *smirking*

Jacob: “Well, damn, sis. You understood the assignment.”

Daniel: “We should’ve brought a warning sign: ‘Danger. Heartbreaker Incoming.’” *laughs*

I rolled my eyes and joined them at the bar, sipping the drink they already ordered for me. Just as I turned to take a look at the crowd, my eyes landed on her—Jane.

She was with her group of girls—Kassy was already dancing like crazy, while Dane and Anne ordered drinks. Jane stood by the booth in a navy blue off-shoulder top and a soft smile on her face. And as if it was timed, she looked at me too. We locked eyes.

Again.

My heart skipped.

Jacob: *noticing my stare* “Caught in the act. Sis, just go already. Say hi.”

Mari: “Shut up, she might see us talking about her.”

James: *sipping his drink* “Too late. You’re both already in your own romcom.” *grinning*

Before I could say anything else, someone tapped me from behind.

Jane: “Hey.”

Jane's POV

God, why did I come over? My heart’s racing.

Mari turned around and smiled at me softly. “Hey,” she replied.

Mari: “Didn’t expect to see you here.”

Jane: “Really? Your brother invited me through Anne.” *she chuckled nervously*

Mari: “Glad you came.”

For a moment, we both stood awkwardly, the loud music filling the silence between us.

Mari: “Wanna dance?”

Jane: *wide-eyed* “What?”

Mari: “Come on. Just one dance. Unless you’re scared.” *smirking, challenging tone*

Jane: *laughing* “Oh please. Let’s go.”

We walked toward the dance floor, and everything else around us blurred.

The lights danced across her face. The music echoed through my chest. And when she smiled at me mid-spin, I swear, it was like time slowed down.

Meanwhile, at the booth...

Anne's POV

Anne: *smirking while sipping her drink* “Told ya.”

Kassy: “I didn’t think Mari was the first to make a move though.”

Dane: “They're basically dancing like they're in a K-drama.”

Clair: *smiling* “Let them have their moment. But tonight's just getting started.”

Back on the dance floor

Mari and Jane moved in sync. Not too close, but close enough to feel the tension.

Jane: “You’re not that bad at this.”

Mari: “You’re surprised?”

Jane: “A little.”

*Beat drop*

Mari leaned in, her lips close to Jane’s ear.

Mari: “You're blushing again.”

Jane: *laughing nervously, hiding her face* “Stop reading me like a book.”

Mari: “Maybe I just like reading you.”

Jane paused for a second. And before she could say anything else, someone accidentally bumped into her, pushing her toward Mari—causing Mari to catch her by the waist.

They froze in place. Eyes locked. Just breathing.

Then, they both burst into laughter.

Mari: “I guess the universe is rooting for us.”

Jane: *smiling* “Maybe.”

Later That Night

Everyone gathered around one booth, the two friend groups now mingled like they’d known each other forever.

Jacob was doing shots with Kassy. Daniel and Dane were arguing over music. Clair and Anne were deep in a game of truth or dare with James.

Mari and Jane? Sitting next to each other.

Jane: “I’m glad I came.”

Mari: “Me too.” *soft smile*

Neither of them said what they really wanted to say. But they didn’t need to—not tonight. Sometimes, the first step is sharing silence. The kind that feels warm. Like home.

To be continued...