Shopping for Love [BUGHEAD]

Chapter 9

Jughead's POV:

A few days had passed since our tattoo parlor adventure, settling into a routine with Betty. I spent my days helping Mr. Cooper in his garage or exploring the city with Betty. In the evenings, we often lounged in her mansion, chatting about cars or the latest gossip.

Tonight, after a day of fixing cars with Mr. Cooper, I sat on Betty's mansion steps as the sun set. The gardens glowed in the golden hour, casting long shadows.

I pulled out a cigarette, taking a drag while thinking about the contrast between this luxurious place and my life on the Southside. Despite the opulence, there was comfort in the quiet of Betty's mansion—a break from the city's noise.

My phone buzzed with a text from Betty:

Betty: Hey, sorry about running off. This meeting won't end. How about dinner later?

I replied quickly:

Jughead: No worries. Dinner sounds good. Let me know when you're back!

Putting away my phone, I finished my cigarette and stood, stretching. The sky above was painted with soft pinks and purples, a serene backdrop to the city lights below.

Inside the house, I navigated through corridors filled with art and found refuge in the library. I picked up Kerouac's "On the Road," sinking into an armchair.

Footsteps interrupted my reading, and Betty entered with a smile.

"Hey," she greeted, joining me. "Sorry about work."

"No problem," I said, gesturing for her to sit. She nuzzled up to my neck and wrapped her arms around me. I held her close, feeling her warmth against me. It was a peaceful moment, the kind that makes you forget about the world outside.

After a while, Betty pulled back slightly, her eyes searching mine. "Jughead," she began softly, "do you ever think about what happened that night?"

I swallowed, trying to gauge her tone. "Sometimes," I admitted cautiously. "But I think we both agreed it's better not to dwell on it."

She nodded slowly, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Yeah, you're right. It's just... there are gaps, you know? Things I don't remember clearly."

I understood what she meant. "It was a wild night," I said with a small chuckle, trying to lighten the mood. "Maybe it's better that some of it remains a mystery."

Betty smiled faintly. "Maybe." She leaned in again, resting her head on my shoulder. "Thank you for being understanding."

"Always," I murmured, running a hand through her hair. We stayed like that for a while longer, content in each other's company.

Eventually, Betty sighed and straightened up. "I should probably get back to my work," she said reluctantly. "I'll see you later?"

"Definitely," I replied, giving her a reassuring smile. "Take care of yourself."

She stood up, smoothing down her clothes. "You too." With a lingering glance, she turned and walked out of the room.

I watched her go, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside me. Whatever had happened between us that night, it had brought us closer in a way I hadn't expected. As I thought about it, a sense of anticipation tinged with uncertainty settled over me. Wherever this was leading, I knew one thing for sure: Betty Cooper had a way of keeping me on my toes.

Word count: 518 

Authors Note: 

Hope you enjoyed this chapter after the long wait! Much more to come