lovely | JJ Maybank

4

souls don't meet by accident

JJ Maybank didn't expect Noelle Bridgeman to invite him inside. He didn't expect her to accept a ride on his bike - twice - or even bother speaking to him after the day they officially met. It was shocking in a good way, and he didn't complain as he eagerly nodded to accept the invitation.

"You can park that on the side of the house," Noelle mumbled, pointing to the side of the garage.

JJ looked at her momentarily, although he saw no sign of insult in her words. Usually, someone of her kind - a Kook - saying something like that to him should be taken offensively - as they'd be too embarrassed to be seen with him. As he looked at Noelle, however, the look on her face showed otherwise.

Her cheeks were still pink and puffy, only slightly calmer compared to how they'd been when he first greeted her outside of the building. "Just don't want anything to happen to it, is all." She quickly added, noticing his silence.

"You think something will happen to it on this side of town?" JJ asked.

Noelle shrugged, "I guess you can never be so sure." Her cheeks grew pinker. "I'm a paranoid person though, so if you want to keep it out you can."

JJ nodded but listened to her anyway. He walked the bike over to the side of the house and put the kickstand down before walking back toward Noelle, seeing her in the same spot. Her eyes were on the ground as she moved her foot around, pointing it out in a light stretch before returning it to the ground.

He cleared his throat, causing her eyes to snap up to his. She smiled faintly before walking past him and going to the front door.

JJ sheepishly followed behind her. He wanted to say something to get a conversation going, as he'd noticed she didn't talk much. But he couldn't think of what to say that would get her to speak, especially since she was obviously bothered by something.

It bothered him. He'd only interacted with the girl like two times by this point, but he was intrigued by her. She was one of the- no, the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen, which said a lot considering JJ wasn't the type to think something like that.

Noelle took her time unlocking the door, and JJ didn't mind. He had made plans to hang out with the others later on that night, but he knew it wouldn't be a big deal if he were late. He knew they would ask but he wouldn't tell, simply because he didn't want them to know.

He didn't know Noelle. He didn't truly know her just yet, and he was going to take any little sliver of time she was willing to give so he could know her. And he wouldn't tell anyone despite the itch to gush about her to Pope or even John B, simply because it wasn't like JJ Maybank to gush about a girl.

Not to mention a girl he barely knew, they'd simply think that JJ disappeared and a fake one was put in his place.

The house was nice and cool as they walked in. JJ was quick to notice how big the interior was and despite how much furniture and other decor littered the house - it felt empty. Everything was black and white, color-coded to perfection.

"Nice house," JJ commented. He looked at the couch, admiring how soft and comfy it looked. Part of him wanted to go and jump on it, but by the way it looked untouched, he knew it wouldn't be a good idea.

"It's alright," Noelle mumbled.

JJ begged to differ but didn't argue. He watched as she made her way toward the staircase leading upstairs.

"If you'd like to make yourself at home, you can," Noelle spoke as she turned toward him. "I'm going to run this upstairs, I'll be back in just a moment."