CLOSE TO YOU • jp + sb [1]

02.02 | YES!

CHAPTER TWO

      THE shared bathroom was filled with the soft hum of a hair dryer and the scent of various beauty products. Selyna stood in front of the mirror, carefully applying her makeup. The anticipation of New Year's Eve made her feel giddy, and she was eager to ring in 1979 with their friends. Her outfit was a carefully chosen ensemble, one she hoped would impress James and their friends alike.

From the shower, the sound of water slapping against tiles was punctuated by James's cheerful whistling. The shower curtain slid open, and steam billowed out as James emerged, wrapped in a fluffy towel, droplets of water still clinging to his hair and skin.

"Looking good there, love," he said with a teasing grin, pressing up behind Selyna and wrapping his arms around her waist in a warm hug. She could feel the residual warmth from the shower on his skin, and the gesture made her smile despite her preoccupation with getting ready.

Selyna gently wriggled out of his embrace, turning to face him. "James, we need to hurry, or we'll be late," she chided, adjusting her mascara.

He chuckled, giving her a playful nudge. "Oh, we're definitely going to be late. But that's because I have a surprise for you."

Her curiosity was piqued, and she turned to him with wide eyes. "A surprise? What is it?"

James simply flashed her a cheeky grin. "Nope, no hints. You'll just have to wait and see. But first, you need to finish up. We've got a tight schedule if you want to get there on time."

Selyna pouted slightly, but the sparkle in James's eyes made it hard for her to stay annoyed. "Alright, alright," she said, turning back to her makeup with renewed focus. "I'll be quick. But this better be worth it."

James's laughter followed her as she finished getting ready, his excitement palpable. The promise of a surprise added an extra layer of thrill to their New Year's Eve celebration, and Selyna couldn't help but feel a flutter of anticipation as she hurried to get dressed.

     THE cool night air nipped at Selyna's cheeks as James guided her through the darkness, her eyes obscured by a soft, black blindfold. She could hear the crunch of snow beneath their feet and feel James's hand gently guiding her along. The anticipation of the surprise tickled at her curiosity, and she couldn't help but joke to lighten the mood.

"Are you sure this isn't some elaborate scheme to take me somewhere and murder me?" she teased, trying to mask her nervous excitement with humour.

James laughed, his grip on her hand tightening reassuringly. "Oh, absolutely. I'm definitely going to whisk you away to a secret location, and then... well, we'll see."

Selyna chuckled, her heart racing with both excitement and a touch of anxiety. She could hear the distant hum of trains and felt the breeze carrying the faint scent of the platform. Finally, James stopped and carefully removed the blindfold. As her eyes adjusted to the low light, she gasped.

Before her stood the majestic Hogwarts Express, gleaming under the platform's lights. The familiar red train and the nostalgic setting brought a wave of memories crashing over her.

"The surprise is the Hogwarts Express?" she asked, her voice wavering as she scanned the platform, searching for something else that might hint at what he had planned.

As she turned back to face where he was standing behind her, her eyes fell on James, who was down on one knee, his face illuminated by the soft glow of the platform lights. His eyes were glistening with a mix of emotion and nervousness. Selyna's breath caught in her throat, her heart pounding.