𝑺𝑬𝑬 𝒀𝑶𝑼 𝑨𝑮𝑨𝑰𝑵, javon walton

014

Later that evening, Mae found herself back in her room, sprawled out on her bed with her phone in hand. Anya was sitting at the foot of the bed, flipping through a fashion magazine, but her attention clearly wasn't on the glossy pages.

"Okay, spill. What's going on with you and Javon?" Anya asked, not even trying to hide her curiosity. Her eyes sparkled mischievously as she tossed the magazine aside, leaning forward with her hands clasped under her chin.

Mae rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress the smile creeping onto her face. She tossed a pillow at Anya, who dodged it effortlessly. "There's nothing going on. We're just talking, that's all."

Anya scoffed, clearly not buying it. "Mae, please. I've seen the way you two look at each other. You're practically oozing chemistry, and don't even try to deny it!"

Mae couldn't help but laugh at Anya's dramatic tone. "You're exaggerating. We're just... getting to know each other. Besides, it's not like I'm rushing into anything. I don't even know if he likes me like that."

Anya raised an eyebrow, giving her a knowing look. "Girl, he likes you. Trust me. I saw how he looked at you last night at your dad's dinner. He was practically drooling over you in that dress."

Mae's cheeks heated up at the memory of Javon telling her she was beautiful. She brushed it off with a casual wave of her hand, trying to play it cool. "Okay, yeah, he said I looked nice. But that doesn't mean anything."

Anya groaned, throwing her head back dramatically. "Mae, you're delusional! He said you were beautiful, and you're acting like it's nothing? Do you know how rare it is for guys like Javon to openly compliment a girl? He's definitely into you."

Mae bit her lip, finally allowing herself to think about it. Sure, Javon had been flirty, and they had shared a lot of playful banter throughout the day. She replayed their conversations in her head, the way his eyes lingered on hers, the way he laughed at her jokes, and how comfortable everything felt between them.

"Okay, fine," Mae admitted, sinking deeper into the bed. "Maybe there's something there. But I'm not in a hurry. I don't even know if I'm ready for anything serious."

Anya's eyes widened in disbelief. "Oh, come on! You're telling me you're not even a little bit in love with him already? I mean, he's funny, sweet, and let's not forget, totally hot."

Mae laughed, throwing her arm over her eyes to hide her face. "I'm not delusional like you, Anya. I'm not falling in love after just a few days."

Anya crawled up to the top of the bed, plopping down next to Mae and propping herself up on her elbow. "Okay, but let's be real for a second. You two get along so well. You've got chemistry, and not just because he's hot. He's like, actually a good guy. He listens to you, he makes you laugh, and from what you've told me, he's just as into you as you are into him."

Mae sighed, finally letting the thought sink in. "Yeah, okay, I like him. He's funny and charming, and we have fun together. But that doesn't mean I'm ready to, like, date him."

Anya wiggled her eyebrows, a smirk tugging at her lips. "You're totally into him. Don't even try to pretend you're not. And he's into you too, so why not just see where it goes?"

Mae groaned, tossing her head back onto the pillow. "I don't know, Anya! What if it's just some fling? I don't want to get my hopes up over nothing."

Anya reached over, grabbing Mae's hand dramatically. "Mae, you're overthinking this. Just enjoy it! Flirt with him, get to know him, and see where it goes. You don't need to label it or overanalyze everything. Just have fun, girl!"

Mae stared at the ceiling for a moment, considering Anya's words. Maybe she was right. Maybe she was overthinking it. After all, she was having fun with Javon. Why not just see where things went?

"Alright, fine," Mae said, smiling. "I'll stop overthinking it."

Anya let out a little squeal of victory, clapping her hands together. "Yes! That's what I like to hear."

Mae rolled her eyes playfully, but her smile lingered. "You're impossible, Anya."

Anya grinned, sitting up on the bed and flipping her hair dramatically. "And you love me for it."

The two girls spent the rest of the night talking, Mae spilling every little detail about her day with Javon—how they had made bagels together, the horse stables, and even the playful flirtation during breakfast. Mae recounted every moment, every little glance, and every brush of their hands, her cheeks reddening with every word.

When she mentioned the snowman they built, Mae couldn't help but burst into laughter, especially when she revealed what they had named it.

"And get this," Mae said through giggles, "we named the snowman Mavon."

Anya practically cackled at that, holding her stomach. "Mavon?! Oh my god, Mae, you're already combining your names. You're both so delusional."

Mae blushed, unable to stop laughing. "I know! It just came out, and then Javon went along with it, so... yeah, Mavon."

Anya collapsed back onto the bed, still laughing. "You're both a mess. But I love it."

Mae shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips. "We're not that bad."

"Oh, you are. But it's adorable," Anya said, wiping away a tear of laughter. "You two are like characters out of some rom-com, and I'm here for it."

As the night wore on, Mae's heart felt lighter, her thoughts filled with the memory of Javon and the possibility of whatever might come next. Maybe she was delulu, like Anya said. But for now, she was okay with that.

Later that night, Mae was lying in bed, scrolling through her phone when a message from Javon lit up her screen.

Javon: hey, did you survive after today?

Mae: barely. but yeah, still kicking. you?

Javon: yeah, im good. that bagel though... still thinking about it.

Mae: told you it'd be the best bagel of your life.

Javon: u weren't wrong. might need another one tomorrow.

Mae: well, you know where to find me.

Javon: also, pretty sure your dad likes me.

Mae: yeah, my dad thinks you're cool.

Mae smiled, her heart beating a little faster. This back-and-forth with Javon was becoming something she looked forward to, more than she wanted to admit.