𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄 𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄 𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄¹, jack champion

049, 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫

049, 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫
irl + social media

THIRD PERSON +
october 18, 2023

Juniper stood in the hallway of her apartment, her heart racing a little as she prepared to bring up the conversation she'd been rehearsing in her head for days now. Jack was in the living room, leaning comfortably against the armrest of the couch, a book in his hands, while Jenna was in the kitchen helping herself to some snacks. The mood was light, the sun casting a warm glow through the large windows, but Juniper couldn't help the flutter of nerves.

She cleared her throat, stepping further into the room. "Hey, Jack?"

He looked up from his book, giving her one of his warm, easy smiles—the kind that made her feel like everything would be alright no matter what. "Yeah?"

Juniper took a deep breath, biting her lip briefly. "I wanted to ask you something... And I hope it doesn't make things weird."

Jack raised an eyebrow, closing his book and giving her his full attention. "What's up?"

"Well," she started, sitting down beside him on the couch, "I was thinking about one of the songs for my album. It's something I wrote not long after Louis and I broke up. It's...kind of a reflective song, you know? About moving on, but in a good way."

Jack nodded, following her words carefully, his expression calm.

"And here's the thing," she continued, twirling a piece of hair around her finger, a nervous habit she hadn't been able to shake since she was a kid. "The guitar melody I want to use? Louis actually came up with it for me when we were still together. It just... fits the song so perfectly. I was thinking of asking him to play it for the album, maybe even help with the arrangement."

Juniper rushed the last part, the words spilling out in a breathless blur as she searched Jack's face for any sign of discomfort. She knew it was a delicate situation—asking her current boyfriend if he'd be okay with her ex playing a significant role in her music—but she and Jack had always been open with each other, and she hoped that this wouldn't change things.

Jack didn't answer immediately, his brow furrowed in thought. But instead of any tension, what she saw on his face was the same kind of focus he had when he was deeply considering something. Finally, he looked up at her, a small smile playing on his lips. "You're asking if I'd be okay with Louis playing on your song?"

Juniper nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. "Yeah. I mean, I don't want it to be awkward or—"

"Juniper," Jack interrupted gently, reaching out to take her hand in his. "It's not awkward. Really."

She blinked, surprised by how easily he responded. "It's not?"

Jack shook his head, his thumb tracing circles over the back of her hand. "Honestly? I like Louis. He's a good guy. We've become friends, and I know he supports our relationship. If you want him to be a part of your album, especially with something that personal, I'm okay with it. I trust you. And him."

Juniper's eyes softened, a wave of relief washing over her. "You're sure? I don't want to make you uncomfortable."

Jack leaned forward, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I'm sure. And besides, I've seen you and Louis work together on music before. You two have a great dynamic. I think it's cool that he's willing to help out on something that's not exactly a love song about him anymore."

She let out a soft laugh, feeling the tension she'd been holding onto melt away. "Thanks, Jack. That means a lot to me."

"You don't have to thank me," he said, giving her hand a squeeze. "I just want you to make the best music possible. And if Louis helps with that, then I'm all for it."