Nina helped Eli to her dorm, letting Eli lean on Nina for support "alright, let's get you into bed" Nina mumbled as she struggled to open the door while still balancing Eli. Jere walked past and saw Nina and Eli and offered to help.
"Here, let me help" Jere insisted, holding Eli as Nina opened the door.
Nina and Jere helped Eli into bed and Nina sat beside her, tucking her in. Suddenly Nina's phone chimed, it was a text from Leo, saying he wanted to meet at the swimming hole. Jeremiah noticed this. "It's fine, go be with Leo I'll stay here and take care of Leo. Nina took a sigh of relief, scared she'd be torn between seeing or taking care of her best friend, even though at the end of she would choose Eli.
"Thanks Jere, but if you ever hurt her again I'll hurt you" Nina threatened.
Jeremiah didn't say anything, in case he said the wrong thing and somehow making it worse. Jeremiah beside Eli on her bed "I didn't mean it, what I said earlier" Eli spoke softly, still with her eyes closed. Jeremiah chuckled softly to himself and smiled "good, because I didn't either you're not like my brother at all. You're sweet, caring, compassionate, and so smart" Jere apologizing.
Eli smiled at his words she could tell he meant every word. "I love you" she mumbled, without even realizing she said the "L" word. Jere was shock, yet so happy inside he said say anything, letting those eight letters sink in his brain. He held her hand "I love you too" he said lifting up her hands, kissing the back of them. They look at each other, smiling so brightly like idiots. They tried to live in the moment and simply couldn't wait any longer to kiss each other.
Meanwhile, Dave decided to surprise Luna one more time a few hours before the after party started. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the sky in hues of pink and gold. Luna's breath got caught in her throat. Dave led her towards the fort that had built, a delicate structure of blankets and cushions surrounded by fairy lights. He smiled sheepishly, out a bouquet of Lego flowers he'd carefully put together, specifically made for her "for you, m'lady" he said softly, his voice low with affection.
Nina's heart raced as she followed the path Leo had set up the old chandeliers hanging from the trees casting a soft glow along the tail. At the end, she saw Leo standing beside a telescope and a carefully laid-out picnic. He grinned as she approached him, taking her hand and pulling her close. "I wanted the place to be special" he whispered, lightly kissing her cheek.
Flipping between moments:
Inside the fort, the soft fabrics created a cocoon around them, shutting out the rest of the world around them, it's just them.
"I'm scared" Luna quietly confessed.
"Scared? What are you scared of? Dave asked.
"I'm scared because I might be falling in love with you" Luna smiled
"Isn't love supposed to be a little scary, it just shows that the love you have is real" Dave reassured
Dave's fingers gently traced Luna's jaw, tilting her face up towards his. He kissed her slowly, deeply, the warmth of his touch spreading through her as the last light of the sunset flickered through the cracks of the fort. Luna's fingers slid through Dave's hair, pulling him closer as their kisses deepened. His hands roamed all over her body, still being hesitant on where to touch. They moved in perfect rhythm, the intimacy between them as natural as breathing.
Flipping between scenes:
Underneath the stars, Leo and Nina lay side by side on a blanket, their conversation was filled with laughter and joy. Leo's hand caressed Nina's cheek as she spoke, his thumb brushing her skin as he leaned in, interrupting her with a kiss. The night air was cool, but their bodies were pressed close, their shared heat coming them warm.
