Torn Between Rivals

10.

I stirred awake slowly, the warmth surrounding me coaxing me out of a deep sleep. As I blinked against the soft glow of the morning light filtering through the curtains, I became aware of a familiar scent-faintly cologne mixed with something distinctly him.

Glancing around, I realized I was on the couch, my head resting against cj's shoulder. My heart raced, and I carefully tried to extricate myself from our cozy entanglement without waking him. But as I shifted, I felt his arm tighten around me, pulling me back into his side.

"Morning, sleeping beauty," he mumbled, his voice gravelly from sleep. I could feel his breath against my hair, sending a shiver down my spine.

I froze for a moment, unsure how to react. My cheeks flushed as I realized how comfortable I felt curled up against him. "Uh...hi," I stammered, trying to sound casual, even as my heart raced.

He chuckled softly, still half-asleep, the sound warm and inviting. "Did you really think you could just get up and leave without waking me?"

"I wasn't trying to wake you up! I just..." My voice trailed off as I tried to collect my thoughts. What was I doing? I shouldn't be here, like this, with him.

He shifted slightly, turning to look down at me, his expression a mix of playful teasing and genuine curiosity. "Just what? Sneaking away like a ninja? Because you were definitely more like a cuddly teddy bear."

I bit my lip, fighting back a smile. "I guess I'm just naturally cuddly."

He raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. "You know, if I'd known you were this affectionate, I would have let you crash here a lot sooner."

I felt my cheeks heat up at his words, my mind racing with possibilities. "I didn't mean to cuddle with you! It just happened," I said, trying to sound defensive, but the fluttering in my stomach told a different story.

"Sure it did," he replied, a teasing grin spreading across his face. "But I'm not complaining."

There was a moment of silence as we exchanged looks, the playful banter hanging in the air, thick with unspoken tension. Part of me felt anxious, wanting to retreat from the sudden closeness, but another part-the part that had enjoyed the night spent laughing and talking-wanted to stay exactly where I was.

"So, what now?" I asked, attempting to shift the conversation back to safer territory.

"Well, we could pretend to be responsible adults and get breakfast," he suggested, his voice light. "Or we could stay here and see how long we can avoid the real world."

"I'm not sure you're a good influence," I replied, playfully nudging him.

"Good influence? Me? I'm all about chaos and fun," he said with a wink.

I laughed, feeling the warmth spread through me again. "Well, if that's the case, maybe I should get up before I get swept away into your world of chaos."

"Too late for that," he teased. "You're already in it."

I sighed, torn between the urge to escape the whirlwind of emotions and the desire to stay right where I was. But before I could respond, My phone buzzed, and I saw it was Oakley calling. I quickly answered. "Hey, can you come back now? Mom and Dad just left, so you can change without getting yelled at."

Relief washed over me as I realized I wouldn't have to face the usual chaos. "Okay, I'll be there in a bit!" I replied, feeling grateful for Oakley's thoughtfulness.

As we both stood, I couldn't shake the feeling that this moment-this unplanned closeness-had shifted something between us. Whatever rivalry we had before felt like it was fading, and I couldn't help but wonder what it all meant as I prepared to face the day ahead.