there she goes - jschlatt

catching feelings

the next few days passed in a blur of excitement. every moment spent with schlatt felt charged with unspoken tension, like a flickering light just waiting to burst into brilliance. the karaoke night had opened a door between us, and now every playful exchange felt like a step closer to something deeper.

one evening, we found ourselves at a small outdoor bonfire party, the flames crackling merrily as the sun dipped below the horizon. friends were scattered around, drinks in hand, laughter filling the air. I perched on a log, my drink cradled in my hands, and watched as schlatt tossed another log onto the fire.

"you know, it's a little unfair," I said, leaning back slightly. "you get to look all rugged while I'm over here in my cute summer dress."

he turned to me, a smirk playing on his lips. "what's unfair about it? you look great, char."

"thanks, but you make it look effortless," I replied, tilting my head as I studied him. "you could probably wear a potato sack and still pull it off."

"oh, so you think I could rock a potato sack?" he teased, stepping closer, his eyes dancing with mischief. "maybe I should try that sometime."

"please don't," I laughed, shaking my head. "I like the whole 'schlatt' vibe you've got going on right now."

"the 'schlatt vibe'?" he echoed, leaning in as if he were about to share a secret. "is that the same as the 'charming, mysterious bad boy' vibe?"

"definitely," I said, my heart racing at the proximity between us. "but let's not forget the 'playful tease' part."

"you think I'm a tease?" he asked, arching an eyebrow, a playful challenge in his gaze.

"oh, absolutely," I shot back, my confidence growing. "you enjoy keeping me on my toes."

"maybe I do," he said, taking a step closer, the heat of the fire illuminating his features. "but I can't help it if you make it too easy."

I felt a rush of warmth at his words, my heart thumping wildly in my chest. "maybe I'm just trying to keep up with you."

"well, you're doing a great job," he said, his voice dropping slightly. "it's not every day I find someone who can match my wit and keep me entertained."

"glad I can be of service," I replied, biting my lip to suppress a grin. "but don't get too cocky. I might still steal the spotlight."

"oh, I'm counting on it," he said, leaning closer still. "I think I like the challenge."

just then, tucker appeared, breaking the moment. "hey, you two lovebirds! we're about to play some games over here. come on!"

I shot schlatt a quick look, and we both laughed, the moment interrupted but not extinguished. "let's go," he said, nudging me playfully as we joined the rest of the group.

as the games progressed, it felt like we were caught in a whirlwind of laughter and friendly competition. we played drinking games, challenges that forced us to interact and cheer each other on. each playful shove or teasing comment brought us closer, and I could feel the electric chemistry pulsing between us.

at one point, I caught schlatt's eye across the circle as he threw back a shot. the way he grinned at me—wide and genuine—made my stomach flutter. it was as if we shared a secret that no one else could see.

"you know, I think you're getting a little too good at this," he said, sliding into the spot next to me as the game concluded.

"what can I say? I'm a natural," I said, leaning into him slightly. "I think I've finally found my calling."

"maybe I should challenge you to a one-on-one competition," he suggested, his voice low and teasing. "winner gets to pick the next song for karaoke."

"you're on," I replied, feeling a surge of adrenaline at the thought of a flirty competition between us.

"prepare to be destroyed," he said with mock bravado, and I couldn't help but laugh.

"we'll see about that," I challenged, feeling the tension crackle in the air once more. "just remember, I don't go easy on anyone."

as the night wore on, the flirty banter between us continued, building an unspoken connection that felt intoxicating. I could feel my heart racing with every teasing smile, every lingering touch. it was a dance of uncertainty and excitement, and I couldn't help but wonder where it might lead.