𝐋𝐎𝐌𝐋², jack champion

028, 𝐢 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝

028, 𝐢 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝
irl

THIRD PERSON +
november 13, 2024

Juniper sat in her car, fingers drumming on the steering wheel as she stared at the quiet street outside Vinnie's place. The tension between them had been gnawing at her ever since they'd gotten back from Paris yesterday evening. The once-easy banter and playful jokes they shared had been replaced by awkward silences and side glances.

It wasn't them, and it was driving her crazy.

With a sigh, she cut the engine, grabbed her keys, and stepped out into the cold evening air. Her breath fogged in front of her as she quickly walked up to Vinnie's door, feeling a mix of nervousness and determination. She knocked firmly, the sound echoing in the stillness of the night.

Vinnie opened the door, his brow furrowed in confusion until he realized it was her. "Juni? What are you doing here?" He quickly stepped aside, ushering her in. "Come in silly, it's freezing."

"Thanks," Juniper muttered as she stepped into the warmth of his home. She rubbed her arms, shaking off the chill. Vinnie closed the door behind her and studied her face with concern.

"You okay?" he asked, his voice gentle. "It's late."

Juniper nodded, though the weight of their unspoken tension hung in the air between them. "I'm fine, I just... I needed to talk to you."

Vinnie's expression softened once more, and he motioned toward the stairs. "Come on, let's go upstairs."

They made their way to his room, the space that had become so familiar over the past few months. Vinnie's room was slightly messy—his clothes were strewn about from his suitcase, awaiting the washing machine, and his desk was cluttered with half-empty water bottles and random bits of gaming equipment. But it was comfortable.

It was safe.

He sat on the bed, crossing his legs and looking up at her expectantly. Juniper followed suit, sitting across from him, her legs tucked beneath her as she stared at her hands for a moment, gathering her thoughts.

"I miss my friend," she finally said, her voice quiet but sincere. She looked up at him, her eyes searching his. "I hate this weird... thing that's been going on between us."

Vinnie sighed in relief, running a hand through his messy blonde hair.

"I miss you too," he admitted. "I don't like this either. It's not us, y'know? We're supposed to be laughing and being idiots, not... whatever this is."

Juniper nodded, grateful that he felt the same way. "It's just... ever since that night, it's been weird. But I don't want it to be."

"Neither do I," Vinnie said, his voice firm. He hesitated, his gaze flicking to hers. "About that night..."

Juniper smiled softly, shaking her head. "We don't have to make it a big deal. We were drunk, things happened, but honestly... we're better off as friends. Way better off."

Vinnie's shoulders visibly relaxed, a small smile tugging at his lips.

"Phew! You're right. Friends is way better for us." He leaned back on his hands, letting out a relieved laugh. "Thank God. I was starting to worry I'd messed everything up."

Juniper grinned, feeling the tension melt away. "Nah, you didn't mess anything up. I'm just glad we're on the same page." She leaned back too, the comfort between them settling in again, like slipping on a worn-out hoodie.