HIGH SCHOOL SWEETHEARTS

Chapter 15 : The beginning of US .

Jax's POV :

A week had passed since that night on the balcony—an eternity and just a moment all at once. I couldn't stop thinking about the kiss we shared, how it had changed everything between us. Emma had surprised me, and in a way, I felt like she was the one pulling me out of the darkness I'd been living in for so long.

We'd made it official just a few days ago, sealing our relationship with a promise that felt as serious as it was exhilarating. I still remembered the way her cheeks flushed when I asked her out. It was hard to believe I'd managed to find someone like her—someone who not only understood my struggles but also made me want to be better.

Our friends were surprised but supportive when we finally told them about us. Miles had raised his eyebrows in mock disbelief but quickly laughed it off, teasing me about how I'd finally found someone who could put up with my bad-boy reputation. Alex and Olivia were all for it, and even Alia gave me a thumbs-up. Emma was slowly opening up and finding her place in our group, all while keeping that quiet, mysterious vibe that drew me to her in the first place.

As autumn settled over Ridgeview, the days grew shorter, and the leaves painted the town in vibrant hues of orange and red. It was Halloween season, and the excitement in the air was palpable. The school buzzed with preparations for the upcoming Halloween party—a big event that everyone looked forward to, especially since it was being held at Miles and Sophie's house.

"Are you ready for the party?" Miles asked one afternoon as we lounged on the bleachers after practice.

"Ready as I'll ever be," I replied, glancing at Emma, who was chatting with Alia nearby. She looked radiant, laughing easily, her ginger hair catching the sunlight. I felt a surge of pride seeing how she was coming into her own, her confidence growing every day.

"Emma's excited," Miles noted, nudging me with his elbow. "You two are the talk of the school now. I've never seen you this into someone."

I shot him a glare, half-annoyed and half-amused. "Don't make it weird, man."

He laughed, and I couldn't help but chuckle along. The truth was, I didn't care who knew. I wanted everyone to see Emma as she was—a force of nature, the girl who had gotten under my skin and changed everything.

Later that week, we spent hours talking about costumes. Emma had settled on a classic witch outfit—simple yet elegant, while I was still debating between something edgy or going as a classic vampire. I couldn't decide.

"You should wear something that matches my costume," Emma suggested one evening as we studied together at my house. Her blue eyes sparkled with mischief, and I couldn't help but laugh.

"What do you mean?" I asked, intrigued.

"Like a wizard or a warlock," she teased, a grin spreading across her face. "You'd look great in a long cloak, and it would make a cute couple's costume."

"Cute? You think I'm cute?" I smirked, leaning closer, enjoying the playful banter as I pinned her against the wall.

Her cheeks turned a light shade of pink. "You know what I mean! Just... not bad-boy Jax for one night."

I chuckled, pretending to consider it. "Alright, maybe I'll think about it. But if I do, it's only because I want to make you happy."

The day of the party arrived, and the atmosphere was electric. Sophie and Miles had transformed their house into a haunted haven—cobwebs draped over every corner, pumpkins flickering with candlelight, and spooky decorations hanging from the ceiling.

Emma and I arrived together, and I felt a swell of excitement when I noticed the way people's heads turned to look at us. I could see the curiosity in their eyes, but there was also admiration—Emma was fitting in, and I felt a sense of protectiveness wash over me.

As the night progressed, we mingled with our friends, playing games and dancing to the upbeat music. I watched Emma laugh with Alia and Olivia, her confidence shining brighter than ever. She was no longer the shy girl in the background; she was right at the center of the fun, and it made my heart swell with pride.

When the clock struck midnight, the party reached its peak. I grabbed Emma's hand and led her to the balcony, the cool night air refreshing against our skin.

"Look at all the stars," I said, glancing up at the clear sky dotted with twinkling lights.

She leaned against the railing, her eyes sparkling with wonder. "It's beautiful. I've never really noticed the stars like this before."

"Neither have I," I admitted, my gaze drifting to her instead. "I think it's because I'm here with you."

She turned to me, surprise flickering across her face, and for a moment, the world around us faded away. It was just us, standing there under the vastness of the night sky, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment.

"I'm really glad you're in my life, Jax," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Me too, Emma," I replied, taking a step closer. "You've changed everything for me."

And as the cool breeze wrapped around us,I pressed my lips against her in a deep kiss . I knew that this Halloween party was just the beginning of a new chapter—one filled with promise, laughter, and a love that felt more real than anything I'd ever experienced before.

After a while , we returned to the party