As the school day wrapped up, Kris felt an exhilarating sense of relief. She had shared her poem, received Finn's encouragement, and the weight that had burdened her for weeks seemed to lift. Students shuffled out of the classroom, their laughter filling the hallways, but Kris's focus was solely on Finn.
"Ready to head home?" Finn asked, gathering their belongings and shooting Kris a warm smile.
"Absolutely," Kris replied, her heart fluttering with excitement as they made their way out of the building.
Finn led Kris to their Jeep, a rugged vehicle that matched Finn's adventurous spirit. As they climbed in, the familiar scent of Finn's favorite air freshener filled the car, mixing with the faint aroma of their shared adventures.
Finn started the engine, and as they pulled away from the school, Kris couldn't help but steal glances at them. The afternoon light cast a golden glow on Finn's features, making Kris's heart skip a beat.
"Let's celebrate your poetry success with ice cream later," Finn suggested, breaking the comfortable silence.
Kris beamed. "That sounds perfect!"
The drive was filled with easy conversation, their voices mingling with the soft hum of the engine and the sound of the tires rolling over the pavement. They talked about everything and nothing—school, their favorite songs, and even their plans for the weekend. Each word made Kris feel more at ease, more connected to Finn.
When they pulled into the driveway of their cozy house, Kris felt a flutter of anticipation. The place they had created together over the past two weeks felt like a sanctuary, filled with laughter and shared moments.
They climbed out of the Jeep, and as they walked toward the front door, Finn bumped her shoulder playfully. "You know, you really killed it today. I'm proud of you."
Kris felt her cheeks heat up at the compliment. "Thanks, Finn. I couldn't have done it without your support."
Once inside, they kicked off their shoes and settled into their routine. Kris moved to the kitchen to start preparing dinner while Finn went through their bag, pulling out a few things they needed for class tomorrow.
As Kris chopped vegetables, she could hear Finn humming softly to a tune playing from the small speaker on the counter. The sound filled the house with warmth, and she felt a smile spread across her face.
"Hey, do you remember that time you tried to cook for your family and almost burned the house down?" Finn called out, their voice light and teasing.
Kris laughed, recalling the story Finn had shared before. "Yes! I think the smoke alarm still has PTSD from that day!"
Finn joined her in the kitchen, leaning against the counter with a playful grin. "Well, I'd say you've come a long way since then."
They moved easily around each other, preparing their meal in comfortable silence, punctuated by laughter and shared glances. The scent of garlic filled the air, and as they plated the food, Kris felt a deep sense of contentment.
Once they sat down to eat, the conversation flowed effortlessly. They talked about their day, shared funny anecdotes from class, and reminisced about the silly moments they had experienced together.
"So, about that kiss..." Finn began, their tone shifting slightly, a hint of vulnerability in their gaze.
Kris's heart raced at the mention. "Yeah?" she prompted, her voice softening.
"I didn't want it to be just a casual thing. It felt important. It felt like... like we were crossing into something new." Finn's eyes searched Kris's, looking for understanding.
Kris nodded, her heart swelling. "I felt it too. It was like everything shifted in that moment. Like we were finally acknowledging what's been between us."
Finn smiled, a warmth spreading across their features. "Exactly. It was... perfect. I've been thinking about it since it happened."
"Me too," Kris admitted, her cheeks warming. "I thought it was just me getting carried away, but it felt so right."
Finn's expression softened further. "I've wanted to kiss you for a while now, but I didn't want to rush things. I wanted it to mean something."
Kris felt a surge of affection. "It definitely meant something. It felt like a promise."
After dinner, they cleaned up together, their movements synchronized and effortless. Once the kitchen was tidy, they settled on the couch, surrounded by the comforting atmosphere of their shared space.
Kris leaned back, letting out a contented sigh. "I'm really glad we have this time together."
Finn looked at her, their expression warm and sincere. "Me too. I feel like we've created something special here."
As they sat side by side, the warmth of their connection enveloping them, Kris knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together—driving home in the Jeep, cooking dinner, and navigating life side by side in their cozy little house filled with laughter and love. And as she glanced at Finn, she couldn't help but think that the kiss was just the beginning of their journey together.
A/N: Sorry for the chapter being so short but the next one is worth it promise!
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To Love Kris
RomanceKris Monaco is a young woman running from a dangerous past, haunted by secrets she can't share. Desperate to leave behind the life she barely escaped, she finds herself in a new town, trying to blend in at university and keep her head down. But fate...