Southern Charm | wlw

19

Maya's eyes fluttered open to the harsh glow of the morning sun spilling through the dorm room window. She blinked away the remnants of sleep, but her heart raced, memories of the previous night flooding back. The kiss—the unexpected, electrifying kiss—played on repeat in her mind. She shot a glance at Aspen, who was sprawled on her bed, still fast asleep, the covers half-tangled around her.

Maya took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. What had happened last night? She knew Aspen was drunk, but the thrill of the kiss lingered on her lips like a sweet secret. Did Aspen even remember? Would she think it was all just a game? Maya felt a knot tighten in her stomach.

Deciding she couldn't linger on those thoughts, Maya slipped out of bed and headed to the small kitchen area to make coffee. The smell of brewing coffee filled the room, a comforting scent that masked the anxiety brewing inside her. She poured a steaming cup and leaned against the counter, her mind racing.

What if Aspen brushed it off? What if she acted like it never happened? The thought gnawed at Maya. She had waited too long for a moment like that, and she couldn't just pretend it hadn't happened. But how could she bring it up without making things awkward? It was a delicate line to walk.

Aspen finally stirred, her voice muffled from under the covers. "Maya? Is that coffee I smell?"

Maya forced a smile, her heart fluttering as she turned to face Aspen. "Sure is, sleepyhead. You want some?"

Aspen sat up, her hair tousled and wild. "I could use a little pick-me-up. Last night was wild!" She chuckled, but Maya noticed the slight haze in her eyes, a hint that Aspen might not remember all the details.

Maya poured a cup and handed it to her. "You had quite a night, alright."

"Did I?" Aspen raised an eyebrow, grinning mischievously as she took a sip. "I'll take that as a compliment." She stretched, her tank top riding up slightly, exposing a glimpse of her toned midriff. Maya's heart raced, the sight both comforting and electrifying.

"More like a compliment and a warning," Maya teased, trying to keep the mood light. "You danced like you were trying to start a line dance in the middle of a rock concert."

Aspen laughed, and Maya's heart fluttered at the sound. "Well, I did manage to make you dance with me, didn't I?"

Maya's stomach dropped. "Yeah, but I wasn't the one who took it too far," she shot back lightly, her cheeks burning.

Aspen shrugged playfully. "Just trying to keep things interesting."

The conversation flowed effortlessly, but inside, Maya was still reeling from the kiss. Each time Aspen cracked a joke or flashed her signature smile, Maya felt a pang of confusion. She wanted to say something, to address what had happened, but fear held her tongue.

After they finished their coffee, they decided to head out for breakfast. As they walked across campus, they encountered groups of students laughing and chatting, the energy of the week buzzing in the air. Maya glanced at Aspen, who seemed carefree, her laughter ringing out like music.

But then they spotted Rowyn across the courtyard, laughing with a group of friends, a familiar figure standing close beside her—an attractive guy who looked like a country knockoff. Aspen froze for a moment, her smile faltering as she took in the scene.

Maya's heart raced as she watched Aspen's reaction. Did she still have feelings for Rowyn? "You okay?" she asked, trying to sound casual.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Aspen replied, but her tone was off. "Let's just grab breakfast."

As they walked away, Aspen felt a pang of jealousy at the sight of Rowyn and her handsome friend. It was an irrational feeling, but it made the knot in her stomach tighten even more.

At breakfast, Aspen was animated, sharing stories and cracking jokes, but Maya could tell her mind was elsewhere. Between bites of pancakes, she searched for a way to bring up the kiss, but every time she opened her mouth, the words got stuck.

When they finally headed back to their dorm, Maya's heart raced. "Hey, can we talk about last night?" she blurted out, unsure of how to proceed.

Aspen looked at her, a playful smile on her lips. "What about last night? The dancing? Or how I'm clearly the best dancer in the world?"

Maya rolled her eyes but felt the weight of what she wanted to say pressing down on her. "No, I mean the kiss."

Aspen's smile faded slightly, and she looked genuinely confused. "What kiss? You know I was drunk, right?"

Maya's heart sank, a wave of disappointment washing over her. "The one we shared, Aspen. You kissed me."

A flicker of recognition crossed Aspen's face. "Oh, that? You mean, it was just for fun, right? Just to make Rowyn jealous?"

Maya's heart dropped as she felt a mix of hurt and embarrassment. "Sure, if that's how you want to see it," she replied, forcing a smile even though her insides felt twisted.

Before she could say anything more, Aspen's phone buzzed loudly on the table, cutting through the tension. Aspen grabbed it and her expression shifted from playful to serious. "It's Rowyn," she said, glancing at the screen.

"Should I answer it?"

Maya felt a sudden rush of anxiety. "Um, maybe not now," she suggested, but it was too late. Aspen had already swiped to answer.

"Hey, Rowyn!" she chirped, a bright smile returning to her face, leaving Maya in a silent, tight-lipped panic as she turned away, feeling the heaviness settle back in her chest.

As Aspen began chatting, Maya's mind swirled with thoughts. The kiss had meant so much more to her, but it felt like it had just been a game to Aspen. She turned away, staring out the window as Aspen's laughter floated over her, and she knew that she had to figure out what she wanted—before it was too late.