︵‿︵‿୨♡ Ｗｈｉｓｐｅｒｓ ｏｆ ｔｈｅ ｈｅａｒｔ ~ ♡୧‿︵‿Paigebueckers

Part 11

Paige took a deep breath, grateful for Jasmine's willingness to talk. "Let's find somewhere quieter," she suggested, scanning the crowded room. "I don't want to keep going in circles with all this noise."

Jasmine nodded, her expression softening just a bit. They made their way outside to a small balcony, the cool night air wrapping around them like a blanket. The distant sounds of laughter and music faded slightly, allowing them a moment to breathe.

Paige leaned against the railing, glancing at Jasmine, who was staring out at the campus grounds, her shoulders tense. "I hate that you had to see her like that," Paige began. "I should have been more careful."

"I get it, Paige," Jasmine replied, her voice steady but laced with emotion. "But it's hard to watch you interact with someone who hurt you and still seems to have a hold on you."

Paige stepped closer, her heart aching at the vulnerability in Jasmine's voice. "You have to know, that part of my life is over. I don't want to go back to it. I'm with you now. You're the one I see a future with."

Jasmine turned to face her, searching Paige's eyes. "It just felt like all that history was bubbling back up. I want to feel secure with you, but moments like that make it hard."

"I promise I'll do better," Paige said earnestly. "I want to be someone you can trust. I'll put in the work to prove it." She hesitated, then added, "I care about you so much, Jasmine. I don't want to lose what we have."

Jasmine sighed, the tension in her face easing slightly. "I want to believe you, but it's going to take time. I need to process everything that just happened tonight."

"Take all the time you need," Paige said, her heart pounding with a mix of anxiety and hope. "I'll be right here, waiting. Just please don't shut me out."

As they stood together, the silence between them felt heavy.

"Do you want to go back inside?" Jasmine asked, breaking the silence. "I mean, it's your team's party. We could try to enjoy the rest of the night."

Paige hesitated, glancing back toward the music and laughter. "Honestly, I'd rather stay out here with you," she said, hoping to convey how much Jasmine meant to her. "But if you want to go back, I'm all in."

Jasmine smiled faintly, the corner of her mouth lifting. "Let's just take a moment to breathe, okay? We can head back when we're ready."

"Sounds perfect," Paige replied, grateful for the small victory. She leaned against the railing, glancing at Jasmine, who was now looking up at the stars. "What are you thinking about?" Paige asked softly.

"Just... how complicated things can be," Jasmine said, her voice thoughtful. "But also how nice it is to share this with someone who actually cares."

Paige felt her heart swell at Jasmine's words. "I do care. More than you know. And I want to be the one you can always count on."

They stood in comfortable silence, the cool breeze washing over them, and for the first time that night, Paige felt a sense of peace.

After a few moments, Jasmine turned to Paige, her expression more open. "Okay, let's go back. But promise me, if Sarah tries to talk to you again, you'll just walk away?"

"Absolutely," Paige said, her voice firm. "I promise. I won't let her get to me again."

As they made their way back inside, the vibrant energy of the party enveloped them once more. Paige felt a flicker of excitement returning.

The music was louder, the laughter infectious, and as they stepped back into the thrumming atmosphere, Paige took Jasmine's hand, intertwining their fingers. A silent promise flowed between them: they were in this together, ready to face whatever came next.