Southern Charm | wlw

27

Aspen led Rowyn into the dorm, glancing over at Maya, who was sprawled out on the small couch with her laptop balanced on her knees. Maya's eyebrows rose when she saw them walk in.

"Rowyn's gonna crash here tonight," Aspen said casually, tossing her keys on the counter. "Rough night."

"Sure, yeah! You can take Aspen's bed if you want," Maya offered, looking at Aspen for confirmation.

Aspen nodded, giving Rowyn a gentle smile. "Go ahead, darlin'. I'll just grab a blanket and take the couch."

Aspen set up a spare blanket on her bed, and Rowyn sank onto it with a sigh of relief. "Thank you," Rowyn murmured, glancing up at Aspen with a soft look of appreciation.

Aspen settled into the couch across from Rowyn, catching a few quiet glances from her. She tried to focus on the ceiling, ignoring the tiny thrill she felt at having Rowyn there, right across from her.

Aspen adjusted herself on the couch, pulling a thin blanket over her legs as the room settled into a quiet calm. She could feel Rowyn's gaze now and then, and the weight of unspoken words seemed to float in the dim light.

"You sure you're comfortable?" Aspen whispered, glancing over at Rowyn, whose silhouette was softly outlined by the streetlight glow through the window.

Rowyn nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "More than comfortable. I really appreciate it, Aspen."

Aspen gave a slight shrug, trying to play it off. "Ain't no trouble, darlin'. Just glad you felt like you could ask."

Rowyn hesitated, looking away before glancing back, her voice even softer. "I didn't really know where else to go... But I knew I'd be safe here with you."

Aspen felt a warmth rise to her cheeks, and she cleared her throat, hoping the dim light would mask her reaction. "Well, you always got a place here if you need one."

They both went quiet, the stillness filled only by the soft hum of the night outside. For a moment, Aspen wondered if Rowyn would say something else, but instead, they exchanged a few more glances, each one feeling closer than the last.

Aspen shifted on the couch, debating for a moment before tossing the blanket aside and getting up. She moved over to the edge of the bed, giving Rowyn a questioning glance as she lowered herself down beside her.

"Mind if I lay here?" Aspen whispered, her voice barely breaking the quiet of the room.

Rowyn shook her head, her eyes soft as she moved over slightly to give Aspen more room. "Not at all," she murmured, the hint of a smile playing at her lips.

They lay side by side, close enough that Aspen could feel the warmth radiating from Rowyn. The silence stretched between them, comfortable but charged, until Aspen couldn't help but speak up again.

"Y'know, I'm glad you're here," she whispered, her accent a little softer in the darkness.

Rowyn turned her head, her gaze meeting Aspen's in the dim light. "I didn't think you'd mind," she whispered back, her voice gentle.

Aspen let out a soft laugh, her breath brushing Rowyn's cheek. "Not even a little bit. It's just... nice, havin' someone I actually wanna be around."

Rowyn's eyes softened, and she shifted a little closer, their shoulders almost touching. "Same here, Aspen," she murmured, her voice just a whisper. "You make me feel... like I can just be myself."

They shared a quiet moment, the night settling around them like a blanket, their breaths slow and in sync. The silence felt different now, heavy with something unspoken but understood.

Aspen shifted onto her side, facing Rowyn, and felt her heart quicken as Rowyn did the same. Their faces were close—closer than they'd ever been. Rowyn's eyes were soft in the dim light, her gaze drifting over Aspen's face, lingering in the unspoken way that made Aspen's pulse race.

Rowyn closed her eyes, settling into the quiet, her breathing slow and steady. Aspen's gaze drifted down, catching on Rowyn's lips, and she fought the urge to reach out, to bridge the tiny distance between them. Her eyes traced the gentle curve of Rowyn's mouth, the softness there drawing her in.

A thrill ran through Aspen, the weight of her own quiet longing hanging between them. She couldn't help it—she let her gaze linger, her own breathing slowing, wondering if Rowyn could feel how close she was.

As the quiet settled around them, Aspen found herself tracing patterns on the blanket, the soft fabric somehow more comforting with Rowyn so close. The gentle rhythm of Rowyn's breathing lulled Aspen into a sense of calm, and she stole glances at her, marveling at how peaceful she looked.

"Hey, you awake?" Aspen whispered after a few moments, her voice barely above a murmur.

Rowyn shifted slightly, her eyes fluttering open. "I am now," she said with a sleepy smile, her voice thick with drowsiness. "What's up?"

Aspen hesitated, feeling the weight of unspoken thoughts pressing against her chest. "I just... wanted to make sure you're okay. After everything that happened tonight."

"I am," Rowyn replied softly, her gaze steady. "Thanks to you."

Aspen felt her cheeks warm at Rowyn's words, a smile creeping onto her face. "Well, I'm glad. You know I'd do just about anything for you."

Rowyn's smile widened, and she nestled deeper into the pillow. "I know. That's why I feel safe here."

A moment of silence stretched between them, and Aspen found herself staring at Rowyn's lips again, wishing she could say what was truly on her mind. The words lingered, tantalizingly close, but fear held her back. Then, as Rowyn's breathing slowed, Aspen thought she might have drifted off.

"Goodnight, Rowyn," she whispered, turning her gaze toward the ceiling. But just as she settled back into her thoughts, the words slipped out before she could stop them. "I think I might be in love with you..."

The silence that followed felt electric, and Aspen's heart raced. Had Rowyn heard her? Had the confession truly escaped her lips? Aspen held her breath, the weight of her vulnerability crashing down around her. The room felt too quiet, the air thick with uncertainty. She turned to look at Rowyn, her pulse hammering in her ears, waiting for a sign that she hadn't just thrown everything into chaos.