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

Part 12

Jasmine paused as they stood by the door, the sounds of the party still echoing down the hallway. She turned to Paige, her voice quiet but clear. "Do you think... we could just go back home?" she asked, her tone carrying a quiet exhaustion. "I don't really feel like being around all that noise anymore. I just want to be with you. Away from all of this."

Paige's eyes softened as she looked at her, her heart aching at the vulnerability in Jasmine's voice. Without hesitation, she nodded. "Yeah. Let's go home," she said, her words gentle, offering the comfort Jasmine needed without a second thought. She grabbed her jacket from the back of the door and stepped toward Jasmine, her hand finding hers in a silent promise. "Let's go."

They made their way out of the building, the cool night air greeting them as they left the chaos of the party behind. Jasmine didn't say much as they walked, and Paige didn't push her. The quiet of the night was a welcome change after the high-energy atmosphere of the party, the noise of other people finally fading into the background. They walked hand in hand toward Paige's dorm, where everything felt simpler, calmer.

As they reached the door to Paige's room, the world outside seemed a little less pressing. Inside, the soft lighting and the quiet hum of the dorm room felt like a balm to Jasmine's frayed nerves. Paige unlocked the door and stepped aside to let Jasmine in. The room was still, filled with the comfortable clutter of Paige's life—the few books scattered across the desk, the plush throw pillows on the bed, the scent of lavender in the air.

Jasmine kicked off her shoes and unzipped her jacket, already feeling the weight of the night beginning to lift. Paige, too, let out a breath, relieved to be away from the party, away from the lingering tension. She made her way to the bed, sitting down beside Jasmine.

"Better?" Paige asked softly, her gaze searching Jasmine's face.

Jasmine nodded, her eyes meeting Paige's. "Yeah. This... feels right. Thank you for coming with me."

Paige smiled, moving to sit closer, her arm brushing against Jasmine's. "Of course. I'm just glad we're here. Together."

Jasmine let out a slow breath, the tension in her body easing as she looked around the room. The stillness felt different here—calm, peaceful, a safe space. She let herself sink into the feeling, letting the simple act of being in Paige's presence soothe the restlessness that had followed her all evening.

Paige gave her a small, reassuring smile. "Want to just stay here tonight? No more parties, no more noise. Just us."

Jasmine smiled softly, the weight of the evening still there, but softer now. "Yeah, I'd like that."

Without another word, Paige shifted onto the bed, patting the space beside her. Jasmine followed, lying down next to her, the soft sheets and blankets feeling like a comfort after everything that had happened. They settled into each other's presence, the quiet hum of the outside world no longer mattering.

There was no need for words anymore, just the gentle warmth of their bodies next to each other. Jasmine's breathing slowed as she tucked her head against Paige's shoulder, feeling the steady rhythm of her heartbeat.

Paige didn't speak either, her arm slipping around Jasmine in a gesture that was simple, but full of meaning. No more pressure, no more complications—just the peaceful silence of being together. She pressed a kiss to Jasmine's forehead, feeling the steady weight of sleep begin to settle over her, too.

And for the first time in what felt like a long time, Jasmine allowed herself to fully relax, her worries slowly drifting away as the quiet of the room wrapped around them both.

No more noise. No more distractions. Just this—just them, in this space they'd created, together.