𝐋𝐎𝐌𝐋², jack champion

048, 𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐲 𝐥𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐡𝐨

048, 𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐲 𝐥𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐡𝐨
irl + social media

THIRD PERSON +
december 15, 2024

Jack parked his car on the street a block away from the little café, hoping the short walk would give him time to steady his nerves.

This conversation wasn't going to be easy. As much as he'd tried to give Zara the benefit of the doubt, something gnawed at him after his mom's insight. If she was right, and Zara had been meddling—more than meddling, really—then he owed it to himself and to Juniper to get to the bottom of it.

When he entered the café, he immediately spotted Zara sitting at a small table by the window, sipping from a mug and looking out at the street with a little smile. She perked up as he approached, her eyes brightening as she waved him over. Jack took a deep breath and made his way to the table, forcing a polite smile as he slid into the seat across from her.

"Hey, Jack," she greeted, flashing him a grin. "Nice to see you. It's been a while since we've hung out alone, hasn't it?"

Jack felt a pang of discomfort at the warmth in her gaze. She looked genuinely happy, as if they were just two friends meeting up for coffee on a casual afternoon. But now, with everything his mom had said weighing on his mind, he couldn't ignore the way her smile lingered a little too long or the way her eyes sparkled just a bit too much.

"Yeah, it has," he replied, clearing his throat. "Listen, Zara, there's actually something I need to talk to you about."

"Oh?" She tilted her head, her fingers drumming lightly against her mug as she watched him. "What's on your mind?"

Jack braced himself. "I saw the post on The Tea Room about us—about people thinking we're... together."

Zara's eyes widened slightly, but her smile didn't falter. "Oh, that? Yeah, I saw that too. Isn't it hilarious how people just make assumptions out of nowhere?"

"Is it out of nowhere, though?" Jack pressed, his tone growing more serious. "Because it feels like... maybe there's more to it than just a rumor. Maybe someone made sure that rumor got out there."

Zara blinked, her smile slipping just a bit. "Jack, what are you saying?"

He leaned forward, his gaze unwavering. "I'm asking if you're the one who sent that tip to The Tea Room. Did you make it look like there was something going on between us?"

A flicker of panic crossed her face, but she quickly recovered, letting out a laugh that sounded forced. "Jack, come on, why would I do that? I mean, you're my friend. I'd never do something like that."

He didn't look away, didn't let her dodge the question. "Do you have feelings for me, Zara?"

The question seemed to hit her like a slap. Her expression faltered completely, her cheeks warming as she looked down, avoiding his gaze. She tried to laugh again, but it sounded hollow. "Jack, I... I don't know where this is coming from. We're just friends, right?"

But Jack could see through her now. The way her hands twisted around the coffee cup nervously, the way her eyes darted around the room, avoiding his—he knew the truth was coming to the surface.

"Zara," he said, his voice calm but firm, "just be honest with me. I need to know what's really going on."

She swallowed, her face growing weary as she finally met his gaze. For a moment, she looked like she might confess, but then she shook her head, trying to regain her composure. "Jack, I didn't... I mean, I've always been there for you, haven't I? After the breakup, I was there to support you."