𝐋𝐎𝐌𝐋², jack champion

052, 𝐢 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐡𝐞'𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧' 𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮

052, 𝐢 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐡𝐞'𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧' 𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮
irl
(song for this chapter is:
'jealous' — nick jonas)

THIRD PERSON +
january 15, 2025

The buzz from the red carpet still lingered as the group made their way into the grand cinema at Leicester Square.

The theatre was abuzz with excited murmurs, a mix of fans, press, and cast members all eagerly anticipating the film. As they settled into their plush velvet seats, Juniper could feel the weight of the night hanging in the air—tinged with nerves, nostalgia, and a whisper of possibility.

Juniper's assigned seat placed her between Louis, Vinnie and Jenna, with Jack across the aisle sandwiched between Mason and Jasmin. It was almost comical how fate had seated her far enough from Jack to avoid direct interaction, but close enough that she couldn't help but notice him. The film began, and the room went dark save for the flickering glow of the screen.

Jack wasn't watching the movie. Not really. His eyes kept drifting to Juniper, who sat captivated by the film. Her soft smiles during comedic scenes, the way she unconsciously tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, and the subtle furrow of her brows during emotional moments—it was all intoxicating. Every small gesture brought a flood of memories, and Jack wondered if she could feel his gaze on her.

Mason leaned over during a particularly quiet moment and whispered, "You're going to burn a hole into her head if you keep staring."

Jack shot him a glare but said nothing. Mason smirked knowingly and turned back to the screen, clearly entertained by Jack's obvious preoccupation.

As the credits rolled and the lights brightened, the theatre erupted in applause. Jenna beamed as she stood, receiving congratulations and hugs from her friends and castmates. Juniper hugged her tightly, gushing over how proud she was.

"That was amazing, Jen," Juniper said, her voice warm and sincere. "You're such a star."

"Stop, you're gonna make me cry," Jenna replied, squeezing her back.

The group headed toward the bar inside the theatre, where drinks flowed and the buzz of post-film excitement filled the air. Juniper found herself standing with Jenna, Vinnie, Louis, and Jasmin, glasses in hand, laughing as they praised Jenna's performance and discussed their favorite scenes. Across the room, Mason and Jack lingered near the bar.

"You're gonna talk to her, right?" Mason asked, sipping his drink.

Jack hesitated. "What if she's not ready?"

"She agreed to come tonight, knowing you'd be here," Mason said, his voice encouraging. "That's a start. Stop overthinking and just go talk to her."

Jack glanced over at Juniper, who was laughing at something Vinnie had said. Her smile was radiant, and the sound of her laughter sent a pang through his chest. Summoning his courage, Jack excused himself and started toward her.

"Jack's coming over," Jenna whispered to Juniper, nudging her gently.

Juniper stiffened slightly but forced herself to relax. She took a slow sip of her drink, willing her heart to stop racing. As Jack approached, she felt his presence before he even spoke.

"Hey," Jack said, his voice soft but clear. "Sorry to interrupt. Can I steal you for a minute?"

Juniper looked to Jenna, who gave her an encouraging nod. Taking a steadying breath, she turned back to Jack and nodded. "Sure."