Meant to Collide

48. A Leap into Love

Jules hurriedly rushes to meet her friends, her heart pounding with anticipation. As she enters the room, Tee slams the table, breaking the quiet hum of the day.

"From what Mon said," Tee begins with a sharp edge to his tone, "I think Sky's equation is different this time around."

"I think so too," Kade chimes in, her voice firm. "He means what he says this time."

Before Jules can gather her thoughts, Jim adds, "Before this... 'like' might have meant 'hate.' But with you? He means what he says."

"Exactly," Kade interjects, her eyes narrowing as she leans forward. "And that 'like' Jim is talking about? It's not just casual—he likes you. Romantically."

Jules freezes, stunned by the bold conclusion.

Tee doesn't let her off the hook. "What about you, Mon? Do you like Sky?"

"I..." Jules stammers, her voice barely audible.

"It's okay," Tee says gently. "I know this might be confusing. But tell me—how would you feel if Sky became your lover?"

Jules looks up, startled, only to find Jim's curious gaze boring into her.

"Oh!" Dianne chimes in, laughing nervously. "That's a tough one to answer."

"But it's important," Kade says firmly. "Jim's asking because we've got your back no matter what. So, Mon—do you like Sky?" Her gaze is penetrating, leaving Jules with nowhere to hide.

After a long pause, Jules takes a shaky breath and finally responds, "How could I? He already has Mia as his girlfriend."

The group groans in unison, visibly disappointed.

"Look," Kade says dramatically, "we're supporting you openly despite knowing that he's engaged, because there's zero chemistry between those two."

"And it's obvious," Tee adds. "If it's not about work, he barely talks to her. But with you? It's different. His eyes sparkle. His face lights up. You're special to him."

Jim throws her hands up, groaning comically. "Ugh! Enough! My heart hurts!"

"What's wrong with you now?" Kade asks, exasperated. "Hmph! I'm jealous!" Jim pouts, earning laughter from everyone.

Tee seizes the moment. "Enough distractions. Mon, do you like Sky?"

Jules hesitates, but the faintest hope flickers in her eyes as her cheeks flush. Finally, she blurts out, "Yes, I like Sir Sky!" Her words spill out faster than she can process them.

A chorus of cheers erupts, the group unable to contain their excitement.

"Stop, stop!" Tee yells, silencing the chaos. "Would you like to date Sky?"

Jules pauses, her heart racing, before nodding shyly. Her friends scream in delight again. "Okay, okay," Dianne whispers, giggling. "Let's sit down. People are staring."

As they settle back, Jim leans closer. "Now, Mon, you have to make the first move. Ask him out."

"She's right," Tee agrees. "If you don't start, it'll never happen." "Give me some time," Jules pleads, her voice wavering.

Kade smirks mischievously. "Well... about that. I already told Sky to come here."

"What?!" Jules jumps up, panicking, and bolts toward the exit, only to collide with a tall figure. As she looks up, her breath catches.

"Sir Sky!" she exclaims, her voice barely above a whisper.

From afar, her friends watch the scene, grinning like conspirators. "Perfect timing," Kade murmurs with a satisfied smirk.

Sky and Jules move a little further away, the weight of the moment silencing them. The air grows tense with unspoken emotions.

"Why did you leave like that?" Sky asks, his tone laced with concern.

"I quit," Jules replies, her voice trembling.

"Why?" His gaze softens, searching hers. "Did you feel pressured?"

"Yes," she admits. "Working with you... suffocated me." Sky frowns, his voice lowering. "But I didn't do that today. So why? Was it because I said I like you?"

Jules shakes her head, her emotions spilling over. "You hate me."

"I don't," Sky says firmly. His voice rises as desperation overtakes him. "I said I don't hate you, Mon! I said I like you!"

Her tears flow freely now, her chest heaving as his words sink in.

"I hate you," Sky snaps, his frustration boiling over. "I really hate you! Because I like you so much. What do you want, Mon? Which answer will make you understand that I like you?"

Jules, unable to hold it in any longer, blurts out through her tears, "Would you be my boyfriend?"

Sky freezes for a moment before replying instantly, "Sure." Jules stares at him, shocked.

"Huh?" Sky asks, confused. "What did you just say?"

"Forget it," Jules mutters, trying to turn away, but he grabs her hand, pulling her close.

"You asked me to be your boyfriend," he says softly. She nods, bracing herself for rejection.

Sky gently wipes her tears away, his voice steady. "Then... let's date."

"But I'm no good," Jules says hesitantly.

"You are," he insists. "You're the best. I've been afraid that you wouldn't feel the same way, but now..."

Jules laughs, tears still streaming down her face.

"So, we're dating now?" she asks, her voice tinged with disbelief. Sky smiles, his confidence unwavering. "Yes."

"You can't take it back later," he warns teasingly. Jules nods, laughing and crying at the same time. They embrace, the world fading away as the weight of their happiness overtakes them.