The Quiet Contract

Trying

Lisa's POV

I didn't mean to ask her. I had every intention of just leaving, of giving us both space after everything we'd laid bare tonight. But as my hand touched the door handle, the words tumbled out before I could stop them.

"Can I kiss you?"

It wasn't planned, wasn't part of the careful image I'd promised myself I'd maintain. Jennie had already told me how she felt—or at least what she thought she felt. Yet here I was, standing there, holding my breath like some lovesick fool, waiting for her answer.

When she didn't respond immediately, I thought I'd made a mistake. Her wide eyes, the way her lips parted slightly in surprise—I felt a pang of regret. But something about the way she looked at me, the faint tremble in her stance, gave me courage.

Before she could answer, I closed the space between us and kissed her.

It was everything I had been holding back. The nights I spent thinking about her, the way she made me feel alive and frustrated and hopeful all at once—it all poured out in that kiss. Her lips were soft, hesitant at first, and I worried I'd crossed a line I couldn't uncross.

But then, she kissed me back.

Her hands moved to my shoulders, then to the back of my neck, pulling me closer. And suddenly, it wasn't just my kiss anymore—it was ours. Her hunger matched mine, and I felt her let go of whatever she'd been holding back.

The world around us disappeared. It was just Jennie and me, wrapped in this moment I'd been dreaming about for far too long. Her warmth, the way she clung to me like she didn't want to let go, made my chest tighten with emotions I couldn't name but knew had always been there.

I didn't want to stop, but I knew I had to. Slowly, I broke the kiss, resting my forehead against hers. Both of us were breathing hard, our faces flushed, her eyes wide and searching.

"I've been dying to do that," I admitted, my voice rough with emotion. "Ever since the first time we kissed. I couldn't hold it back anymore."

Her lips parted like she wanted to say something, but no words came. She looked at me like I'd just turned her world upside down, and maybe I had.

"I—" she started, her voice shaky. "I... didn't know you felt like that."

I laughed softly, brushing my thumb against her cheek. "How could you not know, Jennie? It's always been you. Even when I tried to pretend it wasn't."

Her expression shifted, something soft and vulnerable breaking through the usual guarded look she wore. For a second, I thought she might say it—might tell me what I'd been waiting to hear.

"Lisa," she whispered, her voice trembling, "I—"

I gently pressed a finger to her lips.

"Don't," I said, my tone softer than I'd ever heard it. "Don't say anything you're not ready to say. I just... I couldn't leave without letting you know how I feel. No matter what happens next."

I meant it. I needed her to know this was real, that it had always been real, even if we were both too scared to admit it.

I stepped back, every part of me screaming to stay, to hold her, to kiss her again until all the confusion and hurt disappeared. But I knew better.

"I'll see you tomorrow," I said, trying to sound calm, even as my heart pounded in my chest.