𝐎𝐌𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐂𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐓
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𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐘𝐍 stood at the doorstep of Ms. Rita's house, his nerves coiling tight like a spring. The crisp scent of roses wafted up from the bouquet in his hand, mingling with the faint trace of his cologne.
The delicate Pandora bracelet dangled from his fingers, its silver charm catching the dim glow of the porchlight. He shifted his weight, the crunch of gravel beneath his sneakers breaking the stillness of the evening.
Each second felt like an eternity as he glanced at the polished wooden door, hoping—yet dreading—for it to swing open.
The faint sound of footsteps echoed from the other side of the door, growing louder with each passing second. Justyn's breath hitched as he swallowed hard, the lump in his throat sliding down with an audible gulp.
His ears perked up instinctively, attuned to every creak of the floorboards, his heart thumping in sync with the approaching steps.
Ms. Rita swung the door open, a steaming mug cradled in her hand. Her expression, stern and guarded at first, softened into a warm smile as her eyes landed on Justyn.
The teenage boy stood tall on her porch, his fresh lineup accentuating his sharp features. He wore a crisp white T-shirt under a matching burgundy sweatsuit emblazoned with the word Hollywood, the rich fabric clinging perfectly to his frame.
His red, black, and white Balenciagas gleamed under the porch light, completing his polished look. A sudden gust of wind whipped against his face, making him shiver and causing his fresh silver iced-out chain to glint and sway against his chest.
"And who might you be here for?" Ms. Rita asked, her voice carrying a curious edge as she raised an eyebrow.
Justyn quickly straightened his posture, brushing off any hint of nervousness. He cleared his throat, his voice steady but soft. "I'm here for Chance..." he said, his words trailing off as his gaze dropped momentarily to the bouquet and Pandora bracelet in his hands.
Ms. Rita's smile deepened, her eyes twinkling as they flicked to the thoughtful gifts. "Well, aren't you sweet," she remarked, stepping back and pulling the door open wider. "You can come in. I'll go get her for you."
Justyn nodded and stepped inside, the warmth of the house wrapping around him as he crossed the threshold, leaving the biting wind behind.
"Chance!" Ms. Rita called out, her voice ringing through the house as she glanced toward the staircase.
Upstairs, Chance groaned, her half-asleep state interrupted. She buried her face deeper into her pillow, fighting the pull of consciousness. "Ma'am?!" she yelled back, her tone groggy and tinged with irritation.
Ms. Rita smirked, stifling a chuckle as she imagined the girl's disheveled state. She knew full well she'd just dragged her out of the brink of sleep. "You have company!" she called back, her tone teasing but firm.
Footsteps echoed softly against the wooden staircase, growing louder as Chance finally appeared. Her hair was neatly braided and swept into a casual bun, strands catching the light in a subtle gleam.
The warm glow illuminated her smooth caramel skin, giving it a radiant, sunlit sheen. She was draped in cozy, Night Before Christmas pajamas, the playful pattern contrasting with her half-sleepy expression.
Justyn's eyes lingered on her, taking in her effortless beauty. He shifted slightly, running his tongue over his lips as he admired her unpolished, yet captivating, state.
