Chapter 31

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You’re everything to me," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

I smiled, pressing a kiss to his chin. "And you’re mine."

Jk chuckled softly, pulling me even closer. "You should sleep," he murmured. "It’s almost morning."

I sighed, closing my eyes as I buried my face against his chest. "Only if you stay here."

"Always," he promised, stroking my hair until I drifted off, safe in the warmth of his embrace

The soft golden sunlight streamed through the dorm room window, warming my skin as I slowly blinked my eyes open. Jk's arms were still wrapped around me, holding me close as if afraid I might disappear. His steady breathing tickled my neck, and I couldn’t help but smile to myself. Mornings like this waking up in his arms felt like the best kind of dream.

I shifted slightly, and Jk groaned, pulling me back against him with a sleepy murmur. "Stay," he whispered, his voice raspy from sleep.

I chuckled softly, running my fingers through his messy hair. "It’s morning, we should get up..."

He nuzzled into my neck, pressing a soft kiss just below my ear. "Five more minutes... or maybe forever," he mumbled.

I sighed in contentment, wrapping my arms around him. "If we stay like this forever, we’ll probably starve," I teased.

Jk smirked against my skin. "I’ll survive on you."

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t stop the blush creeping up my cheeks. "You’re so cheesy."

He finally opened his eyes, those warm brown orbs filled with affection as he gazed at me. "Only for you," he said softly, tucking a strand of my hair behind my ear.

We lay there for a while, just enjoying the quiet, stealing soft kisses and whispered confessions.

"You know," I murmured, tracing invisible patterns on his chest, "I never thought I’d feel this... safe with someone."

Jk looked at me, his expression turning serious. "Why?"

I hesitated before answering. "I guess... I was always scared of getting too close, of being left behind."

He cupped my face gently, his thumb brushing my cheek. "I’m not going anywhere," he promised. "I mean it."

I smiled, feeling tears prick at the corners of my eyes. "I know," I whispered.

For the next few days, everything felt perfect. We’d wake up wrapped in each other’s arms, lingering in bed too long, talking about everything and nothing. Jk would steal kisses whenever he got the chance.while between meals, while we walked around campus, even in between study sessions.

One afternoon, we were sitting on the dorm rooftop, sharing a blanket as we watched the sunset. Jk laced our fingers together, his thumb caressing the back of my hand.

"If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?" he asked.

I thought for a moment before smiling. "Honestly? Right here... with you."

Jk’s gaze softened, and he leaned in, pressing a lingering kiss to my forehead. "Good answer."

"Your turn," I said, nudging him playfully.

He smirked. "Anywhere you are."

I rolled my eyes, laughing. "You’re impossible."

"And you love it," he teased, pulling me closer until I was snuggled against his chest.

"I do," I admitted quietly, closing my eyes as I felt his heartbeat beneath my cheek.

Jk kissed the top of my head, holding me tighter. "Then stay with me, always."

I didn’t need to think twice. "Always."

And just like that, in the comfort of each other's presence, the days passed in a blur of soft touches, deep conversations, and a love that felt more real with every passing moment.

The evening air was crisp, carrying the subtle scent of rain as Jk and I walked side by side down the bustling street. His fingers brushed against mine a few times before he finally grabbed my hand, intertwining our fingers like it was second nature.

"Coffee shop or should we just keep walking?" he asked, glancing at me with that soft smile that always made my heart flutter.

I smiled back. "Coffee. It's too cold to walk around for long."

Jk nodded and led us to a small, cozy café tucked away from the busy main road. The place had a warm glow, fairy lights hanging from the ceiling, and the soft hum of acoustic music playing in the background. It was the kind of place where time slowed down a perfect escape.

We found a corner booth, and Jk insisted on ordering for both of us. "Two caramel lattes and a slice of tiramisu to share?" he asked, quirking an eyebrow.

I laughed. "You know me too well."

As he went to the counter, I watched him from afar, the way he casually leaned against it, talking to the barista with his usual charm. I could never quite believe he was mine.

When he returned with our drinks, he slid into the seat across from me, his eyes full of warmth. "You’re staring," he teased.

I shrugged, taking a sip of my latte. "Can’t help it. You look good in café lighting."

Jk grinned, leaning in. "You look good everywhere."

I rolled my eyes but felt my cheeks heat up. "Flirt."

He laughed softly, picking up his cup. "So, tell me something random. Something I don't know about you."

I thought for a moment, twirling the spoon in my coffee. "Hmm... I used to dream of opening a bookstore café when I was younger. Somewhere quiet, where people could come and just... get lost in stories."

Jk’s expression softened. "That sounds perfect. You should still do it someday."

I chuckled. "Maybe. What about you? Any secret dreams?"

He leaned back, tapping his fingers on the table. "Honestly? I’ve always wanted to take a long road trip. Just pack up and go, no plans, no deadlines. Just... freedom."

I smiled, imagining it. "That actually sounds nice."

Jk reached across the table, taking my hand in his. "We could do that, you know. Someday."

I squeezed his hand gently. "Yeah, someday."

We sat there, sipping our coffee, stealing small bites of cheesecake, and talking about everything our dreams, the places we wanted to visit, the things that scared us. It felt easy, like we'd done this a million times before and would do it a million times again.

As the café slowly emptied, Jk leaned closer, his thumb tracing circles on my palm. "Can I tell you something?"

I looked at him curiously. "Of course."

"I like this," he said softly, his eyes locked onto mine. "Just... being here with you. It feels right."

I smiled, feeling my heart swell. "Yeah... it does."

Jk grinned and pulled me to his side. "Come on, let’s take the long way back."

And just like that, we stepped out into the cool night, hands entwined, walking down quiet

streets, letting the world fade away around us.

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