Yours Truly

The Vibe Check

I chose to add songs to the chapters because I feel like it'll set the mood before reading. Give me your feedback in the comments about giving a song for each chapter. I'd really appreciate it.

The song for this chapter isn't a personal favorite but it fits because the vibe is smooth, intimate, and flirtatious just like the energy is between Jay and Deja.

The lyrics reflect mutual curiosity and growing chemistry, layered with soft vocals and a dreamy production that feels romantic but real. It carries that same "I didn't expect to feel this... but now I want to explore it" mood.

Continue to enjoy this story....
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The moment we stepped into The Event, the atmosphere pulled me in.

Dim lighting spilled across smooth wood floors, and soft jazz hummed from somewhere unseen. The scent of roasted garlic, fresh basil, and something slightly sweet filled the air. The space had this modern but cozy energy—low booths wrapped around the walls, candles flickering on every table, and a long marble bar glowing softly beneath rows of amber bottles. I didn't expect to like it this much.

Jay gave our name at the front and the hostess smiled like she already knew us.

Right this way she said, gesturing with her menu.

We followed, pinkies still linked.

Jay leaned in. "So far, ten out of ten."

Me: You haven't even tried the food.

Jay: Don't need to. You showed up, and that's the main course.

I blinked and looked away quickly, biting back a smile.

Me: Okay, smooth. I'll give you that one.

Jay: I'll earn the rest

Our booth was tucked in a corner, private but not cut off. It faced the stage, where a woman in a velvet dress was crooning over piano chords. Her voice was smoke and honey, making everything feel slower, softer.

I slid into the booth, crossing my legs and setting my purse down. Jay sat across from me, arms relaxed, shoulders taking up more space than necessary.

Jay: You want a drink?

Me: Only if you're joining me.

Jay: Say less.

We ordered me a lavender lemon martini, him something light with a twist of orange and glanced through the menu. Conversation flowed like it always did with him, that same unforced rhythm. He asked questions like he genuinely cared about the answers. I found myself talking more than I planned to.

Me: ...and that's why I'll never trust a roommate with my leftovers again.

Jay: (laughing) Wait, she ate it and lied about it?

Me: Straight to my face. Had the nerve to say, Maybe you ate it and forgot.

Jay shook his head.

Jay: Nah, see... that's grounds for eviction. I don't play about food.

Me: You'd be the type to label your stuff, huh?

Jay: Absolutely. I'll put a sticky note and a threat.

I laughed and sipped my drink. Duly noted.

After our food came perfectly grilled salmon for me, steak for him, we ate and talked about music, dreams, old heartbreaks we didn't mean to mention. At one point, I looked up and realized we'd been leaning closer to each other without noticing.