Everything with you

Part 75

Emma

The room was quiet except for the soft hum of the ceiling fan and our uneven breathing. The sheets were tangled around us, and Justin's arm was still wrapped around my waist, his chest rising and falling steadily beneath my cheek.

For a moment, everything felt still—the kind of still that only comes after chaos.

Then he broke the silence, his voice low, a little sheepish.
"We need to be more careful next time," he said, brushing his thumb across my shoulder. "We didn't even use protection. Your parents would definitely kill me if I got you pregnant."

My eyes widened as reality hit me, but his expression—that mix of panic and honesty—made me laugh. "Come on, they like you."

He raised an eyebrow, that teasing look I knew too well. "Your dad likes me. Your mom? The jury's still out."

That made me laugh harder, the sound echoing between us. I nudged him lightly, and he smiled, that small, tired smile that made his green eyes soften.

Then, just as quickly, his arms tightened around me. He kissed my forehead, holding me close.
"I'm scared of leaving you here, Em," he murmured against my hair. "I wish I could take you with me."

I sighed, lifting my head so I could look at him. His face was half in shadow, half in the faint glow from the streetlight filtering through the curtains.
"You can't keep me with you at all times, Justin," I said quietly. "I can take care of myself."

He exhaled slowly, eyes distant. "I know... but I almost lost you. I did lose you for a couple of seconds. It was the worst moment of my life."

The weight of his words pressed against me. I reached up and hugged him closer, feeling his heartbeat under my palm. He didn't move, just stayed there, holding me like he was afraid I'd slip away again.

"I know you can take care of yourself," he whispered finally. "But I'll always worry."

I smiled softly against his chest. "You don't have to worry," I said, even though I knew he would anyway. "I'll be extra careful. And I'll keep you updated—always."

He didn't answer right away, just tightened his arms around me again and kissed the top of my head.

And in that quiet moment, with his heartbeat steady under my ear, I wished he didn't have to go.

The following week blurred together.

Between Justin's packed schedule, my own classes, and the never-ending to-do lists, the days just slipped through my fingers. He was juggling everything—finishing his remaining credits, exams, early-morning practices, and endless calls with the team's management. Every night, he came home exhausted but still found a way to smile at me before crashing into bed.

Before I knew it, it was Friday.
His flight was the next morning.

The entire team was buzzing with excitement. Even Ash, who pretended not to care, was practically glowing whenever the words "national signing" came up. Tomorrow, they'd meet the national team officially and do the press event that marked the beginning of everything Justin had worked for.

I stood at his doorway, watching him in front of the mirror, adjusting his tie. He was wearing a charcoal-black suit, perfectly tailored, his green eyes gleaming under the soft light. He looked... unfairly good.

"You look great," I said, leaning against the doorframe, unable to hide the smile tugging at my lips.

"Yeah, you look hot," Hayley chimed in between mouthfuls of instant noodles beside me.