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Chapter 24 - this isn't a game

Jess

A few weeks had quickly passed and things between Jess and Jack had been progressing more than they had before. The pair had spent sessions in the library together daily, working on pieces of work or essays that they had to get done. It was nice having someone to work with and also refreshing that it was with Jack of all people.

The studying in the library had progressed to Jess' house for tonight when neither could find a spare spot to claim considering deadlines were close for all courses. So as Jess lived so close by, Jack had immediately suggested they head back to hers.

She had fallen into instant panic at the idea as she wasn't sure how she felt about it or how her housemates would. Jess lived among a calm group of people including her course mate Lily and their house was always fairly quiet. She loved it that way however, it also meant that they always noticed when something was out of place. Jack would not go unnoticed and she wasn't prepared for the questions about who he was or what was going on.

"I still can't get over how nice this place is compared to ours." Jack was in awe at the student house that he was currently standing in. "It's actually modern."

"Yeah but we have a terrible landlord so technically we have a rough deal." Jess rolled her eyes just thinking about it.

"More reason for Candice to move out and for you to move in with us!" Jack teased as they headed up the stairs.

Jess was smiling while her back was to him, as she didn't want him thinking that she was even considering the idea. However, she did find it insanely cute that he continued to mention it as though it was a possibility.

It would definitely not be the kind of environment she would want to live in but the fact that he cared enough to want her around more, made her feel good.

...

As they headed into Jess' room, Jack placed the bag of food down on her bed that they had picked up from the local takeaway place from down the road. It was around 7pm and they were both beyond starving after their long day and it felt like this was well deserved.

"Food first and then we can watch some shit TV."

"You mean finish our work." Jess corrected as she chuckled, knowing he would do anything to get out of it.

"No way, we have to call it a day. My mind is fucking frazzled, I never spend this long on this stuff."

Although she knew she still had a lot to do of her own work to do, Jess gave in because the thought of lazing around and watching a movie with him sounded extremely appealing. It was so crazy how she had gone from being a nervous wreck around Jack to feeling somewhat comfortable.

The side of him she had gotten to know was one she liked a lot and Jess was really beginning to fully appreciate his company. This little bubble they had themselves wrapped up in was perfect and she did not want to let go.

...

After spending hours switching between movies on Netflix, 2am hit and they were both ready to call it a night. It was obvious they were exhausted as pure silence surrounded them as the subtitles filled the screen and the room fell dark. Although it was silent, it wasn't uncomfortable and it actually felt quite the opposite.

"Shit, I didn't even realise the time." Jack was the first to speak as he looked down at his phone.

They were both slouched back on Jess' bed and they had started off with a large space between them but they had somehow managed to close the gap until their arms were touching. They were close enough that Jess' couldn't help but glimpse at the screen of his phone and notice the many notifications popping up.