The next day, you didn't wake up until noon but Josh was already gone to class. He had a late class then was supposed to study until dinnertime with friends at the library, but you couldn't help but have doubt what he was really doing. There was another Beta Gamma party tonight. Since Josh was busy, Jaden and Charli had suggested just having a movie night in. They showed up after their classes with takeout and a plan for two movies to watch. They'd each picked a movie and then flipped a coin for who was going to get to pick dinner.
It was so funny to see how far they'd come with compromising and getting along considering the first bestie movie night months ago when there was almost a brawl over The Notebook. They would be so amazing together if they'd just admit how they both clearly felt. You were scared to get involved and play matchmaker though because if Charli was right and Jaden changed his mind you didn't want to be responsible for her getting hurt.
You were having more fun than you wanted to admit, but when the first movie ended you were surprised that Josh hadn't shown up yet. You send him a text, but you notice the one you sent an hour ago still wasn't even opened.
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You tried to stop your imagination from running wild, but you couldn't help but wonder if he was with Mads. You knew she was in town visiting, and what other reason would she have to be here but him. Olivia had mentioned her and Mads were considering coming to school here next year, was it just a campus visit and they'd run into each other once or was he with her every time he'd disappeared the past few days.
You try to shake the thought from your head and focus on the second movie. It was another romance drama and you smiled knowing it was more than likely the movie Jaden picked. You curled up into your blanket and started to drift off to sleep noticing Jaden and Charli staring at the screen intensely while sharing a bowl of popcorn.
*JADEN'S POV*
He notices that Charli's roommate is fast asleep and decides now is the time to bring up what he's been wanting to talk to Charli about. His feelings for her are too strong to deny anymore and after seeing how she was with Chase this past weekend, he knows he will lose his chance if he doesn't take it soon. He's sitting up, leaning back on the headboard while Charli is resting her head against his chest still watching the climax of the movie. Jaden took a deep breath: "Charli..."
She looked up with tears in her eyes and he reached his hand out to wipe them away and smile gently at her: "Sorry, I didn't expect this movie to be this sad. It makes you wonder if any of us will ever find that."
Jaden: "What if we have?"
Charli: *Sitting up and tilting her head in confusion* "What do you mea-"
Jaden leaned forward and softly pressed his lips against hers.
*END JADEN'S POV*
*CHARLI'S POV*
She let herself give into the kiss for a moment because she'd forgotten how amazing his lips felt against hers. As he laid back, pulling her closer, she snapped out of her trance and stopped him: "Jaden..."
Jaden: "I'm not trying to rush you. I just really like you and I want a chance to show you."
Charli: "This isn't going to happen, I'm sorry."
Jaden: "Is it Chase?"
Charli: "What? No. He lives hours away. We won't ever be anything but long distance friends."
Jaden: "Then what is it... Can you look me in the eyes and tell me right now that you have no feelings for me at all?"
Charli: *taking a deep breath* "Jaden, I'm sorry. I just don't want what you want."
*END CHARLI'S POV*
*JADEN'S POV*
He can't believe this is happening. He knew he hadn't imagined them getting so much closer. He hadn't imagined her feeling something back. Could Chase being there for 2 days have been enough to change things that easily? He couldn't sit and stand her look of pity any longer and pushed away to stand up. He slipped on his shoes as she called back: "Jaden, please don't be mad. I'm sorry. I still want to be friends."
Jaden: "How am I supposed to keep being friends with someone I'm in love with?"
Charli: "I'm so sorry. Please, just don't leave. Let's talk about this. I don't want to lose you."
Jaden: "As a friend, right?"
Charli: "Yes."
Jaden: "I'm going. Just... I just need some time."
He walked out and across the hall. He reached his hand out for the doorknob of his room and remembered the Beta Gamma party he'd skipped to stay with Charli and headed across campus.
