Rodney gently took Ken’s hand in his own. And Ken’s heart picked up. “I mean have you seen your face? You’re just so cute.” Ken was more or less floating, and his free hand was covering as much of his face as it allowed. He could picture how pink his face was, so he looked away. “Thanks,” he whispered. “You’re really hot too… just give me a moment.” Ken said, fanning his face. Cheeks hurtling from smiling so much.
“Ken. Honestly… I haven’t ever had a boyfriend before. Like I’ve been on dates. I’ve kissed guys. Just never had an actual boyfriend. So I don’t want to move too fast either. It’s just…. With you… I don’t know… it just feels so right and easy… effortless. I feel I’m using bad words to describe it. It’s just like this incredible bond I feel with you.”
“Me too,” Ken said, really looking at Rodney now. “I… I’ve had a lot of people in my life. Some good and some bad. So many people I consider my brothers and sisters. But I’ve never… dated anyone. I’ve tried doing ‘dates,’ but everyone I meet… It always feels like we’re only going to be friends. And some still are,” He chuckled. “That’s why I was ready to meet you so quickly this morning. It’s… weird. Good weird! But right weird. I’m… always just the friend. And the fact they you find me attractive as well? And you are super hot? What are the odds of me winning like that? I want to keep getting to know you too Rodney.”
Rodney
“Well Vince… I’m like an onion. You have to peel back my layers one at a time. That’s why it took you three years to finally get me to kiss you.” “And I’d do it again. Plus, I love onions.” His kissed her on the tip of her nose. He put her back on her feet.
“Vince… What are we gonna do after I graduate and it’s summer? You always go back to Italy after the school year. Then next year I’ll be in college somewhere while you are still here.” Vincenzo felt a pang of guilt as he looked into Jayda’s eyes. He knew that their relationship had been built on time, trust, and a rivalry that was really only ever a cover to him, but the looming uncertainty of their futures weighed heavy on his heart. He had actively tried not to think of this. But he knew it was an important question.
“You mean so much to me, and I want to be there for you, no matter what.” He paused, searching for the right words to express his innermost thoughts. “I have an idea,” he continued, his voice filled with hope. “What if… what if you come back with me to Rome for the summer? We can spend all our time together there and figure things out, without the pressure of time zones and long-distance.” Vincenzo held his breath, anxiously awaiting Jayda’s response. He knew it was a bold proposition, considering the miles that separated them and the uncertainties that lay ahead. But he couldn’t bear the thought of being apart from her for too long, not when their bond had finally grown into something, with a strong foundation from each passing year.
@ChayChay05 • Jayda