Just Us... Together?

One month later

Amelia POV

Lately, life has been... good. Really good. I don't even mean in the overly perfect, nothing-ever-goes-wrong kind of way—but in that quietly satisfying, deeply comforting way where everything just feels like it's falling into place.

Our group has been thriving. It's kind of crazy how, despite everything we've all been through, we still find our way back to each other, tighter than before. There's this rhythm to our chaos now, like we've finally figured out how to be us without pulling each other apart.

Ryan and Katherine? They're solid. Like, the kind of solid where you just know they've found something real. I catch them sharing these little glances when they think no one's watching-like they're still surprised they got this lucky. It's sweet, honestly. Makes me believe in that kind of love, the kind that's steady, not flashy.

Liam and Sarah are doing great too. They balance each other out so well-he's all logic and calm, and she's got that calm demeanour in her that lights everyone up. They laugh a lot together, which I think is their secret. Even on their bad days, they find a way back through a joke or a sarcastic comment. It works.

Then there's Andrew and Daisy. Sigh. They're... well, they're Andrew and Daisy. Still arguing over the dumbest things-like who left the group chat on read or whose turn it was to pick the movie. But deep down, I know they care. Maybe bickering is just their language. It's exhausting to watch sometimes, but it's them. And weirdly, it works.

As for me-studies are going better than I expected. I've been on top of my schedule for once, not drowning in last-minute panic. I'm actually understanding stuff in class, not just memorizing to survive the test. It feels empowering. Like I can do this. Like maybe I'm not just stumbling my way through anymore.

And then there's Justin.

God, Justin.

He's... everything steady in my whirlwind of a life. What we have is something I've never had with anyone else. It's deep, real, and grounding. When he looks at me, I don't feel like I need to pretend. I can just be me. The messy, anxious, sometimes-too-much me. And he doesn't flinch. He stays.

We talk about everything and nothing. We share playlists, late-night thoughts, and snacks during study sessions. He knows when to push me and when to just sit beside me in silence.

There's this quiet understanding between us—like we speak a language no one else really hears. I don't know what it is exactly. Maybe it's friendship at its purest form. Or maybe... it's something more slowly growing beneath the surface, unspoken but alive.

Either way, we're doing well. And I'm happy. Truly happy. Which feels rare and golden.

So yeah... right now, in this moment, life feels like it's blooming. And for the first time in a long time, I'm not afraid of where it's going. I'm just glad I'm here to feel it all.

But even with everything going so well, I can't lie—there's this pressure quietly building under the surface. Exams are coming up fast, and no matter how prepared I feel on paper, there's always that lingering voice in the back of my mind whispering, What if it's not enough?

Sometimes I wake up with this tight feeling in my chest, like I'm already running behind, even before the day begins. I'll stare at my books for minutes that feel like hours, flipping pages I swear I've read before, yet suddenly can't remember a single word from.

It's not that I haven't been studying—I have, more than ever, actually. But the fear of blanking out, of falling short, still creeps in every now and then.

It's a weird mix of stress and hope, honestly. Like my mind is constantly balancing on a tightrope between I've got this and What if I don't?

But here's the thing—and maybe it's the difference this time—despite the stress, I believe in myself. And I don't say that lightly.

A big part of that is because of everything else in my life finally being... right. My friends, our laughter, the support we give each other-it's like I'm surrounded by this invisible net that keeps me from falling too far. We all push each other in quiet ways.

Ryan's reminders to drink water during study sessions, Katherine's constant motivation she passes around like they're little gifts. Liam and Sarah's support like they're my literal parents. Even Daisy and Andrew, through all their bickering and silly fights, still show up and care.

And Justin... he's been a constant. When I get overwhelmed, he's the one who tells me to breathe. He makes studying feel less like a burden and more like something we're tackling together.

Sometimes, when I'm silently spiraling, he'll just shoot me this look that says, "You've done harder things. You've got this." And I believe him.

Because he's seen me at my worst, breaking all apart and venting in front of him like a kid who lost her favorite toy and didn't know how to cope, like a child trying to explain pain they don't even have words for-and still he didn't flinch.

I never realized how come I trusted Justin with all my fears, insecurities, inner storms and unspoken wounds. But now that he stayed even after listening to me and knowing everything, it's all that matters to me.

So yes, the pressure is there. The late nights, the caffeine-fueled cramming, the fear of falling short-they're all real. But they're not stronger than me. Not anymore.

I've worked for this. I've grown. And no matter what the exam paper throws at me, I'm walking in with a heart that's steady, a mind that's focused, and people in my corner who make everything feel possible.

That kind of strength? It's new. And it's mine now.

Justin POV

The door clicked shut behind me, and for a second, the world fell completely still.

I stood there, blinking under the afternoon sun, my fingers still faintly aching from writing so much in the exam, my brain slow to believe it was all finally over. The weight - all of it: the expectations, the sleepless nights, the silent pressure building behind every mock test and textbook - it just... lifted. Like someone had unknotted a rope around my chest.

I took a long breath, letting the air fill my lungs in a way it hadn't for weeks. Everything felt louder now - the rustling leaves, the distant chatter, the laughter bouncing off the corridor walls. Lightness spread through me, unfamiliar but welcome.

And then I saw her.

Amelia.

She stood a few meters away, surrounded by a group of the usual top-rankers, already animated in their post-exam rituals - comparing answers, arguing over questions, celebrating near-perfection. She looked like she belonged there, effortlessly. Hair pulled back, eyes alive with that sharp glow she always had after a paper. She was smiling - wide, carefree - the kind of smile that had once been mine to witness in quieter, softer moments.

My gaze lingered longer than it should have.

And just like that, a flood of memories rose - her teasing me over my messy notes, our study sessions where we barely studied, the coffee breaks that turned into hour-long conversations. It all came back, clear and bittersweet.

I swallowed hard, forced myself to look away. Some things - no matter how good they were - belong to a different chapter. And maybe that chapter had already ended.

So I turned.

Started walking.

And just when I thought the moment had passed, I heard it - my name. Soft, almost hesitant, but unmistakable.

"Justin."

I stopped in my tracks. The sound of it - the way she said it - still had a strange hold on me.

I turned around.

She was no longer with the group. Just her, standing there, her eyes meeting mine, something quiet and unreadable in them.

"Hey," she said, her voice warmer than the sun.

And suddenly, I wasn't sure if the chapter had really ended at all.

"How was the exam?" She asked with her usual radiant self and a smile that reached upto her ears.

"Umm, pretty good... How was yours?"

"I messed up a few places, but I don't mind now, haha."

I smiled a little looking at her so carefree. We walked together till our university gates. And then it struck me-maybe I could invite her to my apartment for spending some quality time, together.

"So..." I started, gently turning towards her and rubbing the back of my neck - classic nervous tic, and she probably noticed.

She raised an eyebrow, curious.

I hesitated. My throat was dry. This was stupid. Or maybe not. I didn't even know what I was asking for - maybe just a few hours where we weren't surrounded by pressure, by people, by the things we used to be and the things we were avoiding.

"You wanna come over for a bit?" I asked, finally. My voice came out casual, too casual - like I was trying not to sound like I cared too much.

She blinked. "Your apartment?"

"Yeah. I mean-nothing formal. Just..." I exhaled. "I've got some snacks, cold drinks... figured we could chill. Talk. No syllabus. No pressure. Just... us. If you want."

For a second, she didn't say anything. And I instantly regretted opening my mouth. Maybe I'd misread everything.

But then her expression softened. She gave me this small, knowing smile - the kind that always unraveled me a little.

"Okay," she said, gently. "I'd like that. 6 PM?"

"Okay. 6 PM."

And just like that, something inside me settled. Not completely - just enough.

We started walking side by side, not saying much. We didn't need to.

Sometimes, after everything - silence and presence were enough.

In the evening at 5:25 PM

Amelia POV

I stared at my reflection, chewing my lip, the soft buzz of the dorm fan the only sound in the room.

My books were still sprawled across the bed, but my mind was elsewhere - tangled up in the fact that Justin had invited me over. Just to talk. To chill. No pressure, he said.

And yet, here I was standing in front of the mirror like I was about to meet the President.

I glanced at my makeup pouch.

I stared blankly at the pouch like it was some kind of emotional puzzle. Lip gloss or lipstick? Mascara or nothing? Was I really stressing over this?

It's not at all a date, I reminded myself.

It's just Justin.

But my heart wasn't convinced. It had this quiet little tremor in it - like it knew something I didn't. Or maybe something I wouldn't admit.

I sat down on the edge of my bed, fingers tangled in the ends of my hair.

We were just going to talk. Catch up. Maybe laugh a little. But after everything - the exams, the space that had grown between us, and then that moment earlier when he asked me with that half-shy, half-hopeful look - it didn't feel like just "hanging out." Not to me.

Still... I didn't want to show up looking like I tried too hard. But I also didn't want to look like I didn't care.

I reached for my mascara and leaned close to the mirror, resting my elbow on the desk for balance. A quick swipe. Then another. Nothing dramatic, just a little definition. Enough to feel... seen.

Lip gloss. Clear with a tint of peach - safe. Natural. Not kiss-me red, just talk-to-me soft.

I skipped blush. My cheeks were already a little flushed anyway.

Then I walked over to the closet and pulled out the white dress - the one with tiny green flowers that always reminded me of spring mornings and soft breezes. I hadn't worn it in a while, but today it felt right.

Then came the outfit.

As I slipped the white floral dress on, the fabric fell around me like memory - light, effortless, familiar. The neckline sat just off my collarbone with a gentle dip, and the tiny bow at the center gave it a quiet kind of charm. Not loud. Just... sweet. Casual, but warm.

I tugged on the cardigan - that sage green one with the slightly oversized sleeves - and buttoned only one in the middle, letting the rest hang loose. It balanced the dress perfectly. Cozy. A little undone. Like I hadn't overthought it (even though I absolutely had).

Shoes. Simple flats. Beige. Quiet. My phone buzzed on the nightstand - a message from my Daisy: "You alive after that paper?" I smiled, typed back a quick reply, and tossed my phone into my small shoulder bag along with my lip balm, a mini perfume spray, and my keys.

One last look in the mirror.

I tilted my head. I didn't look perfect. But I looked like me - the version of me that I wanted him to see.

I looked... calm. But inside? A full-blown swirl of nerves and butterflies.

It's just Justin, I told myself. You've studied with him, fought over answers, shared him about your family and life. This isn't new.

But it felt different now.

I hesitated at the door, fingers resting on the knob. My heart gave one strong thump.

If this goes nowhere, it's fine. You'll still have tonight. You'll still have him for at least one evening - just you two, without the noise of everyone else, without notes and lectures between you.

I opened the door and stepped into the hallway. It was quiet - golden dusk spilling across the tiled floor, painting soft light against the walls.

And as I walked toward the gate, dress swaying gently around my knees, I carried the tiniest hope in my chest -

That maybe, just maybe, this wasn't the end of something.

Maybe it was the start.

Justin POV

It's only 5:37 PM and I'm all ready to welcome Amelia. Oh, no no, I haven't planned anything special like a formal date. Just a perfect environment and lighting with a touch of fragrance enhanced by lavender scented candles, given by my sister. I wasn't even sure why I still had them, but I was suddenly grateful I did.

I selected a playlist of mellow acoustic tracks to be played low in the background, and on the table, I placed two glasses of iced lemon tea waiting beside a tray of snacks.

I stood back and looked around. It was still my place - plain walls, soft lighting, a few books stacked neatly now instead of thrown around. But it felt different. Like it was ready to hold a moment instead of just a person.

I checked the clock. 5:48.

She'd be here any minute.

I caught myself in the mirror near the door. My shirt was fine - simple white, sleeves rolled up just enough. I ran my fingers through my hair and tried not to look like I'd done it ten times already.

And then I just... stood there.

Waiting. Trying not to let it show how much I cared.

Because this wasn't just about hanging out. Not really. It was about letting her in not just into my space, but into the quiet parts of my day that no one else saw.

And I didn't know what would happen tonight.

But for the first time in a long while... I wanted to find out.

Finally Amelia and Justin are having a 'Just Us, Together' time all after the boring study sessions and exam stress.! Two people who have shared notes, secrets, silences; now stepping into a new kind of moment.

Next chapter?

They meet.

They talk.

And maybe - just maybe - something changes.

You won't want to miss it 🌙✨

Please vote and comment if you liked this chapter. The next chapter will be updated soon. Take care, cuties 💙

»»---->🌷✨You can also follow me on Instagram - @_authorserene_ for spoilers and other updates✨🌷<----««