#soft javier

He stared at it for a second before finally taking it, stepping aside to let me in. "You’re lucky I like you," he mumbled, heading straight for the couch and collapsing onto it.

I shut the door behind me, shaking my head with a quiet chuckle. "That much, huh?"

"Shut up and sit down," he grumbled, pulling the blanket tighter around himself as he took a sip.

I sat beside him, watching the way his shoulders slowly relaxed as the warmth seeped in. Moments like this—quiet, unspoken—felt like proof that we were okay, that we were moving forward. The storm had passed, but the echoes of it still lingered.

After a long silence, Caleb spoke, his voice softer this time. "You’re staying the night, right?" He didn’t look at me when he said it, keeping his focus on the coffee in his hands, as if the question was too much to meet my eyes.

I didn’t hesitate. We had already spent plenty of nights together since making up—there was no uncertainty, no second-guessing. I simply nodded, setting my coffee down before leaning back against the couch.

"Of course," I said, meeting his gaze. "Wasn’t planning on leaving."

A small, satisfied smile tugged at his lips. "Good."

And just like that, the last of the tension melted away.

The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a golden glow across the living room. The air smelled faintly of fresh coffee—the cups I had picked up on my way here sitting on the table, still warm. The world outside was quiet, the city just beginning to wake, but inside, everything felt still—comfortable. Cozy.

Caleb sat curled up on the couch, his laptop balanced on his thighs, fingers tapping against the keyboard as he worked through whatever school assignment he had pulled up. His brows furrowed in concentration, and every so often, he’d chew absently on the end of a pen, lost in thought.

Across from him, I sat at the dining table, my own laptop open, reviewing some reports. The sun stretched further into the room, warming my skin, making the moment feel even more intimate. It was the kind of quiet that wasn’t awkward or heavy—just easy.

At one point, Caleb sighed dramatically, stretching his arms over his head before slumping back against the cushions. “I swear, school is just designed to make people miserable,” he muttered, rubbing his hands down his face.

I smirked, reaching for my coffee cup. “And yet, here you are, actually doing your work.”

He shot me a glare but couldn’t hide the small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Yeah, well, some of us don’t have the luxury of being done with school already."

"Some of us also didn’t get a second chance to redo a year," I teased, earning a dramatic eye roll from him.

Caleb sighed dramatically, shutting his laptop before standing up and stretching. The morning light streamed through the windows, casting a soft glow over the room, making everything feel warm and slow, like time had decided to take it easy for once.

Without a word, he walked over to where I was sitting, still focused on my own work. The next thing I felt was his arms slipping around me from behind, his chin resting on my shoulder. His warmth, the way he fit against me so easily, made me pause, my fingers stilling over the keyboard.

I smirked but didn’t look away from my screen. “I’m not going to go and get you another coffee,” I said, my tone light, teasing.

Caleb huffed, squeezing me tighter. “You’re mean.”

I chuckled, reaching up to rest my hand over his before pushing my chair back and standing. His arms loosened just enough to let me move, but he didn’t let go completely. Instead, I turned to face him, wrapping my arms around him in return.

The sunlight danced across his face, catching in his hair, making his eyes softer, warmer. We stood there in the quiet, the hum of the city outside barely noticeable over the steady rhythm of our breaths.

“Maybe I am,” I murmured, pulling him just a little closer.

Caleb glanced at my laptop screen, then back at me. “Do you have a lot of work left?” he asked, his voice casual but curious.

I stretched slightly, rolling my shoulders before answering. “Mmm, maybe another hour,” I said, eyes still scanning the document in front of me.

Caleb nodded before stepping away. “Alright, I’m going to go grab a few things. Do you need anything while I’m out?”

I looked up at him then, offering a small smile. “No, I’m good. Thanks, though.”

As Caleb grabbed his keys and headed for the door, I glanced up from my laptop. “Oh—wait,” I called out, making him pause with his hand on the doorknob. “Can you grab me some cigs? I’m almost out.”

He turned back slightly, arching a brow. “You really need to quit,” he muttered, but there was no real bite to his words.

I smirked. “And yet, here you are, still enabling me.”

Caleb rolled his eyes but didn’t argue. “Fine. Anything else, Your Highness?”

I chuckled, shaking my head. “Just that.”

With a small laugh, he pulled the door open, stepping into the golden light spilling into the hallway. The apartment felt quieter the moment he was gone, leaving behind the soft hum of the city outside and the occasional tapping of my fingers against the keyboard.

Calebs POV

I stepped out into the warm afternoon air, shoving my hands into my pockets as I made my way down the street. The city buzzed around me—cars honking, people chatting, the occasional bark of a dog. I moved through it all with a purpose, heading straight to my usual guy.

The exchange was quick and easy, a familiar routine. He handed me the small bag, and I slipped it into my pocket before turning toward the convenience store. Javi had asked for cigarettes, so I grabbed two packs—one for him and one for myself. As I stepped back outside, I wasted no time in lighting one up, taking a slow, deep drag as I walked.

That’s when I saw it—a motorcycle shop just across the street. I slowed my pace, staring through the glass at the sleek, polished bikes lined up inside. The idea hit me instantly. I wanted one. I always had, but seeing them now, gleaming under the showroom lights, made me want it even more.

Without overthinking it, I crossed the street and stepped inside. The scent of leather and motor oil filled the air, and I ran a hand through my hair as I glanced around. A few customers were checking out the bikes, but I ignored them and walked straight to the front desk.

“Hey,” I said, leaning against the counter. “Where’s the closest place I can get my motorcycle license?”

The guy behind the desk raised an eyebrow but nodded toward a small stack of brochures. “There’s a training school a few blocks from here. You can start lessons right away if you’ve got the cash.”

"Thanks," I said, grabbing one of the brochures before heading out.

The training school wasn’t far, just a short walk through a few side streets. When I stepped inside, the place was small but busy, with a couple of people sitting in the waiting area, flipping through the same book I was about to get. I walked up to the front desk, where a woman in a navy uniform greeted me with a polite but tired smile.

“I want to get my motorcycle license,” I said, leaning against the counter.

She nodded, pulling out a clipboard. “Alright, you’ll need to go through a few steps. First, you’ll study this—” she handed me a thick booklet filled with road signs, traffic rules, and safety guidelines “—then you’ll take a written test. Once you pass that, we schedule your practical lessons.”

I flipped through the pages quickly, nodding. “And how much is all this?”

She told me the price, and I pulled out my wallet without hesitation, handing over the cash. She processed everything and gave me a receipt, along with a list of the upcoming test dates.

“Your first lesson can be booked as soon as you pass the written exam,” she added. “Study this well, and let us know when you’re ready.”

“Got it. Thanks.” I took the book, stuffing it under my arm before heading out.

The entire walk home, my mind was buzzing with excitement. This wasn’t just some random thought anymore—I was actually doing it.

When I pushed open the door and stepped inside, Javi was still sitting in his chair, his laptop screen casting a faint glow over his focused expression. His brows were furrowed, fingers tapping steadily against the keyboard. He was so deep in concentration that he hadn’t even noticed I was back.

“Javi,” I called out, shutting the door behind me. “I did something very impulsive.”

At that, he finally turned to look at me, one eyebrow arching in suspicion. “Should I be scared?”

I walked further in, tossing my keys onto the counter before pulling out a small booklet from my jacket pocket. “I’m starting my motorcycle license.”

Javi blinked, clearly caught off guard. “Wait, what? Didn’t you just go out to grab a few things? How the hell did that happen?”

I shrugged, a grin creeping onto my face. “I was on my way back and passed by a motorcycle shop. And, I don’t know—fuck, I’ve always wanted one. So I stopped at the licensing school and signed up.” I tossed the booklet onto the table in front of him. “They gave me this and went over the process. I’m officially in.”

Javi leaned back in his chair, rubbing his jaw as he eyed me. “You really don’t waste time, do you?”

“Why wait?” I smirked, plopping down onto the couch. “Besides, it’s gonna be easy. I already have my car license, and the road signs are the same. I just need to get used to handling the bike.”

Javi let out a small huff of amusement, shaking his head. “I swear, you’re the only person who leaves the house for cigarettes and comes back with a whole-ass motorcycle license plan.”

I laughed, stretching my legs out in front of me. “What can I say? I like to keep life interesting.”

Javi stood up, shaking his head as he walked toward me. “Just don’t expect me to feel bad for you when you wipe out.”

I rolled my eyes. “You’re mean.”

He smirked but didn’t say anything, just stepped closer and wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into a slow, warm hug. I exhaled against his shoulder, the steady rise and fall of his chest grounding me.

“Just don’t kill yourself, alright?” he murmured, his voice softer now.

I smiled against his shirt. “I’ll try not to.”

His hands slid down my back, fingers pressing into the curve of my spine, and for a moment, we just stood there, the silence between us thick with something unspoken. I could feel his heartbeat, steady and strong, and I leaned into him, my own pulse quickening. This. This was what I loved about us—the way we could go from teasing to tenderness in seconds, the way his touch always felt like home.

Javi pulled back slightly, his dark eyes searching mine. “Fuck, do you know how beautiful you are?” he asked, his voice low, almost hesitant.

I nodded, my throat suddenly dry. “Stop.”

He studied me for a moment longer, then nodded, his lips curving into a small, reassuring smile. “Okay,” he said as he held out his hand for me to take.

My heart hammering as he took my hand and led me toward the bedroom.

The room was dimly lit, the soft glow of the lamp casting shadows across the walls. Javi closed the door behind us, the click of the latch echoing in the quiet. He turned to me, his hands finding my waist, pulling me close again. His lips brushed against mine, a gentle, almost tentative kiss that sent a shiver down my spine.

I kissed him back, my hands sliding up his chest, feeling the warmth of his skin through the thin fabric of his shirt. His tongue teased the seam of my lips, and I opened for him, our kiss deepening, heating up with every passing second. His hands moved to the hem of my shirt, pulling it over my head, and I did the same to him, our lips never parting.

When we broke apart, Javi’s eyes roamed over me, his gaze dark with desire. “You’re so fucking beautiful,” he murmured, his voice rough.

I felt my cheeks flush, but I didn’t look away. “You’re not so bad yourself.”

He chuckled, the sound low and warm, and then he was kissing me again, his hands trailing down my sides, leaving a trail of heat in their wake. He backed me up toward the bed, and I let him, my legs hitting the edge as he guided me down onto the mattress.

Javi climbed over me, his body hovering above mine, his arms caging me in. He kissed my neck, his lips soft against my skin, and I arched into him, a moan escaping my lips. His hands moved to my belt, undoing it with practiced ease, and then he was tugging my pants down, his fingers brushing against my hips.

I kicked them off the rest of the way, and Javi did the same with his own, our bodies finally pressed together, skin against skin. He kissed me again, his hands roaming over my chest, down my stomach, until his fingers brushed against my cock, already hard and aching.

I gasped into his mouth, my hips bucking into his touch. “Javi…”

“I’ve got you,” he murmured, his lips moving down my neck, his hand stroking me slowly, deliberately. “I’ve always got you.”

I moaned, my hands gripping his shoulders as he worked me, his touch driving me wild. But then he pulled back, his eyes meeting mine, and I could see the question in them.

“Let me take care of you baby.” he said, his voice soft but firm.

I nodded, my breath coming in short, shallow gasps.

Javi leaned over to the nightstand, grabbing the bottle of lube we kept there. He coated his fingers, then looked back at me, his eyes dark with need. “Tell me if it’s too much, okay?”

“I will,” I promised, my heart racing as he shifted, his fingers brushing against my entrance.

He kissed me again, long and deep, as he pressed a finger inside, slowly, carefully. I gasped into his mouth, my body tightening around him, but he didn’t stop, didn’t rush. He worked me slowly, gently, easing me open as his lips moved against mine.

“You’re doing so good, baby,” he murmured, his voice thick with praise. “So fucking good.”

I moaned, my hands gripping the sheets as he added a second finger, stretching me further. He curled his fingers, brushing against that spot inside me that made my vision blur, and I cried out, my hips jerking against his hand.

“Javi, please,” I begged, my voice trembling.

He kissed me again, his lips soft against mine. “I’ve got you,” he promised, his fingers still working me, preparing me. “Just relax, baby. Let me take care of you.”

I nodded, my breath hitching as he continued to stretch me, his touch driving me closer and closer to the edge. When he finally pulled his fingers out, I felt empty, needy, and I reached for him, my hands gripping his hips.

“I need you,” I whispered, my voice rough with desire.

Javi’s eyes met mine, and he nodded, his hands moving to grip my hips. He lined himself up, his cock pressing against my entrance, and then he was pushing in, slow and steady, his eyes never leaving mine.

I gasped, my body stretching to accommodate him, the sensation overwhelming. He paused when he was fully sheathed inside me, his breath coming in ragged gasps. “You feel so fucking good, baby,” he murmured, his voice thick with need.

I nodded, my hands gripping his shoulders. “You too,” I whispered, my voice trembling.

He began to move then, slow, deliberate strokes that left me breathless. His hands moved to my hips, guiding me, and I wrapped my legs around his waist, pulling him deeper. Every thrust sent sparks of pleasure through me, and I moaned, my hands sliding up his back.

“Javi,” I gasped, my nails digging into his skin. “Javi.”

He kissed me again, his lips soft against mine, but there was nothing soft about the way he moved, the way he filled me, stretched me, drove me wild with every thrust. His hands moved to my cock, stroking me in time with his thrusts, and I cried out, my body tightening around him.

“Come for me, baby,” he murmured, his voice rough with need. “Let me feel you.”

I couldn’t hold back anymore, couldn’t fight it. My orgasm crashed over me, my body arching into his as I came, my cock pulsing in his hand. Javi groaned, his hips stuttering as he followed me over the edge, his release filling me, warm and wet.

He collapsed on top of me, his breath coming in ragged gasps, and I wrapped my arms around him, holding him close. We lay there for what felt like forever, our bodies still intertwined, our hearts beating in sync.

“I love you,” I whispered, my voice soft but steady.

Javi lifted his head, his eyes meeting mine, and he smiled, a slow, warm smile that made my heart swell. “I love you too, baby.”

He brushed his fingers through my hair, his touch slow and deliberate, like he was memorizing every strand. I closed my eyes for a moment, sinking into the warmth of his body, the steady rhythm of his breathing.

Outside, the soft glow of the early evening sun filtered through the curtains, painting golden streaks across the sheets. The room smelled like us—faint traces of his cologne mixed with the lingering heat of our moment. It was grounding, comforting.

I shifted closer, resting my head against his chest, listening to the slow thump of his heartbeat. “I still can’t believe this sometimes,” I murmured. “Us.”

Javi chuckled, his chest vibrating beneath me. “Yeah?” He traced light circles on my back. “What part? The fact that I’m crazy about you, or the part where you keep finding new ways to surprise me every day?”

I smirked against his skin. “Both.”

He sighed, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “I mean it, Caleb. I love you. Even when things get messy, even when we fight—I don’t want to go back to pretending.”

I swallowed, letting his words settle deep in my chest. “Me neither.”

For a moment, we just laid there, wrapped up in the quiet, the weight of everything feeling a little lighter than before.

Then, Javi shifted slightly, propping himself up on one elbow to look at me. “So,” he started, brushing his thumb over my jaw. “You’re really gonna do this? The whole motorcycle thing?”

I grinned. “Damn right, I am.”

He sighed dramatically. “Guess that means I’ll have to be the responsible one and make sure you don’t do anything stupid.”

I laughed, reaching up to tug him down for another kiss. “You love it.”

Javi hummed against my lips. “Yeah, I do.”

Javi got up, his movements slow and relaxed, and ran a hand through his messy hair. "Stay here," he murmured before stepping out of the room.

I watched him go, my body still warm and heavy from everything that just happened. The sheets were a tangled mess around me, the faint scent of him lingering in the air.

A moment later, he returned with his pack of cigarettes, dropping onto the bed beside me. He grabbed the ashtray from the floor, setting it on his stomach as he leaned back against the headboard. Without a word, he pulled out a cigarette and placed it between my lips, his dark eyes locked onto mine.

I didn’t move, didn’t say a thing. Just watched as he flicked his lighter, the small flame illuminating his face for a second before the tip of the cigarette burned red. He let his fingers linger at my chin for a second before pulling away and lighting one for himself.

Javi exhaled the first drag slowly, then lifted his arm, inviting me to tuck myself against him. I didn’t hesitate. I slid under his arm, my head resting against his chest as I took my own slow inhale, letting the smoke settle in my lungs before breathing it out.

The room was quiet except for the occasional crackle of burning tobacco and the soft rustling of sheets as we adjusted, melting into each other. The warm weight of the ashtray rested on his stomach, his free hand tracing lazy patterns on my shoulder.

"This is nice," I mumbled, my voice low and content.

Javi hummed in agreement, pressing a lazy kiss to the top of my head. "Yeah. It is."

Javi took a slow drag of his cigarette, exhaling the smoke toward the ceiling before glancing down at me. His fingers absentmindedly traced circles on my shoulder. “I hate keeping you a secret,” he murmured, his voice quieter than before.

I sighed, tapping my ash into the tray. “School ends in four months… if I pass the class.”

Javi shot me a look, arching a brow. “You better pass.”

A smirk tugged at my lips. “What if I don’t?” I teased, watching his reaction.

Without hesitation, he scoffed. “Then I’ll kill you.”

I gasped, placing a hand over my chest in mock offense. “That’s mean,” I drawled. Then, grinning, I leaned in a little closer. “Guess that means I won’t get to see you teach again… in those beautiful pants that are way too tight on your ass and crotch.”

Javi nearly choked on his next inhale before bursting into laughter, shaking his head. “You’re impossible.”

“And you love it.”

He took another slow drag, smirking as he exhaled. “Unfortunately, I do.”

I grinned, stretching out beside him. “Is that right, Mr. Peña?” I teased, dragging out the name just to get a reaction.

His smirk faltered for a second as he shot me a warning look. “Don’t call me that.”

“Oh? What happened? Did I make you hard again?” I taunted, sitting up with a wicked grin.

Before he could respond, I lunged, my fingers digging into his sides as I started tickling him. Javi flinched and let out a strangled noise, somewhere between a laugh and a groan, as he tried to grab my hands. “Caleb—stop!” he protested, squirming under me.

“Make me,” I shot back, laughing as I dodged his attempts to pin me down.

Javi fought back, his hands gripping my wrists, but I wriggled free and attacked again, sending us rolling across the bed in a lazy, half-hearted wrestling match. He was stronger, but I was relentless, pushing at him, dodging his grip, making him laugh even as he tried to act like he wasn’t enjoying it.

“You’re such a brat,” he huffed, finally managing to flip us over so I was trapped beneath him.

Javi let out a breath and released me, rolling onto his back. I smirked, victorious, but he just shook his head and got up, stretching. My eyes trailed over him—he was still only in his underwear, looking effortlessly good, and I had to fight the urge to pull him right back onto the bed.

Instead, I sighed and pulled on a pair of sweatpants, running a hand through my messy hair. “Come on,” I said, nudging him. “Let’s get some coffee.”

Javi hummed in agreement, following me into the kitchen. The sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over the room. It was one of those slow, easy mornings where everything felt right.

I moved around the kitchen, grabbing the coffee beans and setting up the machine while Javi leaned against the counter, watching me. “You actually making coffee for once?” he teased, arms crossed over his chest.

“Shut up,” I muttered, rolling my eyes as I scooped the grounds. “I’m trying to be nice.”

Javi chuckled. “I appreciate the effort, baby.”

I pressed the start button, and soon, the rich aroma of coffee filled the kitchen, wrapping around us like a warm embrace. The quiet hum of the machine was the only sound in the room until I felt Javi’s arms slide around my waist. His body pressed against mine, his chin resting lightly on my shoulder. The warmth of him, the steady rise and fall of his breath, made me momentarily forget everything else.

Javi’s voice was soft but teasing. “Would you like to go for a drink tonight?”

I paused, my hands still resting on the counter. His words made my chest tighten slightly, the memory of the last time we went out flashing in my mind. The way things had spiraled. The way we’d been caught.

I sighed, shaking my head slightly. “Mmm, you like to play with your luck,” I muttered, my tone laced with both amusement and stress.

“I don’t care,” Javi said smoothly, his grip tightening just a little. “I want to take you out.”

I turned my head slightly, glancing at him over my shoulder. He looked so damn sure of himself, so unbothered by the risk. Meanwhile, I was the one overthinking every possibility. “And what will happen if we see someone from school?” I asked, grabbing his coffee and handing it to him.

Javi smirked as he took the cup from my hand. His eyes held that familiar glint of mischief, like he was already one step ahead of me. “Mmm,” he hummed, pausing to take a slow sip before adding casually, “I’m gonna kiss you, and then I’m gonna get fired.”

I groaned, rolling my eyes. “That’s not funny.”

Javi just laughed, pulling me closer, his lips brushing against my neck. “Relax, baby. It’s just a drink.”

"Okay," I said, exhaling softly as I leaned against the counter, my fingers wrapped around my warm coffee mug.

Javi's lips curled into a slow, satisfied smile. He took a sip of his coffee, his dark eyes never leaving mine. "Good. I’ll pick the place."

I raised an eyebrow at him. "Somewhere discreet, Javi. I mean it."

He let out a low chuckle, setting his cup down before leaning his hip against the counter. "Oh, come on. Where’s the fun in that?"

I shot him a pointed look. "The fun is in not getting caught and ruining your career."

Javi hummed in amusement, stepping closer. His fingers brushed against my wrist, a small but deliberate touch that sent warmth up my arm. "You worry too much," he murmured.

I scoffed. "And you don’t worry enough."

I groaned, shoving his chest lightly. "Javi."

He caught my hand before I could pull away, his grip firm but warm. "Relax. I’m not taking you anywhere reckless, cariño. Just a quiet place where we can have a drink and enjoy ourselves. No drama, I promise."

I studied him for a moment, his expression sincere despite the teasing edge.

"Fine," I relented, taking a sip of my coffee. "But if anything goes wrong, I’m blaming you."

Javi grinned, his fingers still lazily tracing circles on my wrist. "Wouldn’t have it any other way."

As the night settled in, the city lights flickered to life, casting a soft glow through my window. I grabbed my keys from the counter, turning to Javi with a smirk.

"Here," I said, tossing them to him. He caught them effortlessly, twirling them around his finger before raising an eyebrow at me.

"You’re letting me drive?" he asked, amusement lacing his voice.

I shrugged, slipping on my jacket. "You’re the responsible adult, aren’t you?"

Javi chuckled, shaking his head as he pocketed the keys. "That’s debatable."

I shot him a look, and he just grinned.

"Come on," he said, nudging my shoulder as we headed out. "Let’s get you a drink."

The engine hummed as Javi pulled out onto the road, the city stretching out before us in a blur of streetlights and neon signs. The cool night air slipped through the open window, ruffling my hair as I leaned back against the seat, letting the quiet hum of the tires on asphalt settle over me.

Javi reached into his jacket pocket, pulling out his pack of cigarettes with one hand while keeping the other steady on the wheel. He slid one between his lips, lighting it with a flick of his lighter, the flame briefly illuminating his face in a warm glow.

He took a slow drag, exhaling a ribbon of smoke that curled into the air before turning his head slightly to look at me. Without a word, he held the cigarette out in my direction.

I took it from him, bringing it to my lips as the taste of tobacco mixed with the lingering scent of his cologne. The smoke burned slightly in my lungs, but I let it sit there for a moment before exhaling out the window, watching as the wind carried it away.

Javi glanced at me out of the corner of his eye, a small smirk playing at his lips. "You look good like that," he murmured.

I scoffed, handing the cigarette back to him. "You say that about everything I do."

"Not true," he said, taking another drag. "Just most things."

The radio played softly in the background, some low, bluesy tune that made the whole moment feel like something out of a movie. The city lights flickered across Javi’s face as we drove, the occasional flash of red from a traffic light catching in his eyes.

I let my head rest against the window, the cold glass a contrast to the warmth inside the car. "Where are we even going?" I asked, my voice quiet, relaxed.

Javi exhaled another slow stream of smoke. "Somewhere you can actually enjoy yourself this time," he said, his voice smooth and certain. "No stress, just you and me.”

The bar Javi took me to was tucked away in the heart of the city, the kind of place you wouldn’t notice unless you were looking for it. A warm glow spilled from the windows, the sound of soft laughter and clinking glasses mixing with the low hum of music drifting through the open door. It was nothing flashy, nothing loud—just a cozy, dimly lit bar with dark wood accents and shelves lined with bottles that reflected the soft golden light.

We stepped inside, and I immediately felt the difference from the last time we went out. No tension, no stolen glances, no paranoia—just us. Javi placed a hand on my lower back, guiding me toward an empty booth near the corner. The air smelled like aged whiskey and a hint of something sweet, maybe vanilla or spiced rum, and I let myself sink into the warmth of it.

Javi and I slid into a booth near the back, and the waitress barely had time to hand us menus before he ordered his usual whiskey. I went for something simple—just a beer.

Javi lit a cigarette, taking a slow drag before offering it to me. I took it, inhaling deeply as I leaned back against the booth, exhaling toward the ceiling. The music was soft, something bluesy, fitting the mood of the place.

“I can’t wait to start riding,” I said, tapping my fingers lightly against the table. “I’ve been thinking about it all day. It’s gonna be sick.”

Javi smirked around his cigarette, nodding as he listened. He wasn’t saying much, just letting me talk, his eyes steady on me as I went on about the lessons, the feeling of finally getting on a bike, the freedom of it. It felt good to just say it out loud, to share my excitement without holding back.

After a sip of my beer, I glanced at him. “I’m thinking of getting a job, too. Something I can do with school.”

Javi’s expression didn’t change much, but there was a slight shift, like he wasn’t thrilled about the idea. He took another drag, exhaled slowly, then nodded. “Yeah?”

“Yeah,” I said, tracing the rim of my glass. “Something small, just enough to have my own cash, you know?”

He was quiet for a second, then gave a small shrug. “Makes sense.”

I raised an eyebrow. “You don’t like it.”

Javi smirked slightly, shaking his head. “It’s not that. Just… school’s already a lot. Don’t burn yourself out.”

I rolled my eyes but smiled. “I’ll be fine.”

He studied me for a moment before nodding again, letting it go. He took back the cigarette, finishing it off before stubbing it out in the ashtray.

We didn’t talk about it any further. Instead, we just enjoyed the drinks, the atmosphere, the quiet ease of being out together. It was nice—just the two of us, no drama, no stress. Just a good night.

Javi leaned back against the booth, rolling his whiskey glass between his fingers as he spoke. His voice was steady, smooth, the kind of tone that made it easy to get lost in. He was talking about something that happened at work—something about paperwork being a nightmare and how one of his coworkers always found a way to make things harder than they needed to be. But the way he spoke, with that slight edge of amusement beneath the frustration, made it interesting.

I just sat there, sipping my beer, watching him. I loved hearing him talk, especially about things he cared about. His job was stressful, but when he got into it, when he let himself share the parts he actually liked, I could see the passion in him. The way his eyes sharpened, how his lips curled slightly when he was amused by something.

“You sound like you love it,” I said, resting my chin on my hand.

He scoffed, shaking his head. “I wouldn’t go that far.”

I smirked. “Nah, you do. Maybe not all of it, but some of it.”

Javi exhaled, tipping his head slightly, considering. “Yeah… maybe.” He took a slow sip of his drink, then glanced at me. “I don’t know. It’s just… something I’m good at.”

I nodded, understanding that feeling. “That’s kinda cool, though. Not a lot of people get to say that.” I said, then after a beat, I spoke again. “You’re a good teacher, Javi. I mean it.”

Javi let out a short laugh, shaking his head. “You’re just saying that because you’re sleeping with me.”

I smirked, leaning back in my chair. “Nah, I mean it. You explain things well, you don’t just throw facts at people and expect them to get it. And trust me, I’ve had teachers like that.” I took a sip of my beer, then looked at him again. “The others think so too.”

He exhaled, his fingers idly tapping against his glass. “Yeah? I don’t know… Sometimes it feels like no one’s actually paying attention.”

I shrugged. “Maybe some aren’t. But I was. And I know I’m not the only one.”

Javi gave me a look, his lips twitching like he wasn’t sure whether to take the compliment or brush it off. He took another drag from his cigarette, then passed it to me without a word. I took it, inhaling slowly, letting the smoke sit in my lungs before exhaling.

“Well,” he said after a moment, watching me, “if that’s true, I guess I haven’t completely wasted my time.”

I smirked. “See? Told you.”

Javi rolled his eyes, but there was something softer in the way he looked at me. Like he wanted to say something else but didn’t. Instead, he reached for his drink, taking a slow sip.

Javi leaned back in his chair, tilting his head slightly as he took the last sip of his drink. “Wanna get another round?” he asked casually.

I raised an eyebrow at him. “We have school tomorrow,” I reminded him, though the way I said it lacked any real conviction.

Javi looked at me, holding back a laugh, but his expression gave him away—his lips pressed together, his shoulders shaking just slightly. And the second I realized it, I couldn’t hold it in either. We both just lost it, laughing like idiots at our own hypocrisy.

“Yeah, okay, let’s get another round,” I said between chuckles, shaking my head at him.

The waiter came over, and Javi, still smirking, ordered his usual, then glanced at me. “And one beer for him.”

I quickly cut in. “No, no—” I gestured between us. “I want the same as him.”

The waiter smiled, amused. “Right away,” she said before heading off.

Javi looked at me, his smirk deepening. “Trying to keep up with me, huh?”

I shrugged, leaning forward on the table. “Just don’t want you having all the fun.”

He chuckled, shaking his head, and reached for his cigarette again, lighting up as the easy, warm buzz of the night settled around us.

We drank our second round, the alcohol settling in just enough to make everything feel a little lighter, a little warmer. As the waiter came back with the bill, I pulled out my wallet, ready to pay, but before I could even take out my card, Javi reached across the table and gently grabbed my hand. His fingers, warm and slightly rough from years of writing on chalkboards and gripping coffee cups, wrapped around mine with quiet insistence.

"It's on me," he said, his voice soft but firm. "For the mess I’ve made."

I glanced up at him, and for a moment, I got lost in his eyes. They were darker in the dim light of the bar, deep brown with flecks of amber catching the glow of the hanging bulbs above us. There was something steady in his gaze, something that made my pulse slow just a little, like he wasn’t just talking about the bill—like he was trying to make up for more than that.

“Javi, it’s okay. Really,” I said, my voice quieter now.

His thumb brushed over my knuckles, the touch absentminded but deliberate, like he wasn’t even thinking about it—just doing it because he could, because he wanted to. His hand was steady, grounding, and for a second, I let myself sink into it.

"I know," he said, a small, knowing smile tugging at his lips. "I just want to."

I exhaled, rolling my eyes playfully but letting him have this one. “Okay, but next time, it’s on me.”

Javi smirked, lifting his glass slightly before finishing off the last sip. His other hand, the one still wrapped around mine, squeezed gently before finally letting go. “Deal.”

As we got up and made our way toward the exit, the cool night air greeted us the moment we stepped outside. The city lights flickered in the distance, and the quiet hum of traffic filled the space around us. Just as I was about to say something, Javi suddenly wrapped his arms around me and lifted me off the ground, spinning me effortlessly.

Laughter spilled out of me, light and free, as I clung to him. “Javi, put me down.” I said between laughs, but I wasn’t really complaining.

When he finally set me back on my feet, I was still grinning. The warmth of his hands lingered on my waist, grounding me, keeping me close. Without thinking, I pulled him in, my fingers curling into the fabric of his jacket, and I kissed him.

Javi didn’t hesitate. He let out a small, satisfied hum before pushing me back against the wall beside the bar. His hands found my face, his lips pressing into mine with just the right amount of pressure—firm, unhurried, like he wanted to take his time with me. The night seemed to fade around us, the world shrinking down to the heat between us, the way his body felt against mine, the way his breath mixed with mine as he deepened the kiss.

His fingers traced along my jaw before sliding into my hair, tilting my head just enough to steal another kiss, slow and deliberate. When he finally pulled back, his forehead rested against mine, and I could feel his smirk without even having to see it.

We walked to the car, our fingers still loosely intertwined. The night air was crisp, carrying the distant hum of the city and the faint scent of rain that hadn’t quite fallen. Javi unlocked the door, and as I slid into the passenger seat, I watched him move—effortless, confident, like he belonged in every space he entered.

He lit a cigarette before starting the engine, taking a slow drag before passing it to me. I took it between my fingers, bringing it to my lips as the car rumbled to life beneath us. The glow from the streetlights flickered across Javi’s face, casting soft shadows over his sharp features.

The drive was quiet, but it wasn’t the kind of silence that felt empty. It was comfortable, filled with the low hum of the radio and the warmth of his presence beside me. I exhaled the smoke out of the cracked window, watching as the city blurred past.

Javi glanced at me, his eyes flickering from the road to my face before settling back ahead. “You’re thinking about something.”

I smirked, taking another drag before passing the cigarette back to him. “Just about how much I want to start riding already. Feels like these four months of school are going to drag forever.”

Javi chuckled, shaking his head. “Patience, Caleb.” He took a slow pull of the cigarette, tapping the ash out the window. “Besides, you’ve got plenty to focus on—like actually passing so you don’t have to repeat another year.”

I groaned, tilting my head back against the seat. “You sound just like a teacher.”

He shot me a sideways glance, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Maybe because I am one?”

I rolled my eyes, but my grin stayed. The rest of the drive was spent in easy conversation, Javi mostly listening as I went on about my plans, how I wanted to get a part-time job, how I was already looking up different bikes to get after I got my license. He nodded, taking it all in, but there was something just slightly off in his expression when I mentioned working while still in school.

“You’re really set on that, huh?” he finally asked, flicking the cigarette out the window before resting his hand on the gear shift.

“Yeah,” I said, stretching my arms behind my head. “I want to make my own money, be able to afford stuff without thinking twice about it.”

Javi hummed, but he didn’t say anything for a moment. I could tell he wasn’t thrilled about the idea, but he wasn’t arguing either. Instead, he reached over, resting his palm on my knee, his thumb absentmindedly brushing back and forth.

“If you’re gonna do it, just don’t let it mess with school,” he finally said, glancing at me briefly. “You’ve got enough on your plate already.”

I smirked, nudging his hand. “What, worried I won’t have time to annoy you anymore?”

Javi scoffed but didn’t move his hand. “You’d find a way.”

I chuckled, letting the comfortable quiet settle between us again. The drive stretched on, the familiar roads leading us home, and as we pulled into the driveway, I felt that same warm ease settle in my chest.

Javi killed the engine, letting out a slow breath. “Come on, let’s get inside.”

I didn’t hesitate to follow. The night was quiet, the kind of quiet that feels heavy, like it’s holding its breath. The kind of quiet that makes you hyper-aware of every sound—the crunch of gravel under our shoes, the distant hum of a car passing by, the faint rustle of leaves in the breeze. And then there was Javi. His presence was its own kind of sound, a steady rhythm that I could feel in my chest as I walked behind him, his broad shoulders casting a shadow that seemed to pull me in.

We stepped into the house, and I immediately felt the warmth of it, Javi didn’t stop in the living room or the kitchen. He led me straight to the bedroom, his hand finding mine as we walked. His grip was firm but gentle, the kind of touch that said, I’ve got you.

The bedroom was dimly lit, the soft glow of a bedside lamp casting long shadows across the walls. Javi turned to face me, his dark eyes searching mine for a moment before he leaned in, his lips brushing against mine in a kiss that was slow and deliberate. It wasn’t the kind of kiss that demanded anything. It was a kiss that said, I’m here. We’re here together.

When he pulled away, he rested his forehead against mine, his breath warm against my skin. “You okay?” he asked, his voice low, gravelly.

I nodded, my heart pounding in my chest. “Yeah,” I whispered, my voice barely audible.

His hands moved to my waist, his touch firm but tender as he guided me toward the bed. I sat down on the edge of it, looking up at him as he stood there, his gaze never leaving mine. There was something in his eyes, something soft and protective, and it made my stomach flip.

Javi knelt in front of me, his hands moving to the hem of my shirt. “Can I?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

I nodded again, my breath catching in my throat as he lifted my shirt over my head, his fingers grazing my skin as he did. His hands were warm, and every touch sent a shiver down my spine. He leaned in, his lips brushing against my chest, and then lower, trailing soft kisses down my stomach. His hands moved to my belt, and he looked up at me, his eyes dark with a mix of desire and something else—something that made my chest tighten.

“You’re so beautiful,” he murmured, his voice rough with emotion.

I didn’t know what to say, so I just reached out, my fingers tangling in his hair as he undid my belt and then my pants, pulling them down slowly, his hands warm against my skin. His lips brushed against the inside of my thigh, and I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding.

Javi’s hands moved to my hips, his grip firm but gentle as he positioned me in front of him. And then his mouth was on me, and I gasped, my head falling back as his tongue moved over me, slow and deliberate. His hands gripped my hips tightly, holding me in place as he worked me over, his tongue teasing me in ways that had my toes curling.

“Javi,” I breathed, my fingers tightening in his hair.

He hummed against me, the vibration sending a jolt of pleasure through me. His hands moved to my ass, gripping me tightly as he continued to work me over, his tongue moving in slow, deliberate strokes. My hips bucked involuntarily, and he chuckled softly, the sound sending a shiver down my spine.

“Easy, baby,” he murmured, his voice low and gravelly. “I’ve got you.”

He pulled away for a moment, looking up at me with dark eyes. “You taste so good,” he said, his voice rough with desire.

I couldn’t speak, couldn’t think, so I just nodded, my chest rising and falling rapidly as he leaned in again, his mouth covering me once more. His tongue moved over me in slow, deliberate strokes, and I let out a moan, my hand tightening in his hair.

Javi’s hands moved to my thighs, gripping them tightly as he continued to work me over, his tongue teasing me in all the right ways. My hips bucked against his mouth, and he chuckled again, the sound sending a jolt of pleasure through me.

“Javi,” I gasped, my voice shaky. “Please…”

He pulled away, looking up at me with dark eyes. “What do you need, baby?” he asked, his voice low and gravelly.

“You,” I breathed, my chest heaving. “I need you.”

He nodded, his hands moving to my hips as he stood, pulling me up with him. His lips brushed against mine in a kiss that was slow and deliberate, his tongue slipping into my mouth as he deepened it. His hands moved to my ass, gripping me tightly as he kissed me, his body pressed against mine.

When he pulled away, he rested his forehead against mine, his breath warm against my skin. “You are so good for me, you know that?” he asked, his voice low and gravelly.

I nodded, my heart pounding in my chest. “Stop” I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Javi’s hands moved to my waist, his touch firm but tender as he guided me toward the bed. I laid down on my back, looking up at him as he stood there, his gaze never leaving mine. There was something in his eyes, something soft and protective, and it made my stomach flip.

He knelt between my legs, his hands moving to my thighs as he spread them gently. He reached for the lube on the nightstand, his hands warm as he squeezed a generous amount onto his fingers. His eyes never left mine as he leaned in, his lips brushing against mine in a kiss that was slow and deliberate.

“Relax, baby,” he murmured, his voice low and gravelly. “I’ve got you.”

I nodded, my breath catching in my throat as his fingers brushed against me, warm and slick with lube. He pressed one finger inside me, slow and careful, his eyes never leaving mine. I let out a breath, my hand reaching out to grip the sheets as he moved his finger inside me, slow and deliberate.

“You feel so good,” he murmured, his voice rough with emotion. “So tight.”

He added a second finger, his movements slow and gentle as he stretched me open. His fingers moved inside me, brushing against that spot that had me seeing stars. I let out a moan, my hips bucking against his hand.

“Javi,” I gasped, my voice shaky. “Please…”

He nodded, his fingers moving inside me a few more times before he pulled them out, his hands moving to my hips as he positioned himself at my entrance. His eyes never left mine as he leaned in, his lips brushing against mine in a kiss that was slow and deliberate.

“I’ve got you, baby,” he murmured, his voice low and gravelly. “I’ve got you,.”

And then he was pushing inside me, slow and careful, his eyes never leaving mine. I let out a breath, my hand reaching out to grip the sheets as he filled me, inch by inch. He paused when he was fully inside me, his breath warm against my skin as he rested his forehead against mine.

“You feel so good,” he murmured, his voice rough with desire. “So tight.”

He continue to move, slow and deliberate, his hips rocking against mine. His hands gripped my hips tightly, holding me in place as he thrust into me, his pace slow but steady. I let out a moan, my hand tightening in the sheets as he moved inside me, his cock brushing against that spot that had me seeing stars.

“Javi,” I gasped, my voice shaky. “You feel so good…”

He nodded, his hips moving against mine in a slow, steady rhythm. His hands moved to my thighs, gripping them tightly as he thrust into me, his pace never wavering. His eyes never left mine, and there was something in his gaze, something soft and protective, that made my chest tighten.

“You’re so beautiful,” he murmured, his voice rough with emotion. “So perfect.”

“Yes,” I gasped, my voice high-pitched and desperate. “More, please…”

Javi gave me what I wanted, his hips slamming into mine. The bed creaked beneath us, the sound mingling with our harsh breathing and the wet smacking noise of our bodies meeting. I wrapped my legs around his waist, trying to pull him even deeper, and he responded by shifting his angle slightly, hitting a spot inside me that made my knees go weak.

“Oh my god,” I cried out, my voice bordering on a sob. “Javi, I…”

javi groaned, his hands gripping my hips as he picked up the pace. The sound of our bodies slapping together filled the room, mingling with my soft cries and his heavy breaths. He feels so good, I thought, my mind hazy with pleasure. So right.

One of his hands left my hip, sliding up to cradle my cheek. He tilted my face toward him, his lips brushing against mine in a tender kiss. “You’re mine,” he whispered against my mouth. “I am not gonna let you go anywhere.”

I moaned into the kiss, my nails raking down his back, leaving trails of red where my fingers dug in. Javi shuddered at the sensation, his thrusts becoming more erratic. I could feel the pressure building in my core, the orgasm threatening to consume me.

“Come for me,” he urged, his voice breaking. “Let go for me, baby.”

And just like that, everything shattered. My body convulsed around him, my voice rising in a cry of release as i cum all over his chest and mine. Joel growled deep in his throat, his movements faltering as he followed me over the edge, spilling himself deep inside me.

Javi’s body was still pressed against mine, both of us tangled in the heat of the moment, our breathing heavy as the last waves of pleasure settled between us. My fingers traced slow circles against his damp skin, grounding myself in the feeling of him—solid, warm, real.

Then, before I could stop myself, the words slipped out. “I don’t wanna lose you.”

Javi stilled for a second, his hand resting on my hip. He lifted his head, eyes searching mine in the dim light. “Where’s that coming from?” His voice was soft but edged with concern.

I hesitated, my throat tightening. “I don’t know… I guess I do.” I sighed, shifting closer, pressing my forehead against his shoulder. “I’ve never had something like this. It scares me.”

Javi’s hand slid up my back, fingers tracing along my spine before he pulled me even closer. “Hey,” he murmured, his lips brushing against my temple. “You’re not losing me. That’s not gonna happen.”

I swallowed hard, letting his words sink in, but a part of me still felt uneasy. “You say that now,” I muttered, my voice barely above a whisper.

Javi pulled back slightly, tilting my chin up so I had no choice but to look at him. His gaze was steady, unwavering. “I say that ‘cause I mean it,” he said. “I’m not goin’ anywhere, baby. You hear me?”

Something in his voice made my chest tighten in a way that wasn’t entirely unpleasant. I nodded slowly. “Yeah, I hear you.”

Javi studied me for a moment before exhaling, like he was making sure I believed him. Then, he shifted us, rolling onto his back and pulling me against him. My head rested on his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

“Good,” he said, his fingers combing lazily through my hair. “Now shut that pretty little mind off for a bit and sleep.”

I huffed a quiet laugh against his skin but didn’t argue. With Javi’s arms around me, the weight in my chest finally started to lift.

“We have school tomorrow.” Javi said.

I groaned, sinking deeper into the mattress. “I know… I don’t want to go.”

Javi let out a short laugh, shaking his head. “Yeah, but you have to. You get to watch me teach, and I know how much you love that.” His tone was laced with teasing.

I rolled my eyes. “Oh, please. You just like having an audience.”

He smirked, reaching over to poke my side. “Damn right. And besides, your friend probably want to see you. You’ve been too busy spending all your time with me.”

I huffed, turning onto my side to face him. “She’s going to be fine.”

Javi grinned, leaning in and pressing a quick kiss to my forehead. “Still, you should show up. Just for a little bit.”

I sighed, closing my eyes for a moment before muttering, “Fine.”

His fingers traced lazy circles on my back. “That’s my boy.”

"Will you wake me up so we can shower and have breakfast?" I asked, my voice soft and slow as I began to drift, the exhaustion from the day wrapping around me like a comforting blanket.

"Of course, baby," he replied, his voice thick with warmth and tenderness. I felt him shift behind me, adjusting his position just enough to pull me closer, his body pressing gently against mine as if making sure we stayed connected.

As I let myself slip further into sleep, his steady breath on the back of my neck felt like a lullaby, soothing and constant. I could feel the heat of his body, the subtle rhythm of his heartbeat, and it grounded me, making it impossible to fight the pull of rest. He didn’t need to say anything more; his presence spoke volumes, and I let myself fall asleep, knowing he was right there beside me, holding me through the night.

The next morning, I woke up to an empty bed. The sheets were still warm, but Javi was nowhere in sight. Rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I stretched lazily before dragging myself to the bathroom. The cold water on my face helped shake off the last remnants of sleep, and after brushing my teeth, I stepped out, my body still sluggish from the night before.

Javi was sitting at the kitchen table, his fingers wrapped around a steaming mug of coffee. He looked effortlessly good—hair slightly messy, only in his boxers, the early sunlight catching the sharp angles of his face. When he noticed me, he smirked over the rim of his cup.

"And I was just about to wake you up," he said, his voice still rough from the morning.

I hummed in response, too lazy to form words, and went straight to pour myself some coffee. The rich aroma filled my senses as I wrapped my hands around the warm mug.

Javi chuckled. "Someone’s not in the mood this morning."

I shot him a sleepy glare before taking a slow sip of my coffee. "Give me ten minutes, and I might be human again."

Javi took another sip of his coffee before glancing at me over the rim of his cup. "The water’s hot if you want to shower," he said casually.

I hummed, still waking up, my fingers wrapped around the warm mug. "Mmm... you go first," I mumbled, looking at him through half-lidded eyes.

He smirked, setting his coffee down. "Why? So you can sit here and zone out for another ten minutes?"

I exhaled a lazy laugh, taking another slow sip. "Exactly."

Javi shook his head with amusement, standing up and stretching. "Fine. But if I take too long, you better come in and drag me out."

"As you wish, Mr. Peña," I said with a smirk, plucking one of his cigarettes from the pack and lighting it up.

Javi chuckled, shaking his head as he walked into the bathroom. I leaned against the counter, taking a slow drag, the smoke curling around me as I listened to the faint sound of water running. He didn’t take long—he never did. A few minutes later, he stepped out, steam following him as he padded straight to the bedroom, a towel slung low on his hips. He grabbed a spare set of clothes and got dressed quickly, buttoning up his shirt with practiced ease.

I flicked the cigarette into the ashtray and made my way to the bathroom, letting the hot water wake me up fully. The shower was quick, and by the time I stepped out, Javi was already finishing his second cup of coffee. I ran a towel through my damp hair and went to get dressed—white boxers, brown jeans, and a dark grey hoodie. Simple, comfortable.

Javi glanced up from his coffee as I walked out. “Ready?”

“Almost,” I said, running a hand through my hair before grabbing my bag. Another school day. Another long day of keeping us a secret.

I got to class and took my usual seat in the back, stretching out like I had all the time in the world. Javi’s eyes found mine almost immediately, and the smirk he shot me was subtle but unmistakable. I returned it, tapping my pen against the desk as the lesson began.

The class went by smoothly, and I could tell Javi knew I was actually paying attention today. He didn’t call me out, but there was something in the way he glanced at me from time to time—like he was impressed. When the bell rang, I took my time gathering my things, letting the other students shuffle out first.

And that’s when Jessica walked in.

Javi clocked her immediately, then looked at me, barely holding back a laugh. I slowed my movements, curious about what was about to go down.

"Hey, Javi! How are you?" Jessica asked, her voice a little too sweet.

Javi leaned against his desk, arms crossed. "I’m good, Jess. Something wrong?"

"No, nothing wrong," she said, playing with her hair. "I was just wondering if you wanted to go out for some drinks tonight."

I froze. My grip tightened on my bag as I turned slightly, watching Javi’s reaction. He looked at her, then at me, his expression unreadable.

I scoffed under my breath and shook my head as I slung my bag over my shoulder. Unbelievable.

Jessica’s eyes flicked to me. "Is there something funny, Caleb?" she asked, her voice laced with irritation.

I grinned, pretending to think about it. "No, Miss Jessica," I said, forcing the most innocent tone I could. "I just remembered something hilarious."

And with that, I turned and walked out, laughing just loud enough for her to hear.

When I found Meg, I barely had to say anything before bursting into laughter. She looked at me, confused at first, but the second I told her what had happened, we both lost it, laughing so hard we could barely breathe.

“Oh my god, Caleb,” Meg gasped between laughs. “You’re gonna give that poor girl a complex.”

“She’ll live,” I said, wiping a fake tear from my eye.

Just then, my phone buzzed. I glanced at the screen and smirked.

Javi: You brat.

I bit my lip, already typing back.

Me: Oh, me? Or you? “HEY JESS, IS SOMETHING WRONG?”

The typing bubbles appeared, then stopped, then started again.

Javi: Jess? Since when do you call her Jess?

I grinned, leaning against the lockers.

Me: Since when do YOU?

Javi just replied with a simple "xoxo", and I decided to leave it at that. The rest of the day went by smoothly—no drama, no surprises, just a normal school day.

By the time the final bell rang, I pulled out my phone and texted Javi.

Me: Are we eating together tonight?

Javi: Of course.

Since it was already planned, I figured I’d invite Meg too.

Me: You cool if Meg joins?

Javi: No problem.

I told Meg, and she was all in. We hopped into my car, windows down as we drove home. The sun was starting to set, casting everything in gold and orange, the warm breeze carrying the scent of summer.

By the time Javi arrived—about thirty minutes later—the food was already in the oven, filling the apartment with the smell of roasted spices. Meg and I were lounging on the couch, beers in hand, passing a joint back and forth.

The second Javi stepped in, he raised an eyebrow. “Starting without me?”

I smirked, exhaling a cloud of smoke. “You took too long.”

Meg giggled, holding up the joint. “Want in, Professor?”

Javi rolled his eyes, kicking off his shoes. “God help me.”

Javi didn’t take the joint—just pulled out a cigarette and lit it instead, exhaling a slow stream of smoke as he leaned back against the couch. Meg and I kept passing the joint between us, the room filling with a hazy warmth as we talked about random things, from school gossip to the dumbest things we’d seen online that week. Javi mostly listened, occasionally adding a sarcastic comment that made Meg crack up.

The scent of food in the oven kept growing stronger, making my stomach grumble. Eventually, the timer went off, and I got up to check it. “Food’s ready,” I announced, stretching before heading to the kitchen.

Meg and Javi followed, and we set the table, plates clinking as we sat down to eat. The conversation flowed easily—Meg teasing me, Javi throwing in dry remarks, and me pretending to be annoyed but secretly enjoying every second of it.

After we finished eating, Meg stretched her arms over her head and sighed. “Alright, I should probably head out before I end up crashing here.”

I walked her to the door, and she gave me a quick side hug before leaving with a lazy wave.

When I turned back, Javi was still sitting at the table, sipping the last of his beer, watching me with that unreadable expression of his. I leaned against the doorframe, crossing my arms. “So… you staying?”

He smirked, tapping his cigarette against the ashtray. “What do you think?”

And that was it. That’s how things were—for now. Javi and I slipping into each other’s spaces like it was the most natural thing in the world. Some nights he stayed at mine, other nights I found myself at his. No big declarations, no overthinking. Just us.

It wasn’t perfect, but it was easy. And for now, easy was enough.