Can I kiss you?

Halle’s POV

After the performance ended, the room gradually quieted down, the echoes of screams fading into the background as random music filled the air, inviting everyone to dance.

"Let's go grab some drinks," I gestured to my roommates, eager to continue the fun. We navigated through the crowd towards the drink stand, but amidst the excitement, a nagging feeling crept over me—I hadn't seen Jason all night. He had promised he’d be at the party, but he was nowhere to be found.

"Oh my god, Xavier is so handsome, and his voice… My heart, he's so dreamy," Jenna and Danna were in their own little world, gushing over Xavier's performance, until I interrupted their conversation.

"Have you guys seen Jason by any chance?" I inquired, hoping they might have some clue to his whereabouts. They shook their heads, indicating they hadn't spotted him either.

"Do you know where he might be, or did he mention anything to you?" Val chimed in.

"I'll be right back, guys. In case I'm not back in an hour, you should go on without me," I shouted over the music as I left the building.

As I stepped outside, the music dimmed, and silence took over. I made my way to the garden where I had seen Jason before. This time, it was even more beautiful. Fireflies danced in the night air, and the fountain lights created a peaceful, magical environment.

I got lost in the beauty of the garden, forgetting for a moment why I had come. I started humming the song Xavier had sung earlier, staring up at the stars.

"I wouldn’t mind hearing that beautiful voice all night," I heard a familiar voice say. I turned and saw Jason standing there, the dim light highlighting his face and making his deep blue eyes sparkle like the stars. His eyes were as beautiful as the water fountain and as peaceful as the garden. He was truly breathtaking…

"You found me," Jason said with a soft smile, taking a step closer.

"I was looking for you," I replied, feeling my heart race.

"Well, I'm glad you did," he said, his voice low and warm. He reached out and gently took my hand. "This place is even more magical with you here."

I blushed, unable to look away from his eyes. "It's beautiful," I whispered, "just like you,Jason."

He smiled and led me to a bench near the fountain. We sat down, still holding hands. The sounds of the garden surrounded us, and for a moment, it felt like we were the only two people in the world.

"I've been thinking about you all night," Jason admitted, his thumb gently brushing over my hand.

"I've been thinking about you too," I confessed,in a whisper.

He leaned in closer, and I could feel the warmth of his breath on my skin. "Can I kiss you?" he asked softly.

I nodded, my heart pounding in my chest. He closed the distance between us, and our lips………………

But before the moment could fully blossom, reality intruded in the form of a familiar voice calling my name.

"Halle, Halle, Halle... Halleeee,"I felt a hand tap on my shoulder, pulling me back to the present. Suddenly, I saw him, and my heart leaped. "Oh my gosh, Jason!" I exclaimed.

Blinking away the daze, I realized I had been lost in thoughts of Jason. With a sheepish grin, I lightly tapped myself on the face to snap out of it.

"I've been calling you for a while," Jason chuckled. "You seemed lost."

Caught off guard, I stammered, "Sorry, I got lost in the stars."

"What are you doing back here? It’s late. You should head back to your dorm," he said,as he gestured his pencil towards me while holding his sketch pad in his other hand.

“You didn’t come to the party," I blurted out, unable to shake the disappointment from my tone.

He chuckled softly. "I wanted to, but the crowd was…….overwhelming."

“Oh," I murmured, feeling a pang of regret.

"But why did you tell me you'd be there?" I couldn't help but ask, my curiosity getting the better of me.

A warm smile graced his lips. "I just wanted you to have a memorable night. It’s your first night at Gleewood, after all."

His thoughtfulness made my heart swell with warmth, and I couldn't help but blush at his kindness. "That's really sweet of you," I said softly.

"So, did you enjoy the performance?" he asked.

I nodded eagerly, eager to share my enthusiasm. "I loved it! But I missed seeing you there."

A faint blush tinted his cheeks as he patted my head affectionately. "You should head back to your dorm. It's late, and I don't want you getting in trouble."

"I'll take you back," he offered, his hand reaching out to grasp mine. His touch sent a jolt of electricity through me, and I couldn't help but tingle with excitement.

As we made our way out of the garden, I stole glances at him, wondering if I was still lost in a dream.

"Why is he being so nice to me?" I mused, my thoughts swirling like leaves in the wind. "Could it be that he likes me, just like Jenna said earlier, or is he just naturally kind-hearted?"

"Okay, we're here," he said, breaking the silence as we arrived at the front of my dorm. With a grateful smile, I waved goodbye and disappeared inside.

As soon as I entered the room, I couldn't help but collapse onto my bed, still grinning what had just happened earlier. The memory of Jason’s smile and the way he looked at me played over and over in my mind.

“Don’t tell me you’re in love, Halle,” Val’s voice broke through my thoughts, pulling me back to reality. She was lounging on her bed,her eyes twinkling with mischief.

“Love? No No,” I said, shaking my head but unable to wipe the smile off my face. “It’s just… the way Jason treats me. No guy has ever made me feel so special before.” I confessed, feeling a warm blush creep up my cheeks.

Val’s expression softened, but she looked worried. “He might just be a nice guy, Halle. I don’t want you getting hurt because of a guy. Chase your dreams first. It’s only your first year here; don’t waste it daydreaming about someone you’re not even sure is in love with you.”

Just then, Jenna’s voice echoed from the balcony, her tone dripping with amusement. “Don’t listen to her, Halle. She’s just jealous you managed to pull that really handsome hunk.” Jenna walked into the room, patting the black face mask on her face, trying to keep it from cracking.

Val burst out laughing, unable to contain herself. “Look who’s talking! Miss ‘I’m in love with Xavier who doesn’t even know I exist.’” She was almost doubled over, clutching her stomach.

Jenna rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide a small smile. “At least I have a chance with Xavier. Unlike you, scaring all the guys away with your creepy face.”

Val straightened up, trying to compose herself but still chuckling. “I’d grow old with fallen teeth before Xavier even thinks about falling for you. And you’re calling me creepy? Check the mirror right now and see how you look with that trash on your face,”she hissed her teeth.

“It’s called a face mask,” Jenna scoffed, trying to maintain her dignity but failing as she glanced at herself in the mirror and burst out laughing.

“Guys, that’s enough,” I quickly interrupted, sensing the argument could escalate. “We shouldn’t wake Danna up. How about we all go to bed? It’s a new day tomorrow, and we start classes.”

Val nodded, still smiling. “Yeah, you’re right. We don’t want to be zombies on the first day.”

“Fine, you all can go to bed. I’ll wait till my mask dries off,” Jenna said, carefully sitting on the edge of her bed to avoid cracking the mask.

Val and I exchanged a look, both of us suppressing giggles as we settled down.

The room gradually quieted, and I found myself staring at the ceiling, my mind drifting back to Jason. Maybe Val was right. I shouldn't let myself fall for Jason; I'd just end up getting hurt again, like always.