Chapter 13: The Confession

The days leading up to the weekend were a mix of anticipation and nerves for Julie. Noah's words kept replaying in her mind: "I'd rather hang out with you."

It felt surreal. Someone like him choosing to spend time with someone like her? She could hardly believe it. But every time she caught his smile across the hallway or felt his shoulder brush hers as they walked to class, the flutter in her chest reminded her that it was real.

Friday afternoon, as the final bell rang, Julie was packing up her books when Noah appeared at her locker, his smile warm and genuine.

"Hey," he said, leaning casually against the locker beside hers. "So… I was thinking. Since I'm definitely not going to that party, maybe we could hang out tomorrow? Just… us."

Julie's heart skipped. "Oh… um… yeah! I'd like that." She tried to sound calm, but her voice was higher than usual, her excitement slipping through.

Noah's smile widened. "Awesome. Do you like movies? I was thinking maybe we could go see that new one that just came out."

Julie's chest tightened. Was he asking her on a… date? "Yeah… I love movies."

"Cool. I'll text you the details later," he said, his eyes lingering on hers. "I'm glad you're free. I've… been wanting to hang out with you outside of school for a while."

Julie's face heated up, her voice catching. "You… you have?"

Noah laughed, his cheeks flushing. "Yeah… you're pretty fun to be around, Julie."

Her heart soared, her stomach doing flips. "I… I think you're fun to be around, too."

His gaze softened, his eyes twinkling. "Good… because I was starting to think I was annoying you."

Julie's laugh was light, her nerves melting away. "No… definitely not."

Noah's smile grew, his posture relaxing. "Alright… I'll see you tomorrow, then." He turned to leave, but paused, his voice lowering. "I'm really looking forward to it."

Before she could respond, he walked away, his hands casually tucked into his pockets, his stride confident and easy.

Julie stood there, her heart racing, her face flushed. She replayed the conversation over and over, the warmth in his eyes, the softness in his voice. Tomorrow… she was going to spend tomorrow with Noah.

---

The next morning, Julie woke up earlier than usual, her nerves buzzing. She spent way too long deciding what to wear, finally settling on a simple sundress and sneakers. She didn't want to look like she was trying too hard, but she also wanted to look… cute.

By the time Noah texted her that he was outside, she was a bundle of nerves. She rushed down the stairs, her heart pounding, calling out a quick goodbye to her mom and sister before stepping out the front door.

Noah was leaning against his car, his arms crossed, his smile lighting up his face when he saw her. "Hey, Julie."

Her breath caught. He looked… really good. Casual, but perfect, his hair slightly tousled, his eyes bright.

"Hi," she managed, her voice barely above a whisper.

He opened the car door for her, his smile never wavering. "Ready?"

Julie nodded, slipping into the passenger seat, her heart fluttering. As he started the car and pulled away from the curb, she glanced at him, her nerves slowly melting away. He seemed relaxed, at ease, humming along to the music on the radio.

The drive to the theater was comfortable, filled with light conversation and laughter. Noah told her about his brother's latest prank and how his dog kept stealing his shoes. Julie found herself laughing more than she had in weeks, her nerves fading with each story.

When they reached the theater, Noah bought the tickets and insisted on getting popcorn and candy, even though Julie tried to pay. "I invited you," he said with a playful grin. "My treat."

They found seats near the middle, the theater dim and cozy. As the movie started, Julie tried to focus on the screen, but her mind kept drifting to Noah. How close he was sitting, the way his arm rested casually on the armrest between them, his laugh soft and warm.

Halfway through the movie, their hands brushed as they both reached for the popcorn at the same time. Julie's heart jumped, her face heating up. She pulled her hand back quickly, her eyes glued to the screen, but she could feel him looking at her, his gaze lingering.

After a moment, she dared to glance over, her heart skipping when she found him smiling at her, his eyes soft. He didn't say anything, just left his hand resting on the armrest, his pinky barely touching hers.

Julie's heart was pounding, her mind racing. Was he… was he trying to hold her hand?

She hesitated, her pulse loud in her ears. Then, slowly, carefully, she moved her hand just a little closer, her fingers lightly brushing his.

Noah's smile grew, his pinky curling around hers, his hand warm and steady.

Julie's heart soared, her chest tight with emotion. She'd never felt this way before—so light, so happy, so… seen.

For the rest of the movie, they stayed like that, their hands lightly touching, their pinkies intertwined.

When the credits rolled, Noah stood up, stretching his arms. "That was actually a pretty good movie. I wasn't expecting it to be that funny."

Julie laughed, her nerves finally gone. "Yeah… I didn't think I'd laugh that much either."

They walked out of the theater together, the sun warm and bright. As they reached his car, Noah paused, his eyes on her, his smile soft.

"I had a really good time today, Julie."

Her heart fluttered, her cheeks flushing. "Me too."

Noah hesitated, his eyes dropping to their hands before meeting hers again. "Can… can we do this again sometime?"

Julie's breath caught, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'd like that."

Noah's face lit up, his smile wide and genuine. "Good… because I don't think one movie is enough to get to know you."

Julie laughed, her heart full. "No… I don't think so either."

They stood there for a moment, the world around them fading away. Then, Noah took a step closer, his voice soft. "I'm really glad I met you, Julie."

Julie's chest tightened, her heart soaring. "Me too, Noah."

They stood there, the sun warm on their faces, their smiles bright and unguarded. For the first time, Julie didn't feel awkward or unsure. She felt happy. And maybe, just maybe, she was starting to fall for him.