hidden in plain sight - j.o

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hidden in plain sight -j.o

-

In the vibrant heart of summer, you and Jenna were inseparable. You two had recently starting dating and it has been everything you two had wanted. Your relationship was quite fresh - Jenna was savoring the newness of it all while being busy with filming.

Jenna admired your quiet strength and the way that your laughter could light up a room. She was head over heels in love with you. But the thing is, no one knew. She kept your relationship a secret from everyone, including her coworkers.

You've asked Jenna a couple times to meet them, but they were "always busy". But finally, this afternoon Jenna decided it was finally time for you to meet the cast of Wednesday, who became some of her closest friends.

You finished getting ready to explore town with Jenna's cast mates. Exiting the bathroom, you found Jenna waiting for you on the couch. She turned when she heard your footsteps approach, an immediate grin curling on her lips. Her brown eyes gazing at you admiringly, sending butterflies swarming around your stomach.

"God, you look stunning." She said, keeping the grin on her face. She stood up and wrapped her arms around your torso, giving you a quick peck on the cheek. "You ready?"

-

The two of you were the first to arrive at the museum but Emma, Jenna's co-worker and best friend, arrived soon after.

A squeal squeaked from Emma as she drew in Jenna immediately for a hug. "I missed you," she said, pulling away. "And who is this?" She asked Jenna while holding out her hand to you.

You took your hand in hers, shaking it. "I'm y/n, Jenna's -"

"My friend," Jenna blurted out, looking a little tense after but giving a small smile.

Emma smiled and nodded. "It's lovely to meet you, y/n."

"Friend." The word kept replaying in your mind along with Jenna's expression. Maybe you were overthinking it. Not wanting to cause a scene, you brushed it off quickly.

Shortly after the interaction, Hunter and Joy arrived. You introduced yourselves to them just as y/n.

The five of you exchanged some conversation before starting your self guided tour at the museum. Conversation thankfully was effortless. All of you were laughing and chatting together as you made your way through the exhibits. Jenna was relieved to see you blending with the group, your shy smile and gentle demeanor making a positive impression with the cast.

Chatter eventually died down as you all were observing the artwork. You kept glancing over at Jenna, smiling softly at the small girl in her own world, reading all about the exhibits.

You shyly reached for Jenna's hand, missing her and wanting to feel that connection. When Jenna felt your fingers graze across her palm, she immediately stiffened. Her hand pulled back almost instinctively, a visible expression of discomfort flashed across her face.

Your bright smile quickly faltered and Jenna became flustered as she spoke. "I- Um- I- Sorry, what are you doing?" She could feel the stare from her coworkers and quickly tried to cover up. Her face was flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and anxiety. "Funny joke y/n!" She giggled quietly.

You felt your heart sank into the depths. You looked down at the floor, your face heating up with a mix of hurt and humiliation. You didn't know what else to do so you looked up at her and gave a fake smile with a phony laugh. "Hahah, I gotcha!"

After speaking, you turned away, fighting with all of your nerves to not start tearing up. Jenna noticed your abrupt change in demeanor and it tore at her. She so badly wanted to reach out, to explain, but the knot of fear and shame kept her silent.

As you continued throughout the rest of the museum, your presence became more subdued. While you engaged in conversation, your attempts were half-hearted as your usual spark was dimmed. Jenna's co-workers definitely took notice, but they didn't want to pry, sensing something was amiss but not wanting to overstep.

Finally, you saw most of the museum. All of you were tired and agreed it was time to head home. You said your good-bye's to the cast mates, telling them it was a pleasure to meet them all.

You walk back to the car, Jenna's footsteps not for behind you. "Y/n, I..." Jenna began, her voice trembling. "I'm sorry about earlier... I didn't mean to. I-I mean, it's not that I didn't want to hold your hand. It's just, I haven't told them yet, and I didn't know how to-"

You stopped in your tracks and turned to face Jenna, your eyes were welled with tears and quiet hurt. Jenna could feel her heart shatter when she saw the pain she caused. "Jenna, I understand coming out can be hard. But when you reacted like that? It felt like you were ashamed of me. Like you felt physically disgusted." You spoke quietly, because if you spoke any louder you may just start crying.

Jenna's brown eyes were wide, tears welling in hers that matched yours. She reached out, taking your hand in hers. "No, y/n, I'm not ashamed of you, I never could be. I'm just- I'm afraid of how they'll react. I'm sorry I let that fear come between us. If I could go back and stop it from happening I would."

You felt comfort in Jenna's touch, your tense stature relaxing. You gave her hand a squeeze, a dim flicker of hope in your eyes. "I love you, Jenna. But if we're going to be together, we need to be honest with each other. And eventually to your friends..."

Jenna nodded, the tears brimming in her eyes. "I promise, y/n. You deserve that, and better than what happened today. We are planning on getting dinner after shooting tomorrow... I want you to come. I'll tell them, I want to make this up to you."

You gave a look of uncertainty but you trusted Jenna with your life. Her words were genuine. You gave a small smile and nodded. "I'd love to. Thank you, Jens."

"I love you, baby. I'm so sorry." She pulled you into a tight hug, not wanting to let go. "Let's get home." She said and you agreed, giving a kiss to the crown of her head before releasing your arms around her.

a/n: part 2 on thursday! <3

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