If Only (GxG)

Chapter 12 Navigation

When we separate, I let out a breathy laugh. "I think that'll do it," I whisper.

She offers a small, self-conscious laugh in return. "I really am sorry," she murmurs one last time, a flush coloring her cheeks. "You're... you're my safe space, even if I'm not great at admitting it."

Warmth expands in my chest, and I settle more comfortably in her lap. "You're mine, too," I say simply. "We'll work out the rest, okay?"

She nods, her gaze softer now, and for the first time today, I see the tension ebbing from her eyes. "Okay," she murmurs, letting out a breath that sounds part-relief, part-exhaustion.

I continue threading my fingers through her silky dark hair, taking comfort in the steady rhythm of her breath.

For a few tranquil moments, we're simply here—two people in a locked classroom, cocooned from the clamor of footsteps and slamming lockers beyond the door. The air around us feels weightless, as though we've carved out a small haven where her worries and my anxieties can safely coexist.

She lifts her gaze to mine. "Feeling better?" I ask softly, letting my hand drift to her shoulder.

"Yes," Blake murmurs with a content hum. "Much better."

"Good," I say with a small, relieved smile, "because I actually came here to ask you something before you distracted me." I tease, giving her a playful look.

She chuckles, and that low, sultry sound sends a little thrill through me. "Oh, right. And what might that be?"

I take a steadying breath, both nervous and excited. "Would you go on a date with me this Saturday?"

For a moment, her expression is unreadable.

I feel her hands slide down to my hips, gently squeezing. Then her features shift from surprise to a slow, emerging smirk. Leaning in, she presses a quick kiss to my neck, inching up until her warm breath fans over my ear. The sensation makes my pulse soar.

"What kind of date?" she purrs, her voice resonating low in my ear.

I have to bite back a gasp when she starts kissing her way down my throat. My hands lock behind her neck so she won't feel them trembling. "I—it's... a surprise," I manage, breathing unevenly as her lips explore my neck, leaving tiny sparks in their wake.

She laughs softly, a sultry sound that vibrates against my skin. "A surprise, hmm?" She trails more kisses downward, her mouth working a slow path from my jaw to the base of my throat while her fingers knead my hips. My entire face blazes; I let out an involuntary whimper that's somewhere between a moan and a plea.

"That's not really an answer, sweetheart," she rasps, returning to my ear. One of her hands travels down to grip my thigh. "Will this date involve plenty of time with you—kisses, and maybe more of those sweet little sounds?"

"It's... oh God... it's a surprise," I stutter again, cheeks aflame as I fight to remain coherent.

Her amused laugh sends another wave of warmth through me.

She leans back just far enough to give me a smug look, then glances at my neck. Realisation dawns, and I realize exactly what she's done.

I fumble for my phone, flipping the screen to camera mode so I can check my reflection. Sure enough, there's a darkening mark at the base of my throat—a fresh hickey, courtesy of Blake.

"No, Blake," I groan, shooting her a half-hearted glare. "That's gonna be impossible to hide."

The corner of her mouth lifts in a shameless, pleased smile. "Then don't," she says simply, an unmistakable possessive gleam in her eyes. "People should see it and know you're off-limits. That you belong to someone."

Her words spark a delicious heat in my stomach, but they also flood me with embarrassment. The effect is dizzying. She notices my flustered reaction and arches an eyebrow, an almost predatory grin curving her lips.

"Oh, you like that, don't you?" she drawls, sounding entirely too smug. "I knew it."

I attempt to squirm away, mortified by how much that comment thrilled me. But she doesn't let me move an inch. Her grip on my hips tightens; then she slides a hand up to cup my cheek, guiding me into another breath-stealing kiss.

Against my lips, she murmurs, "My gorgeous girl... my girl."

A little moan escapes me as I cling to her shoulders.

Her words are a heady mix of comfort and desire.

She finally pulls back, leveling me with a fond, tender look. "Don't be embarrassed," she says softly. "It makes me so happy to see how much you want this. You're mine, and I can't wait until we can tell the whole world."

Her admission draws a bright, euphoric grin from me. "I can't wait either," I say, my voice light with excitement. Still, part of me remains rooted in the reality that we're in a locked classroom. My heart pounds at the thought—but it only makes me want to be closer to her.

She slides her thumb along my bottom lip, and my breath hitches. "So, should I come by your place at one o'clock on Saturday?" I ask quietly, trying to refocus on the date plans I came here to propose in the first place.

She nods, her voice dropping back into that warm, velvety register. "Whatever you'd like, sweetheart," she murmurs, leaning in for another quick kiss.

I melt into her lips once more, thinking about how surreal it feels to be here—pressed against her in a moment that's both tender and charged.

The anxious girl I was only minutes ago has faded into someone who feels safe, cherished, and yes, undeniably wanted. Saturday can't come soon enough.

『 °*• ❀ •*°』