STRINGS OF FATE~ When Stars Collide

TWENTY~ 'For Us'

The late spring sun filtered through the tall windows of Westfield High, casting warm, golden light across the classroom floors. The hum of chatter filled the air as students milled about, knowing the end of the semester was near. There was a giddy excitement, a sense of freedom just within reach—and yet for Ella and Jake, every moment felt more precious than ever.

"Alright, settle down, everyone," Mr. Reynolds called, adjusting his glasses as he walked to the front of the room. "Final group projects are due next week. I hope your creative juices are flowing."

Jake leaned back in his seat, flashing a grin at Ella, who sat beside him, her cheeks already beginning to turn pink. Since their confession, things between them had shifted—more electric, more tender. And in class, it was impossible to hide.

"You ready for this, partner?" Jake whispered, nudging her foot with his under the table.

Ella rolled her eyes, but couldn't suppress a smile. "I was born ready. Unlike some people who wait until the last second."

He chuckled softly. "Hey, I like a little pressure. Makes life exciting."

Mr. Reynolds turned, eyeing them briefly. "Jake, Ella—since you two seem particularly enthusiastic, I trust you'll be presenting first next Monday."

Ella's eyes widened. Jake only smirked. "Looking forward to it, sir."

As the class erupted into laughter and groans, Grace leaned over from the next desk, wiggling her eyebrows at Ella. "Power couple vibes. You're practically Westfield royalty now."

Ella swatted at her playfully. "Stop it."

Jake leaned in, his voice low, brushing Ella's ear. "She's not wrong."

Ella shivered at the warmth of his breath against her skin, heart skipping. She turned toward him, eyes locking. "Jake..."

"Hmm?"

"You're trouble."

"And you love it."

The bell rang, but neither moved. Their classmates began filing out, but Jake lingered, his hand brushing hers under the desk.

"Wanna skip lunch?" he asked, eyes dancing with mischief.

Ella blinked. "What?"

"Just for a bit. The music room's empty. I want to show you something."

Intrigued, Ella nodded. They slipped through the hallway, ducking into the music room where the light was dim, and the scent of old wood and instruments hung in the air.

Jake picked up his guitar, strumming a soft melody, the notes tender and warm.

"This one's for you," he murmured. "Wrote it last night."

Ella's breath caught as he began to sing—his voice soft, raw, and filled with emotion.

"In the silence, you found me,
A storm behind eyes so kind.
You painted color in my shadows,
Sketched the peace I couldn't find.

You see the truth I try to hide,
In every broken line I write.
You hold my heart like it's a song,
Playing softly, all night long."

With you, I'm more than just a dreamer,
With you, I'm more than what they see.
In a world that writes my story,
You let me choose who I can be..."

Tears welled in Ella's eyes as he played, her heart swelling with something she couldn't quite name.

When he finished, Jake set the guitar aside and stepped closer. "Ella... I don't know what the future holds after this semester. Auralyn, everything—it's all happening fast. But you... You're my constant."

Ella reached up, touching his cheek. "I'll always be here, Jake. And no matter where you go, I'll be cheering for you. Loving you."

Their lips met in a kiss that was soft and slow, full of promises spoken in silence.

Outside, the world moved on—exams, finals, graduation on the horizon. But in that room, in that fleeting moment, they had everything.