Undeniable Chemistry
The weeks following the girls' night had been lighter, filled with playful touches and stolen glances between Emily and JJ. Despite their so-called rivalry, both girls seemed to enjoy each other's company more than they’d ever admit. They still competed for the highest test scores and had their usual disagreements in nearly every class, but something had changed. Emily saw JJ differently now—saw beneath the surface. She often caught herself staring at the blonde’s side profile, taking in the way the sunlight traced her features, or watching the way her face lit up when something made her happy. At the same time, she noticed how JJ was always looking out for those around her, effortlessly soft and caring in a way Emily hadn’t fully recognized before.
Emily sat in her usual spot as Mr. Rossi read out the partners for the upcoming project. She wasn't much of a team player, often preferring to work on her own instead of risking someone else ruining her work. She was just really hoping she didn't get one of those losers in the back who never did anything.
“Jessica and Tyler”
“Cindy and Hanah”
Emily waited for her name to be called, there were only a few names left to be called.
“Parker and Jackson”
“Lacy and Mason”
Wait, that only left her and…
“And last but not least Emily and Jennifer.” Mr Rossi announced shooting both of them a wink, a smug smile playing on his lips.
No way he’d just paired them up.
Emily turned to JJ, already finding the blonde looking back at her, her expression unreadable.
This meant that they were going to have to spend time together after school, was she excited? JJ wasn't the worst partner she could've gotten, Emily knew she was smart so maybe this wasn't so bad. Things between them had been better, and this might be a chance to get to know her a little better.
Did Emily want that?
JJ shifted uncomfortably in her seat while Mr. Rossi read out the instructions. The project was due next Friday meaning they had a week to do it. She had never really spent any time with Emily outside of school just the two of them. Sure they had kind of become friends over the past few weeks but that was strictly at school.
“Alright class, you are dismissed, make sure to make use of your time and finish your project. I'm sure whatever you come up with will be great!” Mr Rossi announced.
Around them, people started gathering their things and meeting up with their partners. Emily strolled over to JJ, radiating that effortless confidence she always carried.
“So” Emily started, “I guess we got paired together, Jenny.” Emily shot her a playful smile.
JJ shot her a look, she didn't have time to play, she wanted to get straight to the point, “Yeah, yeah, well I can't work on it next week since I have practice all week, how about this weekend?”
“Alright alright Alex Morgan, how's tomorrow at my house?”
JJ shot Emily a fake annoyed look, “You know about Alex Morgan?”
Emily gave JJ a smug smile, “Of course, I know Alex Morgan, sweetheart, how would I not know about the best player on the US women's soccer team?”
JJ’s heart couldn't help but skip a beat at the nickname. “Oh, so you think I'm the best? She raised her eyebrow, giving Emily a playful smirk.
Emily chuckled softly, “You didn't get that scholarship for no reason.”
JJ smiled softly taking the compliment from Emily, “And to answer your question, yes tomorrow sounds fine, send me your address, and I'll be there.”
“I kind of need your phone number for that Jenny”
“Oh- right. Here.” JJ pulled out her phone and they exchanged numbers.
Later that night, Emily threw herself onto her bed, staring at her phone. She should be finishing up some math homework or studying for her English exam, but her mind was racing. Her thoughts kept drifting back to tomorrow.
To seeing JJ.
She found herself feeling excited—too excited—but also nervous. Without thinking much longer, she pulled up JJ’s contact and typed out a message.
Emily: So Jenny, any ideas for the project tomorrow?
She waited, her thumbs tapping idly against the screen as the three dots appeared, then disappeared, then reappeared.
JJ: Well, I was thinking since it’s chemistry, we could make a 3D molecular model. Something simple.
Emily wrinkled her nose. Boring.
Emily: Lameeee. Where’s the excitement? The thrill? The danger?
A pause. Then—
JJ: It’s a science project, Emily. Not an action movie.
Emily grinned, already typing.
Emily: Well, I think we should at least acknowledge the obvious ;)
Another pause. Longer this time.
JJ: Oh god. Which is?
Emily: That we have undeniable chemistry 🙈
Emily bit back a laugh, staring at her screen as she waited for JJ’s response.
JJ: I actually hate you.
Emily smirked.
Emily: No, you don’t.
JJ: If you make another corny chemistry joke, I might.
Emily pretended to consider this.
Emily: Noted. I’ll keep the jokes to a minimum ;)
JJ: Great.
A few seconds passed. Emily rolled onto her side, chewing on her bottom lip before typing again.
Emily: You’ve gotta admit we make a good team tho.
JJ took a moment before responding.
JJ: We haven’t even started working.
Emily: Right, and it’s already going so well!
Emily could practically hear JJ sighing through the screen.
JJ: Go to sleep, Emily.
Emily: If you say so, Jenny
.
She was about to lock her phone when a final message popped up.
JJ: See you tomorrow :)
Emily hesitated for only a second before sending one last message.
Emily: Goodnight, sweetheart ;)
She knew exactly what she was doing.
And on the other end of the phone, JJ stared at the message, her stomach doing an unfamiliar flip. Her fingers hovered over the keyboard for a second too long before she turned off her phone, rolling onto her back. She was just about to close her eyes when she heard a notification. She turned back around and reached for her phone so quickly she almost fell off her bed. Maybe it was Emily again?
Will: Goodnight babe, I love you
Oh
She turned her phone back off not even bothering to answer.
This was fine. Totally fine.