Bound By Trust
The morning sun shone through the window of Emily's dorm room, casting a warm glow over the room. Emily stretched and yawned, feeling content and happy. As she turned her head, she saw JJ lying next to her, still fast asleep. Emily couldn't help but smile at the sight of her friend, peaceful and relaxed.
For a moment, Emily just lay there, taking in the quiet and calm of the morning and admiring JJ. But eventually, hunger got the best of her, and she slipped out of bed, careful not to disturb JJ.
She got dressed and grabbed her wallet, but before she left to get breakfast she wrote JJ a note that read "getting breakfast, will be back soon. <3". She placed the note on her bedside table and left.
When she got back JJ had just woken up.
"Good morning. I got breakfast" Emily said smiling at JJ.
JJ smiled back at her, still looking a bit groggy. "That sounds amazing," she said, stretching. "What time is it?"
Emily checked her phone. "It's almost ten." she said.
JJ sat up, looking a bit sheepish. "I don't usually sleep this late," she said. "I must have been really tired."
"It's fine," Emily said, setting the pancakes she bought on a plate, "You deserved a good rest after yesterday."
They ate in comfortable silence, enjoying the food and each other's company. After breakfast, they settled onto the couch, with Emily putting on some music and JJ snuggling up next to her.
As the day went on, Emily and JJ found themselves in a state of blissful relaxation. They watched movies, talked about everything and nothing, and just enjoyed each other's company. Emily found herself feeling more and more drawn to JJ, admiring her kindness, intelligence, and beauty.
As they talked and laughed together Emily tried to ignore the fluttering in her stomach and the racing of her heart.
They talked about their hopes and dreams, their fears and insecurities, and Emily found herself opening up to JJ in a way she never had with anyone else. She told JJ about her childhood, her family, and her struggles with anxiety, and JJ listened attentively, offering words of comfort and understanding.
JJ, in turn, shared stories about her own family and her experiences in college. She talked about her passion for criminal justice and her hopes of making a difference in the world. Emily was struck by how intelligent and driven JJ was, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration and respect for her friend.
As the afternoon turned to evening, Emily and JJ ordered takeout and settled in for another movie. Emily couldn't help but steal glances at JJ as they watched, her heart beating faster each time their eyes met. She wondered if JJ felt the same way she did, or if she was just imagining things.
As the credits rolled, JJ yawned and stretched, looking content and relaxed. "This has been such a perfect day," she said, smiling at Emily. "Thank you for being here with me."
Emily smiled back, feeling a rush of warmth in her chest. "Anytime, JJ," she said. "I always want to be here for you."
JJ leaned in closer, her eyes meeting Emily's. "And I want to be here for you too, Em," she said softly. "Always." she leaned in and hugged Emily tightly, breathing in the scent of her hair. "I'm so glad we're friends," she whispered.
"Me too," Emily replied, returning the hug.
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As Emily and JJ walked back towards JJ's dorm, Emily couldn't shake the feeling of happiness that had settled over her. She felt so comfortable around JJ, so understood and appreciated, and it was a feeling she wanted to hold onto forever.
As they reached the door to JJ's building, Emily gave JJ one last hug. "I had a really great day with you," she said.
JJ smiled, her eyes shining. "Me too," she replied, returning the hug.
As Emily watched JJ disappear inside, a knot formed in her stomach. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong, that JJ wasn't safe. She knew that JJ's boyfriend was out there, and the thought made her uneasy.
Suddenly, a voice interrupted her thoughts. "Hey there, pretty lady."
Emily turned to see JJ's boyfriend approaching her. He was tall and muscular, with short brown hair and a chiseled jawline.
"Hi," Emily replied, trying to sound polite.
"I've been looking for JJ," he said, his voice laced with irritation. "Where is she?"
Emily's heart sank as she replied, "I don't know. I haven't seen her since last night."
The boyfriend's eyes narrowed, and Emily could feel his gaze scrutinizing her. "Don't play games with me," he growled. "I know she's been spending time with you. Where is she?"
"I told you, I don't know," Emily repeated, trying to keep her voice steady.
The boyfriend stepped closer, and Emily could smell the alcohol on his breath. "You better tell me where she is, or else," he threatened.
Emily felt her heart racing as she tried to come up with a plan. She couldn't let JJ be in danger, but she also couldn't risk confronting her boyfriend and making things worse. She took a step back, trying to create some distance between herself and the angry man in front of her.
"I really don't know where she is," Emily said, her voice shaking slightly. "Maybe she went to study at the library or something."
The boyfriend scowled, clearly not believing her. "Fine, whatever," he spat, turning to walk away. "Tell her I'm looking for her."
Emily breathed a sigh of relief as he disappeared from view. She waited a few moments before cautiously going inside to JJs dorm, making sure she wasn't being followed.
She knocked on JJs dorm door and when JJ answered she looked up at her "Emily?" she mumbled. "What are you doing here?"
"Your boyfriend approached me outside and I didn't want you to be alone in case he came back," Emily explained. "I hope you don't mind."
JJ shook her head, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "Of course not. I'm glad you're here."
The two of them sat in silence on JJs bed for a few minutes, just enjoying each other's company. Emily couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement in her chest as she looked at JJ. She leaned over to give her a gentle hug, and JJ responded by wrapping her arms tightly around her.
"Thank you," JJ whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I don't know what I would do without you."
"Hey, I'm here for you," Emily said, pulling back to look into JJ's eyes. "Always."
JJ smiled at her, her eyes sparkling with gratitude. "I know," she said. "And I feel the same way about you."
As they settled back onto the bed, Emily felt a sense of peace and contentment wash over her. She didn't know what the future held, but she knew that as long as she had JJ by her side, she could face anything that came her way.