Unseen Echoes

Chapter13 : A moment we close

It was a beautiful morning. Rose had slept peacefully, and her face was glowing. Lily woke her up, "Rose, wake up! You have to go to university."

Rose got up, but her mind was still on last night. She kept thinking, "He wants to be friends... maybe he will start liking me with time. Maybe he just needs space."

She washed her face and got ready with extra care. She applied a little tint and lip balm, touching her lips gently in the mirror. She sprayed a bit more perfume than usual, leaving her hair flowing over her shoulders. Dressed in a beautiful outfit, she looked bright and glowing.

As she entered the university with Lily, Will was standing there. He teased her, "Wow! Who are you planning to kill looking this beautiful today?"

Lily smiled and said, "She and Jack are friends now. From today, they are 'just friends'."

Will asked, "Just friends? I am also your friend, what is the big deal?"

Lily and Rose looked at each other. Will was right—"friend" meant something different to everyone, but Rose’s heart felt something deeper.

When they entered the class, Rose saw Jack. He signaled to the chair next to him and said, "Come, sit with me... my friend."

Hearing the word "friend" hurt Rose a little, but she sat down with a smile.

During the lecture, Rose’s pen fell. They both leaned down at the same time to pick it up. As they moved, their hands touched. A small spark went through Rose. They looked into each other's eyes, and for a moment, the world stopped. Jack’s deep eyes were looking into hers, and Rose couldn't look away.

Suddenly, the Professor shouted, "Jack and Rose! Is everything alright? You can look at each other later, pay attention to the lecture!"

The whole class started laughing. Both were so embarrassed that they quickly looked away. Rose’s heart was beating very fast, and Jack looked down at his notebook, but he had a small smile on his face.

After class, Rose was walking ahead, and Jack followed. Thomas came up to Rose. "Hey Rose, how are you?" he asked.

Jack’s eyes darkened. He quickly stepped forward, took Rose’s hand, and locked his fingers with hers. He glared at Thomas and said, "Excuse me."

Jack shoulder-bumped Thomas as he pulled Rose away. Lily and Will followed them. Thomas was standing there, burning with anger.

On the way to the canteen, Jack said, "Rose, will you listen to me?"

"What is it?" Rose asked.

I don't like Thomas. He doesn't give me good vibes. He doesn't look at you with good intentions. Please, stay away from him."

"How do you know?" Rose asked.

"Guys just know," Jack replied confidently.

They reached the canteen. Lily and Will sat at a distance, giving them space. Jack pulled out a chair for Rose.

"I’ll tell you someday," Jack said.

Rose teased him, "You’re jealous, aren't you?"

"No, Rose," Jack said.

"Yes, you are!" Rose insisted.

Jack leaned closer and whispered, "I am a possessive friend. Why would I give away what belongs to me?"

"Belongs to you?" Rose asked, surprised.

Jack quickly corrected himself, "I mean... a friend."

Rose smiled, "Is that so?"

Jack smiled back, "Yes, it is."

They both started laughing. It was a sweet moment that made their bond feel even stronger.

Jack asked, "Let’s go out somewhere today after university. Just the two of us, to celebrate our new friendship."

Rose asked, "Where will we go?"

Jack smiled and said, "To make some beautiful memories."

Rose agreed, "Okay, let's go."

After university, Rose rushed to Lily’s house. She looked at her clothes and worried, "Lily, I don't have anything good to wear. What should I do?"

Lily gave her a dress, "Rose, wear this. You look amazing in it."

Rose got ready. Today, she wore comfortable shoes instead of heels so that Jack wouldn't have to walk barefoot again like yesterday. She told Lily, "Don't wait for me, I might be late."

Lily teased her with a smile, "I understand!"

Rose went outside, and Jack was waiting in a beautiful, big car. She sat next to him. Jack said, "I borrowed this car from a friend."

Rose smiled and said, "It's so nice."

As they drove, Jack played some soft, romantic music. The car ride felt very peaceful. Soon, they reached a beautiful lake. Jack quickly took out his camera from the car. The blue water and the quiet atmosphere were lovely. Jack’s eyes were only on Rose. As she stood by the lake, smiling and letting the wind play with her hair, Jack kept clicking photos of her. He was capturing every moment of her beauty.

Jack put his camera down and walked over to Rose. They both looked at the lake.

"It is such a beautiful and peaceful place, isn't it? There is no one here but us, Rose," Jack said softly.

Rose looked at him and said, "Yes, Jack, it is so peaceful. Do you know? This is the most beautiful moment of my life because I have never been to such a lovely place with someone before."

Jack looked deep into her eyes. "It is a beautiful moment for me, too." They shared a sweet, gentle smile.

Jack started taking off his shoes and said, "Rose, take off your shoes."

Why, Jack?" Rose asked.

"Just do it," he insisted. Rose took them off. Jack held her hand and led her through the shallow water to a large stone. They sat there together, dipping their feet into the cool water.

Jack took a picture of their feet in the water.

Rose laughed and asked, "A picture of our feet?"

"Yes," Jack smiled.

They kept looking into each other's eyes, getting lost in the moment. They leaned closer until they were only inches apart. Their warm breaths touched each other's faces. The silence was intense. Jack slowly reached out his hand towards her face... Rose closed her eyes, waiting for something special.

Instead, Jack gently pulled a petal from her hair and moved back. Rose blushed deeply and looked away.

"There was this petal in your hair," Jack said with a smile.

Rose’s heart was racing; she knew how close he had been to her lips.

Some birds flew past them, and they both watched them.

Jack said, "Rose, I am thinking about where we should set up our camp. We will stay here. I brought two camps. I want to remember you forever, Rose. Who knows if we will meet after university?"

Rose felt happy that Jack wanted to keep her in his memories. She said, "I will keep meeting you, Jack."

Jack pointed towards a hill and said, "Let's go there. The view from that side will be beautiful."

Jack stood up and helped Rose up. He held her hand as they walked back to the shore. They put on their shoes and got into the car. Jack started the car and played the same soft, romantic music again. They drove towards the hill, ready to make more beautiful memories together.