Jaded Hearts Dream

Dani I never loved the end of a semester. I mean, sure, there was the freedom—the sleep-ins, the binge-watching, the soul-healing brunches with mimosas as big as my head. But there was also that weird ache that settled in your chest, like something was ending… even if you couldn’t name what. I stood outside the university’s fine arts building, one hand shielding my eyes from the afternoon sun, the other gripping a plastic to-go cup full of something fruity and frozen. Students buzzed all around me, tossing backpacks into cars, hugging goodbye, and squealing about beach trips and cabin rentals. “Dani!” I turned just in time to catch Taylor jogging toward me, her honey-brown curls bouncing, oversized sunglasses perched on her nose, and a smile that could make a whole room exhale. “Hey, you made it out alive,” I grinned. She groaned and dramatically draped herself across my shoulder. “Barely. I swear if I never see another econ professor again, it’ll still be too soon.” “Girl, you chose business classes.” “And I regret every life decision leading to that moment,” she deadpanned, then pulled back with a smirk. “But enough about me. What’s the first thing you’re doing with your freedom?” I shrugged. “Heading home. Haven’t seen my parents or my brother in a while.” “Jahlani, right?” “Yeah.” I smiled softly. “He’s sixteen now. Thinks he’s too cool for hugs but still asks for chocolate chip pancakes at midnight.” “Awww.” Taylor elbowed me gently. “That’s cute. I’m kinda jealous. My break’s already spoken for.” “Oh?” She glanced down the parking lot, where a sleek black car idled near the curb. “Matt’s taking me out tonight. Something… special, he says.” “Ooh, special,” I teased. “What’s the occasion?” She shook her head, smiling almost shyly. “No clue. But he’s been acting all mysterious and intense for the last week. I think he’s nervous.” I raised a brow. “Matt? Nervous?” “Right?” She laughed. “I mean, the guy looks like he could bench-press a bus. But something’s up.” “Well, have fun,” I said, giving her a hug. “And text me if it turns out to be an engagement or a proposal to join a cult.” She cackled. “Noted.” As she walked off toward the car, I watched Matt step out and open her door for her. I didn’t know him well, but he seemed… steady. Protective. The way he looked at her made my chest squeeze. Maybe I was just being weird. Or maybe it was that flicker of heat that passed through the air the moment their hands touched—like static or something more ancient. More me. I shook it off. No time for supernatural guesswork. --- Twenty minutes later, I was back in my apartment, dodging throw pillows and open moving boxes. Dylan’s voice echoed from the bathroom, singing horribly off-key to Beyoncé. “If I were a boy—" I smirked. “If you were a boy, you still couldn’t hit that note.” “Rude!” he shouted, emerging wrapped in a towel and slathering lotion on his arms. “You’re lucky I’m fabulous.” “You’re lucky I haven’t filmed that audio and gone viral.” “Please. The world would thank you.” We both laughed. My roommate-s***h-best friend was the kind of gay every straight girl deserved—dramatic, loyal, emotionally fluent, and always ready to fight anyone who made me cry. Also: surprisingly excellent with concealer and weaponized sarcasm. “You packed?” he asked, nodding at my duffel on the couch. “Almost.” I glanced at the clock. “Heading out in a bit. Should get home just after dinner.” “Tell Mama and Papa Bear I said hi.” I rolled my eyes. “I will.” “And Jahlani. Is he still single? You know I like 'em young and rebellious.” “He’s sixteen, you absolute menace.” “Fine, fine.” He waved his hands. “But mark my words, that boy’s gonna grow up and break hearts.” I paused for a second. My smile faltered just slightly. Maybe. But I wasn’t sure if he’d even grow up normal. Not with what I’d been sensing lately. The dreams. The way the forest called my name in whispers. No. I shook the thought off again. I was going home to my family. To pancakes and laughter and the smell of cedarwood that clung to everything in our old house. Whatever weird energy had been brewing in my chest could wait. --- That evening, as I loaded the last bag into my car, I looked up just in time to see Taylor and Matt pulling out of the building’s garage. She was in the passenger seat, hair up, face lit like she was made of moonlight. Matt glanced up through the windshield—eyes catching mine for a split second. And I swear, I felt something stir in the pit of my stomach. Something old. Something watching. I blinked. And the feeling vanished. The car turned the corner. And I turned toward home.