ੈ✩‧₊˚
IRL
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↳ "YOU'RE SO LUCKY
I LOVE YOU."

The night stretched out before Chris like an endless abyss, the only company being the glow of his laptop screen. He found himself immersed in the world of articles that promised salvation for love stretched thin by miles. The room, dimly lit by the screen's eerie pallor, mirrored the shadows creeping into his heart. Chris sat hunched over, bathed in the cool glow, scrolling through pages that held the elusive answers he sought. Titles like "Saving Long-Distance Love" and "Rekindling the Flame" promised hope, but with each click, the hope slipped further away.

The words on the screen blurred into a jumble of well-intentioned advice. "Surprise her with thoughtful gestures," one suggested, while another insisted, "Plan virtual dates to bridge the gap." Chris's eyes darted across the screen, desperately trying to find a beacon in the sea of clichéd suggestions.

He rubbed his temples, feeling the weight of exhaustion settle in. The laptop became a glaring reminder of his inadequacy, its screen reflecting the strained determination etched on his face. Every solution he came across felt like a mere Band-Aid on a wound that refused to close.

"Communication is key," echoed through the paragraphs, but how could words bridge the distance when miles stretched between them? The cursor blinked mockingly on the empty message box, daring him to type the words that seemed to elude him. The silence of the room mirrored the silence that had crept into their conversations, a palpable void that no amount of typing could fill.

His desperation deepened, and Chris impulsively typed into the search bar, "How do you know a relationship isn't working?" The screen populated with results, each headline cutting through him like a knife. "Signs Your Relationship is Failing" stared back at him, a stark admission of the doubts that had started to plague his mind.

As he clicked through the articles, he discovered a checklist of ominous signs—distance, lack of communication, and the haunting feeling that love was slipping through the cracks. His heart sank with each item he mentally checked off, the reality of their situation becoming more glaring with every passing moment.

He stumbled upon an article titled "Knowing When to Let Go," and a chill ran down his spine. The words outlined the pain of holding onto something that had run its course and the difficulty of admitting defeat when the battle was already lost. Chris read through the article, each sentence a heavy blow to his already fragile resolve.

Closing the laptop, he was left in the oppressive silence of the room, the weight of the articles hanging in the air like a spectre. The glow that had promised answers now revealed only the reflection of a defeated man. The articles, like false prophets, offered promises that crumbled at the slightest scrutiny.

As he stared into the void of the room, the ghostly glow of the laptop screen still etched on his retinas, Chris felt a surge of conflicting emotions. The articles had painted a grim picture, highlighting the fractures in their relationship. Yet, amidst the shadows, a stubborn flame of hope persisted.

"I won't let some website dictate my relationship," Chris muttered to himself, a defiant glint in his eyes. He refused to be swayed by the predetermined narratives of relationship advice columns. Their love was unique, and so were the challenges they faced.

He stood up, a newfound resolve straightening his posture. The laptop, a mere tool that had momentarily led him astray, now lay dormant on the desk. With each step, he walked away from the shadows that threatened to engulf him, towards the faint light that beckoned from the open door. The decision to fight for Lovette, despite the odds stacked against them, took root in his heart. It wasn't a blind refusal to acknowledge their problems; rather, it was a declaration that their love was worth the struggle.

As he left the room, Chris carried with him the weight of uncertainty, but also the unwavering belief that love, if tended to with care, could weather even the stormiest nights. The path ahead was unclear, but he was determined to navigate it with Lovette by his side.

The door closed behind him, shutting out the remnants of the articles' echoes.

*ੈ✩‧₊˚

Chris has a plan and everything has to be perfect because Lovette deserves nothing less. He aimed for a date that would not only blow her away but also prove those articles wrong. He really needed to kill two birds with one stone. It was a delicate balance, a tightrope walk between romance and redemption.

Outside Lovette's house, Chris stood, his heart drumming against his ribs like a prisoner yearning for freedom. He glanced around, ensuring her absence with a quick scan of the driveway. With a steadying breath, he pressed the doorbell, his foot tapping a staccato rhythm against the porch, betraying the anxious dance of his nerves.

Levi's cool voice sliced through the tension, a stark contrast to Chris's jittery state. "Lovette's not here," he announced, his stance nonchalant against the doorframe.

Chris managed a tight smile, his throat constricting with the weight of his mission. "Actually, I came to talk to you. About Lovette."

Levi's eyebrow arched, a playful smirk dancing on his lips. "You're not asking for her hand in marriage, are you?"

A burst of nervous laughter erupted from Chris, the sound reverberating in the quiet evening air. "No, not yet," he replied.

Levi's jest broke the tension, offering a fleeting moment of respite. With a casual gesture, he stepped aside, granting Chris passage into the familiar surroundings of Lovette's home.

As Chris crossed the threshold, a wave of relief washed over him, momentarily easing the knots of apprehension that coiled in his stomach. Yet, beneath the facade of composure, his heart remained a tumultuous sea, its waves crashing against the shore of uncertainty. Chris settled into the familiar confines of Lovette's living room. He needed to confirm the details without arousing suspicion, threading his inquiries with the finesse of a master weaver. With each passing moment, the weight of his plan bore down upon him.

Levi reclined in an armchair, his gaze fixed on Chris with a mixture of curiosity and amusement. "So, what's this all about?" he ventured, his tone laced with playful skepticism.

Chris hesitated, his words poised on the precipice of revelation. "I was wondering if Lovette had any exams this week," he began, his voice betraying a hint of nervous energy.

Levi's brow furrowed in contemplation, his mind ticking through the labyrinth of Lovette's schedule. "She's got one tomorrow, but Friday's wide open," he offered, his tone casual yet informative.

Levi's eyes narrowed with bemusement as he processed Chris's inquiry. "You came all this way to ask her when her exams are?" he quipped, a playful glint dancing in his gaze.

Chris chuckled nervously, the weight of Levi's observation hanging in the air like a delicate balance. "Yeah,"  he replied, his tone light yet tinged with underlying purpose. "Just making sure my plan aligns with her schedule."

Levi arched an eyebrow, his expression laden with curiosity. Chris can tell that he wants to prod on what the plans are, but Chris would prefer to tell Lovette first. Just as the tension reached its zenith, the door creaked open, revealing Lovette's silhouette against the threshold. Her eyes widened in surprise at the sight of Chris, a question lingering on the tip of her tongue.

"Chris, what are you doing here?" she queried, her voice tinged with a blend of confusion and curiosity.

A smile tugged at the corners of Chris's lips, his heart racing with the exhilaration of the impending revelation. "I came to whisk you away," he declared, his words infused with a sense of adventure.

Lovette's gaze flickered with intrigue, her curiosity piqued. "Whisk me away?" she echoed.

Chris rose from his seat, his eyes alight with the fire of determination. "To Cape Cod for the weekend," he announced his words carrying the weight of a secret unveiled.

Lovette's eyes widened with surprise as Chris's words sunk in. "Cape Cod? This weekend?" she exclaimed, her voice a blend of excitement and incredulity.

Chris nodded, his grin widening at her reaction. "That's the plan," he confirmed, his tone brimming with enthusiasm.

A flicker of concern danced across Lovette's features as her planner instincts kicked into high gear. "Did you book a place to stay?" she inquired, her mind already racing through logistics.

Chris smiled, his demeanour surprisingly composed. "Actually, I've got it all sorted. My family's got a place there. And I have an itinerary," he revealed, his tone casual yet revealing a hint of pride in his planning.

Lovette's eyebrows shot up in surprise, a mix of admiration and amusement playing across her features. "Oh, really?" she teased, a playful glint in her eyes. "Planning, organizing,—looks like you're picking up a thing or two from me."

Chris chuckled, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Guess I've got a good teacher," he retorted, a playful grin spreading across his face.

Levi interjected, "If you're gonna flirt, please don't do it where I can see it."

"Sorry, Levi," Chris quipped, his tone tinged with amusement. "Can't promise anything."

Levi rolled his eyes in mock exasperation, a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. "I'll be in the kitchen if you need me," he announced to no one in particular, retreating from the living room with a theatrical flourish.

After his departure, Chris turned his attention back to Lovette. She moved gracefully across the room and with a soft thud, Lovette dropped her backpack onto the couch, the weight of her responsibilities momentarily cast aside. She turned towards Chris, a playful glint dancing in her eyes as she closed the distance between them. Chris felt a surge of warmth envelop him as Lovette's arms found their way around his neck. As He leaned in to press a chaste kiss against Lovette's lips, he felt a sense of completeness wash over him. Amidst the quiet intimacy of their kiss, he felt a renewed sense of determination to prove those doubts sown about their relationship wrong.

"I need to pack," Lovette murmured against his lips, her voice a soft melody that filled the room with warmth.

Chris reciprocated her smile, the tender moment etched in his memory as he gently squeezed her hand in agreement.

As Friday rolled around, anticipation coursed through Chris's veins like a steady stream. The day had arrived, and he was more than ready to embark on their journey. Despite his excitement, a pang of guilt pricked at his conscience; Lovette would be the one driving, a realization that weighed on him considering it was meant to be a surprise for her. Resolving to make amends, Chris made a mental note to start practicing driving more often, a task he knew he needed to tackle with diligence, especially with his learner's permit. Though he couldn't take the wheel just yet, he was determined to prepare himself for the day he could share the driving responsibilities with Lovette.

The drive up held a special place in Chris's heart, a prelude to the adventure that awaited them in Cape Cod. Their shared playlist provided the soundtrack to their journey, each song becoming a backdrop to their conversation, weaving through the miles with a melody of its own. As they pulled up to Chris's family's vacation home, nestled quaintly among the trees, a sense of tranquillity washed over them. Lovette parked the car, and with a quick exchange of glances, they both stepped out, greeted by the comforting embrace of nature. The house stood before them, its wooden facade weathered by time, yet exuding an undeniable charm.

Chris took Lovette's hand, leading her up the front steps and into the cozy interior. The scent of pine greeted them as they entered, mingling with the warmth of home. Lovette's eyes wandered, taking in the familiar surroundings adorned with traces of cherished memories.

As she meandered through the living room, her gaze fell upon a collection of family photos adorning the walls. Among them, a snapshot caught her eye—a young Chris, his face alight with the innocence of childhood, grinning from ear to ear. Drawn to the image, Lovette lingered, captivated by the glimpse into Chris's past.

Lost in thought, she scarcely noticed as Chris approached, his presence a comforting presence at her side. Feeling his warmth envelop her from behind, she leaned back into his embrace, relishing the moment's intimacy. His arms wrapped around her waist, his chin resting gently against the curve of her neck.

"You were so cute," Lovette says softly, her voice laced with affection as she gazes at the photograph.

Chris playfully scoffs, a mischievous glint dancing in his eyes. "Were?"

"My apologies, you are so cute. Just even cuter in this photo," Lovette amends with a smile, her eyes sparkling.

Chris twists her around gently, his hands finding their place on her hips. His smile softened, his gaze lingering on her.

"So what exactly is on this itinerary you've made?"

Chris's eyes sparkled with excitement as he took her hand, leading her towards the threshold of their next adventure. "I thought we could head to the fall carnival tonight," he suggested, "But until then, I'll show you our room."

With a nod of agreement, she allowed herself to be swept away by Chris, stepping into a room adorned with minimal decor. Her gaze wandered to her bag nestled in the corner, beside Chris's own.

"Is this where you usually stay when you're here with family?" she inquired.

Chris shook his head, a smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Nah, this is the guest bedroom. I usually share with Nick and Chris. I didn't want to subject you to a bunk bed," he explained with a chuckle.

As Chris settled onto the queen bed, his gaze locked onto his girlfriend, who mirrored his attention with a softness in her eyes he couldn't quite decipher. Sensing the bed dip beside him, he turned to her with a hint of concern. "You okay, Lovie?"

Lovette's fingers found their way to the back of his head, weaving through his hair with a tender touch. "Just thinking about how handsome you are," she confessed, her smile lighting up the room.

A warmth spread across Chris's cheeks, his heart fluttering like a cage of ten thousand butterflies demanding release. Lovette grinned, seemingly delighted by the blush colouring his cheeks, before leaning in to press her lips against his. The kiss was sweet at first, a gentle affirmation of gratitude for the trip he had planned.

As she pulled away, Chris found himself unable to tear his gaze from her lips, drawn in by their allure. Emboldened by how pretty she looked, he leaned in, his hands tingling with warmth as they found their place on the back of her neck. The kiss deepened, the world fading away, free from any potential interruptions. Their lips reluctantly parted, and Chris and Lovette lingered in the quiet intimacy of the moment, their breaths mingling in the air between them. A soft smile played on Lovette's lips, mirroring the gentle warmth that radiated from within her.

Chris's heart swelled with a sense of contentment, his gaze lingering on Lovette's face, etching every detail into his memory.

With a tender brush of his fingers against her cheek, Chris whispered, "I love you, Lovie," his voice a gentle melody that echoed through the silence.

"I love you too, Chris," she replied, her voice a soft echo of his own.

Chris couldn't shake off the nagging doubts planted by those relationship articles. The very idea seemed ludicrous now, incompatible with the depth of his feelings for Lovette. Yet, as Lovette nestled against him, her warmth a soothing balm to his uncertainty, he couldn't help but question his judgment.

Relaxation washed over him in waves as Lovette rested her head on his shoulder, her presence a reassuring anchor amidst the storm of his doubts. She suggested putting on a movie in the living room, a simple diversion to while away the time until their evening escapade, and he readily agreed. As they settled onto the couch, their bodies gravitated towards each other as if drawn by an invisible force. Chris felt the gentle brush of Lovette's fingers against his back, a tender gesture that spoke volumes amidst the quiet of the room. The movie played in the background, punctuated by shared laughter and stolen glances. 

Beside her, Chris leaned in closer, his warmth seeping into the very core of her being. His laughter mingled with hers, a symphony of shared delight that filled the air with a sense of belonging. 

As the credits rolled, Chris rose from the couch with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Shall we, Lovie?" he asked, extending his hand to Lovette with a flourish.

She accepted his offer with a playful grin, "We shall."

Together, they ventured out into the crisp night air, their laughter trailing behind them like the gentle whisper of a secret shared. The fall carnival awaited them, its twinkling lights beckoning from afar. Lovette's eyes sparkled with excitement as she caught sight of the colourful attractions while Chris wore an expression akin to a child in a candy store, his grin infectious. 

Amidst the carnival's kaleidoscope of lights and sounds, they found themselves drawn to a booth boasting a game of ring toss.

Chris arched an eyebrow, his gaze flickering playfully. "Care to test your luck?" he teased, brandishing a handful of rings with a flourish.

Lovette grinned, her competitive spirit ignited. "Oh, you're on," she retorted, snatching a ring from his hand and stepping up to the challenge.

Lovette accepted the challenge with a smirk, stepping up to the ring toss with unwavering determination. However, no matter how precise her aim, her rings seemed to dance around the bottles as if guided by an invisible force.

Chris, on the other hand, seemed to have unlocked the secret to carnival games as his rings landed effortlessly on their targets, earning him a plush toy with each toss. Lovette's competitive facade cracked as she watched him with a mix of admiration and frustration.

"Beginner's luck," she muttered under her breath, her competitive spirit dampened by the rigged nature of the game.

Undeterred, they moved on to other attractions, each one presenting a new challenge for Lovette to conquer. Yet, at every turn, Chris seemed to excel effortlessly, his wins piling up while Lovette's losses mounted.

As they rode the carousel, their laughter filled the air, a joyful symphony that echoed through the night. "I swear, if you win one more stuffed animal, we're going to need a U-Haul to get them all home," Lovette joked, her eyes alight with amusement.

Chris chuckled, his arm wrapped around her shoulders in a gesture of affection. "I'll make room," he replied, his voice filled with warmth and sincerity.

Lovette's eyes wandered around the carnival until they landed on the grandeur of the Ferris wheel. Excitement bubbled up within her like carbonation in a shaken soda can. She turned to Chris with a grin wide enough to match the Ferris wheel's circumference. "Chris, we need to go on the Ferris wheel."

Chris scoffed, his skepticism evident in the arch of his eyebrow. "Absolutely not, Lovie. You know that ride comes out of a box? A box?!"

"Yes, I'm fully aware of that," Lovette replied, undeterred by Chris's dramatics.

"Then you also know how dangerous it is. I'm not risking my life, let alone your life, to get on that ride," Chris protested, crossing his arms with a mock-seriousness that bordered on theatrical.

Lovette leveled a playful stare at him, her eyes dancing with mischief. "Chris, I've seen you drink 12 Pepsis in the span of one day. Statistically speaking, you're more likely to have a Pepsi-related death than one from a Ferris wheel."

Chris blinked, momentarily taken aback by the unexpected retort. He couldn't help but crack a smile, the corners of his lips twitching with suppressed laughter. "Alright, you win this round," he conceded, a hint of amusement coloring his tone. "You're so lucky I love you."

The girl let out a laugh as they left the caursouel, making their way to the Ferris wheel. As they waited in line for the ride, he watched as Lovette's excitement grew with every step closer to their turn. Finally, they boarded the brightly lit carriage, the world below shrinking into miniature as they ascended. Chris's heart raced as they reached the top, the view stretching out before them like a painting. The carnival lights danced below, casting a kaleidoscope of colors against the night sky.

In that moment, as they hovered high above the world, Chris felt a surge of emotion well up within him. The sight of Lovette beside him, her eyes sparkling with joy, stirred something deep within him. It was a feeling he couldn't quite put into words. He stole a glance at Lovette, her silhouette illuminated by the soft glow of the Ferris wheel lights. She turned to him, her smile radiant in the darkness. Chris felt his heart swell with a love so profound it took his breath away. It was a realization that washed over him like a wave, flooding his senses with clarity and understanding.

He's in love with her.

After they left the carnival, Lovette's smile lingered in his mind, a vivid memory etched into his consciousness. It was the last thought on his mind as they retired for the night, Lovette nestled comfortably against his chest as they drifted off to sleep. His love for her was on the forefront when he gently woke her up at 6 am, knowing she wanted to watch the sunrise with him. 

The pair had left around 6:30, armed with a blanket and a basket of breakfast goodies, their footsteps light as they made their way to the beach by the house.They strolled along the sandy shore, the rhythmic sound of the waves crashing against the coastline provided a soothing backdrop to their conversation. Lovette's laughter rang out like music, mingling with the salty breeze that tousled their hair. Chris couldn't help but be swept away by the simple joy of being in her company. 

Together, they found the perfect spot to spread out their blanket, nestled against the backdrop of the rising sun. They sat side by side watching the horizon come alive with hues of pink and gold. Chris felt a sense of peace wash over him, everything felt right in the world.

As they indulged in their breakfast feast, their laughter and conversation flowed effortlessly, punctuated by shared glances and gentle touches. The sun continued its ascent, casting a golden glow over the tranquil seascape, Chris couldn't help but feel grateful for the simple pleasures of life—the warmth of the sun on his skin, the sound of the waves lapping at the shore, and most importantly, Lovette. The gentle lapping of the waves against the shore seemed to stir something within Chris.

"What were your parents like?" Chris found the question tumbling out of his mouth before he could stop it. He hoped he hadn't shattered the peaceful atmosphere they had been reveling in, but it was a topic they had never broached before. Lovette, ever composed, simply took a contemplative sip of her tea.

"I'm a lot like my mom," she began, her voice carrying a hint of nostalgia. "Her name was Mariela, and she had this infectious laugh that could brighten even the worst days. She had this collection of snowglobes from all over the world."

Lovette paused, her eyes distant as she recalled fond memories of her mother. "She hated olives," she continued with a soft chuckle, "and would always pick them off her pizza. We had this tradition of watching 'How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days' together every year on Valentine's Day. It was our little ritual, our way of celebrating love in all its messy, beautiful glory."

Clearing her throat, Lovette shifted her focus to her father, a wistful smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "My dad was a neurosurgeon, but you wouldn't guess it from his demeanor. He was carefree despite the seriousness of his profession. He believed that life was meant to be lived fully, that our dreams should always be bigger than our worries."

"My dad," Lovette continued, her voice carrying a mixture of reverence and warmth, "always told me that as long as he exists, I'll always be loved." 

"They had so much unwavering support for me and my siblings," she reflected, her gaze drifting to the horizon where the sky kissed the sea. "They always reminded us that familial love would endure, that it's unsinkable." 

Chris listened, his heart swelling with admiration for the people Lovette spoke of—and he wishes he could meet them. If they'd approve of him like Lovette said they would. He wants to assure her father that his daughter is in good hands— that he loves Lovette so deeply. Chris reached out and gently squeezed Lovette's hand, offering silent solidarity and understanding. The touch was gentle yet firm, a reassurance of his presence and support in her moment of vulnerability.

"Thank you for sharing that," Chris murmured softly, his voice filled with sincerity and appreciation. 

Feeling the fatigue of their early morning adventure settle over them like a comforting blanket, Chris and Lovette exchanged knowing glances, silently acknowledging the need for rest. With a gentle sigh, Chris shifted closer to Lovette, his arm instinctively wrapping around her shoulders. The day stretched out before them, promising a respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life—a chance to simply be together, unburdened by expectations or obligations.

They spent the remainder of the day in quiet companionship, their conversations meandering effortlessly from one topic to the next. As the hours slipped by, they found solace in each other's presence, content to simply exist in the moment, soaking in the tranquility of their surroundings. As Sunday evening approached, the time inevitably came for Chris and Lovette to bid farewell to their temporary sanctuary by the sea. With a sense of reluctance, they made their way to the car, their footsteps echoing against the sandy shore.

They drove away from the beach house, the memories of their weekend getaway lingered like a bittersweet melody. The familiar route back to Boston unfolded before them, each mile passing in a blur of music and conversation.

As Lovette pulled up to Chris's house, a sense of calm settled over them, punctuated by the quiet hum of the engine and the soft sigh of tires against asphalt. Suddenly, a furrow of concern creased Lovette's brow as she glanced at her phone, her lips forming an involuntary curse.

"Shit," she mumbled to no one in particular, her voice laced with frustration.

Chris turned to her, his expression filled with concern. "You okay?" he inquired, his voice gentle yet tinged with worry.

Lovette sighed, a hint of exasperation coloring her tone. "Yeah, I forgot my discussion post for one of my classes is due in like 20 minutes," she admitted, her words a reluctant confession.

Without hesitation, Chris offered a solution, his voice warm with reassurance. "You want to come in? You can just use my laptop," he suggested.

Lovette's eyes widened with surprise, touched by his kindness. "You don't mind?" she asked, her voice soft with gratitude.

"I never mind when it comes to you," Chris replied.

Chris and Lovette stepped out of the car, the cool evening air embracing them like an old friend. The walk to Chris's house was filled with a comfortable silence, punctuated only by the soft shuffle of their footsteps against the pavement.

As they approached the front door, Chris turned to Lovette with a warm smile. "My laptop password is 'OrangePepsi333'," he said.

Lovette returned his smile, her eyes alight with amusement. "Noted," she replied, a playful glint dancing in her gaze.

Chris chuckled, his laughter echoing through the night like a gentle breeze. "I'll meet you in my room," he said, his tone affectionate as he unlocked the door and held it open for her.

With a nod of thanks, Lovette stepped inside, the warmth of the house enveloping her like a familiar embrace. She made her way to Chris's room, her footsteps echoing in the quiet hallway.

Meanwhile, Chris headed to the kitchen, his thoughts drifting to the snacks he could offer Lovette. He rummaged through the pantry, his mind wandering as he searched for the perfect treat.

After a few minutes, he returned to his room, a small plate of cookies in hand. But as he entered, he found Lovette sitting at his desk, her expression a mixture of surprise and anger. She turns his laptop in his direction, and his heart drops when he sees the articles he failed to delete from his tabs. 

If one thing was clear it was that Lovette was pissed. 

"What the fuck is this?" 

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

hi hi hi! so sorry for the lack of updates but ive been super busy

this is like barely edited so please let em know if there's any mistakes

hope you guys enjoyed this one is a little longer than usual (4.8k words)

until next time <3!