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IRL
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↳ ❝ I COULD
KISS YOU FOREVER.❞

When Chris dropped the news of his impending move to Lovette in his living room, her reaction was palpable. The moment the words left his lips, he observed her retreat, a subtle but distinct detachment.

"What does this mean for us?" she asked, the sudden revelation catching her off guard. Her fingers, usually steady, betrayed her anxiety by tapping nervously against her thigh. She began quietly mouthing something to herself, a sign of the whirlwind of thoughts in her mind.

Seeking to reassure her, Chris moved to gently grab her hand. "It doesn't change anything. I still want to be with you."

His words acted like a balm, lifting a weight from her shoulders. Chris, sensing her unease, tugged her hand, prompting her to move closer. His hands found her waist, attempting to provide a physical anchor in the midst of uncertainty. "I leave in five months."

Lovette sighed, the tension in her dissipating as she stood on her tiptoes to whisper, "I can work with that," before sealing her acceptance with a kiss.

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FIVE MONTHS TILL CHRIS LEAVES:

In the wake of Lovette's friends' departure, Chris became acutely aware of the moments he had missed with her during their stay. As the move loomed over the couple, a determination to reclaim those lost times ignited within him. Dates, gifts, and, in the current moment, kisses — he was determined to make every second count.

Lovette's infectious giggles danced in the air as Chris's lips journeyed from her neck to her face, showering it with a cascade of kisses before landing softly on her lips.

"I could kiss you forever," Chris whispered, his thumb delicately tracing the contour of Lovette's lower lip, a gentle descent following.

"Yeah?" Lovette responded, a light laughter escaping her lips. Her amusement ceased abruptly as Chris leaned in, planting a kiss on their cheek.

"Yeah," Chris affirmed, his tone earnest. "Yeah, I can. You think I'm lying?"

Lovette playfully kissed the pad of his finger, tilting her head. "Well, I guess you'll just have to convince me then."

He accepts her playful challenge, leaning in to pepper kisses all over her once again. The symphony of his girlfriend's laughter serves as sweet encouragement, propelling him to continue. Each kiss gently propels her backward until she finds herself at the edge of her bed. In one final tender kiss, Chris becomes the catalyst, causing her to fall backward onto the bed.

"Chris!" she exclaims, her voice devoid of any anger, replaced by a delightful surprise.

But Chris, true to his word of endless kisses, follows the trajectory of her voice, landing another soft kiss on her lips. Two seconds in, and she's grinning against his lips.

"Lovie, I can't kiss you properly if you keep smiling like that," he jokes, a playful smile dancing on his lips.

Lovette simply shrugs. "I can't help it; you make me smile."

A brief pause lingers, a moment where Lovette looks deeply into his eyes. Her mind drifts to his departure, and a subtle weight settles in her chest.

"What's wrong?" Chris asks, noticing the sudden shift in her demeanour.

"Just gonna miss you," Lovette confesses, her voice a soft admission.

He frowns, concern etched on his face. "I'm still here, Lovie. Not gone yet."

FOUR MONTHS TILL CHRIS LEAVES:

Maeve sank into the plush living room couch, the weariness of the past month seeping into her bones. A relentless stream of work had dominated her days, leaving little room for respite. Lovette's updates about her fallout with Layla and Chris moving at their shared dinners were cherished moments amid the chaos. Wrapped in a blanket, she settled in to enjoy a movie, seeking a brief escape. However, her relaxation was interrupted when she noticed Lovette's restless pacing in her peripheral vision.

"Love?" Maeve called out, observing her younger sister's agitated movements. "You're gonna burn a hole in the floor if you keep walking around in circles."

"I feel like I'm on borrowed time with Chris," Lovette blurted out, her hands finding her hips. "We haven't said 'I love you' to each other and he's leaving. Then there won't be a good chance. And by then maybe he would have met some L.A girl. What if he falls in love with her? Oh God, I think I'm gonna throw up."

Caught in her sister's whirlwind of anxiety, Maeve momentarily set aside her own concerns. "Do you love him?" she asked, her tone gentle.

Lovette's response was swift, almost instinctive. "Yes."

Maeve tilted her head, probing further. "So, next time you see him, tell him."

"I can't do that," Lovette groaned.

"Why not?" Maeve raised an eyebrow, her curiosity evident.

"I don't think he feels the same."

"How do you know?" Maeve wondered, her brows furrowing.

Lovette sighed, her uncertainty apparent. "I just do."

"You have evidence?" Maeve inquired, her legal instincts kicking in as she prodded Lovette's uncertainty. "Any concrete proof, Love? I mean, you can't present an argument without substantial evidence, right?"

Lovette sighed, her nervousness palpable. "Maeve, this isn't a courtroom. Please don't go all lawyer on me."

Maeve, undeterred, maintained her legal stance. "Lovette, in law, we base our conclusions on evidence. You can't claim certainty without it. It's like presenting a case without any supporting documents. You've got to cross-examine your feelings and challenge them. Do you have any corroborating feelings, any actions on his part that indicate reciprocation?"

Lovette's gaze dropped, and she fidgeted with the edge of the blanket. "I just feel it, Maeve. It's a gut feeling."

Maeve arched an eyebrow like she was a lawyer questioning a witness. "A gut feeling, Love? In court, gut feelings don't hold up. You need facts, solid reasons to believe. Otherwise, it's just speculation."

Lovette met Maeve's eyes, a hint of frustration mixing with her nervousness. "But feelings aren't facts, Maeve. They're messy and unpredictable."

Maeve leaned back, adopting a more casual tone. "True, Love, but even messy cases can be won with the right evidence. Think about it. Don't just rely on gut feelings. Look for the signs, the actions, the little things. Sometimes, the most convincing arguments are built on those details."

Look for signs.

Look for the actions. The little things.

The only issue is, she's not too sure what she should be looking for. However, Lovette, a woman driven by science and research, embarks on a digital quest under the soft glow of her desk lamp. She typed furiously, seeking guidance on deciphering the elusive language of love. Eventually, she stumbled upon an article titled "3 Signs That He Loves You." Skeptical but curious, Lovette delved into the content, her analytical mind sifting through the information.

So, the next time she met Chris, she would attempt to mentally check off the boxes as they conversed. It felt a bit juvenile, making a checklist, but she reasoned that relationships were as complex as legal cases—sometimes, a structured approach was necessary.

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1. He Pays Attention to You!

The front door creaked open, and Lovette greeted Chris with a warm smile. Matt's departure lingered in the background, the porch now a quiet haven for just the two of them.

As Chris leaned in for a gentle kiss, the familiarity of his presence swept over her. His lips brushed against hers, and then he pulled away, his gaze fixated on her face.

"Did you get new glasses?" he inquired, his eyes scanning her features with an attentiveness that caught Lovette off guard.

"Yeah," she replied, a hint of surprise in her voice. Most people overlooked the subtle change, but Chris's observant nature had caught it. She toggled between glasses and contacts, finding comfort in the former.

"I like them, you look nice," Chris commented casually, his words carrying a sincerity that resonated with Lovette. He sealed the sentiment with a tender kiss to the temple, the kind of small gesture that spoke volumes.

As he slipped out of his jacket and placed his bag by the door, Lovette couldn't help but notice the unwavering focus in Chris's eyes. It wasn't just a passing glance; his attention was an anchor, tethered to her every move.

As they settled into conversation, Lovette found herself discussing her latest research project. Chris, however, wasn't merely a passive listener. Unbeknownst to Lovette, he picked up on the subtle shifts in her demeanour. Her words flowed, but there was a faint crease on her forehead, a sign of the stress she tried to conceal.

Chris, attuned to these nuances, subtly shifted his approach. He didn't directly address her stress, but rather, he guided the conversation toward lighter topics, injecting humour and warmth. He recounted amusing anecdotes from his day, interweaving them seamlessly into the discussion.

Without explicitly mentioning her stress, Chris managed to ease the tension in the room. He reached for her hand, fingers intertwining in a comforting gesture. Lovette, unaware of how transparent her emotions had become, felt a sense of relief wash over her.

He Pays Attention to You.. check!

2. He Makes Time for You!

As the sun painted the sky in hues of twilight, Lovette and Chris transitioned from the foyer to the intimate space of her bedroom. The impending move cast its shadow, but, their world seemed to exist outside the constraints of time.

Lovette's fingers gently found their way into Chris's hair, an absentminded yet comforting gesture as they talked. In the midst of their conversation, Chris's eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint, hinting at a secret he couldn't contain.

"I've been thinking," he began, his voice a conspiratorial whisper, "once I'm in L.A., we can still have our little dates. How about a virtual dinner date? I'll cook something, and you can do the same. We'll set up our laptops, share a meal, and pretend we're right here together."

Lovette's heart swelled with affection at the thoughtfulness of his proposal. The idea of maintaining their connection despite the distance tugged at her emotions. A virtual dinner date, she mused, sounded like a perfect way to bridge the gap that would soon stretch between them.

But Chris wasn't done yet. There was a glint of excitement in his eyes as he continued, "And to make sure you don't forget about me while I'm across the country, I've got a little surprise planned."

Intrigued, Lovette looked at him, curiosity dancing in her eyes. Chris reached into his backpack and pulled out a carefully wrapped package. He handed it to Lovette with a grin that held a mix of anticipation and excitement.

"It's just a little something to remind you that, no matter where I am, I'm thinking about you," he explained.

As Lovette unwrapped the package, she discovered a personalized journal, its cover adorned with symbols and memories that were uniquely theirs. Each page contained handwritten notes, recalling their shared jokes and favourite moments.

Touched beyond words, Lovette looked up at Chris, who was watching her reaction with a soft smile.

"I want you to write in it whenever you feel like it. Our relationship doesn't pause just because I'm a few states away," Chris said, his words carrying a promise of continuity and a commitment to making time for her.

He Makes Time For You.. double check!

3. He Shows Affection and Supports Your Dreams!

In the quietude of Lovette's kitchen, the aroma of freshly baked oatmeal cookies enveloped them, creating an intimate setting for their conversation. Lovette, engrossed in the delicate task at hand, revealed to Chris that she had baked his favourite treat. Amidst the exchange of words, Chris stood beside her, his presence a comforting silhouette in the soft kitchen light. His fingers gently reached over, tucking a loose strand of her hair behind her ear, his hand finding a natural rest on the curve of her lower back.

"You know, you're even more beautiful when you're focused," he remarked, his words a tender acknowledgment of the simple beauty in her concentration. The warmth of his hand lingered on her back, a silent reassurance woven into the simplicity of touch.

As the conversation unfolded, it naturally meandered into the landscape of aspirations. Lovette, guided by a newfound confidence, began to share the intricate details of her dreams in the realm of computer science and mathematics. With each word, Chris not only listened but engaged with a genuine enthusiasm that mirrored her own.

"I've been working on this coding project," Lovette explained, her eyes alight with passion. "It's about creating more efficient algorithms for data processing."

Chris's genuine interest deepened. "That sounds really cool, Lovie. You're the smartest person I know. You'll do great," he declared, his eyes reflecting the pride he felt for her. "Even if we're miles apart, I'll always be your number one fan."

He Shows Affection and Supports Your Dreams.. check, check, check.

The realization that he had inadvertently followed everything the whimsical website had suggested caused Lovette to freeze. The spatula she held, poised to retrieve the cookies from the baking pan, hung in midair.

"Are you okay?" Chris inquires, his hand reaching out toward his girlfriend.

"I love you," The words glide effortlessly from her lips, catching both of them off guard. Lovette's eyes widen at the unexpected confession. She hadn't intended to say it, but the overwhelming emotions had a will of their own. Chris' arm freezes, and for a moment, Lovette wonders if he's turned into a statue. She craves a response from him—anything.

"I have to go," Chris blurts out, the words rushing out in a half-puzzled, half-panicked tone.

Maybe she shouldn't have wished for him to say anything. She blinks, and he's gone. Lovette has never seen him move that fast—and she's witnessed him sprinting after discovering her brother's stash of Pepsi, so that's saying something. The only thing that is on her mind is the fact that Layla was right. He ran.

In the bathroom, Chris does his best not to slam the door. Leaning against it, he lets the weight of Lovette's words sink in.

I love you. I love you. I love you.

It's a mantra echoing in his mind. Love? She loves him? Lovette Jarmon loves Christopher Sturniolo. And then the most daunting question nags at him.

Does he love her?

He recalls how his heart races when she laughs, how his mouth dries when she appears in his line of sight. How time seems to slow down when he looks at her. A warm feeling envelops his chest when she smiles at him. He despises the clamminess of his hands before reaching for hers. He appreciates how she listens, and how she stood up for him against Layla. And he genuinely enjoys the way he feels when he's around her. But is it love? The answer seems to elude him.

But, he knows someone who knows all about blooming love.

Chris retrieves his phone and dials a familiar contact. The FaceTime ringtone seems to taunt him until Matt's face appears on the screen.

"Are you busy right now?" Chris rushes, running his hands through his hair.

Matt gives his brother an odd look. "I'm with Lea right now, so yeah."

Chris senses Matt's urge to end the call but desperately needs advice. Suddenly, the camera angle shifts, and Leanna is visible, lying on Matt's chest.

"Is everything alright, Chris?" Leanna asks.

Chris thinks, It's better if I just rip the bandaid off.

However, the word 'love' seems to keep his mouth tightly sealed.

Matt's eyebrows furrow when he realizes his brother isn't responding. "Are you good—"

"How do you know when you love someone?" Chris blurts out, keeping his voice low. "Like how did you know you love Lea?"

Lea claps excitedly, "I love this story!"

Matt playfully rolls his eyes at his girlfriend's comment. "Is that why you called me and looked like you were gonna shit your pants?"

"Matt, please just answer the question."

"I knew I loved her the day of our homecoming," Matt narrates, a distant look in his eyes. "It's this feeling, like the world slows down and you suddenly notice all the details. My heart was racing, and I felt this warm, happy glow. It was like all the noise around us disappeared, and I couldn't stop smiling. I knew I was a goner."

Chris's eyes widen, the familiarity of Matt's words striking a chord within him. He knows that feeling. He's felt it. He feels it with Lovette.

Leanna gasps, "You love her! This is so exciting!"

As Matt continues his tale, Chris is lost in his own thoughts. Lovette at the airport, her eyes widening in surprise, the way her laughter sounded when he paid for her snack because they didn't accept Apple Pay—those moments etched in memory.

The realization hits him like a ton of bricks. That feeling Matt described, the one that made time stand still and rendered everything else insignificant, he experiences with Lovette. It's not just a fleeting attraction; it's deeper. Yet, the enormity of the revelation leaves him breathless.

Leanna's excitement resonates in the room, but Chris is in a world of his own, grappling with the truth that's unfolded. Lovette, he realizes, has become a gravitational force, pulling him into a realm where vulnerability and love coexist.

The FaceTime call ends, but for Chris, the world has shifted. Love, a simple word until now, takes on a profound meaning.

He loves her. And he's left her waiting in the kitchen.

Fuck.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

hello hello hello

please don't be mad at chris he's trying his best lmao

until next time <3