The night felt different — softer, almost charged — as Lorelei and Ledger sat together, the glow from the bedside lamp painting their faces in gold. Time seemed to slow around them, every word carrying a quiet sense of belonging.
When Ledger leaned in close, his voice dropped to a whisper.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Of course," she said, smiling faintly.
"Can we… make love?"
Lorelei froze for a moment, her heartbeat skipping. Then she laughed softly, the sound light and nervous.
"I don't think so, Ledger. Not tonight."
He met her eyes, and though there was longing in his expression, there was also understanding.
"Alright," he said gently. "It's fine."
She saw him pause, his hand brushing against her arm before pulling back. "Sorry," he murmured, smiling in a way that made her chest tighten.
"It's okay," she said quietly.
A comfortable silence fell between them. The night deepened, and Lorelei yawned softly. As she lay down, Ledger slipped his arm beneath her head, drawing her close until she rested against him. His warmth and steady breathing calmed her racing heart.
"Ledger?" she whispered.
"Yeah?"
"Thank you… for being patient."
He smiled, pressing a light kiss to her temple. "Always."
They talked quietly for a while — about childhood, fears, and the strange way two broken people could somehow make each other whole — until Lorelei's words faded into soft breathing. Ledger looked at her one last time before drifting off beside her.
When morning came, the sunlight slipped through the curtains. He stirred first, careful not to wake her. Leaning in, he kissed her temple once more. "See you tonight," he whispered before leaving for his morning work.
When Lorelei woke, she couldn't stop smiling. The thought of Ledger — the college's most admired guy — choosing her made her heart flutter. She got up, still replaying his words in her mind.
As evening approached, she found herself standing outside his door, heart pounding. His voice, low and familiar, called out, "Come in."
Ledger stood there in a simple vest and jeans, looking relaxed and impossibly handsome.
"Welcome," he said with a grin.
"Thank you," she replied, taking a seat on the edge of his bed. They talked for a while — about classes, music, dreams — the conversation flowing effortlessly. Then, in her playful tone, Lorelei suggested, "How about a card game?"
He raised a brow. "You're on."
They set up the cards, laughter filling the room. When he kept winning, she threw her hands up. "This isn't fair!"
"Maybe you're just a bad player," he teased.
"Am not!" she protested, climbing over the cards to face him. Their laughter faded as she met his gaze, suddenly aware of the space — or lack of it — between them.
Before she could think twice, she leaned forward and kissed him. The world stilled.
For a moment, neither moved, and then he kissed her back — slow, gentle, and real. It wasn't about passion or winning; it was about trust. About finally letting go of the fear that had kept her heart guarded for too long.
When they finally pulled apart, both were smiling, slightly breathless.
"Guess I lost that round," he whispered.
"Maybe," she said, cheeks flushed.
They lay down together later, holding hands, the silence between them no longer awkward but peaceful. For the first time in a long time, Lorelei felt safe — not because someone wanted her, but because someone saw her.
"Good night, Ledger," she murmured, eyes already closing.
"Good night, Lorelei," he replied softly, his voice fading into the quiet.