Chapter Text
Lily crouched lower in the shadows, feeling a giggle bubble up in her chest despite her best efforts to stay quiet. She couldn’t help it—the way John B had described her, the way he talked about her as if she was some kind of mystery he had to solve, made her cheeks flush with warmth. Her heart fluttered, and a soft, involuntary giggle escaped her lips. She clapped a hand over her mouth quickly, her wide doe eyes darting toward him to make sure he hadn’t heard.
Thankfully, he and his friends were still engrossed in their conversation, oblivious to how close she actually was. She bit her lip, hiding her smile as she watched John B, her heart racing every time his eyes scanned the crowd. It was silly, but something was thrilling about being so close to him while staying hidden, like she was playing a secret game. She wondered what he would do if he caught her right now. She would have a chance to talk to him and something more.
Every few moments, she’d peek out from behind a large potted plant, her blue ribbon catching in the soft glow of the party lights as she did. She blushed deeper, imagining how ridiculous she must look—cute and childish, like a curious kitten peeking around a corner. But it only made her giggle again. She was her adorable self when listening in and wondered what to do.
From only a few feet away, she could hear his voice clearly now, deep and thoughtful as he continued talking to JJ and Pope.
“I don’t know, man,” John B said, running a hand through his tousled hair. “I can’t get her out of my head. That kiss… it was different. She’s different.”
Lily’s face burned. He was still thinking about the kiss, still thinking about her. Her pulse quickened as she peeked around the plant once more, watching as John B leaned against the side of the house, a thoughtful frown creasing his forehead. She hugged her knees closer to her chest, feeling giddy and embarrassed all at once. She knew something had happened to them during the time they danced and knew their hearts well.
The conversation shifted, but Lily was too focused on John B. to pay much attention. She couldn’t believe she was sitting there, just a few feet away, watching him so openly. She almost wanted to step out, just to see his reaction, to tease him a little. But every time she thought about it, nerves twisted in her stomach.
Another soft giggle escaped her lips, but this time, it didn’t go unnoticed. John B stiffened slightly, his head turning in her direction. Her eyes widened in panic as he looked around, clearly sensing something nearby. She pressed herself closer to the wall, stifling her laughter and trying to stay as still as possible. Her heart pounded in her ears, and she couldn’t believe how close she’d come to being caught. She smiles softly and stays hidden making sure no one sees her.
“Did you hear that?” John B asked, straightening up, his eyes scanning the area near her hiding spot.
Pope and JJ exchanged curious glances. “Hear what?” JJ asked, raising an eyebrow.
“I thought I heard… never mind,” John B said, shaking his head. He looked around once more, his gaze lingering just long enough that Lily felt her breath catch in her throat. But then he turned back to the group, letting the moment pass.
Lily does a small sigh of relief, her heart still pounding as she hugs her knees closer. She knew she should leave, sneak away before John B actually found her. But something kept her there, her blush deepening as she watched him laugh and talk with his friends, completely unaware of how close she was.
She couldn’t help but feel a tiny spark of excitement at the idea that, for the first time, she was the one with the secret.