Author's note: I finally kind of have an idea as to where I want this story to go now and I'm going to slowly start introducing some plot points. I want it to flow naturally though so that it doesn't feel shoehorned in, which means it might take some time to get there. Also, heads up, this particular segment doesn't really have any erotic scenes, it's more to establish an idea of what their schedules and daily life is like, also to introduce important characters in future. I hope you enjoy!
Ch 7. continued
By the time Jason and Sophie had returned to the apartment, the late hour and the evening's events leaving them pleasantly drained. They exchanged a few sleepy words before heading off to shower, each retreating to their respective rooms.
Jason collapsed into bed, the cool sheets welcoming against his tired body. Just as his eyes began to close, there was a soft knock at his door.
"Yeah?" he called, his voice drowsy.
The door creaked open, and Sophie peeked inside. She stood there in her pajamas, her hair still damp and curling slightly at the ends.
"Do you mind if I sleep with you tonight?" she asked softly.
Jason blinked at her for a moment, then nodded, shifting over to make room. "Sure," he murmured, patting the empty space beside him.
She padded into the room, slipping under the covers and curling up beside him. The warmth of her presence, combined with the subtle, sweet fragrance of her peach shampoo, filled the quiet space.
Without a word, Sophie nestled closer, and Jason instinctively draped an arm around her. Together they drifted off to sleep.
Ch 8. The Grab-a-Bag
Jason woke the next morning to the quiet beeping of his phone alarm at 6:45 AM, cutting through the quiet of the room. He groaned, squinting against the faint light creeping in through the blinds. Reaching over, he silenced the alarm with a swipe and let his hand drop back onto the bed.
He shivered and noticed his blanket was missing. Blinking the sleep from his eyes, he glanced down and chuckled softly. Sophie had managed to steal every inch of the blanket during the night, cocooning herself in a tangled mess of fabric. Only the top of her hair and a sliver of her face peeked out from the pile, her breaths soft and steady as she slept on, oblivious to the theft.
For a moment, he just looked at her, a faint smile tugging at his lips. She looked so peaceful, her features relaxed in her restful slumber. He stroked her hair, pulling a few loose strands behind her ear. He smiled at her affectionately, before quietly getting dressed and grabbing his backpack.
Jason made himself some toast before heading out. The crisp autumn air greeted him with sharp, invigorating coolness. He strolled down the quiet street toward Grab-A-Bag, the small convenience store where he worked part-time. The neon sign above the door buzzed faintly but hadn't yet been switched on.
He found the door locked, as expected, and sighed. Grabbing a frappuccino from a nearby vending machine, he plopped himself down on the curb to wait for Mr. Nallapati, the store owner. The air was brisk, and the quiet hum of distant traffic was the only sound. Across the street, a stray cat slinked by, pausing to eye him curiously before disappearing into the shadows.
Ch. 9 Lunchables
Moments later, the rumble of an engine broke the stillness, and Jason glanced up just in time to see a Honda Civic rolling into the parking lot. It came to a slow stop near the curb, and the driver--a short Indian man with a bit of a potbelly--pulled up with a friendly wave. Mr. Nallapati, the store's owner, stepped out, adjusting his glasses and flashing a warm smile.
"Morning, Jason." He greeted, his voice cheerful despite the early hour.
"Morning, Mr. Nallapati," Jason replied, standing up from the curb as the man approached.
"I really appreciate you covering for Stephen today. He's out sick with a cold, and everyone else was busy." Mr. Nallapati adjusted the collar of his plaid shirt and gave Jason an apologetic look.
"It's no problem, I could use the work," Jason said following him into the store.
"I'll be in and out running errands this morning. I should be back by noon to unload the trucks, and after 1, I'll be around to take over from there."
"Sounds great." Said Jason, as he headed towards the supply closet to grab a bucket and mop. He waved at Mr. Nallapati, who had left, heading back to his car. Once he had finished cleaning the restroom, he began restocking the shelves.
The bell above the door jingled, pulling Jason's focus from his task. A dazed-looking college student shuffled in, wearing a beanie pulled low over his messy hair and a pair of baggy sweats. His red eyes blinked lazily as he scanned the store.
"Yo," the guy said, giving Jason a nod.
Jason returned it. "Yo."
The Beanie dude meandered toward one of the aisles. "You got any Cup Noodles?" he called over his shoulder.
Jason leaned back against the shelf, crossing his arms. "Second aisle on the left, halfway down. Right by the canned soup."
The guy raised a hand in acknowledgment, muttering, "Thanks, man," before disappearing into the aisle.
Jason smirked, shaking his head as he returned to stocking the shelves. College essentials: caffeine, Cup Noodles, and questionable life choices.
Jason's phone dinged, and he glanced at the screen. It was Sophie.
Sophie: Where are you?
Jason: I'm at the corner store.
Sophie: Oh, what are you getting?
Jason: Getting paid. I'm working.
Sophie: Oh. Mind if I join you?
Jason: Please. God yes. I'm dying of boredom.
He grinned at the prospect of Sophie joining him. Then he noticed Beanie Dude shuffling towards the counter, holding a Gatorade and a pack of Cup Noodles. Setting the last bag of chips on the shelf, Jason dusted off his hands and headed to the register.
The dude placed his items on the counter and gave Jason a slow, deliberate nod. "Got any of those... Oreo cereals?" he asked, his voice a bit hoarse.
Jason scanned the items and shook his head. "Nope, we don't stock those. But if you know the exact name of the brand, I can let the owner know. He's pretty good about adding stuff customers ask for."
The guy scratched his head as though this was a profound suggestion. "Huh. That's cool. Nah, man, don't worry about it." He paused, staring at the counter like it held some deep secret. "Wait--what about Lunchables? You got Lunchables?"
Jason grinned faintly. "No Lunchables either, but I can ask about those too. Which kind you into?"
"Pizza," the guy replied with absolute seriousness, as if there were no other valid choice.
Jason chuckled as he handed over the bagged items. "Got it. I'll see what I can do. Anything else?"
Beanie Dude shook his head, already focused on the snacks in the bag. "Nah, man. You were really helpful." He scanned his card. When Jason handed him his receipt, he held out a fist for Jason to pound. "Seeya around."
Jason tapped it with his own fist. "Have a good day, man."
"Right on, brother." The guy pushed open the door and left, clutching his Gatorade and ramen.
Jason chuckled as he left, a faint aroma of incense following in his footsteps.
Having finished with his tasks, Jason took out his Physics textbook and began working on his homework. He had only gotten through a few problems when the door dinged again. Sophie entered, wearing a comfy sweater and jeans, her backpack slung over her shoulders.
"Ah, Sleeping Beauty finally awakens." he said with a grin.
"That would make you the Beast." she smirked.
"Wow... okay first of all, you're confusing
Sleeping Beauty
with
Beauty and the Beast
. And secondly, if you were Belle, I'd be Gaston not the Beast." he said, striking a masculine pose.
