May 17
they are so cuteeee
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they are so cuteeee
you fit perfectly right here
Description: It’s one of those slow, sleepy nights where neither of them has anywhere to be, and KK decides to spend the entire evening reminding Kayleigh exactly how cute she is.
There are some nights that feel important.
Big nights.
The kind with anniversaries or celebrations or dramatic confessions that leave both of them smiling for days afterward.
And then there are nights like this.
No plans.
No reason.
Just Kayleigh and KK tangled together on a Friday night with nowhere else to be.
Honestly?
Kayleigh thinks these might be her favorite.
They’re sprawled across KK’s bed, a half-finished movie playing quietly in the background.
Neither of them is paying attention.
Kayleigh is tucked against KK’s chest, one leg thrown over hers, cheek resting right above KK’s heart.
KK’s arms are wrapped securely around her like she has no intention of letting go anytime soon.
Not that Kayleigh is complaining.
KK’s fingers drift lazily up and down her back, tracing slow patterns through the thin fabric of her sweatshirt.
Every few minutes, she presses a kiss to Kayleigh’s hair.
Or her forehead.
Or the tip of her nose.
As if she physically can’t help herself.
Kayleigh smiles against her chest.
“You’re very clingy tonight.”
KK tightens her arms immediately.
“Correct.”
Kayleigh laughs softly.
“Good to know you’re self-aware.”
KK presses a dramatic kiss to her forehead.
“I missed you.”
Kayleigh tilts her head up.
“You saw me six hours ago.”
“Exactly.”
Kayleigh rolls her eyes, but her heart does this stupid little flip anyway.
Because KK says things like that so casually.
Like it’s the most obvious thing in the world that she’d spend all day missing her.
Like loving Kayleigh is as natural as breathing.
KK brushes a piece of hair away from her face.
And then she smiles.
That soft, completely smitten smile that still makes Kayleigh feel warm all over.
“What?” Kayleigh asks.
KK’s grin widens.
“You’re cute.”
Kayleigh immediately groans.
“No.”
“Yes.”
“Don’t start.”
KK laughs quietly.
“I’m serious.”
She pinches Kayleigh’s cheek gently.
“You’re the cutest girl I’ve ever seen.”
Kayleigh hides her face in KK’s neck.
“This is bullying.”
KK’s shoulders shake with laughter.
“It’s not bullying if it’s true.”
Kayleigh mumbles something unintelligible into her skin.
KK hums.
“What was that?”
“I said shut up.”
KK smiles and kisses the top of her head.
“Make me.”
Kayleigh lifts her head just enough to kiss her.
What starts as a quick peck turns into something slower.
Softer.
The kind of kiss that lingers.
KK’s hand slides up to cup Kayleigh’s cheek.
When they finally pull apart, KK rests their foreheads together.
Still smiling.
Still looking at her like she can’t quite believe she gets to.
“There she is.”
Kayleigh blinks.
“What?”
“My pretty girl.”
The words hit Kayleigh square in the chest.
Her cheeks warm instantly.
KK notices, obviously.
And grins like she’s just won something.
“You’re blushing.”
“I hate you.”
KK laughs.
“No you don’t.”
Kayleigh sighs dramatically.
“No. Unfortunately, I’m obsessed with you.”
KK’s expression softens so quickly it nearly takes Kayleigh’s breath away.
“Good.”
She tucks Kayleigh even closer against her, one hand cradling the back of her head.
The room grows quiet again.
Warm.
Safe.
Kayleigh traces absent circles over KK’s stomach.
“You know,” she murmurs, “I really like this.”
KK kisses her temple.
“This?”
“Just… being here.”
KK goes still for a moment.
Then her arms tighten.
“Me too.”
Kayleigh listens to the steady beat of KK’s heart beneath her ear.
The sound is soothing.
Familiar.
Home.
After a few minutes, KK whispers into her hair.
“You’re so cute when you’re sleepy.”
Kayleigh smiles with her eyes closed.
“You’re so annoying when you’re in love.”
KK laughs softly.
“Can’t help it.”
Kayleigh tilts her head up again.
KK meets her halfway.
Their kiss is slow and sweet and unhurried.
The kind that feels less like fireworks and more like breathing.
When they separate, KK brushes her thumb over Kayleigh’s cheek.
“I love you.”
Kayleigh smiles.
“I love you too.”
KK presses one final kiss to her forehead.
“Get some sleep, pretty girl.”
Kayleigh settles back against her chest, warm and content.
KK keeps one arm around her the entire night.
Even in sleep.
Like letting go is never really an option.
And as Kayleigh drifts off, the last thing she hears is KK’s sleepy voice murmuring against her hair.
“My cute girl.”
Kayleigh smiles into the dark.
Yeah.
This is definitely her favorite kind of night.
You sit in the front row (like you always do)
PART 9 — you don’t have to be brave with me
Description: Kayleigh has one of those days where everything feels like too much. She tries to hide it, like she always does. KK sees right through her.
By March, everyone is tired.
The kind of tired that settles deep into your bones.
The kind that makes little things feel bigger.
Homework feels heavier.
Practices feel longer.
Tempers run shorter.
And apparently, according to Kayleigh, the universe itself is personally against her.
It starts with her alarm not going off.
Then she spills coffee on her favorite hoodie.
Then she forgets an assignment she definitely finished.
Then her cheer coach pulls her aside after practice to tell her she needs to “lock in.”
Which is actually not what anyone wants to hear when they are already trying not to cry.
By the time she gets to KK’s room that night, she feels like she’s being held together by duct tape and spite.
KK opens the door.
One look at Kayleigh’s face.
And she knows.
Immediately.
“Hey, baby.”
That soft voice almost does Kayleigh in on the spot.
But she manages a small smile.
“Hi.”
KK steps aside.
Kayleigh drops her bag and sits on the edge of the bed.
Shoulders tense.
Hands clasped too tightly in her lap.
KK closes the door quietly.
Then walks over and kneels in front of her.
Hands settling gently on Kayleigh’s knees.
“Talk to me.”
Kayleigh shakes her head.
“It’s stupid.”
KK’s thumbs trace slow circles over her skin.
“Still matters.”
Kayleigh laughs weakly.
And that’s all it takes.
Her eyes burn.
Her chin trembles.
She looks away.
“I’m just tired.”
KK’s expression softens instantly.
“Oh, baby.”
Kayleigh hates that her eyes fill so fast.
“I feel like I’m trying so hard and it’s still not enough.”
The words come out shaky and small.
The kind of truth she usually keeps to herself.
KK’s face breaks a little.
She stands and steps between Kayleigh’s knees.
Then she opens her arms.
Kayleigh folds into them immediately.
Like her body knows exactly where it wants to be.
KK wraps her up tight, one hand cradling the back of her head.
The other rubbing slow circles over her back.
Kayleigh cries quietly into her shoulder.
Nothing dramatic.
Just exhausted tears.
The kind that come from holding too much for too long.
KK presses a kiss to her temple.
“You don’t have to be brave with me.”
The words hit Kayleigh like a punch to the chest.
She grips KK’s hoodie tighter.
“I know.”
KK rocks her gently.
“I’ve got you.”
And maybe it’s silly.
Maybe it’s just a bad day.
But hearing those three words makes something inside Kayleigh finally unclench.
After a while, KK guides her further onto the bed.
Kayleigh practically melts the second she’s lying down.
KK stretches out beside her and opens her arms again.
Kayleigh doesn’t hesitate.
She tucks herself against KK’s chest, one leg thrown over hers.
KK pulls the blanket over them and presses a soft kiss to her forehead.
Then another.
And another.
Until Kayleigh’s breathing starts to even out.
KK threads her fingers through her hair.
“You wanna tell me what happened?”
Kayleigh sighs.
“Everything.”
KK smiles softly.
“Okay. Start anywhere.”
So she does.
The alarm.
The coffee.
The assignment.
Coach.
The feeling that she’s always one step behind.
KK listens to every word.
Never interrupting.
Never trying to fix it too fast.
Just holding her.
And when Kayleigh finishes, KK kisses the top of her head.
“For the record?”
Kayleigh hums.
“I think you’re doing amazing.”
Kayleigh snorts quietly.
“You’re biased.”
“Absolutely.”
KK tilts her chin up so their eyes meet.
“But I’m also right.”
Kayleigh’s lip trembles.
KK wipes a stray tear away with her thumb.
“You work harder than anyone I know.”
She kisses her forehead.
“You care so much.”
Another kiss.
“And even when you’re overwhelmed, you still keep going.”
Kayleigh’s eyes fill again.
“How do you always know what to say?”
KK smiles.
“Because I love you.”
Simple as that.
Kayleigh stares at her for a moment.
Then leans up and kisses her.
Slow.
Tender.
The kind of kiss that says thank you without words.
When they pull apart, KK rests her forehead against hers.
“You okay?”
Kayleigh nods.
“Better.”
KK grins.
“Good.”
A few minutes later, Kayleigh is half asleep on KK’s chest.
The room is dark except for the fairy lights strung around the window.
KK keeps tracing lazy patterns over her back.
Kayleigh’s voice is sleepy when she speaks.
“Thank you for taking care of me.”
KK kisses her hair.
“Always.”
Kayleigh smiles against her shirt.
“I love you.”
KK’s arms tighten around her.
“I love you too, pretty girl.”
Kayleigh closes her eyes.
Wrapped up in KK’s arms, listening to the steady beat of her heart, the world doesn’t feel quite so overwhelming anymore.
And as sleep starts to pull her under, she hears KK whisper softly into her hair:
“You never have to carry everything by yourself.”
Kayleigh smiles.
Because with KK beside her, she knows she won’t have to.
already part of the family
Description: Kayleigh and KK have been dating a few months when they finally meet each other’s families for the first time. What starts as nervous introductions turns into laughter, old childhood stories, teasing siblings, holiday chaos, and the quiet realization that they’re already becoming home to each other.
Kayleigh has rewritten her outfit three times.
KK is watching her from the driver’s seat like it’s the funniest thing in the world.
“You’re doing that thing again,” KK says.
“What thing?”
“The overthinking outfit spiral thing.”
Kayleigh turns to glare at her.
“This is serious.”
KK grins. “It’s lunch.”
“It’s meeting your entire family for the first time.”
KK reaches over, gently grabbing Kayleigh’s hand before she can spiral again.
“My family already loves you,” she says simply.
Kayleigh blinks.
“That’s a lie.”
“It’s not.”
Kayleigh exhales, sinking back into the seat.
KK squeezes her hand once more before pulling up to the driveway.
And then—
Chaos.
The door swings open before they even get out of the car.
“THERE SHE IS!” KK’s mom calls.
Kayleigh barely steps out before she’s pulled into a hug that smells like home cooking and laundry detergent.
“Oh my gosh,” KK’s mom says, holding her at arm’s length. “You’re even prettier than KK said.”
KK groans behind her. “Mom.”
“What? I’m telling the truth.”
KK’s dad comes out next, smiling warmly as he shakes Kayleigh’s hand.
“So you’re the one keeping my daughter off her phone all day.”
Kayleigh goes red immediately.
KK’s older siblings appear next—grinning like they’ve been waiting for this moment all week.
MiMi immediately hugs her like they’ve known each other forever.
“Finally,” she says. “I needed backup against KK.”
KK gasps. “Betrayal.”
MiMi just smirks.
Kayleigh’s nerves start melting without her noticing.
Then KK’s mom casually says, “Come inside, I’ll show you baby KK photos.”
Kayleigh freezes.
“Baby KK photos?”
KK groans. “No.”
“Yes,” her mom says.
And suddenly Kayleigh is sitting at the kitchen table holding a printed photo of KK at eight years old.
Standing in a fully decorated UConn-themed bedroom.
Blankets, posters, jerseys, everything.
Kayleigh stares.
Then laughs.
“You were manifesting HARD.”
KK hides her face in her hands.
“Please stop talking.”
MiMi leans over Kayleigh’s shoulder. “She used to dribble basketballs in the hallway at 3 a.m.”
Kayleigh is wheezing now.
“I hate all of you.”
But she’s smiling.
It only gets worse (better).
KK’s dad brings out more photos.
Kayleigh sees KK missing a front tooth, holding a basketball almost bigger than her.
KK looks like she wants to disappear.
Kayleigh looks like she’s in love.
⸻
Later that day, it’s Kayleigh’s turn.
And KK is suddenly the nervous one.
“You’re bouncing your leg,” Kayleigh says as they pull up.
“I don’t trust your brothers,” KK replies immediately.
Kayleigh laughs. “They’re not scary.”
“They sound scary.”
The door opens before they knock.
“Kayleigh!” her mom calls, pulling her into a hug immediately.
Then she turns to KK.
“And you must be KK.”
KK straightens instantly. “Yes, ma’am.”
Kayleigh’s dad comes out next, shaking KK’s hand.
“You play basketball, right?”
KK nods.
“Good. We’ll talk later.”
KK looks like she’s being recruited into something serious.
Then Kayleigh’s brothers—Corey and Tyler—appear.
KK immediately stiffens.
Corey crosses his arms. “So you’re the famous KK.”
“I guess?”
Tyler leans in. “You hurt her, we’re both faster than you.”
KK blinks.
“…noted.”
Kayleigh groans. “Oh my god.”
But KK realizes something very quickly.
They’re just protective.
Not threatening.
Just… family.
Dinner is loud.
Warm.
Messy.
Kayleigh’s mom tells embarrassing childhood stories.
KK laughs so hard she almost drops her drink.
At one point, Kayleigh’s dad pulls KK aside while Kayleigh is helping in the kitchen.
“You take care of her?”
KK answers immediately.
“Yes, sir.”
He studies her for a second.
Then nods.
“Good.”
That’s it.
Just one word.
But KK exhales like she’s been holding her breath all day.
Later, Kayleigh catches her smiling at the table.
“What?”
KK shakes her head. “Nothing.”
But her eyes are soft.
⸻
Thanksgiving comes not long after.
Kayleigh can’t go home.
KK doesn’t even hesitate.
“You’re coming with me.”
So Kayleigh shows up in KK’s house wearing one of KK’s hoodies that is absolutely too big on her.
KK’s mom immediately cries.
“This is my favorite holiday now.”
They cook together.
Burn one pan of rolls.
Laugh through everything else.
MiMi and Kayleigh team up against KK in everything.
KK loses every argument.
Later that night, KK’s mom sits beside them on the couch while everyone else is cleaning up.
“You know,” she says softly, “when it feels easy like this, don’t overthink it.”
Both of them look at her.
She smiles.
“Love is supposed to feel like coming home.”
Kayleigh’s hand finds KK’s under the blanket.
KK squeezes it immediately.
⸻
Later that night, they’re lying in KK’s room.
Kayleigh is half-asleep on her chest.
KK is still holding her hand like she’s afraid she’ll disappear.
“Your family is insane,” KK murmurs.
Kayleigh hums sleepily. “You survived.”
“I did more than survive.”
Kayleigh opens one eye.
KK kisses her forehead.
“I think I fit.”
Kayleigh smiles.
“Yeah?”
KK nods.
“Yeah.”
A pause.
Then Kayleigh says quietly, “My mom pulled me aside earlier.”
KK hums. “What’d she say?”
Kayleigh smiles into her chest.
“She said she’s never seen me this happy before.”
KK goes still.
Then softer, “Me too.”
Kayleigh tilts her head up.
KK kisses her gently.
Slow.
Certain.
When they pull apart, KK rests her forehead against hers.
“I think we’re already part of each other’s families.”
Kayleigh smiles.
“Yeah?”
KK nods.
“Yeah.”
And in that moment, neither of them doubts it.
Not even a little.
Because somehow, between nervous introductions and loud dinners and embarrassing childhood photos…
They didn’t just meet each other’s families.
They became part of them.
You sit in the front row (like you always do)
PART 10 — it was always you
Description: Freshman year is almost over. On the last night before summer break, KK and Kayleigh look back on everything that brought them here—and promise this is only the beginning.
The last week of freshman year feels unreal.
Like everyone is moving through a dream they don’t want to wake up from.
Lockers are half-empty.
Teachers have mostly given up.
The hallways buzz with the kind of restless energy that only comes when summer is close enough to taste.
And somehow, between all of it, Kayleigh keeps catching herself staring at KK.
Not in the usual way.
Or… okay, yes, also in the usual way.
Because her girlfriend is still stupidly pretty.
But lately it feels different.
Heavier.
Softer.
Like every time Kayleigh looks at her, she’s hit with the same overwhelming thought:
How did I get this lucky?
Tonight is the last football game of the school year.
The weather is warm.
The bleachers are packed.
The sky is painted pink and gold as the sun starts to set behind the stadium lights.
Kayleigh stands on the track in her cheer uniform, pom-poms at her sides, scanning the crowd.
She finds KK instantly.
Of course she does.
KK is leaning against the railing with Paige and Azzi, wearing Kayleigh’s favorite hoodie and grinning the second their eyes meet.
Kayleigh smiles before she can stop herself.
KK blows her a kiss.
Kayleigh rolls her eyes.
But she catches it anyway.
Paige makes exaggerated gagging motions.
Azzi laughs so hard she nearly drops her drink.
Kayleigh spends the entire game feeling lighter than she has in weeks.
Maybe months.
Because every time she looks toward the stands, KK is there.
Watching her.
Cheering for her.
Looking at her like she’s something worth being proud of.
After the game, they slip away from the crowd and end up on the football field after everyone else has gone.
The stadium lights cast everything in a soft glow.
The grass is cool beneath their shoes.
Kayleigh sits cross-legged at midfield.
KK lies down beside her, head resting in her lap.
Kayleigh runs her fingers through her hair.
Neither of them says anything for a while.
They don’t need to.
Finally, KK looks up at her.
“You know this has been the best year of my life, right?”
Kayleigh smiles softly.
“Even with chemistry?”
KK snorts.
“Okay. Second best.”
Kayleigh laughs.
The sound echoes through the empty stadium.
KK reaches up and brushes her thumb over Kayleigh’s cheek.
“I mean it.”
Kayleigh’s expression softens.
“I think it’s been mine too.”
KK sits up slowly.
Their knees touch.
The air between them feels warm and familiar.
Safe.
“I was thinking,” KK says quietly.
Kayleigh raises an eyebrow.
“That’s dangerous.”
KK smiles.
“Shut up.”
Then her expression turns serious again.
“I was thinking about how scared I was before I kissed you.”
Kayleigh’s smile grows.
“You were terrified.”
“I thought I might actually throw up.”
Kayleigh laughs.
KK takes her hands.
“But I did it anyway.”
She squeezes Kayleigh’s fingers.
“And it was the best decision I’ve ever made.”
Kayleigh’s eyes sting immediately.
KK keeps going.
“Because every good thing that happened this year somehow leads back to you.”
The tears spill over before Kayleigh can stop them.
KK smiles softly and wipes them away.
“Hey.”
Kayleigh laughs wetly.
“You’re so annoying.”
KK kisses her knuckles.
“I know.”
Kayleigh looks down at their intertwined hands.
Then back up at the girl in front of her.
The girl who sat with her when she cried.
The girl who held her through every bad day.
The girl who made her laugh until her stomach hurt.
The girl who loves her so openly it still catches her off guard.
“I think,” Kayleigh says quietly, “that it was always you.”
KK goes still.
Kayleigh swallows hard.
“Even before I knew what this was.”
Her voice shakes.
“I think some part of me was always going to find you.”
KK’s eyes shine.
And for a second neither of them speaks.
Then KK leans forward and kisses her.
Slow.
Tender.
Certain.
The kind of kiss that feels like a promise.
When they pull apart, their foreheads rest together.
“What happens now?” Kayleigh whispers.
KK smiles.
“Now?”
She kisses her once more.
“We get a summer together.”
Kayleigh grins.
“And after that?”
KK’s hands slide to her waist.
“Then sophomore year.”
Another kiss.
“And after that?”
KK smiles wider.
“Everything else.”
Kayleigh’s breath catches.
Because KK says it so simply.
Like there was never any doubt.
Like of course they’ll keep choosing each other.
Kayleigh presses her forehead against hers.
“I love you.”
KK’s eyes soften.
“I love you too.”
They lie back together in the center of the field, fingers intertwined.
The stars begin to appear overhead.
Kayleigh curls into KK’s side.
KK presses a kiss to her hair.
And as they talk quietly about summer plans and road trips and all the things still waiting for them, Kayleigh realizes something.
Freshman year gave her a lot.
New friends.
New memories.
A hundred moments she’ll never forget.
But the best thing it gave her is the girl lying beside her.
The one holding her hand like she never plans to let go.
And somehow, Kayleigh knows this is only the beginning.
————
and this concludes this series I hoped yall enjoyed it!
You sit in the front row (like you always do)
PART 5 — you make it really hard to think around you
Description: Kayleigh’s ankle is still healing. KK is still hovering. Finals week is actively ruining everyone’s lives. Somewhere between flashcards, late-night studying, and entirely too much eye contact, something finally snaps.
Kayleigh’s ankle is healing.
Technically.
Emotionally, however, she is suffering.
Mostly because KK Arnold has apparently decided she can no longer do anything by herself ever again.
“You know I can carry my own backpack right.”
KK keeps walking beside her. “mhm.”
“You are literally holding it.”
“correct.”
Kayleigh narrows her eyes.
KK doesn’t even look sorry.
Which is honestly annoying considering she looks unfairly good today.
Gray hoodie.
Hair messy from practice.
That stupid chain she wears catching light every few seconds when they walk past windows.
It’s distracting.
Dangerously distracting.
And Kayleigh would actually like to pass her chemistry final without losing her mind over a basketball player.
Unfortunately, the universe seems against her personally.
“You’re limping again.”
Kayleigh immediately straightens. “I’m not.”
“You literally are.”
“I’m walking.”
KK gives her a look.
One of those looks.
The kind that somehow says:
you’re being annoying
while also saying:
I’m worried about you
at the exact same time.
Which should not be possible.
And yet.
“Sit down when we get to class,” KK says.
“Yes mom.”
KK flicks her forehead lightly.
Kayleigh gasps dramatically. “abuse.”
“you’re impossible.”
“And yet.”
KK rolls her eyes.
But she’s smiling.
Which means Kayleigh wins.
Obviously.
The problem is this has become normal now.
That’s the issue.
KK carrying her books.
Walking her to class.
Keeping ice packs in her locker “just in case.”
Getting weirdly irritated whenever Kayleigh says she’s fine.
And every single time it happens, Kayleigh’s chest does this stupid warm ache thing she absolutely refuses to examine too closely.
Because if she does—
Well.
That becomes a whole thing.
And she already has finals.
She cannot emotionally implode right now.
Probably.
That afternoon they end up in the library together.
Not accidentally.
KK offered to help her study.
Which honestly should’ve been suspicious immediately because KK is objectively terrible at explaining things.
“Okay wait,” Kayleigh says slowly, staring down at her notes. “Explain that again.”
KK leans back in her chair dramatically. “I already did.”
“No you didn’t.”
“Yes I did.”
“You said—and I quote—‘the molecules are doing stuff.’”
KK points at her immediately. “Okay but they ARE.”
Kayleigh drops her head onto the table laughing.
“This is actually useless.”
KK laughs too, quieter.
Softer.
And when Kayleigh looks back up—
KK is already looking at her.
There’s a pause.
Small.
But enough.
Kayleigh suddenly becomes very aware of:
a) how close their chairs are
b) the fact KK’s knee has been touching hers for the last ten minutes
and
c) her own heartbeat for absolutely no good reason.
Which is terrible timing.
Because KK smiles slightly.
And now Kayleigh cannot think at all.
“you good?” KK asks.
Kayleigh blinks once.
Twice.
“…yeah.”
KK raises an eyebrow slowly.
“You sure?”
No.
Absolutely not.
Kayleigh is currently being psychologically damaged by eye contact.
But she says:
“obviously.”
KK hums like she doesn’t believe her for a second.
Which she probably doesn’t.
Because unfortunately KK notices things.
Too many things.
Like when Kayleigh gets quiet suddenly.
Or when she starts fidgeting with her hoodie sleeves.
Or when she stops looking directly at her for too long.
And right now?
All three are happening.
“you’re staring,” Kayleigh mutters eventually.
KK doesn’t deny it.
“You’re pretty.”
Oh.
Cool.
Awesome actually.
Now Kayleigh has forgotten every single fact she has ever learned academically.
“KK.”
“What.”
“You can’t just say stuff like that.”
“Why not.”
“Because I’m trying to study.”
KK’s smile gets worse.
“And?”
“And you’re distracting.”
“That sounds like a you problem.”
Kayleigh kicks her lightly under the table.
KK laughs.
And there it is again.
That awful warm feeling in Kayleigh’s chest.
Like she’s standing too close to something dangerous.
Or maybe something good.
Which is honestly scarier.
Hours pass without them noticing.
Flashcards turn into talking.
Talking turns into laughing.
Laughing turns into long stretches where they’re just looking at each other too much.
At some point Kayleigh ends up sitting on the floor beside KK’s chair because her ankle started hurting again.
KK notices immediately.
“does it hurt bad?”
“A little.”
KK gives her a look.
“…Kayleigh.”
“Okay maybe medium.”
KK sighs softly before standing.
“Wait here.”
“Where am I gonna go.”
“you’re annoying.”
“you like it.”
KK points at her without missing a beat. “See? This is why.”
Kayleigh grins.
KK comes back a minute later with an ice pack from the freezer downstairs.
And then—
Without even thinking about it—
She kneels in front of Kayleigh.
Actually kneels.
One hand lightly holding her ankle while she adjusts the ice pack carefully over it.
Kayleigh goes completely still.
Because suddenly this feels—
Too soft.
Too close.
KK’s fingers brush her skin lightly.
And Kayleigh’s brain short-circuits instantly.
KK looks up briefly. “Too cold?”
Kayleigh genuinely forgets how words work.
“…what.”
KK smiles a little. “you okay?”
No.
Not even remotely.
Because KK is kneeling between her legs looking at her like she matters and Kayleigh is pretty sure this is how people die.
“you make it really hard to think around you,” Kayleigh blurts out suddenly.
Silence.
KK freezes slightly.
Then slowly looks back up at her.
“…yeah?”
Kayleigh immediately regrets having vocal cords.
“forget I said that.”
“No.”
“Please.”
KK laughs quietly.
But nervous this time.
Which is new.
And somehow makes this feel even more dangerous.
Kayleigh looks down at her hands.
KK watches her for a second too long.
Then softly:
“you know I like you right.”
Oh.
There it is.
Kayleigh’s entire body goes warm all at once.
“…yeah,” she admits quietly.
KK’s thumb brushes absentmindedly against her ankle.
“okay good.”
Kayleigh laughs softly under her breath.
“You saying that like I was confused.”
“You act confused.”
“I’m not confused.”
“Really.”
Kayleigh looks at her finally.
And there’s something different now.
Something heavier underneath all the joking.
Because suddenly this isn’t almost anymore.
It’s real.
KK stands slowly.
Too close now.
Way too close.
Kayleigh’s breath catches a little.
Which is embarrassing.
But probably unavoidable.
“Can I kiss you?” KK asks quietly.
And somehow that feels even more intimate than the kiss itself.
Kayleigh nods immediately.
Like immediately immediately.
Which makes KK laugh softly before leaning in.
The kiss starts gentle.
Careful.
Like they’re both trying to figure out how to do this without ruining it.
Then Kayleigh grabs the front of KK’s hoodie.
And suddenly careful disappears completely.
KK kisses her harder instantly, one hand sliding against her waist while Kayleigh pulls her closer without even thinking about it.
Their foreheads bump slightly.
Both laugh quietly against each other’s mouths.
Then kiss again immediately after.
And again.
And again.
Until Kayleigh is breathless and smiling and pretty sure her entire life just changed a little.
KK presses one last softer kiss against her mouth before pulling back just enough to look at her.
“You know,” she says quietly, “we should probably talk about this.”
Kayleigh smiles slowly.
“…probably.”
“Like officially.”
Kayleigh’s stomach flips.
“You asking me out right now?”
KK shrugs slightly, trying to act casual.
Fails horribly.
“I mean. Yeah.”
Kayleigh laughs softly before pulling her back in by the hoodie strings.
“Took you long enough.”
KK grins against her mouth.
Then the room goes quiet again.
Warm.
Close.
The kind of silence that feels like standing at the edge of something huge.
KK brushes her thumb softly against Kayleigh’s waist.
Kayleigh looks at her.
Really looks at her.
And then—
Kayleigh's heart races as KK's thumb traces circles on her waist, her touch sending shivers down Kayleigh's spine. She leans in, capturing KK's mouth in a passionate kiss.
KK responds eagerly, her hands finding Kayleigh's hair, pulling her closer. Kayleigh moans softly into the kiss, her hands exploring KK's body, feeling the curves she's been admiring for months.
KK's hands move to Kayleigh's shirt, pulling it off slowly.
Kayleigh helps her, their lips never parting. Once the shirt is off, KK's hands explore Kayleigh's body, her touch soft and reverent. Kayleigh shivers at the contact, her body aching with desire.
Kayleigh's hands move to KK's jeans, unbuttoning them slowly. KK helps her, their lips never parting. Once the jeans are off, Kayleigh looks at KK, taking in her naked form. KK is beautiful, her curves soft and inviting. Kayleigh reaches out, her fingers tracing the lines of KK's body.
KK moans softly, her body arching into Kayleigh's touch.
Kayleigh smiles, her fingers finding KK's center. She rubs softly, feeling KK's wetness. KK moans, her body moving in rhythm with Kayleigh's fingers.
"K-Kayleigh," KK moans, her body tensing. Kayleigh feels KK's orgasm wash over her, her body shaking with pleasure. She holds KK close, her fingers slowing down, feeling KK's body relax.
KK looks at her, her eyes filled with a mix of desire and love. She leans in, capturing Kayleigh's mouth in a soft kiss.
Kayleigh melts into her, her body aching with desire. She knows this is just the beginning, and she can't wait to explore every inch of KK's body, to make her feel pleasure like she's never felt before.
But for now, she just wants to hold her, to kiss her, to make her feel loved. And that's exactly what she does, their bodies entwined, their hearts beating as one.
Later, much later, they’re curled together on the couch half asleep, chemistry notes completely abandoned somewhere on the floor.
Kayleigh’s head is tucked against KK’s chest.
KK’s fingers are lazily tracing shapes against her back.
Neither of them says much.
They don’t really need to.
Eventually Kayleigh tilts her head up slightly.
“…so we’re actually together now.”
KK smiles sleepily.
“yeah.”
Kayleigh grins immediately.
“oh my god.”
KK laughs quietly. “you’re cute.”
“shut up.”
But she’s smiling too hard for it to sound convincing.
And somewhere underneath the exhaustion and flirting and lingering kisses—
Both of them know.
Freshman semester just ended.
And somehow, somewhere between jealousy and ice packs and late-night studying—
They became each other’s favorite person.
don’t go anywhere
Description: One night turns into a morning and then into a day where neither of them ever really lets go.
The room is dim, the kind of dim that makes everything feel softer than it actually is
Kayleigh is half under the blanket, phone lighting up her face just enough to keep her awake, even though she’s been scrolling the same thing for the past few minutes
she doesn’t even know what she’s looking at anymore
KK is next to her, turned slightly on her side, not on her phone, not doing anything else
just watching her
quiet
steady
like she’s been doing it for a while
Kayleigh doesn’t notice at first
then she feels it
that weight of attention, the kind that doesn’t feel uncomfortable, just… there
she shifts slightly, eyes still on her screen
“…what,” she mumbles
“…nothing”
Kayleigh finally turns her head
KK doesn’t look away
“…you’re staring”
“…yeah”
Kayleigh rolls her eyes a little, but there’s no real annoyance behind it
she sets her phone down somewhere near her pillow, screen going dark instantly
“…you’re weird”
KK smiles softly
“…you like it”
Kayleigh huffs, but she moves closer anyway, shoulder brushing into her like it’s automatic
“…come here”
it’s quiet
barely above a whisper
but KK hears it immediately
moves without hesitation
her arm slides around Kayleigh’s waist, pulling her in until there’s no space left between them
Kayleigh presses into her easily, face tucked into the side of her neck, breathing in warmth and something familiar she doesn’t think about too hard
their legs tangle without either of them noticing when it happens
it just does
KK’s hand moves slowly along her back, steady, soft, like she’s not in any rush to go anywhere
“…you’re cute like this,” she murmurs
Kayleigh groans quietly, voice muffled
“…stop”
“…I’m serious”
Kayleigh lifts her head just enough to look at her
their faces are close
too close to pretend it doesn’t matter
“…you always say that”
“…because it’s true”
Kayleigh holds her gaze for a second longer than she means to
then leans in, pressing a soft kiss to her jaw
another one, slower this time, lingering just a little
KK’s hand tightens at her waist, pulling her closer even though there’s nowhere left to go
“…yeah,” she whispers, barely there
Kayleigh smiles against her skin, settling back into her, letting the moment stretch out
no rush
no reason to move
just warm
just close
just them
⸻
The TV is on at some point
neither of them remembers turning it on
voices blend together in the background, soft noise filling the room without demanding attention
Kayleigh is sitting between KK’s legs now, back pressed into her chest, blanket pulled over both of them
KK’s chin rests lightly on her shoulder
her arm still wrapped around her waist
her fingers moving in slow patterns against the fabric of her hoodie
Kayleigh tries to focus on the screen
she really does
but KK’s hand keeps moving
slow
absent
distracting
“…stop,” she murmurs, even though she leans back into it more
“…what”
“…you’re distracting me”
KK hums softly, her breath warm against Kayleigh’s neck
“…you’re not even watching”
Kayleigh shifts slightly, tilting her head back just enough to look at her
“…I was”
KK’s hand slides up just a little, stopping under her ribs
“…liar”
Kayleigh lets out a quiet breath, turning more fully this time
their faces are close again
too close
she doesn’t pull away
doesn’t think about it
just leans in, closing the space between them
the kiss is soft at first
slow
like neither of them is trying to rush it into anything more
KK’s hand tightens slightly at her side, pulling her in closer, holding her there
Kayleigh’s fingers curl into her hoodie, grounding herself without realizing it
everything else fades out
the TV
the room
time
it’s just this
just them
just close enough that nothing else feels real
⸻
The morning comes quietly
light slipping through the window in thin lines, settling across the bed, warming the edges of everything slowly
Kayleigh wakes up before she opens her eyes
she knows because she can feel it
the warmth behind her
the arm still wrapped around her waist
the steady rise and fall against her back
KK’s face is pressed into her shoulder, breath slow and even, still asleep
Kayleigh shifts just slightly, adjusting her position
“…don’t move,” KK mumbles, voice rough with sleep
Kayleigh smiles to herself
“…I didn’t”
“…you did”
“…barely”
KK pulls her closer without opening her eyes, tightening her hold just enough
“…stay”
Kayleigh relaxes into it immediately
“…I am”
there’s a pause
soft
quiet
KK’s hand slides slowly along her side, stopping just under her ribs again
“…you feel nice,” she murmurs
Kayleigh lets out a small laugh
“…that’s a weird compliment”
“…I mean it”
Kayleigh turns slightly in her arms, just enough to face her
their noses almost touch
KK’s eyes are still half closed
“…you’re cute,” she adds
Kayleigh presses her lips together, trying not to smile too much
“…go back to sleep”
“…only if you stay”
Kayleigh huffs softly
“…you’re copying me now”
“…yeah”
Kayleigh leans in again, pressing a slow, soft kiss to her lips
it lingers
not rushed
not messy
just enough to make both of them stay exactly where they are
not moving
not pulling away
just there
They don’t get up right away
they don’t have to
the room stays quiet, warm, wrapped in that same softness from the night before
Kayleigh ends up tucked back into KK’s arms again, face pressed into her shoulder, fingers lightly gripping the fabric of her shirt
KK’s hand rests at her back, thumb moving slowly, absent, like she’s not even thinking about it
“…you’re staying here all day,” KK murmurs
Kayleigh hums against her
“…probably”
“…good”
Kayleigh tilts her head up slightly
“…you’re clingy”
KK smiles faintly
“…you like it”
Kayleigh doesn’t argue this time
she just settles back into her, letting her eyes close again for a second longer
because she does
she always has
and neither of them is in any hurry to be anywhere else
not when this feels like enough
not when this feels like everything