♥︎ ✯ ☘︎︎

𝟐𝟎 ... 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫

☘︎︎ ✯ ♥︎

matt 🍁

Callie is glowing. I don't think I've ever seen her so happy. She's so beautiful it hurts.

Dinner with Sam last night was a success. He and Callie really hit it off. They avoided discussing Lucy like the plague, but their conversation flowed easily. Sam's smile grew every time he looked at Callie, clearly in awe that she was his daughter. He gave her another hug at the end of the night, and both of them teared up.

I stayed in Callie's hotel room overnight, and all she could talk about was how wonderful Sam seemed and how she wanted to get to know him better. She was in such a good mood that she didn't make a single sarcastic comment when she climbed into bed beside me and curled up in my arms. Her lips were still curled in a smile when she kissed me goodnight. I thought I would die from the warmth that bloomed in my chest.

"Would you rather go bowling or play mini golf?" Callie questions, her voice warm like honey.

It's afternoon, but we're still in bed, our dishes from the room service we ordered for breakfast piled on the bedside tables. The TV is quietly playing a Harry Potter movie and golden sunlight streams in through the open drapes. I am leaning against the bed's backboard with Callie cuddled against my side, her head on my shoulder as she traces random patterns on my chest. We've been playing 'would you rather' for at least half an hour, but Callie doesn't seem bored yet. And I would be a sinner to disturb the tranquil energy surrounding us.

"Mini golf," I answer softly, running my fingers through Callie's silky hair. "Would you rather read a book or watch a movie?"

"Movie," Callie answers easily, her warm breath brushing across my collarbone and sending shivers up my spine. "Would you rather hang out with our friends tonight, or go on a date with me?"

"Hmm..." My brows furrow as I pretend to ponder Callie's question. "That's a tricky one. Nate is really hot, so I don't know..."

Callie giggles, the sound setting fireworks off in my stomach. "He is quite handsome, isn't he?"

My mouth turns down in a frown, making Callie laugh. "But I'm more handsome, right?"

Callie shrugs coyly, her lips curving into a smirk. "Depends."

"Depends on what?" I flick her forehead, laughing when she swears and punches my arm. "Callie. Depends on what?"

When she continues to laugh, amused by my frustration, I flip her over on the bed to hover over her. Her laughter quickly dies, her eyes widening as she gazes up at me. "Depends on what, Callie?" My voice is low, and I watch Callie's throat bob when she swallows harshly.

Vulnerability flickers across Callie's face, but she doesn't try to hide it like she used to. She lets it linger, her emotions laid bare as her gaze drops to my necklace hanging between us. "Depends if you still want a chance," she murmurs, her voice barely audible.

"A chance with you?" I ask, my heart thundering like it's trying to leap out of my chest. She nods, still avoiding my eyes, and I close the space between us, kissing her gently before pulling back just enough to meet her gaze.

"Callie," I say softly, my voice steady despite the storm inside me. "There is nothing I want more than you. I know you're scared, and I get it. But I swear to you—I'll never betray your trust. I'll be honest with you, always. No games, no hiding." I pause, the weight of her past hurts pressing between us. "I know you've been hurt before. I know it made you doubt yourself, but none of that was ever on you. You are more than enough—more than perfect to me. No one else even comes close. It's you. Only you."

Callie's face is still clouded with emotion, but light flickers in her eyes, a tiny smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. "You're the only one I want too." She cups my cheek, her thumb brushing over my bottom lip with a tenderness that makes my chest ache. "Promise you won't leave me behind?"

"If anything, you'll be the one ditching me," I whisper, letting her see the vulnerability I usually hide. "You're too good for me, Callie. You're brave and outspoken, and I get scared just going to the grocery store sometimes."

Callie shakes her head, her jaw set stubbornly. "I would never ditch you. You're braver than you give yourself credit for, Matt. And if you get scared in the grocery store, I'll hold your hand and glare at anyone who looks at you the wrong way. I've got a pretty mean stare, in case you haven't noticed."

"Oh, I'm very familiar with your glare." I grin, the nerves twisting in my gut loosening with every word. Callie is one of the most determined people I know; she always knows what she wants, and she goes for it. If she says she wants me, who am I to doubt her?

Callie scoffs, disbelief flashing across her face, but a smile slowly takes over. "So what now?"

"Let me be your boyfriend," I whisper, my voice cracking slightly. Saying it out loud feels like standing at the edge of a tsunami—overwhelming, terrifying, and exhilarating all at once.

"Hmm..." Callie taps her chin, her grin turning sly as she arches an eyebrow. "Depends."

I roll my eyes, but I can't help smiling as I play along. "Depends on what?"

Her teasing fades, replaced by something softer as she runs her fingers through my hair, her touch light but grounding. "If I can be your girlfriend."

"Only if you promise not to make fun of me every day," I tease, raising an eyebrow.

Callie laughs, the sound warm and unrestrained. "Not possible, I'm afraid."

Her laughter tugs a grin from me. "Guess I'll have to get used to it. Girlfriend."

Callie beams, her smile brighter than the streetlights outside. Without a word, she wraps her arms around my neck, pulling me down to her. She's soft and warm beneath me, and when her cherry-red lips meet mine, the world seems to spin on a whole new axis. Callie is my girlfriend. I'm Callie's boyfriend. Holy shit.

"Everyone's going to freak out," she murmurs as we pull apart, her forehead resting against mine.

A slow, mischievous smile spreads across my face, a spark of an idea taking hold. "We could have some fun with that."

Callie's eyebrows raise curiously, and I know I've captured her attention. "What do you have in mind?"

🍁

When our friends arrive in London a few hours later, Callie and I are waiting in the grand lobby of the hotel we'll be staying at for the next few days. It's a world away from the cozy charm of last night's Oxford hotel—this place is all glitz and elegance. Crystal chandeliers cast soft, shimmering light across the room, and quiet piano music flows from the speakers, threading through the hum of conversation. Accents from all over the world mingle as people check in, greet friends, or head out into the city for dinner.

Callie and I sit on opposite ends of a plush navy couch, a careful distance between us, the silence buzzing with anticipation. I catch the faint click of her nails tapping the armrest and resist the urge to glance her way.

When our friends push through the revolving door, dragging their luggage behind them, I lift a hand to wave at Nate. My lips twitch into a smile when Bryn's eyes light up at the sight of us. She elbows Chris, who's grinning as if he already knows something's up.

"Callie!" Bryn's voice cuts through the noise of the lobby, turning a few heads, but she doesn't notice—or care. Her focus is locked on her best friend as she beelines through the crowd.

Callie rises from the couch, a soft smile breaking across her face, and wraps her arms around Bryn the second she's close enough. Bryn laughs in surprise but quickly folds Callie into a tight embrace, her eyebrows lifting at me over Callie's shoulder in a silent What's going on?

"Hey, sweetie," Bryn says gently, her voice full of concern. "Are you okay?"

"I missed you," Callie murmurs, just loud enough for me to catch. Her voice wavers slightly, but it's steady with resolve. "I have so much to tell you."

Bryn pulls her closer, her arms tightening before she leans back to meet Callie's gaze. "I can't wait to hear everything."

I stand to greet everyone else as they approach us. "How was the flight?"

"Boring," Nick replies for the group. "How are you guys?"

Callie and I exchange a quick glance, and as we discussed, Callie's eyes harden in a glare. "Fine," she grumbles, shifting away from me to stand on Bryn's other side.

Chris raises his eyebrows at me questioningly, and I roll my eyes in response.

"Everything okay?" Madi asks carefully, her eyes darting between Bryn and me.

"Matt's an asshole," Callie states bluntly, crossing her arms over her chest.

Nick groans and drops his head into his hands. "I thought we were past this!"

I laugh shortly and cross my arms, schooling my face into a scowl. "Past hating each other? If Callie would stop being so dramatic all the time, maybe we could be."

"You're one to talk!" Callie sputters, her eyes shooting daggers at me. "I think you need to look in the mirror because you are clearly the problem. I have a compact in my purse if you'd like to borrow it."

"Guys, come on," Nate interrupts, his voice significantly calmer than mine and Callie's. "It's been a hard couple of days. Maybe you just need some space."

"I think I need an ocean of space," I snap, forcing my breaths to stay even so I don't laugh. "Callie, have you ever thought about relocating to Europe? And perhaps never returning to America?"

Callie's eyes glimmer with amusement, but she clears her throat, and I know her next line will be killer. "Have you ever thought about burying yourself six feet under?"

"Callie!" Bryn gasps, swatting her arm.

Chris shifts to stand beside me, his eyes narrowed at Callie. "This has got to stop. You guys have taken it far enough."

"I say we bury them both six feet under." Nick collapses onto the couch, clearly done with our conversation.

Madi sighs and sinks onto the couch beside Nick. "All in favour of locking Matt and Callie in a room together and forcing them to sort out their differences, say 'I.'"

"I." My voice is loud, and everyone's eyes widen as they look at me.

"What?" Nate frowns, looking between Callie and me.

"We'll go find a room to lock ourselves in." I drop my arms from their defensive position and grab Callie's hand, grinning when she giggles. "We'll be back in a few hours."

Everyone's jaws drop, and Callie and I laugh loudly.

"What is going on?" Nick demands, sitting up straight on the couch.

Without hesitation, Callie grabs the front of my sweatshirt and tugs me down to kiss me. I smile against her mouth and kiss her back, laughing at the sound of our friends gasping.

"I knew it!" Nate shouts, bouncing on the balls of his feet. His smile is wide and far too smug. "No one can ever tell me I'm wrong. I am the love master! From now on, I will only respond to the name 'Cupid'."

Bryn also looks smug as she leans into Chris' side. "No, Nate, I am the love master. You were my puppet."

Chris rolls his eyes and chuckles, wrapping his arm around his girlfriend. "Bryn was convinced that if she got Nate to fly out here, he would be able to convince Callie to open up to Matt. But I also initiated the bet about spending their free time together and suggested Matt should make Callie jealous, so I think I am the true love master."

"That plan was terrible." I glare at Chris, shaking my head in disbelief. "I never should have listened to you."

"Well..." Callie says slowly, making my gaze swing to her. "Our time in Amalfi was what first made me really see you, and I was so pissed off with Ariana that Nate and I ended up talking about you, and..."

Chris throws his arms up in the air, a victorious grin on his face. "Yes! I win!"

I roll my eyes and interlace my fingers through Callie's. "Do you need a prize?"

Bryn tugs on Chris' arm before he can answer, forcing him to fall silent. She beams at Callie and me, her approval shining brightly. "I'm happy for you guys."

"So how long before they kill each other, do you think?" Nick chimes, leaning back into the couch.

Madi swats the back of his head, making him howl with pain, but she ignores him and grins at us. "Congrats, guys."

"We're leaving now," I announce before anyone else can offer up a sarcastic comment. "We'll be back later."

"I expect all the tea when you get back!" Bryn yells after us as I drag Callie away, but neither of us turn around. Tonight is for us.

The buzz of the lobby fades as we step out into the cool London night. Streetlights glow golden, the moon casts a silver haze, and the distant hum of the city echoes around us.

"Where should we go?" Callie asks, her eyes bright as she meets my gaze.

I pull her closer to kiss her again, still not believing I can do so freely. "Wherever we want."

Callie tugs me forward, her smile daring me to keep up. And I do, because wherever she's going, that's exactly where I want to be.

The city hums around us—bustling cars, distant laughter, the occasional rush of footsteps—but I only notice the warmth of Callie's hand in mine. The streets stretch out like an unwritten story, alive with possibility, and for the first time, the future feels less daunting, more like a promise. We just have to be brave enough to claim it.

cara's obsession ❀

guys i swear i've been studying. no one flame me. i crammed for my two huge assignments and my one exam (which are all over now thank god) and now i have a few days before my next exam, which means i have time to procrastinate 😋

question of the day! if you could recommend your top THREE books, what would they be? if i HAD to pick only three books, i would probably go with maze runner, fourth wing, and the cheat sheet. but i have so many favourites 😭😭

i love you all SO MUCH it's unreal. see you when i am officially done my semester! 😘

🍉 🍉 🍉