Chapter 26: ● T W E N T Y - F I V E | Vulnerable ●

† Q U I N N †

What happens when people open their hearts? Some says they get better. You don't have to be fearless. Doing it afraid is just as brave. When we protect ourselves so we won't feel pain, that protection becomes like armor, like armor that imprisons the softness of the heart. But being vulnerable means allowing yourself to be seen, really seen. It's about showing up, letting yourself be deeply known, and opening yourself up to the full range of human emotions.

They say that the strongest love is the love that can demonstrate its fragility. And being vulnerable is the only way to allow your heart to feel true pleasure.

My thoughts scattered as I heard Elise's laughter behind me. She was in the kitchen, unpacking groceries with one hand and holding her phone in the other.

"You seem extra cheerful today, El?" I asked, squinting suspiciously. Elise flashed that nervous smile—the kind that always meant she was hiding something.

"Well, actually," she said slowly, avoiding my gaze, "I met someone at that party Chloe and her friends took me to. And... we've been messaging back and forth for a bit." She looked almost guilty, like she'd been caught sneaking a treat before dinner.

I sat up on the couch, my eyes wide. "What?! Who is it?"

"Quinn, chill," Elise chuckled, a bit defensive. "He's honestly a really nice guy. And for the record, nothing happened, if that's what you're asking."

I wasn't totally convinced. "Does this 'nice guy' have a name? What department is he from, El?" I asked, frowning.

"Oliver. His name is Oliver, Quinn," Elise answered with a shy smile. "He's a Pre-Med student too."

I sighed, shaking my head. "So, another Pre-Med guy getting cozy in our dorm, huh?" I teased.

She grinned, leaning against the counter. "At least this time, he'd be barging in for me. Right?"

I raised an eyebrow. "And what's that supposed to mean, El?"

Elise's grin grew even wider. "Quinn, the dorm might be soundproof from the outside, but the walls between our rooms? Not so much. I definitely heard Chloe's confession."

I rolled my eyes, sinking back into the couch. "You're crazy, El."

"Oh, am I?" she laughed, a mischievous glint in her eye. "I've seen the way you act around her, Quinn. How everything about you shifts—so natural, so effortless whenever she's nearby." She leaned in, her grin growing wider. "Admit it. I think you feel the same way she does."

I rolled my eyes, trying to hide the heat rising in my cheeks. "You're reading way too much into things, El."

But Elise just chuckled, shaking her head knowingly. "Maybe, or maybe I just know you too well."

"I don't think I'm capable of love, El," I said, a soft chuckle escaping my lips, but it felt more like a defense mechanism than a laugh.

"Why would you say that, Quinn?" Her tone shifted, turning serious, as if she could sense the weight of my words.

I paused, choosing my next words carefully. "I mean, the things I... do. The way I hurt people. It's like... I want to feel something real, but all I end up doing is causing pain."

Elise let out a heavy sigh. "I don't really know what you've been through, but that pain you're holding onto—it's powerful. I can see why it feels hard to imagine love when you're in the middle of that. But I believe you are capable of love, maybe even more than you realize."

"I don't know... My... desires, they're twisted. Dark. I hurt people, and I don't know how to stop. Maybe it's all I know. I don't even understand why I feel this way," I admitted, the frustration pooling in my chest.

Elise hummed thoughtfully. "These feelings didn't just appear out of nowhere. You must've grown up seeing and feeling pain, and sometimes that shapes how we try to relate to others. But you're here now, talking about it. That says a lot about the part of you that wants something different, maybe even something softer. Sometimes, when we find the right person, we can finally feel that difference. And I bet Chloe could be 'that' right person." Damn! She's really smart and insightful, I thought, feeling a mix of admiration and amusement wash over me.

"Even if there was someone, I can't... I can't be vulnerable. Vulnerability... it feels like weakness. I've spent so long being strong, keeping control. Showing weakness, letting someone in? It terrifies me," I said softly, my voice barely above a whisper.

"I understand why it feels that way," Elise replied, her tone reassuring. "Honestly, letting your guard down is a big step. But it's not weakness. In fact, allowing someone to see who you really are—pain, fears, and all—takes an incredible amount of strength. True vulnerability is one of the bravest things we can do."

"But once they see the real me, they won't understand. When they see all that darkness, all those things I try to hide, they'll leave, El. I'd rather keep them at a distance than risk that," I responded, the fear tightening in my chest.

"Did she?" Elise asked gently, referring to Chloe. I hesitated, unable to answer because the truth was, Chloe didn't.

"That's a very real fear," Elise continued, picking up on my silence. "It's natural to worry about being rejected for who you really are. But someone who cares about you, someone who is willing to stay and try to understand—that's the kind of person who makes vulnerability worth it. The kind of love that can help you feel safe enough to change, even just a little at a time. Imagine someone who can accept that part of you and still stay."

Her words hit me hard, resonating deep within my heart. "Being broken and feeling broken are different things," she added, her voice steady and confident. "People carry scars, wounds from their pasts, but those don't make you unlovable. They make you human."

As I listened, something shifted in me. The idea of being seen, flaws and all, started to feel less like a terrifying abyss and more like a potential path to healing.

7 PM—Elise's phone rang, and the way her face lit up told me exactly who was calling—her "Mr. Nice Guy." Not wanting to intrude on her moment, I slipped away to the bathroom, deciding to take a quick shower.

Back in my bedroom, I queued up my playlist, tucked myself into bed, and rested my hands behind my head, letting the music flow through the quiet.

Just as I was settling into that peace, a soft knock echoed in the room, and the door creaked open. I looked up, and there, in the dim light, the most beautiful pair of emerald green eyes met mine.

"Hey! Did I wake you up?" Chloe whispered, her voice as gentle as her gaze. She was wearing a simple white dress that somehow made her look even more stunning, her smile reaching all the way to her eyes.

My heart was pounding so hard I was sure she could hear it. "No, I wasn't sleeping yet," I said, shaking my head as she walked over and sat on the edge of the bed.

🎶 (Where We're Going by Elijah Woods) 🎶

"Something bothering you?" she asked, her eyes warm and concerned, holding mine in a way that made it hard to look away.

I shook my head again. "No, it's still a bit early." I lied. Truth was, there was a lot running through my mind, and she was at the center of it.

She gave a small nod. "Okay. Just wanted to swing by. There's a dinner after earlier's convention, and I wanted to stop by before heading back to the hall."

I sat up, leaning a little closer to her. "Mmm... I thought you dressed up for me," I joked, chuckling softly.

Chloe laughed, that light, beautiful sound that made my heart ache in all the best ways. "You wish, Quinn Grey." Her tone was teasing, but the smile she wore was genuine.

She stood up, heading toward the door, but before she could leave, I jumped off the bed, grabbing her waist and turning her around. "Leaving so soon?" I murmured, our faces so close I could feel her warm, unsteady breath against my skin.

"The dinner starts in fifteen minutes," she whispered, her pupils darkening as they locked onto mine. I felt her chest rise and fall against me, and my hand instinctively moved to her back, caressing gently. "Is it okay if I stop by again after? Just want to make sure you're okay." Her cheeks flushed a soft red, her confidence flickering.

"You're going to be a great doctor, gorgeous. Checking up on patients even after hours?" I grinned, pulling her just a little closer. Her breath caught as we pressed together, her eyes never leaving mine.

She cleared her throat, biting her lower lip. "Just the special ones, Quinn." Her gaze held me there, as if hypnotized.

Unable to resist, I leaned in, brushing a soft kiss on her cheek. Her skin was warm, almost feverish under my lips. "Well, enjoy your dinner, gorgeous," I whispered, opening the door for her.

I laid back in bed, unsure how much time had passed, before finally pulling on an eye mask and curling onto my side. I let the music playing in my room drift through me, hoping it would calm my mind enough for sleep. Just as I felt myself sinking, the quiet creak of the door broke through the stillness, though I didn't stir.

"Quinn?" Her voice drifted over me, soft and melodic, a sound that felt like a sonata, filling the room and reaching somewhere deep inside me.

I kept my breathing even as I felt the mattress dip, and she slipped beneath the covers beside me. Her scent—lavender shampoo and that familiar Baccarat Rouge—wrapped around me, warm and calming. My heart pounded as I felt her fingers brush against my face, her hand cool, or maybe my skin was just too warm.

Her fingertips traced a gentle path, from my cheek to my nose, then down to my lips. Each touch was light, almost like she was afraid to wake me, and yet I could hear the soft, breathy chuckle escape her. It felt like a dream—too delicate, too perfect to be real.

"How was your dinner?" I murmured, my voice thick with sleep. She didn't answer, only kept tracing her fingers over my skin, her thumb lingering on my lips.

"Cat caught your tongue, gorgeous?" I whispered, though she stayed silent, her touch growing more deliberate. Her thumb brushed over my lips, warm and gentle, her breath soft against me.

"Chloe..." I whispered, my breath catching. Her touch was soothing, grounding.

Then, finally, she spoke, her voice a whisper. "How did you know it was me?"

Slowly, I took off the eye mask, letting my gaze meet hers. Those emerald green eyes—mesmerizing, as if they held a richness that was almost otherworldly, each glance an invitation into something hidden, something only she could share. They always brought a quiet calm, melting away everything else until it was just us.

I hummed softly, a smile playing on my lips. "I knew it was you by the perfume," I murmured. But that wasn't really it. It was her touch, her soft, warm skin igniting something deep inside me with every brush against mine. Her sweet, warm breath, so close, the kind of air I could breathe in forever, as if it was the only thing I needed to stay alive.

Her presence alone—my body recognized it instinctively. So familiar that even if I were blind, my body would still recognize her. It was as if she had an invisible pull, drawing me closer without me even realizing it—like two magnets destined to connect. Every fiber of my being felt it, a magnetic force that made me lean in, craving the warmth and comfort she brought with her.

"I see." She nodded, her gaze shifting from my eyes to my lips, her fingers still gently brushing against them.

"It's late, gorgeous. Stay," I urged, my own gaze drawn to her lips. I honestly had no idea what time it was or whether it was truly late at all; all that mattered to me in that moment was the undeniable desire for her to remain by my side. A smile danced on her face as she nodded.

"Okay," she whispered. Suddenly, her hand slid from my cheek to the back of my head, pulling me in closer and closing the gap between our lips.

Her lips were so soft, sweet, and addictive. The kiss was different—slow and tender—as if we had all the time in the world to savor each other's taste. Passionate.

My hand suddenly moved to her waist, and I felt the softness of her skin immediately. I let my fingers travel across her body, and that's when it hit me—she was only wearing her bra and panties under the covers. Oh God, sweet Jesus! My mind screamed in surprise.

As I traced gentle circles over her warm, soft skin, I could feel her body respond, electricity sparking with every touch. Her hand gripped my hair, pulling my head closer as if she couldn't get enough of me. I felt her breath hitch in my mouth, sending goosebumps racing across her body, beneath my touch.

"Chloe..." I whispered, my breath heavy as our lips finally parted.

"Yes, Quinn?" she replied softly, her own breaths coming in gentle waves as she looked at me, her emerald eyes waiting patiently for my next words.

I paused, just staring at her, trying to gather my thoughts. My heart raced, pounding against my chest like a frantic drum. "I...I—" My voice cracked, the words catching in my throat. Damn it, Quinn! Pull youself together! I mentally cursed myself for being so flustered.

"Hmmm?" she hummed, her eyes locked onto mine, encouraging me to continue.

I took a deep breath, panic rising in my chest, and blurted out, "I...I just wanna know why you're almost naked beneath the covers?" My cheeks burned at my own awkwardness. You're such a sucker, Quinn! I scolded myself internally.

Chloe laughed softly, a melodic sound that eased my tension. "I didn't feel comfortable lying in bed with that dress on, so I took it off," she explained, her cheeks slightly flushed. "Do you have a shirt I can borrow?"

"No," I whispered, pulling her closer by the waist and pressing her body against mine. "This feels comfortable." I let my voice drift into her hair, the soft strands brushing against my face as her head nestled against my chest. I knew she could hear my heart pounding—beating like a drum, frantic and alive, as if it were trying to leap out to embrace her.

"Yeah, it does feel good," she softly moaned, her voice vibrating against my chest in a way that sent warmth coursing through me. "Good night, Quinn."

As silence enveloped the room, it was so profound that even the music felt muted, fading into the background of our shared stillness. Her hand continued to play with my hair at the back of my head, the gentle motions soothing me, calming the wild rhythm of my heartbeat. I breathed in her scent, the lavender and sweetness mingling in the air, and I held her waist firmly, my face buried in her hair, feeling her warmth seep into my skin.

"I love you, Quinn." Her soft voice pierced through the stillness, wrapping around me like a warm blanket. I could feel my heart racing again, and she chuckled softly, sensing the impact of her words.

I held her tighter, pulling her even closer against me as if I could merge our hearts together. But there it was again—the familiar hesitation, the fear that gripped me and held my tongue hostage. My heart screamed those three words back at her, yearning to be vocalized, yet my mind held me back at the last second.

I knew I could be vulnerable around her. Just the feeling of her presence had the power to calm me down, to create a peace within the storm of my disturbed thoughts. It was a feeling I craved, an intoxicating mix of safety and trust. I wanted to let her in completely, to shed my defenses and let her see every piece of me. Yet, even without uttering the words, I realized that my actions already spoke volumes. I was allowing her into my life, into my heart, and for the first time, it didn't feel like weakness at all.

Elise was right—being vulnerable isn't a weakness. It's a form of strength, a choice to trust someone with the pieces of yourself that you usually keep hidden away. Chloe made it easy to let my guard down, to share those parts of me that I had always kept locked away. In her presence, I felt a sense of safety, a silent understanding that whatever shadows lingered within me, she would accept them without judgment.