𝐒𝐀𝐃 𝐁𝐄𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐈𝐅𝐔𝐋 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐆𝐈𝐂

⁂ the first time

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

Juliette took a deep breath as she stood in front of the grand apartment building where Matthieu lived. The evening sun cast a golden glow over the Parisian streets, and the sound of distant laughter and clinking glasses floated through the warm air. Tegan nudged her playfully. "Come on, let's go find the party," Tegan said with a grin. "I need to find the bar as soon as possible."Juliette laughed, adjusting the strap of her dress. "You and your quest for alcohol. Just remember, we're supposed to be mingling, not just raiding the bar."As they entered the apartment, Juliette was struck by the elegance of the place. The spacious rooms were adorned with luxurious furniture, and the walls were lined with beautiful artwork. The sound of music and chatter grew louder as they walked through the hallway and into the main living area.Matthieu's family apartment was everything Juliette had imagined. A spacious, elegantly decorated space with a high ceiling and floor-to-ceiling windows that opened onto a magnificent roof terrace. The terrace was adorned with fairy lights, and a soft breeze rustled the leaves of the potted plants scattered around."Wow," Tegan breathed, her eyes wide. "This place is amazing."Juliette nodded in agreement. "It really is."Tegan spotted the bar set up in the corner of the room and her face lit up. "I'm going to grab a drink. Want anything?"Juliette shook her head. "No, thanks. You know I only drink with meals. I'll just find a spot and sit down."Tegan gave her a thumbs-up before weaving her way through the crowd towards the bar. Juliette scanned the room and spotted a group of her friends sitting on a plush sofa near the terrace doors. She made her way over, her heart fluttering with a mix of excitement and nerves."Juliette! Over here!" called out Sophie, one of her closest friends.Juliette smiled and joined them, settling into the soft cushions. The conversation flowed easily, and soon they were laughing and sharing stories about their summer vacations. After a while, someone suggested playing a game of Truth or Dare."Truth or Dare, Juliette?" asked Camille, a mischievous glint in her eye.Juliette hesitated for a moment before answering, "Truth."Camille's grin widened. "Okay, who do you like?"Juliette felt her cheeks heat up as all eyes turned to her. She glanced around, avoiding Matthieu's gaze, but she could feel his eyes on her. Taking a deep breath, she decided to be honest."Matthieu," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.The room went silent for a moment before bursting into excited chatter. Juliette glanced at Matthieu and saw that he was blushing too. He met her gaze, his eyes burning with intensity."Since when?" Helene asked, leaning forward eagerly.Juliette bit her lip. "Since sixième."Matthieu's eyes widened, and a slow smile spread across his face before he tried his best to hide it. The game continued, but Juliette's mind was elsewhere, her heart pounding in her chest. She couldn't believe she had just admitted her crush on Matthieu in front of everyone.As the evening wore on, the sun set, casting a warm, golden glow over the city. Juliette found herself wandering out onto the roof terrace, seeking a moment of solitude. She leaned against the railing, gazing out at the twinkling lights of Paris."Hey," came a soft voice behind her.She turned to see Matthieu standing there, his hands in his pockets. "Hey," she replied, her heart skipping a beat.He walked over to stand beside her, their shoulders almost touching. They stood in silence for a few moments, taking in the view."About what you said earlier," Matthieu began, his voice hesitant. "Do you really mean it?"Juliette nodded, her eyes still on the skyline. "Yes, I think so... I mean... I do mean it."Matthieu turned to face her, his expression serious. "I like you too, Juliette. I have for a while. I just... I didn't know if you felt the same."Juliette finally looked at him, her heart swelling with emotion. "So, what now?"He took a deep breath. "I was hoping we could maybe take things further. Go on a date, see where this goes."Juliette's mind raced as she considered his words. Before she could respond, a loud crash came from inside the apartment, followed by a familiar voice shouting, "FUCK!"Juliette winced. "That's Tegan. The only English person here sticks out like a sore thumb."Matthieu chuckled. "Sounds like she might need some help."Juliette sighed. "I'm so sorry, can we carry this on later?"Matthieu smiled. "Of course. Go check on your friend."Juliette nodded gratefully and hurried back inside. She found Tegan in the kitchen, surrounded by broken glass and spilled drinks."Oh my god, Tegan, what happened?" Juliette asked, rushing to her side.Tegan looked up, her face a mix of embarrassment and frustration. "I knocked over the entire drink cart. I'm so goddamn clumsy, I can't believe I could be so bloody stupid."Juliette couldn't help but laugh. "Let's get you back to mine."As they left the apartment, Tegan apologized repeatedly. "I'm so sorry for ruining your moment with Matthieu.""Don't be silly, I don't mind," Juliette said, trying to support a slightly wobbly and tipsy Tegan.

And the funny thing was, she didn't think she did.