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The carpet of snow layering the brick road crunched under your boot as you walked at a leisurely pace. Cold winter air blew lazily in the sky, tousling your hair.
Besides you, Jack walked in tandem- staying close, but not too close. Every so often, his gloved hand would brush against yours, as if it was waiting for you to just hold it.
Your eyes carefully analyzed the shops lining the road, trying to decide which one would be most worth while.
“Jack, do you wanna head in there? It looks yummy.” you commented, pointing at the building with pastries lined behind the window.
He looked over, stern face relaxing once he saw your excited expression. “We can head over if you want. Lets go.”
The surrounding crowd pressed against you like a sea of fish. In order to not get split, your hand found its way into Jack’s, holding it tightly. The affectionate contact flustered him, making his heart race faster than before. He thanked the cold for dusting his cheeks pink so you couldn’t see the blush you elicited.
———
The two of you made your way inside, sitting across from one another. Light blue walls with white, intricate patterns surrounded you, floored with beige wood at your feet.
Jack was engrossed in the menu, studying it attentively.
“I’ll get the ham and cheese puffed pastry. It’s good to get some protein after exercise.” Jack stated, placing his menu flat against the circular table.
His serious response pulled a giggle out of you as you placed your own menu down as well. “I don’t know if I would call our little walk exercise, but I’m glad you decided already.”
Jack scratched his neck bashfully, “Well, it’s still good to get protein anyways. What are you getting?”
“I was going to get the tart with pear compote.” your gaze shifted upwards, scoping his reaction. “Sounds good, right?”
Jack’s cloud-white tail swished behind him, wagging like a kite in the wind. “Yeah, real good. I hope you like it.”
——
As the waitress came out with the two pastries, Jack made sure to thank her before she left.
His gaze focused on your face, studying your expression as you looked down at your dish. The gentle curve of your lips turning up into a smile, your cutely tussled hair from the winter air, your bright eyes looking straight at him…
Jack snapped himself back to reality, finally noticing you were staring at him with your fork outstretched.
“Did you hear me, Jack? I was asking if you wanted a bite.”
He swallowed, regaining composure. “Sure. Thanks for letting me have some.”
Jack’s hand reached out, fingers wrapping around the fork to take it from you. Your eyebrows subtly furrowed, a grin slicing across your face.
“What are you doing, silly? Let me do it.”
His brain worked slow to comprehend your words until it finally clicked. Jack retracted his hand, opening his mouth shyly.
The sight brought warmth to your cheeks; despite how intimidating Jack may look, you know how tenderhearted he truly was.
Your cold fork met his lips, slipping the bite of tart into his mouth. He chewed, eyes growing brighter as the sweet yet warm flavor of the pear compote spread across his tongue.
“The chef must be really talented. It tastes great.”
Taking a bite for yourself, you couldn’t help but agree.
Jack ate his own pastry, trying to shake off the fuzzy feeling he got from seeing you use the same fork that bad been in his mouth just moments prior. He chewed on the ham and eggs, occasionally glancing across the table to see if you were still enjoying yourself.
——————
After a day full of shopping and eating amist the chilling embrace of the snowy wind, you and Jack made your way back to campus. Now under the watchful gaze of the setting sun, Jack’s honey colored eyes seemed to shine warmer than before.
“Thank you for inviting me out today. It was nice to get a break.” Jack confessed as the two of you approached the Hall of Mirrors, disturbing your shared comfortable silence.
A gentle smile curled against your lips, eyes carefully darting to study the fond expression painting his face. “I’d like to thank you, too. I really liked our date.”
Jack’s ear twitched at the word, a flurry of pink dusting his cheeks. “N-no problem. I’m glad you enjoyed it.”
Before you departed, his strong hand found yours and gently grasped it. “Text me when you get to your dorm, ok? I want to make sure you get there safely.”
As you took your leave and entered inside, Jack made sure you were gone before releasing the grip he had on his tail. It wagged furiously behind him, making no effort to hide his affection.
Even though he wasn’t the type to express it clearly, Jack hoped that the deep adoration he harbored for you didn’t get lost within the blizzard of his unfamiliar feeling such love.