The Archive and the Daydream

The dim glow of an old desk lamp flickered against the dusty shelves of the university archives. Jess sat cross-legged on the floor, flipping through a yellowed file of research logs, trying to focus. The air smelled like old paper and ink, a stark contrast to the lively campus just outside. Across from her, Leanna skimmed through a thick binder, occasionally scribbling notes.

It was supposed to be a night of research. A night of solving the mystery of the 'ghost' graduate student and uncovering the origins of the experiment that changed Jess’s life. But Jess wasn’t reading. Instead, her mind drifted. The warmth of his lips. The soft pressure. The fleeting moment that sent her entire world tilting.

Jess snapped the folder shut with a frustrated sigh.

Leanna looked up. "Something wrong?"

Jess shook her head too quickly. "Nope. Just… this is exhausting. And fruitless. We’re not finding anything."

Leanna raised an eyebrow and leaned forward. "You sure that’s all that’s bothering you? You’ve been staring at that page for five minutes. Didn’t even turn it. What’s on your mind?"

Jess hesitated. "Nothing. It’s stupid."

Leanna smirked. "Oh, now you have to tell me."

Jess groaned, rubbing her temples. "It’s just… something happened at the kissing booth."

Leanna’s smirk widened. "Oh? Do tell."

Jess exhaled, knowing there was no escaping now. "Some guy—he was just supposed to be another donor, another quick peck on the cheek, right? But at the last second, he—he turned his head, and we…" She trailed off, cheeks burning.

Leanna’s grin turned knowing. "And you liked it."

Jess looked anywhere but at her. "I didn’t say that."

"You didn’t have to." Leanna leaned her chin on her hand. "So, what’s the problem? He’s cute, right?"

"That’s not the point!" Jess shot back. "I shouldn’t have liked it! I was Jason. I was a guy. I shouldn’t feel anything when some random dude kisses me."

Leanna softened. "Jess… you’re not Jason anymore. And maybe… that’s okay."

Jess swallowed. The thought was terrifying. Her attraction to women had always been instinctive, unquestioned. But now, a simple kiss from a guy had thrown all of that into chaos.

Leanna nudged her playfully. "So? What’s his name?"

Jess huffed. "I don’t know. Some bass player from an indie band."

Leanna let out a dramatic gasp. "A musician? Oh, you’re doomed."

Jess shoved her lightly, finally laughing. "Shut-up."

Leanna grinned. "Just admit it. You’re curious about him."

Jess didn’t respond. because maybe Leanna was right. And that scared her more than anything. With a sigh, she forced herself back to the task at hand. "Come on, let’s get back to ghost hunting. Before I lose my mind."

Leanna chuckled but obliged, flipping back to her research. As the night wore on, Jess tried to focus, but her thoughts kept drifting—to dark eyes, a crooked smile, and the way that one small moment had shaken her entire world.