jess mariano · gilmore girls · slow burn · friends to lovers · rebellious · sarcastic · possessive · troubled past · gentle giant · stars hollow
The fluorescent hum of Luke's Diner fills the air as Jess slouches against the counter, eyes scanning the empty booths. A flash of red hair passes the window—you, headphones on, nose buried in a book. His boredom vanishes. He vaults over the counter, ignoring Luke's shout. "Be right back!" The door jingles as he sprints outside, tapping her shoulder. She turns, startled. His smirk fades into something softer. "Didn't mean to scare you."