Invisible To Her Bully (Jessa and Noah) novel Chapter 184

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**Hearts Written in Silent Rain by Ava Bloomfield**
**Chapter 184**

**Jessa**

As the final whistle pierces the air, a wave of sound surges through the stadium, an explosion of joy and disbelief.

It’s not merely a cacophony; it’s a pulsating energy that vibrates beneath my feet. The bleachers tremble as if the very structure of the arena is alive, resonating with the collective exhilaration of the crowd. The band bursts into the fight song, their instruments blaring triumphantly, as if they’ve been holding back all night, waiting for this moment. People erupt in cheers, leaping from their seats, spilling onto the track, a tidal wave of exuberance rushing toward the field, as if the grass itself is beckoning them.

We did it. We won.

The realization hits me like a jolt, but before I can fully grasp the magnitude of what just happened, Mariah’s hand clamps around my wrist, pulling me into the fray. “Come on!” she urges, her excitement contagious.

I don’t hesitate for a moment. We’re swept away by the current of ecstatic fans surging through the gate and onto the field. The turf feels springy beneath my sneakers, each step a bounce of exhilaration. The stadium lights blaze overhead, almost blinding, making everything feel surreal, as if I’ve stepped into a scene from a movie rather than my own life.

My heart races—not just from the sprint but from a cocktail of adrenaline, joy, and an overwhelming sense of something monumental.

I scan the field, my eyes darting wildly.

Helmets glinting under the lights. Jerseys smeared with mud and sweat. Players embracing one another, their shouts of triumph mingling in the air. And then, amidst the chaos, I catch sight of Noah.

He’s pulling off his helmet, his hair matted to his forehead, breathing heavily, laughter spilling from his lips as he shares the moment with one of the linemen. His pads make him appear even larger than life, but it’s his expression that truly captivates me—open and radiant, as if he’s just touched the sky and lived to tell the tale.

Without a second thought, I release Mariah’s hand and sprint toward him.

I’m oblivious to the curious glances, the whispers that might follow tomorrow.

I throw my arms around him, burying my face against his chest, inhaling the intoxicating scent of sweat mingled with grass and that familiar clean-soap fragrance that always comforts me.

For a brief moment, he freezes, caught off guard.

Then, laughter erupts from him, and he envelops me in his arms, lifting me just enough that my feet barely graze the ground.

“We won!” I exclaim, my voice ringing out, breathless and exuberant. “You guys won! That game was so intense, Noah, I can’t tell you how proud I am of you!”

His hands tighten possessively around my back, warmth radiating from him. “Yeah?” he replies, his voice a mix of warmth and disbelief. “I was really hoping you’d think so.”

I pull back slightly to meet his gaze, and before I can utter another word, he dips his head and kisses me.

It’s not a shy kiss. It’s bold, exuberant, infused with all the adrenaline and relief of the moment, and I feel it resonate deep within me, all the way to my toes.

The crowd around us erupts in cheers. A whistle pierces the air. I hear Mariah shout something that sounds like “THAT’S MY GIRL!”

I can’t help but beam as he pulls back, our foreheads resting against each other, our breaths mingling in the charged atmosphere.

“That was incredible,” I murmur, my voice softening, filled with sincerity. “You were incredible.”

He shakes his head, a smile spreading across his face. “Hey, it was Jackson who really sealed the deal. Mr. Homecoming King himself.”

I laugh, the sound bubbling up from my chest. “Yep, that’s my brother. Definitely the king tonight.” My gaze drifts past Noah, spotting Jackson a few yards away, his crown askew on his helmet-less head, while Mariah stands in front of him, hands planted firmly on his chest, a mix of pride and playful annoyance etched across her face.

“I don’t think Mariah is entirely thrilled about that hugging situation,” I comment, a teasing glint in my eyes.

Noah chuckles, his laughter light and infectious. “Yeah… he looks like he’s trying not to faint.”

We weave our way through the throng of players and students, and Reyes is the first to spot us, his grin wide and welcoming.

“There they are,” he announces, his voice booming. “The power couples of Ridgeville!”

Jackson rolls his eyes, feigning annoyance. “Don’t start.”

Mariah raises an eyebrow, her expression mischievous. “Oh, I absolutely will start.”

She turns to me, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “You okay?”

“I’m more than okay,” I reply honestly, my heart still racing. “That was amazing.”

Jackson looks down at me, a softness breaking through his post-game bravado. “You good, Jess?”

“Yeah,” I assure him, “really good. Congrats, Your Majesty.”

He groans, a playful grimace crossing his face. “Please never call me that again.”

Noah claps him on the shoulder, laughter in his voice. “Too late. It’s on your résumé now.”

Reyes interjects, practically vibrating with excitement. “Alright, listen up—everyone’s heading to Benny’s. Whole team. We’re celebrating the Homecoming win!”

Benny’s.

I feel Noah’s arm slide around my shoulders, a gesture so natural and easy, as if it’s been there all along. I realize I’m still gripping his jersey, my fingers curled into the fabric, reluctant to let go.