Ruby's heart skipped once, then twice.
The air between them was warm. The stream beside them kept flowing softly, as if time had paused. Her lips parted slightly, not from surprise but from something else.
Her eyes met his… and then she stepped in, her heartbeat loud in her ears.
She didn't speak because sometimes, words weren't needed.
She leaned forward, slowly, gently and her lips pressed against his.
Julian's eyes fluttered closed as he held her face carefully, like something precious. He didn't move too fast, didn't push too close. He just kissed her back with all the quiet love he'd been holding inside for so long.
Ruby's fingers rested on his chest, feeling the warmth of his heartbeat matching hers.
When they finally pulled apart, she opened her eyes and he was still looking at her, lips curved into a soft smile, eyes shining like the forest after rain.
Neither of them said anything right away.
