By the time evening rolled around, Jade still hadn't left Lila's apartment. What was supposed to be a night of waiting out the storm had turned into a full twenty-four hours of laughter, teasing, and far too many heart-thumping moments that Jade couldn't stop replaying in her head.
Now, they sat on the balcony, wrapped in blankets, sipping tea as the city lights flickered below them. The storm had passed, leaving the night air crisp and cool.
"This feels… nice," Jade admitted, gazing at the stars she could barely see through the city glow.
"Nice?" Lila repeated, pretending to pout. "You're going to have to come up with something better than that."
Jade chuckled, hugging her blanket tighter. "Okay, fine. It feels… perfect."
"That's more like it." Lila leaned back in her chair, eyes glinting mischievously in the soft light. "Though I'd say it's less the night and more the company."
Jade rolled her eyes, though her heart thudded faster. "You're impossible."
"And yet, you're still here."
The playful words hung between them, softening into something heavier, something that made Jade's chest ache. She turned to look at Lila, finding her already watching. Their eyes locked, and for once, Lila didn't grin or tease. Her expression was open, vulnerable, almost careful.
"Jade," Lila said softly, her voice different now—gentler. "Can I tell you something without you running away?"
Jade swallowed. "Depends on what it is."
Lila laughed quietly, shaking her head. "I like you. More than I should. More than I tried to convince myself I did."
Jade's breath caught. She knew—she had felt it all along—but hearing it out loud made everything inside her stir.
"I…" Jade's words tangled on her tongue. She had spent weeks confused, doubting herself, doubting everything she thought she knew about who she was. But looking at Lila, feeling the warmth in her gaze, Jade didn't feel confused anymore.
"I like you too," Jade admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Lila's lips curved into a soft smile, one that made Jade's chest flutter. "Good. Because I was going to kiss you either way."
Jade's eyes widened. "Wait, what—"
Before she could finish, Lila leaned forward, slow enough to give Jade time to pull back if she wanted. Jade didn't move. She couldn't. Her heart pounded, her breath hitched, but her body leaned forward almost on instinct.
And then Lila's lips brushed hers.
It was gentle at first, a feather-light touch that sent sparks racing through Jade's body. Her hands trembled slightly where they clutched the blanket, but then Lila's hand found hers, steadying, grounding. The kiss deepened just enough to taste sweetness, warmth, and Jade's nerves melted into something softer—something that felt like home.
When they finally pulled back, Jade's lips tingled, her mind spinning. She stared at Lila, wide-eyed, trying to find words.
"Wow," Jade whispered.
Lila chuckled, brushing her thumb across Jade's knuckles. "That's all I get? Just 'wow'?"
Jade laughed breathlessly, shaking her head. "What do you want me to say? That was…" She trailed off, still dazed.
"That was the beginning," Lila said, her voice soft but sure.
Jade's chest tightened, her heart swelling. She didn't argue. She couldn't. Instead, she leaned in again, bolder this time, pressing her lips to Lila's in a kiss that was slower, surer, filled with everything she hadn't said yet.
When they finally parted, both of them smiling like fools, Jade rested her forehead against Lila's.
"You know," Jade whispered, "you make me crazy."
"Good crazy or bad crazy?" Lila asked, grinning.
"Definitely good," Jade admitted, her cheeks hot.
"Then my job here is done." Lila winked, tugging Jade closer until she was tucked beneath her arm. "Except I'm not done at all. Not even close."
They sat in silence for a while, the world beyond the balcony fading away. The noise of traffic, the flicker of streetlights, the hum of the city—all of it disappeared beneath the steady thrum of Jade's heart and the warmth of Lila's hand in hers.
For the first time in years, Jade didn't feel restless, didn't feel like she was chasing something out of reach. She had found it—unexpected, terrifying, wonderful.
"Lila?" Jade said softly after a long pause.
"Mm?"
"I don't know what comes next."
Lila squeezed her hand. "That's the best part. We get to figure it out together."
Jade smiled, a real smile, one that reached her eyes. And with the night wrapped around them, she realized she wasn't just starting something new with Lila—she was finally starting with herself.