Ariana found herself thinking about the rooftop garden,their place.
She texted him:
"Meet me there?"
Kian replied instantly.
"Already here." đ
When she arrived, lanterns glowed softly around him. He was sitting on the railing, looking at the stars.
He looked⌠peaceful. And yet, when he saw her, something inside him lit up.
"You came," he said quietly, but there was relief in his eyes.
"I wanted to."
They sat close;closer than usual. Their shoulders touched occasionally, each brush sending warmth through her.
"Kian," she whispered, "why do you always push yourself away at the last moment?"
He looked down, fingers tightening slightly.
"Because once I cross a line⌠I won't be able to go back."
Ariana's heart raced.
"What line?"
He turned toward her slowly, eyes soft but intense.
"The line where I stop pretending you're just someone I like being around."
Her breath hitched.
"KianâŚ"
He leaned in, stopping just inches from her lipsâhis breath warm, his eyes full of longing.
"I want more," he whispered.
"But I don't want to rush what's meant to last."
Ariana felt tears prick her eyes;emotion, not sadness.
"Then don't rush," she said softly. "Just stay." â
He rested his forehead against hers, exhaling deeply.
They stayed like that for a long, quiet moment,
two hearts learning each other's rhythm. đ