The weekend stretched lazily ahead, golden sunlight spilling through the windows, painting everything in warmth.
For the first time in weeks, I felt… light.
Ethan had been by my side since morning, insisting we do "normal couple things," though Maya was nearby, keeping a watchful eye.
We started with a simple walk through the neighborhood.
Our hands brushed against each other once… twice… and then, naturally, I felt his fingers intertwine with mine.
"See?" he whispered, leaning just slightly toward me. "Perfectly natural."
"Ethan!" I gasped, cheeks heating.
He just smiled that infuriatingly charming smile.
We walked quietly for a few minutes, letting our hands stay entwined, enjoying the subtle electricity in every touch.
"You're ridiculous," I muttered, glancing at him.
"Maybe," he said softly. "But you like it."
I groaned, rolling my eyes, though my heart raced uncontrollably.
Later, we sat on a park bench, the world around us fading away.
Ethan leaned closer, resting his arm behind me.
"Do you know how dangerous you are?" I whispered.
He smirked. "Dangerous how?"
"You make it impossible to think about anything else," I admitted, glancing at him shyly.
"And you like it," he teased, brushing a strand of hair from my face.
"Stop!" I whispered, though a small smile betrayed me.
"I can't," he said softly. "It's too late for that."
For a moment, we sat there, quiet, letting the warmth of the sun and each other fill the space.
Then I noticed Maya approaching.
Her steps were slow, her expression guarded.
"Hey," she said, stopping a few feet away. "You two are… really obvious."
I swallowed. "We're… not"
Ethan leaned slightly closer to me, a protective smile on his face.
"Nothing to see here," he said smoothly, though his hand brushed mine once more.
Maya's eyes narrowed. "Uh-huh. Sure. Nothing to see."
I laughed nervously. "We're just… walking."
"Right," she muttered, still suspicious. "I just… don't want either of you doing anything stupid."
I glanced at Ethan, who gave me a small wink.
"Stupid?" I whispered, laughing softly.
"Like… kissing in public?" he murmured.
My heart skipped.
"Ethan!" I whispered, pulling my hand from his grip, though my cheeks were bright red.
He chuckled, clearly enjoying my reaction.
We continued walking, but the playful tension between us didn't fade.
Later, at home, we found ourselves alone in the living room.
"I can't stop thinking about you," Ethan admitted softly, sitting close on the couch.
I swallowed hard. "I can't stop thinking about you either."
His fingers brushed mine lightly again, sending a thrill through me.
"You know," he whispered, leaning closer, "we could make this easier on ourselves if we… just stopped holding back."
I swallowed. "And do what?"
He smirked. "Exactly what we've been dreaming about. No pretending. No holding back. Just… us."
My heart raced.
"You're crazy," I whispered.
"Crazy about you," he corrected softly, brushing his lips lightly against mine.
I closed my eyes, letting myself melt into the moment, letting all the tension, the longing, and the excitement finally release.
For the first time, I felt completely, undeniably… his.
And I didn't want to go back.
Even when Maya walked in unexpectedly, we pulled apart quickly, laughing nervously.
"You two are impossible," she muttered, though her lips twitched in a reluctant smile.
Ethan winked at me, and I felt my heart skip again.