Celeste lay draped over Daniel's body, as if all the strength had left her.
Her arms hung loosely around his neck, her breath still uneven.
Her mind was blank.
But her skin remembered—the choice she had just made still lingered, raw and real.
The study was silent enough to swallow a breath.
Not even the ticking of the wall clock dared break the stillness.
Only their heavy, tangled breaths filled the space between them.
She rested her chin lightly against his shoulder, eyes closed, sinking into the warmth that radiated from his skin.
It was a familiar heat—and somehow, that made it feel unfamiliar. Too familiar, it hurt.
Too unfamiliar, it pulled her closer.
After a long pause, her lips trembled.
Her voice came out like a breath she'd been holding too long.
"…What happens now…? Where do we go from here…?"
Daniel didn't answer.
He simply held her close, his arms steady, his breath quiet.
But in the way his fingers rested on her back, there was something unshakable.
A silent vow: I won't let this go.
"…Nothing has to change."
His voice was calm—firm, but gentle.
"I know what you're afraid of."
He pressed his forehead against her shoulder for a moment, then lifted his gaze to hers.
His fingers brushed her cheek, lingering over the warmth still blooming across her skin.
"Don't worry. I'm not going anywhere. I've always been here, and I always will be. Whatever you need, I'll give it to you. And if you ever get hurt—I won't let that happen."
He pulled her in tighter, arms wrapping fully around her, as if trying to hold the moment itself in place.
Then, close enough that she could feel his breath against her lips, he whispered,
"It's okay. There's only one thing I want from you."
Celeste looked up slowly, meeting his eyes.
She didn't flinch. She didn't turn away.
"Don't turn away from what we are. Don't silence what your heart's already said. Don't deny me—not now. That's all I've ever needed—just your truth."
Her eyes lingered on his a moment longer before she exhaled—a breath drawn from somewhere deep and fragile.
Then, wordlessly, she let herself sink back into him, her chin settling softly against his chest.
His heartbeat thudded steady beneath her skin.
Slow. Real.
Just like his love.
"…Okay. I won't deny it."
Daniel said nothing more.
He just held her—quietly, fully—as if promising,
I'm not letting go.
Not this time.