Moonlight spilled through the window, painting his face in silver and shadow.
His eyes, soft and unreadable, locked with hers.
For a heartbeat, they just looked at each other.
No words, no teasing, just the quiet hum of something neither of them dared to name.
Then Axel reached up and tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear.
His touch lingered a second longer than necessary, his warm fingers brushing her cheek.
"Evelyn…" His voice was low, almost a whisper. "I missed you today."
"You saw me this morning."
He smiled faintly. "That was too long ago."
Her lips parted, but no sound came out. The air between them grew thick.
Then his hand cupped her jaw, tilting her face upward.
Axel lowered his head, too close to make Evelyn's heart race.
When his lips met hers, it wasn't wild or hurried; it was slow, deliberate, and tender. The kind of kiss that made everything else fade away.
It was a kiss that spoke of apology, longing, and promises unspoken.
