The Bookstore

(17) Sweethearts

Jack

The sky is transitioning from twilight to night, with the first starts starting to twinkle. The town below is slowly lighting up, creating a picturesque view. We continue to sit in silence, the moment filled with an unspoken tension. I turn to her, my gaze softening.

My heart is pounding in my chest, eyes locked on her as she looks at the landscape in front of her. The sound of her soft breathing was like music, a melody that played over and over in my mind. I marveled at how her eyes sparkled with calmness, like the moon on a still lake. Her little smile, soft, warm and inviting, had a way of lighting up even the darkest corners in my mind.

I wanted to reach out, to close the distance between us and tuck a loose strand of her hair behind her ear. The way her hair cascaded down her mid-back, soft and auburn, it reminds me of the deep, earthy tones of a forest floor in fall. I imagine how it would feel between my fingers, silky and smooth. The thought sent a shiver down my spine.

As I watched her, I felt a deep longing to hold her close, to feel the warmth of her body against mine. I could picture the way her head would fit perfectly against my chest, the rhythm of our hearts beating in harmony. I yearned to whisper sweet nothings in her ear, to tell her how much she meant to me, how she had become the center of my universe.

I envisioned tracing the contours of her face with my fingertips, memorizing every curve and line. Her skin, so soft and delicate, seemed to glow in the soft light of the evening. I wanted to lean in, to press my lips gently against her forehead, her cheeks, her lips, to taste the sweetness of her love.

My mind raced with thoughts of our future together, of shared moments and quiet evenings. I imagined waking up beside her, her face the first thing I see each morning, and falling asleep with her in my arms each night. I dreamt of laughter and tears, or triumphs and challenges, all faced together, hand in hand.

I took a deep breath, gathering the courage to tell her. I realized she has become more than just a dream. She was my reality, the person who made my heart sing and my soul dance. The moment was now, the perfect time to tell her how I felt, to confess my love for her that has been building inside me for so long.

"Lily, I can't help it." I say, softly. She looks at me and whispers.

"What?"

Without another word, I lean in and gently press my lips to hers. At first, she gets surprised, I can feel her eyes wide. But then she closes her eyes, responding to the kiss. We pull apart slowly, both a bit breathless. I smile at her and she looks away, a faint blush on her cheeks.

***

We walk back to the town. The path is illuminated by streetlights, casting soft glows on the pavement. The air is cool and crisp. I speak up, breaking the silence.

"So... about that kiss..." She interrupts me, playfully.

"Don't read too much into it, Jack." I chuckle at her words.

"Too late. But seriously, Lily. I like spending time with you. I hope we can do this more often." She smiles softly.

"Maybe. If you stop being so insufferable." We laugh together, the tension easing into a comfortable atmosphere.

Tyler

I'm in my room, which is cluttered with books, gadgets and posters. I'm sitting at my desk, studying. I'm wearing a hoodie and jeans, looking relaxed yet focused. I wonder what everyone is up to, it been quiet without all the mystery talk. My phone rings, and I answer it, seeing Bella's name on the screen.

"Hey, Bella. What's up?"

"Hey, Ty. Just wanted to check in. How's everything?"

"Pretty good. Just catching up on some schoolwork. You?"

"Same here. We should hang out tomorrow. Maybe catch a movie?"

"Sounds great. I'll text you the details."

Sophie

I'm sitting on my couch, a cup of tea in hand, the room softly lit by lamps. There's a cozy, lived-in feel to the space. I'm dressed in a comfortable sweater and leggings, my hair in a loose braid. I miss Anna already and I wonder how she's doing. I pick up my phone and dial her number.

"Hey, Soph! How are you?"

"Hey, Anna. Just wanted to hear your voice. How's it going over there?"

"It's busy, but I'm managing. I miss you, though."

"I miss you too. Can't wait until you're back."

"Same here. Anything exciting happening?"

"Not really. Just the usual bookstore stuff. Jack and Lily are getting along better, though."

"Oh? Do I sense some romance brewing?" She answers me in a teasing voice. I laugh at her tone.

"Maybe. We'll see. Anyway, take care, okay?"

"You too, Soph. Love you."

"Love you too. Bye."

Lily

We're outside my house, he walked me to my door. The porch light casting a soft glow on us. My hands are in my pockets while I look at him. Is this what feeling loved means? Because if that's what it means, I definitely retract my doubting words about him. I can't stop thinking about his lips on mine. Am I too lost already if I want it to happen again, and as soon as possible?

"Here we are." He states.

"Thanks for today, Jack. It was... nice."

"Yeah, it was. Maybe we can do it again sometime?" He says while smiling down at me.

"Maybe." I say after pausing, but ending up nodding. How could I reject the opportunity to be with him again?

He leans in, but this time he gives me a gentle kiss on my cheek. I feel how my cheeks get flushed almost immediately. Have I fell for him so fast? Or I'm just flustered by the moment? My mind is racing with a million thoughts and possibilities, but what I care about right now is that he's kissing my cheek.

"Good night, Jack."

"Good night, Lily."