Summer Nights (Book 1)

The Heat of the Moment

Chapter 20 

As the night deepened, the bar filled up, but it felt like it was just the two of them, their laughter mixing with the music and the sounds of glasses clinking around them. Diana felt the world blur a little, the alcohol making her light-headed and warm, but it was Yeon Jun's presence—so close, so electric—that made her pulse quicken.

He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear. "You know, you're dangerous."

She laughed, the sound low and teasing. "Oh, really? And why's that?"

"Because you make me forget all my rules," he whispered, his eyes darkening as they locked onto hers. "Like the one about not getting too close."

Her heart raced, and she found herself unable to look away. "Maybe some rules are meant to be broken."

He held her gaze, the tension between them thickening. His hand moved to cover hers, and she didn't pull away. Instead, she turned her palm up, threading her fingers through his.

The touch sent a spark of heat up her arm, and she felt her cheeks flush. She knew she should look away, break the moment before it became too much, but she didn't want to. She liked the way he was looking at her, like she was the only person in the room. Like he saw past all her defenses.

The bartender dropped off another round, and Diana pulled her hand back, laughing nervously. "I think you're trying to get me drunk."

"Just making sure you have a good time." He smirked, but his eyes remained intense, his gaze lingering on her lips.

She tilted her head, leaning in a little closer. "And what if I wanted to get you drunk?"

He raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what would you do with me then?"

She felt a thrill at the challenge in his voice. "Guess you'll have to find out."

They downed their drinks, and soon they were both giggling, the warmth of the alcohol and their proximity making every touch, every glance feel amplified. Diana's hand brushed against his arm, and she felt the muscle tense under her fingers. She didn't pull away, and neither did he.

In a bold move, Yeon Jun leaned in, his lips inches from hers. Her breath hitched, her heart pounding in her chest. His eyes dropped to her lips. For a moment, she felt like the world had narrowed to just the two of them. The music, the chatter, the bar—they all faded away as she found herself leaning in, her lips just a breath away from his.

But then, reality nudged her. She pulled back, just a fraction, enough to break the spell. "Maybe... maybe we should get some fresh air."

Yeon Jun's eyes searched hers, and for a moment, she thought he might kiss her anyway. But then he nodded, a slow smile spreading across his face. "Good idea. Let's take a walk."

They stumbled out of the bar, the cool night air hitting them and making everything feel sharp and clear again. Diana laughed as they walked down the empty street, the cobblestones uneven beneath her feet.

"You're tipsy," Yeon Jun teased, his hand steadying her as she wobbled slightly.

"Am not," she shot back, even as she grabbed onto his arm for balance. "Okay, maybe a little."

He laughed, his arm wrapping around her waist as they continued down the road. "Told you I make a mean cocktail."

"Technically, you didn't make the alcohol. You just mixed it. And I'll have you know, I can hold my liquor," she insisted, grinning up at him.

"Oh yeah?" he challenged, his eyes locked on hers. "Prove it."

She stopped walking, turning to face him. The playful glint in his eyes made her pulse race. "How?"

He leaned in, his voice low. "Kiss me."

Her breath caught, and for a moment, she froze. She could feel the heat of his body, the way his fingers grazed her waist. She wanted to close the gap between them, to feel the thrill of his lips against hers, but something held her back. Maybe it was fear, or maybe it was the reality that this was temporary.

Instead, she smirked, her voice a whisper. "Not yet."

He laughed softly, his forehead resting against hers. "You're killing me."

She took his hand with a smile. "Come on, there's more town to explore."

As they continued down the street, the tension between them lingered, a live wire crackling with unspoken possibilities. They laughed, talked, and walked under the string lights, but every touch, every glance felt loaded with a promise that neither of them was quite ready to make. Not yet.

But they both knew it was only a matter of time.