Only Just Begun

You Only Live Once

Jerry, Daniel, Tessa, Roy, Hermione, and Daphne were about to embark on an unforgettable journey to the majestic city of Edinburgh, Scotland. Located in the heart of the city,  Cold Town House was a picturesque gem. Its vintage décor, twinkling lights, and panoramic view of Edinburgh Castle—glowing like a crown beneath the starry sky—created an atmosphere straight out of a modern fairytale. The soft flicker of candlelight danced across wooden tables, and the gentle notes of a piano floated through the air, setting the perfect romantic mood.

Their night at Cold Town House had already set the tone for what promised to be a magical adventure—but for Jerry, that evening was especially memorable. His heart, long guarded, was slowly beginning to open again—this time to Daphne, a stunning aspiring actress with a captivating smile and a spark that lit something deep inside him.

While their friends chatted and laughed around them, Jerry and Daphne sat tucked in a quiet corner, their world shrinking to just the two of them. They shared stories and stolen glances that spoke volumes. The chemistry between them grew with each passing moment, and soon, the pull became undeniable.

Jerry's heart raced as he reached out, brushing a hand lightly against Daphne's. Her eyes sparkled as they met his, and in a breathless instant filled with anticipation, he leaned in and kissed her. It was soft, sincere and slow—as if time itself had stilled for them. Around them, their friends burst into cheers and knowing smiles, celebrating the moment with pure joy.

That night  played out like something from a love story. In this tale, Jerry was the sweet, lovable American nerd; Daphne, the charming and radiant actress. Everything—the cozy lighting, the castle silhouetted in moonlight, the music—seemed destined to bring their paths together.

Under the bar's golden glow, Daphne's beauty became even more striking. Her delicate features, her expressive eyes, and the way she laughed so freely—it all enchanted Jerry. Each glance, every word, felt meaningful. He admired her self-assurance, her passion, her playful charm.

But the kiss... that kiss was different.

For Jerry, it marked the beginning of something real. A chance to turn the page. A step away from the heartbreak he'd endured with Carol—the woman who had once held his heart but left behind only scars. That chapter had ended in pain and confusion. But now, in this moment, Jerry felt something he hadn't in a long time: hope.

That single kiss with Daphne, laced with promise and unspoken emotion, felt like a turning point in his life.

Later that night, despite sharing a room and a bunk bed,  they made a quiet, mutual decision: to sleep in separate beds. The iron-framed bunk stood humbly in the corner, its vintage creaks echoing softly in the quiet room. Though they were physically close, they both understood the importance of patience.

They didn't want to rush. They wanted to savor the spark between them, to give it room to grow—naturally, without pressure or haste.

As they prepared for bed, a tender silence settled over the room. Clothes were folded with gentle hands, soft laughter fluttered through the air, and every casual brush of their fingers sparked something electric. Their voices lowered to murmurs, every word carrying weight and intimacy, as though whispered in a world meant only for them.

Eventually, the city of Edinburgh gave way to night, and the world outside faded into stillness. Jerry and Daphne lay on opposite bunks, wrapped in their own thoughts yet acutely aware of the other's presence.

The room pulsed with quiet tension, not of discomfort, but of anticipation. The kind of tension that builds not from urgency, but from restraint.

Their decision to sleep apart was more than respectful—it was a promise. A sign that what they were building was something worth waiting for. In the soft darkness, the quiet rhythm of their breathing filled the space, each heartbeat syncing to the same quiet hope.  As they drifted off to sleep in their separate beds, a quiet understanding passed between them. This was just the beginning. And the dawn waiting ahead held endless possibilities.