Meant to Collide

35. The Pull of Desire

Sometimes, a feeling surges within, unexpected and potent, leading you down paths you never thought you'd tread. Temptation is such a feeling—powerful enough to be a gift for the wise, yet capable of unmooring even the steadiest heart.

Dusk settles with an unusual glow, casting a gentle allure over the sky—a change almost tangible yet elusive. Sky feels it, though its essence remains just beyond his grasp. Meanwhile, he and Jules slip into lighter, more comfortable attire, an unspoken harmony in their movements.

"Sir Sky," Jules calls from the top of the stairs.

Sky, working on his laptop, stands up, his gaze drawn to Jules as though seeing her anew each time. Her presence is electric, impossible to ignore.

"Do you like the pajamas I got for you?" he asks, a subtle warmth coloring his words.

Jules blushes, her smile soft. "Yes, I do."

"Shall we get back to work?" she asks, catching his gaze.

"Sure," he replies, though his eyes linger on her, lost in a silent reverie.

Time drifts by, the two of them sharing ideas as the evening deepens. Jules speaks about the work ahead, and Sky listens, though his attention is decidedly elsewhere. His thoughts are a gentle whirlwind, circling around her.

"What trend should we cover next?" she wonders aloud. "Technology? Health?"

Sky remains half-engaged, his gaze falling on her in a quiet admiration.

"What about idols' hobbies and activities?" she asks, catching his wandering eyes.

"Hmm... fine," Sky replies, sounding far more distracted than usual.

"But it's getting late," he murmurs, stifling a very deliberate yawn. "I'm feeling sleepy."

Jules raises a brow, surprised. "But you asked me to come over to work, right?"

"I did, but... I'm tired." He tries another feigned yawn, and she can't help but laugh.

"Well, if only you'd just say what's on your mind, Sky," she teases. "That way, I wouldn't have to interpret every little thing."

Sky sighs, smiling at her playfully before the truth escapes him in a calm, steady breath. "Fine. I want you to stay here more often."

Jules meets his gaze, a flicker of something soft and unguarded passing between them. She lowers her eyes, a gentle smile tugging at her lips, caught between certainty and surprise.

He sighs again, urging her to leave things for tomorrow. But as she starts tidying up, he springs up to help, his energy seemingly renewed.

"Sir Sky, you're not sleepy at all, are you?" she laughs.

Sky hushes her with an exaggerated look. "Fine, be honest. So I don't have to interpret everything you say," he counters, mimicking her tone.

She chuckles, nodding slowly. "I wonder... we're here, sharing all this—biting each other's lips, our noses... What kind of relationship does that even make us?"

"Nothing special. Everyone does it," Sky replies, a little too quickly, trying to hide his truth in humor.

Jules looks away, her smile fading slightly. "Do men do this with their female friends?" she asks, her voice a touch softer.

"Yeah... it's pretty common," he insists, though his voice is quieter now, the pretense slipping.

Jules nods, still unconvinced, searching his face. "Then should we do it again?" he asks, his gaze now openly intense, a mixture of desire and hesitation shimmering in his eyes.

Without missing a beat, Jules leans in for a playful nose bite, only for Sky to try to steal a kiss. She pulls away just in time, her laughter teasing him, a thrill in her eyes.

"Cheat," he calls out, and then, cupping her face gently, he leans in, his lips finally meeting hers, slow and soft. The light from beyond casts a warm glow, revealing the innocence and sincerity in their closeness.

"From now on... we'll play this game often," he murmurs, still close.

"What if people see us?" she whispers, half-amused, half-wary.

"Then don't let them see us," he answers, his voice low, sending a shiver through her.

Jules smiles, leaning into his warmth as the night wraps around them, carrying their laughter and closeness until the dawn.