Literature

the taste of stars on the tip of my tongue

An online English class. Who am I kidding? I tuck myself away in the corner of the room, my eyes never daring to look up.

I'm itching to see him and keep fighting the temptation until he says something that makes my breath hitch.

"it is one thing
to see
the stars
but another
to taste them."

I can't tear my eyes away.

I've never been one to study for exams but when it comes to the curvature of his body I cram. The slope of his lips, the ripples of his spine, the texture of his midnight black hair, his toned muscles flexing beneath his shirt...the way his eyes shimmer in the sunlight. It hits him perfectly as it beams through the window, caressing his tan skin. His jawline is sharp and jagged, like it could slice the tip of my finger. I would take the chance anyway.

He was chiseled by a master of sculpture.

When he turns his head the contours of his cheekbones become more pronounced.

What I would give to kiss his cheek, to watch those long lashes cast shadows as his eyes flutter closed.

To confess my love over sappy love poems and a steaming mug of coffee.

"Mr. Malik," a girl's voice resonates through the empty room. "I object. You can't taste the stars."

"Maybe you're right Jess. It's just a thought to ponder."

I turn in my assignment without uttering a word.

Who would want to taste the stars?

only fools
would risk

s
c
o
r
c
h
i
n
g

their mouths

"Harry hold up."

"I promised Sam a ride."

"Too bad."

"Excuse me?" I look into his eyes for a sign but he remains silent. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Too bad you don't love her."

"Like you care. Do me a favor and kindly fuck off."

"Please," he reaches for my hand and I can't pull away.

My chin tremors as he gives my hand a light squeeze.

"I can't do this Mr. Malik, just-"

"Zayn," he smiles, his lashes batting slowly as he blinks.

"Zayn," I echo, turning the name over on my tongue.

"Beautiful."

And he's leaning over the desk, his lips finding mine.

It's slow, deep and curious kissing, our lips softly smacking but God it's enough. It's more than enough. He stops and I climb over the table, completely out of my damn mind. His lips find the patch of skin behind my ear, his hands moving down and settling on my hips. My fingers tangle in his hair, feeling the heat of his scalp and his lips travel to my neck.