Sparks to flame

The rain fell in sheets, brutal and blinding. Mahira turned the corner and froze-he was already there, blocking her path like always.

"What the hell do you want?" she snapped.

"You left in the middle of a war."

"We've *always* been in the middle of a war."

"That didn't stop you before."

"And yet," she said, "you followed me."

"I should've stayed away."

"Then why didn't you?"

Silence. Then he moved-one hand at her waist, the other cradling her jaw-and kissed her.

**Their kiss was fierce, desperate, and all-consuming.**
It was as if they were trying to escape the darkness that surrounded them, to lose themselves in each other's embrace.
The world around them melted away, leaving only the thrumming rain and the pounding of their hearts.

She clutched his shirt, kissing him back with equal fury. His lips moved like he hated how much he wanted her.

When they finally pulled apart, breathless, he whispered, "Tell me this means nothing. Lie to me."

Her voice trembled. "This changes nothing."

He almost laughed. "You're a terrible liar."

She shoved him. "And you're still the last man I'd ever fall for."

She turned and walked into the storm, heart racing.
Behind her, he didn't follow.
But she could still feel him-on her lips, in her breath, under her skin.

And it terrified her.

#Hanya🎀