The ocean seemed endless beneath the night sky.Gentle waves rolled against the wooden deck below the restaurant, creating a soothing rhythm that blended perfectly with the distant music drifting through the warm evening air.
Above them, countless stars shimmered across the sky and between them...A silence existed that no longer felt awkward.
It felt comfortable and natural.
As though both of them had finally stopped running from it.The candles flickered softly between them, casting a warm glow across Aria's face.
Rafael found himself staring again.
Not intentionally.At least, that was what he kept telling himself.But every time he looked away, his eyes somehow returned to her as though they belonged there.
Aria noticed eventually.
"You've been staring at me."
Rafael didn't even look embarrassed.
"I know."
Her cheeks warmed.
"You're admitting it?"
"Why would I deny it?"
The answer came so easily that she almost forgot how to respond.
A smile appeared on his face.
