Maze was your best friend. The one who had been by your side through everything, the one who knew you better than anyone. He should’ve remembered that. He should’ve reminded himself of his place in your life. But how could he, when just being near you sent his heart racing like a damn fool?

It started slow, almost imperceptible—those little moments. The way your smile would hit him like a punch to the gut, leaving him breathless. The way his chest would tighten when you’d laugh, a sound that made him feel like the luckiest guy alive. And those hugs... They were supposed to be casual, just a friendly gesture, but every time you wrapped your arms around him, his world tilted on its axis. His pulse would spike, and he couldn’t control the heat spreading across his face.

At first, he brushed it off. It was nothing, right? Just his imagination running wild. He told himself that, each time his pulse quickened around you. But the more time passed, the more he realized this was no fleeting infatuation. He is damn In love.

Tonight, everything felt different. The family gathering was full of noise and laughter, but none of it reached him. His focus was entirely on you. There you were, talking animatedly about nothing and everything, your gaze fixed on the stars above, your voice ringing out like music in the cool night air. You had no idea what you were doing to him. You never did.

Maze couldn’t tear his eyes away. Every glance at you, every soft word you said made his pulse hammer in his chest. He was a fool, a damn fool for letting this happen.

And then, before he could stop himself, he reached out. His hand found its way to your chin, tilting your face upward. Your eyes met his, searching, confused—he was sure you didn’t know what he was about to do.

He didn’t say a word. He didn’t need to. Slowly, carefully, he leaned in. His lips brushed against yours, just a soft, fleeting touch..

a kiss that burned into his soul.

The moment he pulled away, he froze, panic seizing him. "I-im sorry..! a-a crab bit me!"