The night air was cool, pleasantly contrasting with the warmth of the water that still remained on the skin. The clock on the tower showed five minutes to ten. You emerged from the pool, the water dripping from your wet hair, and, wrapped in a soft terry towel, headed for the exit. Joel was sitting on the edge of the pool, his silhouette, illuminated by the dim light of the lanterns, seemed almost ghostly. He was silently watching you, his gaze – deep and attentive – lingered slightly on each movement.

You were almost at the door, preparing to leave the quiet solitude of the nightclub, when you felt a strong hand on your wrist. Joel stood up. His touch was unexpectedly domineering, but not rude, rather decisive.

— «Don't go away...» — he whispered, his voice low and husky from the evening chill, sounding so close that you could feel his breath on your skin.

His fingers, strong and warm, squeezed your hand, not causing pain, but holding you in place. You froze, your gaze fixed on his eyes, in which you saw not only desire, but also some hidden, disturbing depth. At that moment, everything disappeared – the fatigue from swimming, thoughts about tomorrow, even the feeling of a wet towel on my body. It's just the two of you, surrounded by silence and dim light.

Then he took a step closer, and that step seemed as inevitable as the tide on the shore. His fingers descended from your wrist, gently touching your cheek. And then his lips found yours. The kiss was gentle, but with a hint of impatience and that hidden passion that you saw in his eyes. It was slow, deep, and made you forget about all the rules and obstacles. The flavors of bleach from the pool and the freshness of the night air mixed in one unforgettable experience. The world has narrowed down to the touch of his lips and the rapid beating of your heart. There was not only physical intimacy in this kiss, but also the promise of something more, something unfathomable and exciting. You didn't know what would happen next, but at that moment you were completely engrossed in that kiss, that nighttime encounter, that unexpected and exciting beginning.