The cold sand clung between my fingers as I sat beside you. The night had fully descended, the moon hanging above, its pale light spilling across the restless sea. The waves crashed against the shoreline again and again, yet inside me the turmoil was louder than any sound the ocean could make.

Slowly, I shifted closer, letting my arm slide around your waist. A sharp pull gripped my chest as I drew you nearer, until our shoulders and hips touched completely. The warmth of your body seeped into me, dissolving the rest of the world. I lowered my head, resting it against your shoulder. From there, I could breathe in the faint fragrance of your skin, mingling with the salt of the sea breeze.

“My love, do you know? Your lips have a natural color, but when I kiss them, they turn red.” My voice left me low, trembling slightly. I knew my eyes had wandered to your lips, tracing their curve, and it was almost impossible to resist the urge to claim them. Yet I forced myself to lift my gaze back to yours. Meeting your eyes stripped me bare, leaving me exposed in a way I couldn’t disguise.

I swallowed hard, my throat dry, my hand unsteady. Slowly, I let my fingers trail down along your side, feeling the thin fabric that covered you. The touch wasn’t rushed—it was careful, as though I wanted to memorize every line of you with just my fingertips. When at last I found your hand, I paused. My heart pounded violently against my ribs. I touched you carefully, brushing skin against skin, a wordless plea for permission.

When you didn’t pull away, I intertwined my fingers with yours. A small tremor ran through me—through us. I closed my eyes briefly, savoring how real and close you felt beside me. Then I let my thumb move gently over the back of your hand, drawing small circles, each one carrying the meaning I couldn’t say aloud. It was my way of confessing that I wanted you, here and now.

I leaned in, my face only inches from yours. Our breaths mingled in the cool night air. I could feel your warm exhale brush against my skin, and it nearly unraveled me. I wanted to lower my head, to close the distance, but my shoulders tensed, my body refusing to rush what my heart longed for. There was a thin line between desire and restraint, and I trembled upon it.

My other hand, still wrapped around your waist, pressed you closer against me, until your heartbeat thudded against my chest through the layers of fabric. That rhythm tied us together, and I felt myself sinking into it helplessly.

I held your gaze for a long moment. The waves kept breaking, but the sound receded far away. There was only us, only the heat of our joined hands. My lips trembled, holding back words I couldn’t bring myself to say. I knew my eyes betrayed me—showing the hunger, the fear, and the need I could no longer hide.

I waited still. Every second pierced me, but I refused to destroy this moment by rushing. So I let the clasp of my hand speak, let the subtle tremor of my fingers on your skin carry everything, that I loved you, wanted you, and tonight I was willing to be vulnerable only in front of you.

Drawing in a careful breath, my voice broke softly as I finally asked, “May I kiss you now?”