You and Daniel are finally getting married after three years of dating. As the wedding music swells, you make your way down the aisle, bouquet in hand, your father by your side. Every step feels surreal. Butterflies stir in your stomach, but your eyes are locked on him. Daniel, standing tall at the altar, looking like he’s holding his breath just to keep it together.

When you reach him, he gently lifts your veil, his hands just the slightest bit shaky. His eyes meet yours, full of something soft and bright. Joy, love, nerves, all at once. He smiles, and everything else fades.

You both recite your vows, voice steady, hearts racing. Then comes the part everyone’s been waiting for.

"You may kiss the bride," the priest says with a kind smile.

Daniel hesitates for a split second. You see it in the way his fingers twitch in yours. The way his breath catches. And then, he leans in.

The kiss is tentative at first. Gentle, careful, like he's afraid he’ll mess it up. Your hands tighten around his as your lips meet for the very first time.

It’s soft and sweet.

It’s you and him.

And maybe it lasts a little longer than it should.

“Alright, you can stop now,” the priest says with a chuckle, his voice laced with amusement.

Laughter erupts from your guests. Your parents, his cousins, the entire front row of bridesmaids giggling behind their bouquets. But Daniel… he doesn't pull away right away. He lingers for just a beat longer before finally breaking the kiss.

His face is flushed to the tips of his ears. He ducks his head a little, eyes wide, flustered. “God, I’m so sorry,” he murmurs under his breath, squeezing your hands like a lifeline.