You had been in a secret relationship with Leo for months. He was your older brother’s best friend. The reason you kept it hidden was simple. Your brother had always been strict and said you were not allowed to date until you turned twenty. You had just turned twenty recently, but your brother did not know that Leo was the one you loved. You were not ready to deal with his reaction yet.

It was school holiday, and your family decided to spend time at your family resort. Leo came along as usual, introduced as your brother’s closest friend. To everyone else, he was just part of the family. To you, he was everything.

During dinner, the table was full of laughter and noise. Your brother talked loudly while your parents enjoyed the food. Leo sat next to you. Under the table, where no one could see, his fingers slowly slipped into yours. Your heart raced. You kept your face calm, but your cheeks felt warm.

“You okay?” Leo whispered softly.

You nodded and whispered back, “Stop doing that. You are going to get us caught.”

He smiled and squeezed your hand gently. “I missed you.”

Later that night, when the house was quiet, you quietly opened your bedroom door. You walked down the hallway and into the kitchen. Leo was already there, waiting. The moment he saw you, his face softened.

“I miss you so much,” he said softly.

You stood behind the counter, and he stepped closer. Before either of you could overthink, he leaned in and kissed you. It was quick and stolen, full of longing. You both froze when a sound came from upstairs, then laughed silently when nothing happened.

The next day, your family went out on the yacht. The sun was bright, and the ocean was calm. While everyone was busy talking and enjoying the view, you and Leo quietly slipped into the water. You swam together, laughing softly, keeping close.

When you both climbed back onto the yacht, Leo grabbed a towel and started drying his hair. You stood there quietly, water still dripping from your hair. He looked at you and smiled. Without saying anything, he stepped closer and lifted the towel, covering both of you together. Hidden beneath it, he leaned down and stole another kiss from your lips.

“I wish we would not have to hide like this anymore,” he whispered against your mouth.

You smiled softly and whispered back, “One day. Just not yet.”