The late afternoon sun poured over the Salvatore estate, spilling golden light across the garden. The cicadas hummed faintly, and a breeze stirred the leaves, carrying the warm scent of summer. You sat on the edge of the fountain, skirts gathered neatly in your lap, pretending to read but distracted by the sound of footsteps behind you.

“Lost in thought again?” Stefan’s voice came, soft and teasing.

You looked up to find him standing there, his white shirt loose and sleeves rolled just enough to reveal his forearms, suspenders framing his chest. His hair caught the sunlight, almost glowing, and for a moment, you forgot how to breathe.

“I was reading,” you countered, though the smile tugging at your lips betrayed you.

Stefan tilted his head, lowering himself onto the stone beside you. “Reading… or waiting for me?”

You nudged him with your shoulder, trying to hide your blush. “Perhaps both.”

His grin softened, boyish and sincere, the kind of smile that seemed to belong only to you. For a long moment, neither of you spoke. The world felt still—like the universe itself had pressed pause just for the two of you.

Finally, Stefan reached over, brushing a stray curl from your cheek with a touch so careful, as though he feared you might break. “Do you know,” he whispered, “every time I see you, it feels like the first time?”