“i promise i’ll never forget this,” ekko said, his voice low but firm, holding a weight that only he could carry so effortlessly.

a small smile tugged at your lips. “you better not.”

on instinct, you leaned in, your breath mingling with his as you closed the space between you. but just before your lips met, he hesitated, gently pulling back.

“sorry, i…” ekko started, his voice faltering as his hand dropped to his side. he avoided your gaze, the usual confidence in his demeanor replaced by something more vulnerable.

your heart sank. “no, it’s fine, i…” you trailed off, glancing away, the moment feeling raw and uncertain.

he reached out then, his hand brushing yours, his voice soft yet earnest. “can we just pretend like it’s the first time?”

the vulnerability in his tone made your heart ache, and you couldn’t help but reach up, placing a hand gently on his cheek. his skin was warm under your touch, and when your eyes met his, there was an unspoken understanding—a longing you both carried but hadn’t dared to voice until now.

slowly, you leaned in again, closing the gap between you. this time, there was no hesitation. your lips met his, tender and deliberate, the kiss filled with a shared emotion neither of you had the courage to name until this very moment.