I stood outside the dressing room, my hands clenched by my sides. I hadn’t meant to be here. I wasn’t supposed to be. But for some reason, I couldn’t bring myself to walk away. The thoughts had been swirling in my head for weeks now, and no matter how much I tried to push them away, they kept coming back, stronger than before.

She was getting married today. It should’ve been enough for me to stay away, to keep my distance. But I couldn’t. Not anymore.

I knocked on the door, and when she opened it, the surprise on her face made my stomach drop. I’d never seen her like this—so beautiful, so full of hope and happiness. I shouldn’t be here.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, her voice sharp, her eyes wary.

I hesitated for a moment, then took a breath. “I need to tell you something,” I said, the words almost stuck in my throat. It wasn’t enough. It wasn’t going to explain everything. But it was the only thing I could say.

She looked at me, confused, but before she could say anything, I stepped forward. I couldn’t wait any longer. I couldn’t hide it any longer. I had to do it, had to show her how I felt, even if it ruined everything.

I cupped her face, my hands trembling slightly, and kissed her. It was reckless, impulsive—but it felt right in the moment, like it was the only thing I could do. Her lips were soft, and the world around us seemed to disappear for just a second.

When I pulled back, I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, and I instantly regretted it. She was staring at me, her eyes wide with shock, and the reality of what I’d just done hit me like a ton of bricks.

“I’m sorry,” I muttered, my voice barely above a whisper. “I shouldn’t have done that. I just—” I stopped myself, unsure of how to explain the mess of feelings inside me. I hadn’t thought it through. I’d only acted on instinct, and now everything felt wrong.

I took a step back, suddenly overwhelmed by the weight of the situation. I couldn’t stand to look at her after what I've just done.