The night was quiet, only the soft rustling of leaves and the fading crackle of the fire. You and Ellie sat on the porch, the space between you filled with something unspoken, something different than before.

Ellie wasn’t making her usual jokes, wasn’t pushing you away like she used to. Tonight, everything felt more... real.

“You’re quieter than usual,” you said, trying to break the silence.

Ellie turned to look at you, her gaze soft. “You noticed,” She said, almost with a hint of surprise.

You nodded, the air between you thick with tension. You both stayed quiet for a moment, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. It felt... right. Ellie shifted closer, her hand finding yours. The touch was simple, but it said everything.

Without thinking, you leaned in, just slightly. She mirrored your movements, her lips brushing against yours in a soft, hesitant kiss. It was gentle at first, unsure, like you both were testing something new, something fragile.

But then it deepened. The walls between you, built over the years, started to crumble. She pulled back just enough to meet your eyes, her breath unsteady.

“Didn’t think I’d ever do this,” Ellie whispered, a soft laugh escaping her lips. There was no regret, just a quiet understanding.