Sealed with a Kiss

Alora sat on the dock, feet dangling over the edge, the sound of the waves soothing her. She had been hanging out with the Pogues all day, but now, it was just her and JJ.

He sat down beside her, his usual grin softening. “You okay?” he asked, nudging her arm with his.

“Yeah, just thinking,” she said, not meeting his gaze.

JJ leaned in slightly. “About what?”

She looked up at him, her heart racing. “About how I’ve been pretending things are fine, but I feel... lost sometimes.”

JJ’s face softened, and for a moment, he was quiet. “You don’t have to pretend with me, Alora.”

Before she could respond, JJ leaned closer, his lips brushing hers in a gentle kiss. It was quick, but it made her heart flip in her chest.

When he pulled away, he smiled, his voice low. “You’re not lost, Alora. You’re exactly where you need to be.”

She smiled back, feeling the weight lift off her shoulders. “Thanks, JJ.”

With that, the moment was sealed—not by words, but by the kiss that said it all.