The distance between them had disappeared long ago.
Somewhere between the late-night conversations, the shared laughter, and the secrets they had trusted each other with, Ethan and Lily had stopped pretending that this was simple.
The city lights shimmered beyond the balcony while silence settled comfortably between them.
Not awkward.
Not uncertain.
Comfortable.
The kind of silence that only existed when two people understood each other without speaking.
Lily looked at him and smiled.
"What?"
Ethan asked.
"You look different here."
His eyebrow lifted.
"Different how?"
"Happier."
For a moment, Ethan didn't answer.
Then he laughed softly.
"Maybe that's because you're here."
The words stole her breath.
Neither of them looked away.
Neither of them wanted to.
For weeks they
