Zaire
The evening air feels warmer now, like the garden itself knows something’s changed between us. The lanterns catch in Kyra’s eyes, and I swear I’ve never seen them this open. This unguarded.
She doesn’t pull away from me.
She doesn’t hide.
She just sits there, breathing like she’s not afraid of the moment anymore.
I brush a loose strand of hair behind her ear. It’s nothing, just a small touch, but her inhale is sharp enough to wreck me.
“You’re tired,” I say quietly. “Let’s go inside. You shouldn’t stay out in the late air too long.”
She nods, slow, but I see it in her face. She doesn’t want this to end either.
I help her up, catching her when she wobbles. Her hand settles on my arm for balance, and I don’t think she realizes how long she leaves it there. I do. I feel ever
