The kiss changed everything—and nothing. They still went to the beach. Still had quiet sketch sessions. I still drank iced tea in their spot at the café. But there was something softer between them now. More intentional.
They'd brush their shoulders and linger longer. Hold hands without looking around first. Laugh with their eyes more.
One night, they lay in the sand staring at the stars. Malik traced constellations with his finger.
"You ever wonder if people on the other side of the world see the same stars and feel what we feel?"
Elias looked over. "I hope so. I hope everyone feels like this."
Malik smiled and kissed his cheek.
They didn't need to say it.
But Elias knew they were falling in love.