WebNovels

Chapter 25 - "Tied To Your Breath. Where The Lake Held Our Secrets."

"Moonlight Secrets & Chocolate Kisses" 

Scene: An Evening That Felt Like Forever

The sun had long dipped behind the horizon, leaving behind a soft amber afterglow that danced across the city's skyline. Prizey and Simon found themselves walking beside each other, the calm night whispering through the trees as they stopped for ice cream.

Prizey, with her usual innocent charm, sat down on the bench and began savoring her chocolate cone. There was something childlike in the way she ate—tiny bites, soft hums of delight, chocolate smudging the corners of her lips. She looked up once, briefly catching Simon's gaze, and smiled shyly before looking away again.

Simon didn't touch his own ice cream.

He was too lost...

Lost in the way her lips curved around each bite.

In the way her emerald eyes sparkled under the faint moonlight.

In the way her soft cheeks dimpled when she smiled.

He wasn't just looking at her… he was memorizing her.

Gently, he leaned forward and tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear, letting his fingers linger for a heartbeat too long. Prizey just smiled again, unbothered, and went back to her ice cream.

Simon's thoughts swirled like a silent storm.

"Oh, my Prize... If only I could tell you how precious this moment is to me. If staying away from you makes you happy, I'd do it without question. But truth is... I'm falling so hard for you. I love you—deeply, madly, completely—from the bottom of a werewolf's heart. And when a wolf falls in love… he never lets go. I'll never let go of you, Prizey."

As the moment lingered, Prizey finished her ice cream and looked at Simon.

A soft giggle escaped her lips as she pointed to the chocolate smudge near the corner of his mouth.

Simon chuckled and reached for a tissue to wipe it, but before he could, Prizey pouted like a child. Simon understood instantly.

With a warm laugh, he ruffled her hair and said,

"Okay okay, my little Wolfie… one more ice cream it is."

Her eyes sparkled like a kid promised candy as she happily started on her second cone.

---

Scene: The Return to the Hotel

Later that night, the group returned to the hotel. The playful glow between them still lingered in the air like faint moonlight.

The moment Prizey stepped into the room, she ran to Aliyah and hugged her tightly, burying herself in the familiar comfort of her best friend.

Simon chuckled as he flopped onto the other bed beside Max, still carrying the warmth of the evening in his heart.

But while the hotel slowly fell into slumber…

Prizey couldn't sleep.

Her mind kept circling back to the strange forest. The eerie vibes of that villa hadn't left her thoughts.

Prizey (in her mind):

"What do I do? I need to go back there. I have to find out the truth about Mr. Strange... about that creepy place in the woods. But how? That forest's near New York, I know that. What excuse can I make? Wait... all my friends will be asleep at night... Yes! I have a plan. I'm going tomorrow night... no matter what."

---

Meanwhile, in Simon's thoughts...

Simon lay wide awake too.

"Luna wouldn't have called me unless it was serious... something's wrong. I'll wait until Prizey falls asleep, then I'll teleport."

After an hour, he turned to see Prizey finally asleep. Gently, silently, he leaned down and kissed her forehead.

"Sleep well, my moonlight," he whispered—and disappeared into the shadows.

---

Scene: Xavier's Hidden Villa – Midnight

A cold breeze rustled the tall trees outside the mysterious forest villa. Shadows danced on the stone walls as Simon—no, Xavier—reappeared, teleporting into the silent hallway. His eyes glowed faintly as he looked around.

"Luna?" he called, his voice serious.

From the spiral staircase came soft, graceful steps. A sleek, snow-white cat with sapphire eyes emerged—walking like royalty, her tail swishing with elegance.

But this wasn't just any cat.

This was Luna.

A magical creature, once cursed, now living like a human within the body of a feline.

"Simon?" she blinked. "Or should I say... Xavier?"

Xavier exhaled sharply. "Luna, this isn't the time for jokes. I'm Simon to the world, but to you, I'll always be Xavier."

Luna gracefully leapt onto the old wooden table and narrowed her eyes.

"Then let's talk, Xavier darling," she purred. "We have a problem."

Xavier's brows furrowed. "What is it?"

Luna's voice lost all trace of playfulness. "The portal to the werewolf realm... it's weakening."

Xavier froze. "What?! That's not possible…"

Luna's tone was grave. "It is possible. One moon key is already with us. But we need the remaining six to stabilize the gate. If we fail… the portal will collapse forever. It will blast into nothingness, Xavier."

Xavier's chest tightened. His heart beat wildly.

"No... I can't let that happen... my family, my world…"

"You have to act now," Luna urged. "Before it's too late."

"But why didn't Grandpa tell me this? Or Master Shifu?" Xavier asked, his voice shaking.

"They knew," Luna whispered, "but they chose silence. They didn't want to burden you. But I couldn't keep this secret anymore. You needed to know the truth."

---

End Scene:

And just like that, the weight of two worlds pressed on Xavier's shoulders once again.

But amidst chaos, one thought still stayed with him...

Prizey.

Her smile.

Her laughter.

Her heart.

The girl who unknowingly held more than just a place in his heart…

She might just hold the key to everything.

SCENE:

"The Book of Secrets and the Chosen Bond".

Inside the hidden library, the walls hummed softly with ancient energy. The shelves were lined with dusty tomes, secrets buried deep within every page. Xavier stood with arms folded, still trying to make sense of Luna's earlier words.

"So… now what?" he asked.

Luna, her white fur shimmering beneath the lantern light, climbed the tallest shelf with ease. "So? Just wait and watch," she said with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Xavier's brow furrowed. "What??"

Without another word, Luna pulled out a heavy, ancient book wrapped in velvet cloth. She floated down, gently placing it before him on the table.

Xavier's eyes widened in disbelief. "This book... where did you get this? This is from our ancient collection! It belongs to our clan!"

Luna didn't respond. Her eyes softened with a tinge of sadness, yet mischief sparkled behind them. She slowly opened the book.

It was titled: "Mythology of Werewolves."

Luna turned to the second chapter.

Xavier leaned closer.

Chapter Two: The Secrets of the Portal.

Xavier's heartbeat quickened. "Oh my gosh... what is this?"

Luna carefully flipped to page seven. Her voice turned solemn.

"It says… Without the true King, the portal begins to weaken. And when the seven keys are not placed upon the seven doors, the portal shall collapse—forever."

Xavier's breath caught in his throat. "Wait… this book has all the secrets of the werewolves?"

Luna nodded slowly. "Secrets… and solutions. And maybe, just maybe—secrets about your Prizey."

Xavier's head snapped toward her. "What?!"

"I'm right, my child," Luna whispered gently. "You know… you and Prizey were chosen for one another long before either of you were even born. It's destiny. Every future werewolf king has a fated mate. And for you… it's her. Prizey. The girl with the mark, the moonlight in her veins. Her secrets lie within this very book."

Xavier stood up abruptly, shock and fury colliding in his chest. "What? Luna… why didn't you tell me this earlier? Why didn't you show me this book before? Do you even realize how much this could have helped me—"

Thwack!

Luna smacked him on the head with the book.

"You're not that grown up yet to yell at your grandma," she huffed with a mock glare, tail flicking sassily.

Xavier blinked, momentarily stunned. "Ouch..."

Luna smirked, perching on the edge of the table like a queen. "That's better."

A chuckle escaped Xavier's lips despite himself. "Fine… sorry, grandma."

Luna's expression softened again. "You have much to learn, Xavier. But answers… they always arrive at the right time."

And as Xavier looked down at the open pages of the book, one thing became crystal clear: the portal, his destiny, and Prizey's hidden truth were all intertwined.

This was no longer just about saving his realm.

It was about unlocking the fate that had always been waiting for him.

[Scene – Midnight Conversations & A Sunrise Ride]

INT. MYSTIC WOODS – NIGHT

XAVIER (softly, broken)

What do I do now…? I'm tired of being alone. There's no one left… How am I supposed to survive this... all alone?

His voice cracks. His shoulders tremble. For the first time in ages… he lets himself cry.

LUNA (gently, stepping forward)

Sshh… my child.

(She pulls him into a warm embrace)

I know… I know your pain. But you can't let it break you, hmm? You're stronger than you think, Xavier.

Xavier nods, his breath shaky.

LUNA (smiling tenderly)

That's better, my dear. Now enough tears. It's time… time to go to her.

XAVIER (sniffling)

Her...?

LUNA (teasing, grinning)

Aha! Look at you—just the sound of "Prizey" and your pain disappears, hmm?

Xavier lets out a soft chuckle through his tears.

LUNA (affectionately serious)

Real strength is when you cry and still choose to rise. So go, my brave boy. Go to her.

XAVIER (a faint, painful smile)

But… the portal...?

LUNA

It's not time yet. Use this moment to prepare yourself. Mentally. Emotionally.

Xavier takes a deep breath, then nods. He looks at her one last time.

XAVIER (softly)

Thank you…

He vanishes in a blink—teleporting back to the hotel.

---

[Next Morning – Hotel Courtyard]

Excitement buzzes in the air. The group prepares for another day of adventures. But Prizey… stands quieter than usual.

PRIZEY (gently)

Guys, let's come back to the hotel early today… I'm not feeling too well.

ALIYAH (concerned)

Are you sure? If you're not okay, we don't have to go at all—

PRIZEY (shaking her head)

No no, please don't cancel anything because of me. I want you all to enjoy this trip.

SONIA (rolling her eyes)

Ugh, here we go again with the drama.

LOUIS

Sonia, maybe check her face before judging?

SONIA

My foot. I'm leaving. Whoever wants to come—follow.

PRIZEY (softly)

It's okay, really. You all go. I'll stay.

MAX (kindly)

Come with us for a little while? We'll be back early, I promise.

Prizey hesitates… then nods slowly.

Just then, Simon walks up behind her and gently places his hand on her shoulder. He leans in, whispering softly.

SIMON (whispering)

You'll feel better soon. Trust me.

Prizey looks at him, surprised—then smiles faintly. Aliyah notices. Her eyes widen in understanding. She grabs Max's arm and guides the others away, giving them space.

---

[EXT. PARKING LOT – MOMENTS LATER]

Before Prizey can speak, Simon gently takes her arm and leads her toward his matte black motorcycle.

PRIZEY (eyes widening)

Whoa whoa—where did this beauty come from?!

SIMON (grinning, finger on her lips)

Sshh… I thought you liked rides?

PRIZEY (beaming, hugging him)

I love them.

SIMON (softly)

Then… let's ride.

PRIZEY (excited like a child)

Wait—can I drive? Please??

SIMON (teasing)

Only if you promise not to crash us, sweetheart.

Prizey squeals and hops on. She grips the handles confidently, then turns back to him.

PRIZEY (commanding playfully)

Now sit behind me. Hold tight. No screaming… and don't you dare let go.

Simon raises a brow, smirks, and slides onto the bike behind her. He wraps his arms around her waist, leaning close.

SIMON (teasing near her ear)

Like this? Should I hold tighter… or do you need more balance, madam rider?

Prizey's heart skips. She swallows hard.

PRIZEY (pretending to scold)

Simon… I didn't mean that close—

Before she can finish, he places a soft kiss on her cheek from behind.

PRIZEY (laughing, blushing)

Oh my God, stop! At least wait till we're away from everyone!

SIMON

Why? I'm not scared of anyone.

Scene: The Princess and the Bike Ride (Restaurant Edition)

[EXT. EMPTY ROAD – MORNING]

Prizey's black McLaren bike zooms down the open road, tires screeching like they're in a racing anime. Simon clings to her from behind—arms tightly wrapped around her waist, face half-buried in her hoodie like a clingy boyfriend who just survived a rollercoaster.

Simon (shouting over the wind):

"Prizey... Slow down! I still wanna live to see my future as a rockstar husband!"

Prizey (grinning):

"Oh really? Getting scared now, princess?"

Simon pulls her even closer, gripping her belly like she's a life raft.

Simon (dramatically):

"Not scared... just enjoying the view from first class."

Then, in a low whisper near her ear:

"But if you keep riding like this... I might just bite you."

He kisses the back of her neck playfully.

Prizey (mock gasp):

"Did you drink something strange this morning?! Humans don't eat humans, you psycho!"

Simon (smirking):

"Who said I'm human, baby?"

Prizey:

"WHAT?!"

Simon (another kiss, more smug than ever):

"Maybe I'm your fictional werewolf boyfriend..."

Prizey (rolling eyes):

"Seriously? You're doing roleplay now?"

Simon laughs so hard he nearly falls off the bike.

Simon:

"Prize, if I wanted to—I could actually eat you raw right now."

Prizey:

"Shut up!"

She twists his wrist playfully, making him yelp like a puppy.

"Enough. You're getting food. From a restaurant. Like normal spoiled wolves."

---

INT. CLASSY RESTAURANT – Morning..

They walk into the restaurant and heads turn. But not for the reason one would expect.

Prizey walks in with absolute boss energy—messy hair, confident stride, leather jacket. Behind her, Simon follows like a literal Disney princess, hair perfectly tousled, pout in place, and lowkey expecting someone to roll out a red carpet.

Waiter (confused):

"Uh... table for two?"

Prizey (coolly):

"She's with me."

Simon (offended whisper):

"She?? Prizeyyy—I'm your Alpha boo, not Cinderella!"

Prizey smirks and pulls his chair out like a gentleman.

Prizey (teasing):

"Take a seat, your majesty."

Simon flips his hair dramatically and sits with exaggerated grace, placing his napkin in his lap like royalty.

Simon:

"Finally. A place that knows how to treat a royal werewolf like me."

Prizey:

"You mean like a pampered toddler?"

Simon:

"Same thing."

Simon is now sipping mocktail from a curly straw, cross-legged, talking to the waiter like he's a food critic.

Simon:

"Yes, excuse me? The salad dressing was emotionally dry. Can I get something...spicier? Like my tragic past?"

Prizey (to the waiter, embarrassed):

"Just bring him fries before he starts monologuing about his wolf trauma again."

---

Narration (with cheeky tone):

In a world where girls fall for mysterious dark boys...

Prizey just found herself a mysterious dramatic boy who eats her fries, not her soul.

And honestly? She's kinda okay with it.

Scene: The French Fry Feud

[INT. RESTAURANT – NIGHT CONTINUES]

Prizey munches quietly on her fries, dipping them into ketchup without a care in the world.

Simon stares at her. Not blinking. Not breathing.

Just. Staring.

Simon (dead serious):

"…Did you just… eat the last curly fry?"

Prizey (mouth full):

"Hm?" [innocent blinking]

"Was that yours?"

Simon (gasps, clutches chest like a heart attack):

"How DARE you?! That curly fry had dreams! We bonded spiritually!"

Prizey (laughs):

"Oh please, it was a piece of potato."

Simon (dramatic AF):

"It was my soulmate in snack form!! I was saving it to taste with the right mood lighting!"

Prizey (smirking):

"You mean you were taking photos of it for your food blog?"

Simon:

"Correction—my 'Foodstagram.' #FrydayFeels."

---

[He crosses his arms and pouts. Hard. Like a royal brat who didn't get his toy. Prizey watches him sulk and sighs.]

Prizey:

"Ugh, fine. Here—take one of mine."

Simon (still pouting):

"No. It's not the same. The moment is gone."

Prizey:

"Do you want me to hand-feed it to you while violins play in the background too?"

Simon looks up with a sparkle in his eyes.

Simon:

"You would do that… for me?"

Prizey (rolling her eyes):

"Oh my God, no."

---

Suddenly: A Shift in the Air...

Simon watches her in silence for a second. The teasing fades. Something softer replaces it.

Simon (gently):

"You always do that, y'know…"

Prizey (raising an eyebrow):

"Do what?"

Simon (quiet smile):

"Make the world feel... less messed up."

Prizey (caught off guard):

"Oh…"

Simon (eyes twinkling):

"Even when you steal my fries."

Prizey doesn't say anything—just looks at him for a second too long.

Simon (half-whisper):

"You're my favorite kind of chaos."

Prizey (trying not to blush):

"You're my favorite kind of headache."

Simon:

"Same thing."

---

 The Fake Faint...

[Suddenly, as the moment gets too soft for Simon's liking, he flops backward in his chair dramatically.]

Simon (fake gasping):

"I'm fainting from love!"

Prizey:

"Simon, get up—people are watching!"

Simon (faking a swoon):

"I see the stars... I see the moon... I see... our wedding cake!"

Waiter (rushing over, panicked):

"Should I call an ambulance?!"

Prizey:

"No, just bring him chocolate. He'll survive."

SCENE : "The Princess and the Secret Fries".....

Prizey was just about to say something when her phone buzzed. She looked down and noticed Jack's name flashing on the screen.

"Umm... Simon, just wait a second, I need to take this call," she said softly.

Simon didn't bother looking at her. His full attention was on the fries in front of him.

"Go wherever you want," he muttered between bites. "I only care about my fries."

Prizey couldn't help but smile, tilting her head in amusement. "Oh Simon... you're honestly such a cute little princess."

He heard that. His eyes flicked toward her briefly, then he went back to munching, pretending not to care.

Prizey chuckled and walked away to attend the call.

Simon leaned back in his chair, chewing slowly. "So... this is what they call fries," he mused aloud, inspecting one thoughtfully. "Why don't we have these in the werewolf clan?"

His eyes lit up with a new idea. "Well, when I go back... I'm definitely opening a stall. Simon's Secret Fries – taste that makes wolves howl." He let out a small, satisfied laugh and reached for another fry.

Meanwhile, Prizey answered the call. "Hello Jack? What happened?"

"Hey, Prizey. Just like you asked, I've arranged the car. Be ready by 9:00 PM sharp tonight."

"Alright," she replied. "I'll be on time. And Jack...?"

"Yeah?"

"Thank you. Seriously, thank you so much for helping me."

Jack's voice softened. "No worries. Honestly, what you did for my sister... this is nothing in return. I should be thanking you."

"No, Jack," she said quietly. "Robin wasn't just your sister's enemy. He was mine too. Taking revenge on him wasn't just justice for her—it was for me too. I'm just glad that my revenge ended up helping another girl breathe in peace."

Jack paused, then said sincerely, "You're right."

Prizey exhaled. "Okay, I'll talk to you later. I'm here with Simon right now, so... goodbye."

"Goodbye, take care."

"You too."

As the call ended, Prizey thought to herself, "Okay... finally. I got the chance to learn about Mr. Strange and that mysterious villa. I just hope no one suspects anything tonight."

She returned to the table where Simon was still enjoying his fries like they were a national treasure.

"So, Princess... finished your royal breakfast?" she teased.

Simon wiped his hands and nodded. "Yup. Shall we go?"

"Of course, Princess Cinderella."

"Oh come on, Prize..."

She burst into laughter. "What? Did Princess Cinderella get offended?"

He tried to suppress a smile, but failed. "Aghhh, stop calling me that."

"Okay, okay... Rapunzel."

Simon squinted. "Rapunzel?"

She winked playfully and grabbed his hand, dragging him toward the bike.

"Wait, wait," he said, pulling back a little. "I'm driving."

"Nope," she declared, crossing her arms. "I'm driving."

Simon pouted like a child.

Prizey sighed dramatically. "Ughh... fine, drive it."

Simon smirked and quickly hopped on, taking the front seat. Prizey climbed on behind him—but didn't hug him.

Simon didn't move.

Prizey frowned. "What now?"

"I'm not driving unless you hug me," he said stubbornly.

Prizey blinked, then struggled to hide her grin. Slowly, she wrapped her arms around him in a gentle back hug.

And then, to his complete shock—she kissed his cheek.

Simon froze. Then slowly turned his head. "Wait... whattt? Did Prizey just kiss me? Am I dreaming?"

Before he could bask in the moment, Prizey smacked the back of his head.

"Stop dreaming, Drama King. Just drive."

Simon couldn't stop the laughter that slipped out.

And just like that, they zoomed away—one holding on tighter than before, and the other secretly wishing the ride never ended.

Scene: On the Road, Under the Sky.....

The cool wind rushed past them as the bike sped through the empty road, but Simon's mind wasn't on the road anymore. His hands were on the handlebars — but his heart? Completely wrapped around the girl clinging to him from behind.

Prizey's arms were securely around his waist, her body leaning into his back, her warm breath brushing against the back of his neck. Every inhale, every exhale from her lips — it wasn't just air anymore. It was fire. And it was slowly melting the coldness he had carried for so long.

Even the chilly breeze that whipped past them felt strangely warm today. It wasn't the weather. It was her. It was Prizey.

Simon swallowed hard, trying to keep his focus on the road, but it was impossible not to feel her... every heartbeat, every tiny movement, every breath.

And then, silently, as if whispering to the sky itself, his thoughts spilled from the corners of his heart:

> "I hope this ride never ends… I hope you never drift away from me, Prizey. Just stay with me... stay only mine... always by my side… I just hope so…"

His grip on the handle tightened slightly, but it wasn't nerves — it was need. Not the wild hunger of a werewolf… but the quiet ache of a soul falling, deeper and deeper, into something more dangerous than any full moon — love.

Scene: The Hidden Lake

The engine finally hushed as Simon slowed the bike and pulled over near a quiet, secluded clearing. The world around them seemed to melt into stillness. No city lights, no chaos—just the soft rustling of leaves and the distant lullaby of water rippling gently against the shore.

Prizey blinked. "Why'd you stop?"

Simon didn't answer right away. Instead, he slowly got off the bike and extended a hand to her. "Come with me."

Still confused but curious, Prizey took his hand. Her fingers slipped into his as if they belonged there, and he led her through a narrow path veiled by trees, their shadows dancing under the moonlight.

And then, they reached it.

A hidden lake.The sunlight shimmered across the still surface of the lake, casting a golden hue over the water. A soft breeze rustled through the trees, but nothing could disturb the calm silence that had settled between Simon and Prizey.

They stood near the edge of the lake, where the world seemed to pause with them. The only sound was the gentle lapping of water and the distant call of birds beginning their day.

Prizey gasped. "It's beautiful…"

Simon smiled sideways, his eyes glowing slightly under the sun's glow. "Not as much as you."

She turned to him sharply, half-laughing, "You really need to stop flirting."

He shrugged with a devilish smirk. "I'm not flirting. I'm just dangerously honest."

She rolled her eyes, but her heart skipped a beat.

They stood at the edge of the lake, the air still between them, charged with something unspoken. Simon's gaze fell to her face again—he couldn't help it. The sunlight caressed her features so gently, it almost felt unfair that someone could look like that and not know it.

After a few silent moments, he spoke, his voice low and warm.

> "You know... when we were riding, I wasn't thinking about the road. My mind was just stuck on you—your breath on my neck, your arms around me. It felt like home. Like... if I kept driving, maybe time would forget us."

Prizey looked up at him, her expression softer now.

> "I felt that too," she whispered. "Like it was just us and the wind."

They both looked at the lake, standing in a quiet silence that didn't need to be filled.

Then, breaking the tenderness, Simon grinned.

> "You know what we call this kind of thing in my clan?"

Prizey blinked. "What?"

He smirked and pointed to a small basket he'd somehow stashed by the trees. "Fries."

Prizey burst into laughter. "Wait, what?! That's not even close to romantic!"

Simon pulled out a small box of fries he'd secretly picked up earlier and offered it like a rare treasure.

> "In our werewolf clan, romance looks like this. A moonlit lake, fireflies, and stolen fries."

Prizey: "Whatttt? Werewolf Clan? What it is?"

Simon: "well! It's a long story.."

Ohh yes. Actually werewolf clan is my house's name."

Prizey shook her head, still giggling. "You're seriously insane."

Simon leaned closer, his tone playful but low.

> "Maybe. Or maybe I'm just your fictional werewolf... trying to make you laugh before I confess how wildly, stupidly enchanted I am by you."

Prizey blinked. For a moment, her smile softened into stillness.

And then, as a breeze swept over the lake and her hair danced with the wind, Simon gently tucked a strand behind her ear. His fingers brushed her skin, lingering there for a second too long.

> "You don't know it yet," he said softly, "but you've already changed everything."

SCENE: "A Morning Made of Confessions"....

The sunlight shimmered across the still surface of the lake, casting a golden hue over the water. A soft breeze rustled through the trees, but nothing could disturb the calm silence that had settled between Simon and Prizey.

They stood near the edge of the lake, where the world seemed to pause with them. The only sound was the gentle lapping of water and the distant call of birds beginning their day.

Simon broke the silence first, his voice unusually soft.

"Prize... can I ask you something?"

Prizey looked up at him with a gentle smile. "Hmm? What is it?"

Simon hesitated for a moment, then asked quietly, "Have you ever... been in love?"

Her smile faded. For a heartbeat, she said nothing. Her eyes dropped to the ground, and her expression clouded with something deep—something painful. Seconds passed, heavy and wordless.

"Prizey?" Simon reached out and gently shook her arm. "Hello? What happened?"

She quickly wiped at her eyes, trying to mask the tears that had slipped out. "N-no, nothing… It's just… nothing."

Simon narrowed his eyes, seeing right through her. "You really think I wouldn't notice?"

Prizey looked up, startled. "You… you know?"

But before she could say more, Simon gently pulled her into his arms.

"I don't know everything," he whispered, "but I can guess. Maybe someone broke your heart… maybe something changed you so deeply that you started hating the idea of love altogether. Right?"

At those words, something inside Prizey shattered. She slowly wrapped her arms around him and held him tightly. Her breath hitched as she nodded against his chest.

Simon held her even closer.

"I get it, Prize. I do. Sometimes, our past... it changes us in ways we don't even understand. Makes us push people away. Makes us think we're unlovable. But it's not true. None of it is."

His voice wavered slightly, a flicker of his own pain echoing through his words. He remembered the loss of his family. The loneliness. The weight of the world that had forced him to grow up too fast.

But this moment—this girl—felt like something he didn't want to lose.

"Look at me," he whispered.

Gently, Simon cupped her face and tilted it toward him. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears.

"Remember what I said yesterday?" he continued. "I told you… I won't leave until you stop crying. And now—here you are, crying again. So, tell me, should I leave?"

Prizey suddenly clutched his collar, her grip tight and desperate.

"No!" she cried. "Please don't go, Simon. I… I think I'm falling in love with you. I really love you. Just... don't ever leave me, please. I want to stay with you."

Simon smiled, brushing his thumb gently against her cheek. "Shhh... relax, my dear. I'm not going anywhere. Never. And besides…" He leaned in closer, his tone soft but teasing. "When you love someone, you don't leave them, jaan."

A soft laugh escaped her as she playfully slapped his shoulder. "Stop saying such nonsense!"

She pointed her index finger at him in mock annoyance.

But Simon, with a smirk, caught her hand midair and pulled her close—so close she could feel his breath on her skin.

And then, he kissed her.

It wasn't rushed. It wasn't forced.

It was everything they'd both been holding back.

His hand held her gently but firmly, and her arms naturally found their place around his neck. For the first time, she kissed him back—willingly, warmly, completely.

Their silhouettes stood framed by the early morning light, two hearts finally letting go of their pasts… and falling into each other.

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