The nievening sky melted into shades of gold and violet as Aria walked along the quiet shoreline. The soft waves brushed against her feet, carrying the scent of salt and memories she never expected to relive.
She had come to this secluded beach to escape the noise of her busy life. But fate had its own plans.
"Still chasing sunsets alone?"
The familiar voice behind her made her heart skip. She turned slowly and saw Daniel standing there, hands tucked casually into his pockets, his eyes reflecting the same warmth she remembered from years ago.
"Daniel… I didn't expect to see you here," she said, trying to steady her voice.
"I come here whenever I need to remember what truly matters," he replied softly, stepping closer.
The ocean breeze played with Aria's hair as silence wrapped around them, heavy with unspoken words. Their eyes met, and years of distance seemed to dissolve in a single moment.
"You disappeared," she whispered.
"I thought letting you go would make you happier," Daniel admitted. "But I never stopped thinking about you."
The honesty in his voice made her chest tighten. The waves crashed rhythmically behind them, almost like a heartbeat syncing with their emotions.
Daniel gently reached out, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. His touch was hesitant, respectful, yet filled with longing. Aria felt a warm shiver run through her as she leaned slightly toward him.
"I missed you," she confessed.
Their closeness created a quiet electricity. Daniel placed his forehead against hers, their breaths mingling in the cool evening air. The world around them faded, leaving only the sound of waves and the quiet confession of two hearts finding their way back.
He slowly wrapped his arms around her, and she rested her head against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. It felt safe, familiar, and new all at once.
The sun slipped beneath the horizon, painting them in twilight shadows as they stood together, knowing that sometimes love doesn't disappear—it simply waits for the right tide to bring it back.