Kiss Me

The evening breeze carried the faint scent of red roses, mixed with the smoky odor of vehicles passing by on the deserted streets. On the third-floor balcony of a modest apartment, she stood gazing at the twinkling city lights. Her fingers clutched tightly to a mug of warm tea that was beginning to cool. Her mind drifted, far beyond the confines of the tall buildings before her.

Tonight felt different. There was a warmth that lingered in her heart, a remnant of the unexpected encounter a few hours ago. The moment played in her mind, like a song she never got tired of listening to. Him, with his smile that could break down even the sturdiest of defenses, and his eyes that held the depths of the ocean.

They work in the same office, but in different divisions. Interactions that had been limited to a brief greeting in the hallway or small talk. She, with her introverted personality and comfort behind the scenes, never imagined she would have the opportunity to get to know him better. He, with his radiating charisma and friendliness was always surrounded by many people.

However, fate has its own way of bringing them together. That afternoon, heavy rain poured down, leaving her stuck in the office after hours. She was busy with a report that needed to be completed when he suddenly appeared at her desk, offering her a ride because their houses were in the same direction.

In his car, amidst the soothing sounds of raindrops and soft strains, the conversation just flowed. They talked about work, about books they were reading, about their favorite movies, even about childhood dreams they once had. She felt a strange yet pleasant connection, as if they had known each other for a long time. He listened to her attentively, occasionally throwing in something funny that made her laugh. It was a laugh she rarely showed in public.

When the car pulled up in front of the gate of her apartment, time seemed to pass too quickly. There was a feeling of reluctance to end the moment together. He turned to her, his smile warm and genuine. “Thank you for accompanying me to talk. I'm less bored with the traffic,” he said.

Her heart was racing. She felt her cheeks heat up a little. “Thank you, too. If it wasn't for you, I'd probably still be stuck in the office,” she replied in a slightly shaky voice.

Just as she was about to open the car door, he suddenly called out again. “Hey,” he said softly. She turned to him, looking into his eyes that now looked more intense. There was something that wasn't, something that pulled them closer.

She could feel the scent of coffee and his breath. His face drew closer, his gaze fixed on her lips. She froze, all her nerves tightening. Her brain seemed to stop functioning, leaving only one urgent desire: kiss me.

However, his lips did not touch hers. A second before the distance between them completely disappeared, he smiled faintly and said, “Be careful on the road.” Then, he waved goodbye and refocused on the steering wheel.

Since that night, their interactions at the office have been a little different. There were more stares, more meaningful smiles, and conversations that felt more personal. She found herself seeking him out more often, whether it was just to see him from afar or just a quick hello.

On the other side, he also seems to pay more attention to her. He no longer just greets her briefly, but often stops to exchange a few sentences, ask how she's doing, or even give her book or movie recommendations that he thinks she'll like. Every little interaction feels like a puzzle piece that slowly builds up to a moment.

One afternoon, during lunchtime, she ventured over to his desk. Her heart was pounding, but she tried to hide her nervousness behind a smile. “You're not busy?” she asked.

He looked up, his smile brightening at the sight. “Not really. What's wrong?”

“I... I wanted to thank you again for the ride. If you have time, how about we have lunch together as my thanks?” she asked, trying to sound as calm as possible.

He nodded. “Of course. I'm very happy.”

That lunch felt like a dream. They talked more, sharing stories about themselves more openly. She saw kindness and sincerity in his eyes, something she had always admired from afar.

At the end of lunch, as they walked back to the office, he suddenly stopped and looked at her with a gentle gaze. “Hey,” he called again, in the same tone as the night in the car. Her heart started racing again.

“Yes?” she replied softly.

He reached out his hand and gently touched her cheek. “I... I want to be honest with you,” she said in a low voice. “That night, in front of your apartment, I really wanted to kiss you.”

“Then, why didn't you do it?” she asked, daring to look him in the eye.

He sighed softly. “I was afraid. I'm afraid you don't feel the same way. I don't want to ruin the friendship between us. I've liked you for a long time. However, I want to make sure again that my feelings are not just a momentary attraction.”

She smiled softly. “I feel the same way. I've liked you for a long time. Ever since then, I've felt something was different. And that night... I also wish you hadn't stopped.”

Their lips touched each other gently, initially just a light peck that felt like the touch of butterflies. However, slowly, the kiss became deeper. They found their own world, a space where there was only them and the feelings they finally dared to express.

When their lips finally parted, they looked at each other with smiles that could not be hidden. “Kiss me again,” she whispered softly, and he happily obliged.