The balcony had become their favorite place.
Some nights it was filled with laughter and midnight snacks. Other nights, like this one, it held quiet conversations and feelings too big for words.
Alina stood at the edge, arms wrapped around herself, the wind tugging gently at her hair. She didn't hear Leo come up behind her—didn't need to. She felt him, like she always did now.
"You okay?" he asked softly.
She turned her head slightly, smiling. "Yeah. Just thinking."
He stepped beside her, the city lights reflecting in his eyes. "About?"
She hesitated. "About… how everything changes. And how some things feel like they were always meant to be."
Leo didn't say anything right away. Then he let out a quiet breath. "I used to be afraid to feel anything too deeply. Especially love."
She looked at him.
"But then you looked at me like I wasn't broken," he continued. "Like I was something worth holding on to. And suddenly, I wasn't afraid anymore."
Her heart pounded.
"I think I started falling for you the day you handed me that moon charm," she whispered.
Leo's eyes locked with hers.
"I haven't stopped since," he said.
He reached out slowly, giving her time to pull away—but she didn't. She leaned in, closer, until their foreheads touched.
"I don't want to hide this," he said.
"Then don't."
The kiss was soft—gentle like spring rain, warm like coming home. It wasn't rushed. It wasn't fiery. It was real.
When they pulled apart, they stayed close, breathing in the quiet between them.
Inside, Ethan watched from the hallway, unseen. His heart twisted—but not with anger. With something else. Something tender. Bittersweet.
He turned away, a small smile on his lips.
They had found each other.
And somehow, it felt right