It was Steve's idea.
"You need a break," he said quietly as they walked hand in hand after class. "No drama, no whispers, no phones. Just… us."
Michelle looked up at him, tired but curious. "Just us?"
He nodded, a smile tugging at his lips. "Come with me this weekend. I know a place."
She hesitated only for a moment. Then, she smiled. "Okay."
Escape to Stillness
The cabin was small — tucked between tall pine trees at the edge of a lake. No signal. No noise. Just the soft sound of the wind through the branches and the gentle ripple of water touching the shore.
Michelle stepped out of the car and closed her eyes, breathing in the peace.
"It's perfect," she whispered.
Steve took her hand. "You're safe here."
Inside, the space was cozy. Warm lighting, thick blankets, a fireplace, and a small kitchen with mugs already waiting on the counter. Steve unpacked a few things while Michelle curled up on the couch, watching him.
"I didn't know you could be this... prepared," she teased.
He chuckled. "For you? I'd plan the world."
Slow Mornings and Long Nights
They cooked breakfast together — pancakes, burnt toast, too much syrup. Michelle wore one of Steve's hoodies and no makeup. He looked at her like she was the most beautiful thing in existence.
Afternoons were filled with long walks by the lake, fingers interlocked, no destination needed. They laughed. Talked about everything — fears, dreams, memories from when they were kids.
One evening, they lit a small fire outside and sat wrapped in the same blanket. Stars hung above them like diamonds.
Michelle rested her head on his shoulder. "Do you ever think this could be… it? Like, really it?"
Steve didn't answer right away. He turned to look at her instead, his eyes soft.
"I've never been this sure of anything in my life."
A Kiss Without Fear
The night deepened. They moved inside. The air was filled with warmth from the fire and something unspoken between them.
Michelle stood in the doorway of the living room, just watching him as he set two mugs of tea on the table.
He noticed her. "What?"
She didn't speak. Just walked up to him, wrapped her arms around his waist, and laid her head against his chest.
Steve held her tightly, breathing her in.
Then she looked up.
And without hesitation, she kissed him — slow, deep, and full of every word she didn't say. He responded instantly, his hands in her hair, pulling her closer as if he couldn't get enough.
In that moment, nothing else existed.
Just the quiet of the cabin. The softness of her lips. The promise in his touch.
A Night to Remember
Later, as they lay together in bed, wrapped in each other's arms, Michelle traced small circles on Steve's chest.
"I wish this could last forever."
He kissed the top of her head. "Maybe it can. One day."
She smiled, sleepy and full. "I don't need forever yet. Just more moments like this."
Steve looked at her — the girl he once met in a crowded lecture hall who now owned every piece of his heart.
"You'll have them. Every single one."