Yuna glanced around nervously as she followed Nick into the crowded house party already in full swing. She had never been to this kind of high-energy social event before, but Nick had convinced her it could be fun.
As Nick was pulled away to greet friends, Yuna squeezed herself into a corner, sipping punch and overwhelmed by the pulsing music and mass of bodies. She breathed a sigh of relief when Nick appeared again and grabbed her hand, leading her to the makeshift dancefloor.
Under the dimmed lights, they laughed freely together, caught up in the mood. Nick spun Yuna around and she smiled giddily. In this room, with him, she felt almost normal.
Later, Yuna escaped to the patio for some air. Gazing up at the stars calmed her buzzing mind. She jumped feeling a hand on her shoulder, then relaxed seeing it was just Nick.
"There you are," he said, leaning against the railing beside her. His hand accidentally brushed hers, sending a shiver up Yuna's arm. She hoped he couldn't hear her pounding heart over the distant music.
"Thank you for convincing me to come, this has been really fun," Yuna said. Impulsively, she reached out to hug him. Nick froze for barely a second before his arms wrapped tightly around her.
Everything happened quickly after that. Too quickly for Yuna's intoxicated mind to process in the moment. As they pulled back from the embrace, Nick cradled Yuna's face in his hands. He gazed at her with an emotion she couldn't quite place before his lips met hers.
The kiss only lasted a few seconds, but it left Yuna breathless. Nick seemed to return to reality, eyes going wide. "I'm sorry, I...I shouldn't have," he stammered. Before Yuna could react, he disappeared back into the party.
The next morning, Yuna's mind replayed the electric kiss on loop, leaving her tossing and turning restlessly. Was it just a mistake caused by the mood of the party? Or something more? Her heart and head swirled with questions.
A soft knock at the bedroom door drew Yuna from her confused thoughts. Nick stood fidgeting in the hall, looking anguished. "Can we talk?" he asked hesitantly.
Yuna nodded, pulse quickening. They sat facing each other on her bed. "I'm sorry about last night, I crossed a line," Nick said guiltily. "But the truth is, my feelings for you have grown past just friendship. I think I've been falling for you for a long time without realizing."
He finally met her eyes anxiously. "I totally understand if you don't feel the same, but I had to tell you."
Joy rose in Yuna as she fully registered his confession. "I do feel the same," she said softly. "I think I have for awhile too."
Nick's worried expression transformed into a radiant smile. He cautiously tucked a strand of hair behind Yuna's ear. This time, she welcomed the sweet kiss, melting into the beautiful truth that had finally been revealed.