Debbie couldn't stop thinking about the kiss. It lingered in her thoughts, making her heart race at the most inconvenient times—while brushing her hair, walking through the bustling streets of Phnom Penh, even as she tried to focus on her exams. Filex had stirred something in her she wasn't sure she could ignore anymore. The next evening, Debbie and Filex found themselves at the National Museum, where Filex had invited her to explore the
new Khmer art exhibition.
"This place is beautiful," Debbie said as she admired a delicate sculpture carved from marble, her fingers brushing lightly against the air just above its surface.
"Not as beautiful as you," Filex said casually, his voice low but playful. Debbie rolled her eyes, though a smile tugged at her lips.
"You're terrible."
"Am I?" he teased, stepping closer. The dim museum lighting cast shadows across his face, making his eyes seem even more piercing. "I don't see you running away."
Debbie's pulse quickened as she met his gaze.
. "Maybe I'm just curious to see what you'll say next."
Filex grinned, the kind of grin that promised mischief. "I don't need words for what I'm thinking right now."
Before she could reply, he leaned in, his hand lightly brushing her arm as he guided her toward a quiet alcove. The closeness between them was magnetic, drawing her in despite the voice in her head that warned her about getting hurt again.
"You're trouble," she murmured, her voice trembling slightly.
"And yet, here you are," he whispered, his lips dangerously close to hers. Debbie didn't pull away. Instead, she tilted her head up, her breath hitching as Filex closed the distance between them.
This kiss was deeper, more urgent than the first, leaving her completely breathless.
When they finally pulled apart, Filex rested his forehead against hers, his voice barely audible. "Debbie, I'm not going anywhere. Not unless you ask me to."
Her heart swelled at his words. For the first time in what felt like forever, she allowed herself to believe that maybe,just maybe, she deserved someone who saw her for who she was—and stayed anyway.