The starlit melody drifted through the town square, weaving a romantic spell over the Luminaria Festival. Evelyn and Callum moved together in quiet harmony during the celestial dance, their steps becoming more fluid, their connection unmistakable. Around them, the crowd whispered, the speculative hum almost as palpable as the music.
"Do you think there's something going on between them?" one voice murmured.
"They've got the look," another added, a playful lilt in their tone.
Evelyn heard fragments of the gossip and felt her cheeks flush, her focus faltering. Callum noticed and leaned in slightly. "Ignore them," he said under his breath, his voice calm but firm.
Before Evelyn could respond, Lucas Miller approached, his grin as easy as his charm. The town's ever-social businessman had a knack for making his presence known.
"Evelyn," Lucas began, stepping in as the dance ended. "That mural of yours is incredible. I don't know how you do it—capturing the soul of this place like that."
Evelyn smiled politely, unsure how to respond. "Thank you, Lucas. It means a lot."
Lucas's attention lingered a bit too long, his words shifting to lighthearted compliments about her dress and the way she carried herself. Though Evelyn appreciated his kindness, his intent felt unmistakably flirtatious.
Callum, standing nearby, stiffened. His jaw tightened imperceptibly, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of something Evelyn couldn't quite place—until she realized it was jealousy.
Lucas continued, "You know, if you ever need someone to show you around or grab a coffee, I'm your guy." He chuckled warmly, oblivious to the storm brewing in Callum's gaze.
Evelyn felt the air shift. Callum's presence beside her became almost magnetic, an unspoken claim vibrating between them. She glanced at him, catching the slight downturn of his lips, his arms crossed defensively.
"Thanks, Lucas," Evelyn said lightly, hoping to diffuse the tension. "But I think I've got the lay of the land for now."
Lucas didn't seem deterred, but before he could say more, Amelia swooped in, tugging him away under the guise of needing help with festival arrangements.
As the crowd dispersed into smaller groups, Evelyn and Callum found themselves walking side by side through the square, the silence between them weighty.
"Lucas seems... enthusiastic," Callum remarked, his tone carefully neutral.
Evelyn smirked, sensing the subtext. "He's just being friendly."
"Right," Callum said, though his voice carried a note of disbelief.
They stopped near the docks, where the sound of waves lapping against the wooden planks filled the quiet. Evelyn turned to face him, searching his expression.
"Were you... jealous?" she asked, half-teasing but unable to keep the curiosity from her voice.
Callum met her gaze, his hesitation speaking louder than words. Finally, he shrugged. "I don't like seeing people treat you like... like a prize to be won."
Evelyn tilted her head, a soft smile forming. "And what about you?"
Callum looked away, his lips pressing into a thin line as though wrestling with his own thoughts. "I don't know," he admitted quietly. "But I don't think I like the idea of anyone else having your attention."
The vulnerability in his words left Evelyn momentarily speechless. The tension between them crackled, unresolved yet undeniable.
As the distant sound of laughter and music reached them, they stood together in the moonlit stillness, neither ready to take the next step, but neither willing to turn away.