The days after that confession were a whirlwind. Neli and Rana were inseparable, their connection growing stronger with each passing moment. They would walk together between classes, share lunch under the shade of a tree in Ngoma Park, and sometimes, just sit in comfortable silence, allowing the world to carry on around them.
But there was always this feeling in the air, something unspoken but undeniable.
It was a Friday afternoon when it finally happened.
Neli and Rana were walking home from school, side by side, their footsteps in sync. The air was cool, the sky a brilliant shade of orange as the sun began to set. They passed a quiet cafe, the soft hum of music drifting out onto the sidewalk.
Without thinking, Neli reached for his hand. It was instinctive, as if her body had been waiting for this moment. Her fingers brushed against his, and for a split second, she thought she might pull away. But Rana didn't. Instead, he intertwined his fingers with hers, his grip firm but gentle.
A rush of warmth surged through Neli, her heart racing faster than it ever had before. She looked up at him, and for the first time, there was no uncertainty between them.
Rana smiled, his eyes filled with a quiet understanding. "I've been wanting to do that for a while."
Neli laughed softly, the sound of it pure and unburdened. "Me too."
And in that moment, the spark between them burned brighter than ever.