Liora held onto Ziv, unwilling to let go just yet. His arms tightened around her, and for a moment, the years between them felt like a distant memory. She finally stepped back, brushing a strand of hair from her face, and smiled up at him.
"You're really here," she said softly, her voice trembling with disbelief.
"I told you I'd come back, didn't I?" Ziv replied, his grin widening.
Her father cleared his throat from the doorway, breaking the moment. "Well, Ziv, you'd better come in. Liora's been pacing the floor for hours waiting for you."
Liora laughed, cheeks flushing. "Dad!"
Ziv chuckled as he stepped inside. "I'm glad to see some things haven't changed."
They spent the morning catching up over tea in the sunlit kitchen. Ziv shared stories from his time away—adventures with friends, late nights studying, and the moments he missed her the most. Liora listened intently, soaking in every word, her heart swelling with warmth.
Afterward, Liora led Ziv outside. The vineyard stretched out before them, rows of vines glistening under the midday sun. She turned to him with a mischievous glint in her eye.
"Do you remember the hill by the oak tree?" she asked.
Ziv's smile grew. "The one we used to race up?"
"Exactly. Think you can still beat me?"
Ziv raised an eyebrow. "You're on."
They took off running, laughter trailing behind them as they raced through the familiar paths. Liora's dress billowed in the wind, and for the first time in years, she felt utterly free. Ziv reached the top first, breathless but triumphant.
"Still got it," he teased, hands on his knees.
Liora arrived a second later, playfully shoving his shoulder. "You cheated. You took the shortcut!"
"Hey, all's fair in love and races," he said, grinning.
They sat under the oak tree, the sprawling vineyard below them. Ziv leaned back, resting his weight on his hands. "This place hasn't changed much. It feels like home."
Liora glanced at him, her heart skipping a beat. "It is home. And it's yours too."
For a moment, the world seemed to pause as they sat in comfortable silence, the breeze carrying the sweet scent of grapes.
That evening, they ventured into town. Liora had planned a surprise—a visit to their favorite café, which still served the same pastries they used to share. The owner, an elderly woman with a kind smile, greeted them warmly.
"Well, if it isn't Liora and her Ziv," she said, her eyes twinkling. "It's been years, but you two still look like you belong together."
Liora blushed, and Ziv laughed, ordering two of their favorite pastries. They found a corner table, the soft hum of conversation and clinking cups surrounding them.
"This feels so surreal," Ziv said, taking a bite of his pastry. "It's like stepping back in time, but everything's… better."
"Better how?" Liora asked, tilting her head.
He met her gaze, his expression serious for a moment. "Because we're here. Together."
Her cheeks flushed, and she looked down, fiddling with her spoon. "You're making it hard to finish my dessert," she joked, trying to lighten the mood.
Ziv reached across the table, gently taking her hand. "I missed you, Liora. More than I can ever say."
She looked up at him, her heart full. "I missed you too."
The rest of the evening passed in a blur of laughter, stories, and stolen glances. By the time they returned home, the stars were out, twinkling against the inky sky.
Standing on the porch, Ziv hesitated. "Thank you for today. It was perfect."
Liora smiled. "It's just the beginning."
He nodded, his voice soft. "Goodnight, Liora."
"Goodnight, Ziv."
As he walked away, she leaned against the doorframe, watching him disappear into the night. Her heart was full, and for the first time in years, the threads of their bond felt stronger than ever.