The rain poured heavily, soaking both Joseph and Pharita as they stood in the dimly lit doorway.
Joseph's heart pounded.
Pharita hadn't pulled away.
She was still holding his hand.
Her warmth sent a shiver up his spine.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
The world around them seemed to fade.
It was just them.
Joseph slowly lifted his free hand, tucking a wet strand of hair behind Pharita's ear.
She didn't move away.
Didn't stop him.
Instead, she looked up at him, her dark eyes searching his.
"Joseph…" her voice was barely a whisper.
He could feel the hesitation in her tone.
The silent question in her gaze.
Was he serious?
Was this real?
Joseph took a shaky breath.
Then, gently, he cupped her cheek.
"Pharita…"
His thumb brushed against her skin, tracing the raindrops clinging to her face.
He didn't know when he started leaning in.
Didn't know when she closed her eyes.
All he knew was that their lips met.
Soft.
Warm.
Electric.
The rain continued to fall, but neither of them cared.
In that moment, nothing else mattered.
Not their fears.
Not their past mistakes.
Not the world.
Just this.
Just them.
The kiss was slow, hesitant at first, as if they were both afraid to break the moment.
Then, Joseph deepened it, his hand slipping behind her neck, pulling her closer.
Pharita responded, melting into him, her fingers gripping his jacket.
The thunder rumbled in the distance.
Their lips parted, but they stayed close, foreheads touching, breaths mingling.
Joseph let out a soft chuckle. "I can't believe I waited this long."
Pharita smiled, her cheeks flushed. "Me neither."
Joseph exhaled.
"So… what now?"
Pharita smirked. "I don't know. But we'll figure it out together."
Joseph nodded. "Yeah. Together."
As the rain poured around them, they stayed in each other's arms.
Because for the first time in a long time—
Joseph finally felt like he was home.