The summer festival transformed Love Crest Bay into something magical.
Paper lanterns glowed softly along the shore, their reflections dancing on the water like scattered stars. Music drifted through the air—laughter, drums, voices blending into a warm hum of life.
Elias stood at the edge of the crowd, suddenly self-conscious. He wore a blue button-up, sleeves rolled just enough to feel dressed up without trying too hard. Malik stood beside him, quiet, eyes lingering in a way that made Elias' skin prickle.
"You look…" Malik started, then smiled. "Really good."
Elias felt heat rise to his cheeks. "So do you."
They walked through the festival together, sharing candied nuts, shoulders brushing, fingers occasionally tangling before pulling away. Each accidental touch felt deliberate, loaded with meaning.
When fire dancers lit the night with spinning flames, Malik leaned in close so Elias could hear him. His breath grazed Elias' ear, sending a shiver straight down his spine.
At the far end of the pier, away from the crowd, the noise softened into distant echoes.
Malik stopped walking.
"I've been thinking about what you said at the cliffs," he admitted.
Elias' heart kicked up. "Yeah?"
"I'm still scared," Malik said honestly. "But when I'm with you, it feels… quieter. Like the fear doesn't get the last word."
Elias stepped closer. "It doesn't have to."
Malik's gaze dropped to Elias' mouth.
The space between them shrank slowly, intentionally. Malik lifted a hand, hesitating just an inch from Elias' cheek—as if asking permission without words.
Elias nodded, barely perceptible.
Malik touched him.
His fingers were warm against Elias' skin, thumb brushing lightly along his jaw. Elias leaned into the touch instinctively, breath catching.
When Malik kissed him, it was gentle at first—soft pressure, tentative, like he was savoring the moment. Elias responded without thinking, lips parting just enough to invite him closer.
The kiss deepened slowly.
Malik's other hand slid to Elias' waist, anchoring him. Elias' fingers curled into the fabric of Malik's shirt, pulling him closer, closer—
They broke apart only to breathe, foreheads touching, smiles trembling and disbelieving.
"That okay?" Malik whispered.
Elias laughed softly, breathless. "More than okay."
And when Malik kissed him again, it was with certainty.