#ryuvier

Linkon's streetlights shine softly far below, but up here, on the rooftop, the noise and lights of the world fall away until there is nothing left but the wind, the faint hum of the air units, and the pulse of two hearts trying to keep up with another.

Blankets and pillows are scattered across the little nest built beneath the stars, framing two bodies that lie side by side—so close that their shoulders brush whenever one of them shifts.

Xavier fights his toughest battle to keep his gaze fixed on the constellations far above, tracing them in hopes it will be enough to distract him from the beautiful girl at his side. His expression is gentle, unreadable, the kind of calm that hides a unique type of hurt beneath the façade.

Though they both seem relaxed on the outside, their minds are a turmoil of wants and wishes. Xavier wouldn't dare to act on them, trying every single day to be just what she needs.

So, she turns towards him and coaxes, "close your eyes." Despite the raised brow, a flicker of amusement (one that only she can decipher) softens his features before she takes matters into her own hands and covers his eyes with her palm.

"No peeking." The demand follows, and somehow without his sight, her voice is even more alluring than usual. Xavier chuckles under his breath, in defeat, in adoration—remembering another time, another life, and their shared moment on top of a roof where they once watched the setting sun.

"Don't look," she whispers, just to be safe, and leans over him. The world narrows at the sensation of a gentle weight settling over Xavier's chest, and suddenly her pulse beats in sync right against his own now that her breath warms his lips.

The moment is soft, barely more than a brush of lips—so very tender, fleeting, a whisper of a kiss that tastes of courage and longing. Until Xavier's arms finally dare to embrace her like he dreamt of doing for countless of times. The kiss turns into something real, something as lasting as his love for her.

art: @/puri24a | dividers: @uzmacchiato