The dining table sat cluttered with breakfast leftovers—pancake crumbs, sticky syrup smudges, and a half-empty bowl of strawberries glowing in the sunlight. Aeri and I were pressed close, side by side, our lips locked in a kiss that tasted like sweetness and warmth.
Her mouth moved soft against mine, a slow dance of breath and heat, and I felt her hand slide up, her fingers cupping my cheek, gentle but sure.
I pulled back just enough to see her face, her eyes still closed, lashes dark against her flushed cheeks.
A grin tugged at my lips. "You're not resisting today? Or showing hesitation?" I teased, keeping my voice low, playful.
Her eyes fluttered open, and her face went pink, a blush spreading fast. "D-don't tease me…" she stammered, her hand dropping to my shoulder like she was caught off guard. Her blue one-piece dress clung to her, the fabric slipping a little to show the curve of her collarbone, and I couldn't look away.
