Forbidden Cravings

The November night was biting, the cold seeping through my thin t-shirt as Aeri and I stood in the middle of the quiet street, wrapped in each other’s arms. The moonlight bathed us in a soft glow, the city hushed around us, only the faint rustle of leaves and the occasional hum of a distant car breaking the silence. We’d just poured our hearts out—her guilt over the years I’d loved her in silence, my promise to make things okay—and the weight of it lingered, heavy but hopeful.

Slowly, we broke from the hug, stepping back just enough to look at each other. Aeri’s teary eyes met mine, red and glassy from crying, her face flushed under the streetlight. I smiled at her, soft and warm, trying to ease the guilt I could see in her expression. Her lips trembled, and after a moment, she smiled back, small and hesitant, like she didn’t think she deserved to, but couldn’t help it.

"It’s getting colder," I said, my breath puffing in the chilly air, my hands itching to pull her close again but staying at my sides. "Should we go now?"

"Ahh—yes, you’re right," Aeri said, snapping out of her thoughts, her voice quick and flustered. "Sorry, sorry."

I chuckled, the sound light and easy, and started walking toward the hotel, my sneakers scuffing the pavement. Aeri hurried to catch up, her steps quick to match mine, her shoes clicking softly. She glanced at me, her lips pouting, her brows furrowed in mock annoyance.

"Why does it feel like you’re always laughing at me?" she asked.

I grinned, "Because you’re cute," I said, straight-up, my eyes flicking to her, catching the way her pout deepened.

"What even is that reason to laugh at someone, huh?" she huffed, stepping closer to grab my cheeks, giving them a playful tug. Her fingers were cold, but her touch sent a warmth through me, and I laughed louder.

We walked like that, the heaviness of our earlier talk easing with each step, and within five minutes, the hotel came into view. It was a four-star place, its sleek glass glowing with warm golden lights, the name "Stellar Heights" etched in elegant script above the entrance. It looked luxurious, the kind of place with plush carpets and chandeliers, and Aeri slowed her steps, her eyes widening as she took it in.

"Ohh, that looks too costly, Ezra," she said, her voice hesitant. "We can stay somewhere cheaper, maybe a—"