Unspoken Permission

She turned back toward the lake as her voice softened, "This place is peaceful… It feels like a dream, away from the chaos."

Arihan stepped closer, his boots pressing against the wooden deck. He reached out, gently brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. He hummed, agreeing with her, "You look calm… Happy." His deep voice resonated through the air.

Alora blinked, her cheeks warming under his touch. She wasn't used to this side of him - So open, so vulnerable. "I think…" She turned to him again, "It's because you're here." She admitted softly, the words slipping out before she could stop them.

Arihan's teasing smirk faltered, replaced by something deeper, more intense. "Alora…" He murmured, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "You don't understand what you're saying," he murmured, his tone both warning and pleading.