JUST STAY LIKE THIS

The woods came to a standstill.

As if a barrier had descended around us, muffling the lively sounds of the forest — the constant rustling of leaves, birds calling out to each other in the distance, and the occasional low humming of insects.

The trance held us in place.

It wrapped its invisible threads around our bodies, slowly pulling us together, and taking control of our movements. It rendered our minds into half-conscious states, making him lean his head down as I slowly stood up on my tiptoes to meet him.

Something wet dropped on my face.

I barely registered it. My only focus was on the face that was coming closer to mine.

More droplets fell, but still, I paid them no mind.

Closer…

And then, a droplet fell directly into my eye.

I blinked rapidly on instinct.

My sudden movement brought Luca to his senses. He quickly pulled away, looking around uneasily.