The Kiss

As the sun began to set over the riverside, the small party slowly came to a close. The breeze had grown cooler and the others were starting to pack up. Laughter had softened into calm farewells.

Jalen glanced over to see Mary Kim quietly standing by the path that led away from the river. She was looking at her phone, her posture relaxed, but something in her expression looked distant.

He walked over.

"You heading home?" he asked.

She looked up at him, gave a small nod. "Yeah. It's not far from here."

"I'll walk you."

She didn't say anything for a moment. Then she nodded again. "Alright."

They walked in silence for a while, the sound of their footsteps the only thing breaking the stillness. The town felt peaceful at this hour. The soft orange glow of streetlights lit their path, and the air smelled faintly of leaves and distant water.

Mary glanced at him. "You're quieter than usual."

Jalen gave a faint smile. "Sometimes I don't feel like talking. Sometimes I just like the quiet."

She seemed to understand that and didn't push it further.

When they reached her street, he slowed down. Her house came into view. It was simple, clean, and quiet like the rest of the neighborhood.

He stopped just short of the front gate and reached into his jacket. He pulled out a small box wrapped in white paper, tied with a silver ribbon.

"What's this?" she asked.

"A gift," he said. "Nothing too serious. Just something I thought you'd like."

She took it, carefully unwrapping it. Inside was a delicate silver bracelet, simple but well-crafted, with a small charm shaped like a flower.

Mary blinked, her voice softer now. "Why?"

Jalen looked at her. His tone was quiet but sure. "Because I wanted to."

For a moment, neither of them said anything. Then, slowly, he stepped a little closer. Her gaze lingered on him, unsure but curious.

He leaned in and kissed her. Softly. Not rushed. Not dramatic. Just honest.

When he pulled away, she was still looking at him. Her expression unreadable but calm.

"You're... full of surprises," she said quietly.

Jalen offered a small smile. "Get used to it."

She didn't say anything else, just nodded and turned to go inside. Before she closed the door, she looked back once more. Her eyes met his.

Then the door closed with a quiet click.

Jalen stood there for a few seconds longer, then turned and walked back into the night. The wind was gentle. The streets were quiet. And for once, his thoughts were, too.