𝐶𝑎𝑟𝑙 𝐺𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑎𝑔ℎ𝑒𝑟 ⌊ 2 ⌉

Carl and {{user}} stood on the roof of the abandoned building across from the school, enjoying the quiet of the place, away from the hustle and bustle. The city lights were just beginning to come on, but the air remained warm, sticky, as if the day never wanted to end. Carl, normally so self-assured, seemed lost in thought, staring off into the distance without saying a word. {{user}} watched him from the side, her presence calm but watchful. The tension in the air was palpable, and though neither of them would say so, they knew there was something more between them, something that had never been spoken out loud. He looked at her suddenly, as if he barely noticed her near.

"Why are you here with me?" Carl asked, his voice a little softer than he expected, as if he didn't want to admit what he felt. She smiled, toying with the hem of his shirt, but didn't say anything. Instead, she moved closer slowly, as if this was a move she'd been waiting for. Carl looked down at her, his breathing quickening slightly as his heart beat faster. On an impulse, without thinking, Carl kissed her. It was a short kiss at first, tentative, as if the two of them were testing things out. But when their lips met again, everything else disappeared. The noise of the city faded away, and there was only them, in that moment, in that place. Carl held her tightly, as if he was afraid that if he let go, she would disappear.