Julian

"That almost something in the kitchen"

Luisa had always had a thing for Julián, her brother Nicolás's best friend. Ever since she was 17 and he came over on weekends to play video games or help with the grill, she would silently watch him from the hallway door. Now she was 22, and he was 25... but he was still "her brother's friend."

That afternoon, there was a family gathering at home. Nicolás was hanging out on the patio with his friends and beers, as always. Luisa, wearing black shorts and a white T-shirt, went to the kitchen to get some ice. When she opened the freezer, she didn't notice anyone else coming in.

"Always running away from the noise, aren't you?" Julian said, leaning against the doorframe with that half-smile that made her forget how to breathe.

Luisa turned slowly.

—I don't really like chaos. I prefer silence… or conversations that are worth having.

"And me? Am I worth it?" he asked, moving closer, as if the air grew thicker with each step.

She looked at him. Her heart was pounding. She could hear her brother laughing outside. She could hear her own breathing becoming unsteady.

"You were always worth it," he whispered.

Julián didn't say anything. He just leaned closer, brushed his face against hers, and kissed her. It was a slow kiss, full of those years of "almosts" and "nevers." A kiss that tasted of everything they didn't dare say.

But just as they separated, a voice interrupted them from the hallway:

—Luisa? Have you seen Julián? I need him to help me with the lights…

They both looked at each other, a mixture of laughter and guilt. Julian winked at her, murmuring:

—After so many years, it was about time.

And he walked out the door as if nothing had happened... while Luisa stood there, her heart racing and a smile that was impossible to erase.