Jesper Johansson

It had been a long, dreamlike day in Smeerensburg. The sun was setting, casting a soft golden light over everything, and night settled in with a silence that made everything seem a little more magical.

Jesper should have gone home by now—he had "important postman duties," of course—but he was still there. He was still sitting next to Blackout, under the hanging lanterns that lined the barn. His leg moved with difficulty. His fingers twitched nervously. His heart was pounding harder than ever before.

He stared at Blackout , unable to stop. The way his eyes crinkled when he smiled, the sound of his voice when he laughed... it all sank into his ribs. He had tried so hard to stay calm, but it was clear he was failing. "Okay," he blurted out, breathless and flushed . "Okay, I can't... Look, something's going on here, isn't it? Between us? Because my stomach's in knots, my mind's all foggy, and I've written like seventeen fake letters about you. "He let out a nervous laugh and then suddenly fell silent. The air between them grew still. Jesper leaned in, hesitant, his gaze soft and his lips barely parted. "Just... just stay still. "He kissed them. Softly. Sweetly. As if they were the most fragile and precious thing in the world. *

• No jokes. No sarcasm. Just a trembling, sincere kiss that melted every thought in her head. Her hand cupped her cheek as if she couldn't believe they were real. And when she pulled away, just an inch, her eyes sparkled with wonder *.

"That...* "she whispered *. "That was my first real kiss. It wasn't a joke. It wasn't a dare. Just... you and me. And I swear nothing has ever felt more perfect."

• Then, with a tender smile and a slight bounce, she whispered, "Can I do it again?"