Lost

Chapter 1 ~ ☾☀

The light was slowly descending, shining beautiful rays of colors as a blazing flame, bringing the end of this day. A warm, vivid reflection upon the bluest of seas, while glowing gold upon the eternal shore, from the set of the sun. All this accompanied by the salty, fresh scent of a soft summer breeze. Sitting here with him upon the edge of this verdant hill above, she knows she could not ask for anything more.

After hours perched here, looking down on the water as the sun sets at the place at which they first met two years ago, the lids of her eyes begin to close as she lies her head in the opening of his legs. She parts her eyes, and within seconds, she finds his pale blue eyes connected with her own. All around seems to fade as the tips of his fingers graze her skin as he gently brushes the stray hairs from her face.

"You are so beautiful" he whispers, causing heat to arise on her face alongside a light blush. She smiles a dreamy hum as she composes her words within her mind.

"Adein, why are we here?"
"Oh, do come with– and close your eyes" he replies with a sly grin.

Knowing he is up to something, she stands and does as he wishes. With her eyes shut, all is black, and she soon feels the warm moisture of a seemingly nervous palm as he laces her fingers into his.

He leads her for a while before coming to a stop, removing her hand from his. Lost without her sense of sight, Serina begins to open her eyes. But just as she's about to peak, he lifts her up into his arms and continues the journey, being careful to not allow her to detect where they're going.

After what seems like forever, he puts her down and her bare feet are swallowed by the soft, wet sand as a light wave submerges her ankles. She opens her eyes, glancing around the familiar surroundings. Once again, he grabs her hand, save now it is both of her that he puts into his own and starts to speak as she looks into his eyes.

"Here, on this day, two years ago–" he begins "–you stood, and as I approached, I saw you– the most beautiful girl I'd ever seen."

He pauses, taking an uneasy breath. Thinking about what he had just said, she attempts to read him before he continues.

"I knew in that moment that I needed you in my life, so I went up and spoke to you."

"Where are you going with this...?" She cautiously asks.

Ignoring her question, he says "I was too nervous to say anything except hello, too scared to find out that your beauty was only on the surface. But within the first hour we spent together, chatting and getting to know each other, I knew you were wonderful in all aspects."

"Adein, seriously, what are you on about?"

Once more, he overlooks her confusion and smiles as he continues his expression.

"We became close over the months that passed, and I knew we had something special... I realized that you were making me fall rapidly when it was too late to stop it.

And I couldn't stop. I couldn't view you as just a girl, just a friend. I couldn't make myself not want you more, need you as mine.

So, I waited and gave you some time, so I wouldn't freak you out. But now, here, in the place I first saw you, I have to tell you– before someone else steals you away..."

He pauses, turning his gaze out toward the horizon, and lets out an anxious sigh.

In this time, during which he is silent, Serina moves her eyes from starring up at his face to the strong, straight frame of his abdomen. She studies him, trying to read his body language as she wonders– no, fears what he shall say, but there is nothing to inquire from such.

Adein shakes his head, turning back to her before a full minute can pass, and their eyes meet again. Through his smooth, parted lips he inhales a single, yet sharp breath of air before clearing his throat. And her heart stops as he says "Serina, I'm in love with you."