Wait No More

Part Twenty-Three

Ethan leaned in closer to Olivia, his voice low and teasing. "What do you think? Should we make this a night to remember?"

Olivia playfully nudged him. "You're incorrigible," she said, but her smile betrayed her delight. The chemistry between them was undeniable, and the carefree vibe of the night only intensified it.

As the bus continued on its route, Ethan and Olivia shared whispered jokes and soft laughter, occasionally stealing glances at each other. The way the light from the overhead lamps danced across their faces made the moment feel almost cinematic.

When the bus hit a red light, it came to a stop, and the passengers jolted slightly. In that brief pause, Ethan took the opportunity to lean in closer to Olivia, his eyes locked onto hers. "You know, I'm really glad I snuck onto this bus. I'd do it again in a heartbeat just to be with you."

Olivia's heart fluttered at his words. "Me too," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. The bus was filled with laughter and music, but in that moment, it felt like they were the only two people in the world.

As the bus continued its journey, the rhythmic hum of the engine and the soothing sway of the seats began to lull the other passengers into a state of relaxation. One by one, Ethan and Olivia's friends began to doze off, their heads nodding and bodies slumping against one another in the dim light. The atmosphere shifted, becoming quieter and more intimate.

Ethan and Olivia, however, remained wide awake, caught up in their own little bubble. They could see the stars twinkling through the bus windows, and the blanket they had brought along now became a cozy cocoon for just the two of them. Ethan draped it over their laps, pulling it closer around them as the cool night air seeped in.

With the bus mostly empty aside from a few snoozing friends, Ethan turned to Olivia, a playful smile dancing on his lips. "Looks like we've got the whole back of the bus to ourselves," he said softly, glancing around to confirm that no one was paying attention.

Olivia giggled, the sound brightening the dim space. "I guess we do. Just us and our little red light special."

Ethan chuckled at the reference, the playful banter making her heart flutter. He leaned in closer, resting his head on her shoulder. "I can't believe how perfect this night has been. Fireworks, friends, and now this."

Olivia felt a wave of warmth spread through her. She tucked a stray hair behind her ear and smiled down at him. "It really has been amazing. I'm so glad you decided to sneak on this bus."

Ethan lifted his head to meet her gaze, his expression turning serious for a moment. "I didn't want to let this night slip away. I wanted to be with you."

The sincerity of his words made Olivia's heart race. The bus rocked gently as they sat together, the world outside fading away. With the blanket wrapped around them, she felt protected and cherished in this little moment they had carved out for themselves.

"Can I tell you something?" Ethan asked, his voice low and earnest.

"Of course," Olivia replied, leaning in.

"I really like you, Olivia. Like, a lot. I know we're just getting started, but I can't help but think about all the possibilities."

Olivia's breath caught in her throat. She could feel the warmth rising to her cheeks. "I like you too, Ethan. More than I thought I would."

Ethan grinned.

As the bus rolled along, the soft melodies of Jhené Aiko's "Wait No More" began to play over the stereo, filling the air with a dreamy, ethereal vibe. The song's soothing rhythm matched the gentle sway of the bus, creating an intimate atmosphere that wrapped around Ethan and Olivia like a warm embrace.

Feeling emboldened by the music and the privacy of their little cocoon, Ethan traced his fingers lightly across Olivia's back, the delicate touch sending shivers down her spine. He wrote his name softly, his fingers gliding over her skin in a way that felt both playful and tender.

"E-T-H-A-N," he spelled out, every letter accompanied by a light, teasing caress. "Do you feel that?" he asked, a playful glint in his eyes as he looked up at her.

Olivia couldn't help but laugh softly, the sensation of his fingers igniting a warmth that spread from her back to her cheeks. "I do! You have a very unique way of spelling your name," she teased, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ethan's expression turned serious for a moment as he continued tracing the outline of his name. "You know, I could write my name all day if it means I get to be this close to you," he said, his voice low and sincere.

Olivia felt her heart race at his words. "Well, I wouldn't mind if you did," she replied, leaning back into him, savoring the feeling of being so close. The music swelled, and she found herself getting lost in the moment, the world outside the bus fading into nothingness.

As the song continued, Ethan let his fingers explore the contours of her back, tracing the delicate fabric of her shirt. Every brush of his fingertips felt electric, igniting a spark between them that was impossible to ignore. She could feel her breath quicken, the atmosphere thick with unspoken words and shared glances.

"Do you think we're too young to feel this way?" Olivia asked, her voice soft as she turned slightly to meet his gaze, curiosity dancing in her eyes.

Ethan shook his head, his expression earnest. "I don't think so. Sometimes it's just about the moment, you know? And this moment feels right."

His touch lingered for a moment longer, and Olivia felt a warmth spreading in her chest. "You're right," she said. "This moment is perfect."

The song shifted into its chorus, and the lyrics enveloped them in a wave of emotion, resonating with everything they were feeling. "Wait no more," Jhené sang, her voice smooth and enticing, urging them to embrace the fleeting beauty of the night.

Ethan, feeling emboldened by the music and the connection between them, took a deep breath. "You know," he said, his voice barely audible over the melody, "I've never felt this way about anyone before. It's like... I don't want to wait anymore to see where this goes."

Olivia's heart raced at his admission. She could feel the weight of his words settling between them, heavy with promise and possibility. She turned to face him fully, the blanket slipping slightly as she shifted closer. "Neither do I," she admitted, her voice steady despite the fluttering in her stomach.

Ethan leaned in, their noses almost touching, the warmth of his breath mingling with hers. "So, what do we do?" he asked, his eyes searching hers for an answer.

With the rhythm of the song guiding her, Olivia felt a surge of courage. "We just... let it happen," she said, her heart pounding in her chest. "We don't have to overthink it."

Ethan smiled, his gaze softening as he brushed a stray hair behind her ear. "I like that idea. No pressure, just us."

"Just us," Olivia echoed, her heart swelling as she reveled in the moment. The bus continued its journey, the soft hum of the engine a comforting backdrop to their unfolding connection.

As the chorus played on, Ethan leaned in closer, his lips brushing against her forehead before he moved down to her cheek, lingering just above her lips. The anticipation hung in the air like a sweet promise, electric and charged.

"Can I?" he asked softly, his voice low and filled with genuine affection.

Olivia nodded, a smile spreading across her face. "Yes, please."

In that suspended moment, time seemed to slow. Ethan closed the distance between them, capturing her lips with his in a gentle, tentative kiss. It was soft at first, a delicate exploration that quickly deepened as they melted into one another, the outside world fading completely from view.

The warmth of the bus, the soft glow of the overhead lights, and the melodic strains of Jhené Aiko filled the space around them. They were lost in each other, wrapped in the blanket, their hearts racing in sync as the song played on.