Author's note: this is from Serina's point of view

- - -

​​

I was enveloped in the scent of Duke while his flavors coursed through my system, lost in the kiss and his presence as all of my nerve endings came alive.

A soft groan rumbled in his chest a moment before his arms circled around me, pulling me closer until the smallest gaps between us disappeared.

I fisted his shirt, holding him tightly as our tongues caressed each other, a little bit deeper and with less reservation every time.

I melted into him willingly, hoping that we will never be apart again.

I became aware of how the lack of Duke's presence in my life drove me to the point of insanity. Why would I choose to live in dreams and imagination when reality can be this wonderful?

I needed him.

The feelings that resurfaced reminded me of the time when Duke was my shelter on a rainy day, the light in the darkness, the calm in the storm, my hope when there was none left, my everything good that exists in this world… and I realized that he is still all that and much more.

Duke kissed me like he was giving me every kiss he wished to give me since the day we met, or maybe even before that, all at once.

My eyes were closed but I felt that I can see him for the first time, as he bared his feelings for me to see, to understand why he was always focused on me, like no one else existed.

At the end of the kiss, we were both heaving for air, and I swear that I could feel his heartbeat against my chest.

Without letting me out of his embrace, Duke leaned his forehead on mine, our noses touching as we inhaled each other's breaths.

I could see that he was still holding back, and I was grateful for it, because any more and I would faint. Literally. The experience was too intense.

It was not my first kiss, far from it. But I never felt such overwhelming love, and yearning, and desire, and possession, all in one. It was something only Duke could do because his emotions were amplified by mine, leaving me dazed in return.

I was trying to come up with something to say, but my mind was blank, so I leaned on him and breathed, soaking in the moment with every fiber of my being as my body hummed in the aftermath of our kissing.

Our first real kiss. It was better than I imagined, and I craved for more. Mind-altering.

My lips curled into a smile as I remembered Calista's words how if the kiss was good, I will remember it, and I knew that I will remember this kiss forever.

"You are good.", I said after some time.

"Hmm?", he hummed questionably.

"With magic.", I clarified. It was magical.

Duke chuckled and tightened his hold on me. His lips found their way close to my ear and he murmured, "I have a few more tricks, only for you."

My heart swelled when he said that it's only for me. Duke always knew how to make me feel special.

I rested my head on his shoulder, enjoying the comfort of being cradled in his arms that came with the scent of pine trees mixed with the ocean, and my world was at peace.

Part of me knew that there are many problems outside of this apartment, and numerous lingering questions between us, but I chose to ignore them all and enjoy this moment I dreamed about for years.

It was just Duke and me, holding each other and breathing, and it was perfect.

- - -

Author's note: this is from Duke's point of view

- - -

I was not sure if this was the right timing to go for a kiss.

I wanted to take it slow and clear the air between us before making my move.

My plan was to use this day to talk and get Serina to relax and in the evening to take her out for dinner and dancing and, if things go well, to make my intentions clear related to our present and the future.

I had plans, but Serina was sitting next to me and fidgeting, and it was just the two of us, and the urge to get closer to her was overwhelming.

Did she feel the pull as well?

When she asked me what I'm up to, I couldn't tell her that the only thing on my mind was to taste those lips that were inviting me from the first day of our high school. However, I could show her.

I was encouraged by the insight our previous encounters gave me, the ones she believes are dreams.

Will I ever tell her those were not dreams? Maybe, one day, when I have her trust and I'm confident that she will not despise me for spending nights with her without telling her that it was real.

I have no regrets. Thanks to those encounters, I was confident that Serina loves me, and she wants to be with me.

Serina innocently closed her eyes and waited for the magic to happen, and I couldn't stop myself.

Her lips were soft and delicious, and the initial contact shook my core.

Serina's scent is intoxicating, but her flavor is even more potent, and I couldn't get enough of it.

I was aware that there is no turning back. She was my drug, and I was addicted. Irrevocably.

I was afraid that my hold is too strong and I'm hurting her, but she clung to me and pulled me closer, and I was sure that something inside me exploded as I fought my urge to push her down on that sofa and have my way with her.

At first, I was happy with holding her hand, and I thought that a kiss will satisfy my hunger, but it only opened the floodgates of my urge to merge with her in every way possible.

I never wanted anything so much in my life. The overwhelming need to claim her as mine was indescribable.

I had to break the kiss while I was still holding onto my sanity because the scent of her arousal was pushing me to the edge.

I leaned my forehead on Serina's as we were both catching our breaths, and I enjoyed the sight of her blush that made her gray eyes stand out even more. Breathtaking.

Her smile reached her eyes and I heard her say, "You are good."

I was not sure if she was talking about the kiss, or the hug, or something else, so I decided to play it safe and ask for clarification without jumping to conclusions.

"With magic.", she said, and I remembered that I told her to close her eyes so that I can show her a magic trick just before I kissed her.

I inched closer to Serina's ear, and I could hear her inhaling sharply in anticipation before I said, "I have a few more tricks, only for you." Everything I have is only for you, my love.

Her blush increased and she lowered her head before resting it on my shoulder.

I cradled Serina in my arms and relished the feeling of her leaning on me as I inhaled her scent of jasmine and Japanese wisteria.

I imagined this so many times, me and Serina together, but it was never this perfect.

She fits into my arms like she was made for me, everything about her is absolutely mind-blowing, and I couldn't believe that this happened, finally.

I was such a fool to let go of her after high school and to stay away from her during college, but now I knew better. I will not let go of her. Ever.

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