Vivian's words made Greg's breath catch for a moment.
He had known Vivian for so long, yet he had only ever seen her calm, restrained side. He had never imagined she could be so forward and bold.
Now she stood before him, having shed almost all her disguises and defenses, laying her truest feelings bare.
Her ice-blue eyes no longer held their usual composure and distance. In their place was a tender longing, with even a hint of nervousness.
Greg was not someone who merely pretended to be gentle, so there was no way he could remain unmoved.
He reached out and gently lifted Vivian's chin, his fingertips brushing the delicate, slightly cool skin along her jaw.
Vivian did not shy away. Instead, she tilted her head up slightly to meet his gaze.
Her eyelashes fluttered a few times, like butterfly wings trembling in the wind, before her eyes slowly closed.
Her breathing grew shallow and quick, her chest rising and falling slightly, tracing an elegant curve in the dim amber light.
Their breaths mingled, and an indescribable feeling slowly flowed through the air, like an invisible thread quietly joining their heartbeats.
Greg lowered his head and kissed her lips.
They were soft and slightly cool, carrying a faint, sweet fragrance.
Vivian stiffened for an instant, as though startled by the sudden kiss, but soon slowly relaxed, like ice quietly melting in spring water.
She closed her eyes and returned his kiss, clumsy but earnest.
Her hands climbed to his shoulders, her fingertips tightening around the fabric there, as though she feared he might suddenly disappear.
After a long while, their lips parted.
They were close enough to feel each other's breath.
Vivian slowly opened her eyes. A misty sheen had gathered in those ice-blue eyes, like the haze hovering