The late afternoon sun poured through the window, coating the room in gold. She sat quietly on the terrace, her pink gown spread like a soft wave around her. The delicate beads along her neckline caught the light, scattering it in a shimmer that felt almost alive.

He watched her from across the balcony, drawn not just to her beauty but to the peace that surrounded her. The world seemed to pause when she smiled. It wasn’t the kind of smile that demanded attention—it invited it.

When he walked closer, she looked up, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “You’re late,” she said softly, though her eyes told him she didn’t mind.

“Worth it,” he replied. “You look like the evening decided to rest here.”

She laughed—a sound that blended with the faint music coming from the street below. They didn’t need to say much after that. The silence between them wasn’t empty; it was full of the things they both felt but couldn’t put into words.

The air was warm, and the scent of jasmine drifted between them. He reached for her hand, and for a moment, time didn’t matter. The city, the noise, the days ahead—all faded. There was only her soft dress brushing against his arm and the rhythm of their quiet breathing.

As the sun dipped lower, the light turned to amber. She leaned her head on his shoulder, whispering, “Promise me this won’t fade.”

He smiled, not because he believed promises could stop time, but because in that moment, he truly wanted to.

And maybe that was enough.