After that majestic kiss with Hope, the only thing Dylan could feel was serenity. It was as if the air around them was splashed with vibrant colors.

So, to make their time together even more long lasting, he decided to ditch his car and proposed to walk. Hope must have been on the same thinking level as him because she instantly agreed to the idea.

The evening had just begun, leaving the city into an aesthetic glow. Dylan had this non-maskable smile stuck on his face. He was enjoying their little stroll together. He didn't know what their destination was but that's what made it even more beautiful. The mystery of it all.

Hope was the first one to break the silence as she spoke. "You know… nothing is better than the present. I mean, yesterday's history is scary, tomorrow's future keeps you on your toes with anticipation but it is only the present that has the calming effect on you. It doesn't give you those dangerous heart palpitations if you decide to live in now."

"Wow," Dylan breathed, dazzled with her words. "Who said that?"

Hope laughed at that and shrugged. "Nac. She might seem all tough and broody but she's always been the one to bring me to do what I love the most."

"She seems like a nice person to me and I would love to shake hands with her, that is IF she wants to," he joked, bumping his shoulder with hers.

That seemed to have made her laugh even harder. He adored her and it was plain as day. "Let's see." Hope paused for a few seconds as if contemplating her next words. "The reason I said those words was because I was worried about how today was going to turn out to be like. But now I feel no fear. I feel… good, happy, calm."

"I was gonna give you the whole credit because I was feeling the same but now I am not too sure," Dylan joked again and he felt accomplished when he heard her same loud laughter echoing around him. It was his personal favorite blanket.

"I guess I am glad to know that you're funny outside of talkO'gram as well." This time, she bumped her shoulder with his.

Dylan just smiled and made a move to hold her hand. To his relief, she intertwined their fingers and stared at their joined hands softly. "I've been meaning to tell you something for a long time now."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah. I am so sorry for being an asshole to you in the past. And I know-"

"Dylan. I feel your apology. In waves." She chuckled. "You don't need to think about your old days. I am over that time. You should be too."

"Honestly, how are you so nice?" Dylan asked incredulously.

"Because I am a Pisces."

The moment she finished saying that, both of them went into a fit of laughter.

"Actually! I've been meaning to tell you something as well!" Hope said excitedly.

"What?" He tried not to stare at her but he couldn't help himself.

"Okay, so I am not as good as you at singing but I want to dedicate a song to you too. Monsters by Katie Sky," she said, biting her lip nervously.

"I'll still find the melody in it." Dylan winked.

"Gosh, you're so corny!" Hope flushed before standing up straighter and turned to him fully. "So here goes nothing. I see your monsters, I see your pain. Tell me your problems, I'll chase them away. I'll be your lighthouse, I'll make it okay. When I see your monsters, I'll stand there so brave. And chase them all away."

Dylan was mesmerized. By her voice, by her presence, by everything. She was off key and there were times where she missed the tune but she didn't care about it. Her whole face was shining bright. The entire time she was singing, he could sense that each and every word was meant for him. She accepted him, both good and bad.

The moment she sang the last word, he pulled her by the waist toward him. Damn being patient, he thought. Without any preamble, he kissed her. This one was more burning and passionate. More confident and trusting.

Hope seemed to be on the same page as him as she kissed him back while running her hands through his hair. All these new sensations were giving him goosebumps.

He pulled back and breathed heavily. Resting his forehead against hers, he whispered those three words again. "I love you so much, Hope."

"I know." And with that, she pulled him in for another heated kiss.

The night was starry and magical and so were their searing kisses.

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So, today, I've decided to publish more than a chapter lol. Be ready for freshly baked updates!!! Happy New Year to you all amazeballs reading this ❤️💜❄️