Chapter 25~THE KISS I CAN'T FORGET

Chapter 25~THE KISS I CAN'T FORGET
~Cherry’s POV

The peaceful night air broke with Tasha’s voice behind us.

What was she even doing here this late?

“What’s going on?” she asked, sliding right next to Nathan.

“Why are you two out here kissing under the stars?” Her smirk made my blood boil.

“What are you talking about, Tasha?” Nathan snapped, his face dark with anger.

“Oh, did I interrupt something?” she said louder this time, pretending to look innocent.

“Tasha, stop!” Nathan warned, his jaw tightening

She laughed coldly. “Now I get it. Do you really think putting on that sad little face will make Nathan pity you? I guess it worked.” Her eyes burned into me.

“You’re crossing the line, Tasha!” Nathan shouted, grabbing her hand and forcing her inside.

But her words… pity. That single word shattered me.

Did Nathan follow me out here just because he felt sorry for me? Was I really that pathetic? Maybe Tasha was right. Maybe I was only using my grandma’s memory to get his attention.

When Nathan came back, he sighed. “She’s crazy.”

“She’s not,” I whispered, forcing a smile that didn’t reach my heart.

“You know what she said isn’t true, right?” His eyes locked on mine.

I couldn’t answer. My throat was tight. “You should go back inside,” I said softly.

“I’m not here for you. I’m watching the stars,” he smirked, settling next to me again.

Looking at him under that sky, I realized his eyes were brighter than all the stars above us. He pressed his finger to his lips, and my whole body shivered. For the first time, I did something bold! I scooted closer and shared my coat with him. His eyes widened, surprised, but then he smiled and pulled me against him.

“You started this,” he whispered, staring into my eyes.

“Well, you—”

“Shh. Don’t say anything. I might do something I shouldn’t.” His gaze burned through me.

“What will you do?” I giggled nervously.

“You really want to know?” he asked, his face suddenly serious.

Before I could say something Nathan grabbed my neck, his thumb brushing my skin so gently it made my whole body tremble. His breath was warm, teasing the corner of my lips, and for a moment he didn’t movehe just stared at me like I was the only thing in his world.

“Close your eyes,” he whispered.

Before I could even breathe, his lips touched mine, Soft. Careful. Like he was afraid I might break. The warmth spread through me so quickly it felt like fire racing under my skin.

Then his tongue traced slowly against my lips, asking for more, and my knees went weak. My heart pounded so loud I was sure he could hear it.

I leaned in, clumsy but desperate, kissing him back with everything inside me. His arm tightened around my waist, pulling me against him, and I melted into him, my fingers tangling in his shirt like I never wanted to let go.

He deepened the kiss, slow but intense, taking his time like he wanted to memorize me. Every movement was hotter than the last, his lips tugging mine, his tongue sliding against mine in a rhythm that left me dizzy, breathless, and undone!

The coat slipped from our shoulders, forgotten on the grass. All I could feel was him! his warmth, his taste, the way he kissed like he was starving, like he’d been waiting for this moment forever.

I didn’t even feel like myself anymore. I was floating, lost in him, in the heat, in the way his lips devoured mine and then softened, only to crash against me again. It was reckless. It was dangerous. And it was perfect.

When he finally pulled back, his lips were swollen, his breathing rough. He rested his forehead against mine, still holding me close.

“First kiss?” He whispered

I could barely nod, my lips tingling, my whole body shaking.

He smirked. “I can tell. You’re so bad at this.” His thumb brushed my mouth, slow and teasing. “Don’t worry. I’ll teach you.”

And before I could even laugh or protest, he captured my lips again deeper, hotter, like he meant every word.

I touched my lips shyly, while he only smiled like nothing had happened.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered.

“For what?” I asked.

“For stealing your first kiss. I’m glad it was me.”

“Who told you it was my first kiss?” My face burned hotter.

I wanted to ask what are we now? But the words stuck in my throat. To him, this probably meant nothing. He had kissed a million girls before me. Still, I was happy… because at least my first kiss was with him.

“I enjoyed my first kiss thanks to you,” I said, forcing a shaky smile. “But let’s pretend it never happened.” My voice cracked.

His smile vanished. His eyes hardened. He bit his lip, angry. “Sure. Do whatever you want.”

I knew it. I expected this. This kiss meant nothing to him. I told myself I shouldn’t care… but it hurt. It hurt more than I could stand.

He stood, his voice cold. “I’m going back to town.”

“Tonight? You should wait until morning—”

“Don’t act like you care. It’s disgusting!” His voice shook, his face twisted with emotions I couldn’t read. Then he was gone.

I stumbled back to my room, broken. Lying on my bed, I clutched my grandma’s photo.

“I’m sorry, Grandma. I ruined your day by doing something I shouldn’t. You must hate me now,” I cried softly. “It’s Nathan, Grandma. It was always him. I look pathetic, don’t I?” Tears rolled as I tried to smile.

The next morning, the house was quiet. Everyone was gone except Mom and Jason.

“Good morning,” I yawned.

“Good morning, Cherry,” Jason smiled faintly.

“I’ll prepare breakfast. You two talk,” Mom said, leaving us alone.

Jason turned serious. “Cherry… what is this?” He held up his phone.

My heart dropped. Photos. Photos of me and Nathan kissing. Someone had taken them last night.

“Why aren’t you saying anything? Is this true? Did you really kiss Nathan?” Jason’s voice trembled.

“Is Nathan okay? Did someone post them?” I asked, my chest tight with worry.

“Are you seriously worried about him right now? Cherry, wake up!” Jason raised his voice, his eyes full of pain. “This isn’t about Nathan!”

“The photos… are they everywhere?” I asked, scared.

“Yes! Everywhere! It’s not about him it’s about you!” Jason’s voice cracked. “Can you stop worrying about Nathan for once? Can’t you see me?”

“Jason, it’s not the time—”

“I love you, Cherry!” he burst out, his eyes locked on mine.

I froze. I didn’t expect this. Not from him.

“I love you, and I’m losing my mind! Do you know how it felt seeing you with Nathan like that? I still can’t believe you let that happen!” His voice shook, broken.

“I… I’m sorry, Jason—”

“You don’t have to answer me now. Just… take your time,”

He said softly, his chest rising and falling with hurt.

“Still, Jason… I can’t.” My voice was small, but I knew it broke him!