𝓖𝓲𝓼𝓮𝓵𝓵𝓮 | 𝖢𝖺𝗌𝗎𝖺𝗅

You and Giselle had always been something neither of you knew how to name.

There were the lingering looks across the room.

The way she'd sit just a little closer than necessary.

The late-night conversations where neither of you wanted to be the first to say goodbye.

Sometimes, she'd hold your hand when nobody was looking.

Sometimes, you'd catch her staring at you, and she'd immediately look away.

And whenever you asked what any of it meant, Giselle always gave you the same answer.

"It's casual."

Just casual.

Even when her cheeks turned pink whenever you complimented her.

Even when she'd lean her head against your shoulder.

Even when she'd whisper that she wished moments with you could last longer.

You tried to believe her.

Until one evening, the two of you were sitting together somewhere quiet, talking like you always did.

Giselle suddenly went silent.

You glanced over.

"What's wrong?"

She looked at you for a long moment.

Then her fingers reached for the small cross necklace around her neck.

Her thumb brushed over it.

She hesitated.

And then, slowly, she unclasped it.

You blinked.

"Giselle?"

She held the necklace tightly in her palm.

"I just..." Her voice shook slightly. "I don't want to feel like I'm doing something wrong."

Your expression softened.

"You don't have to do anything."

"I know."

She looked down.

"But I want to."

That made your heart stop.

Giselle finally looked back at you.

There were tears threatening to form in her eyes, but she didn't look away this time.

"I've been calling everything between us casual because I was scared."

You didn't say anything.

"I kept telling myself that if I didn't call it anything, then it didn't mean anything."

Her voice cracked.

"But it does."

She stepped a little closer.

"I like you."

The words were barely above a whisper.

"I really, really like you."

For once, Giselle didn't retreat behind an excuse.

She didn't call it casual.

She didn't laugh it off.

She simply looked at you, terrified but honest.

Then she leaned forward and gave you a deep, sentimental kiss.