Snow’s Point of View

The air was calm in Kingston’s backyard, the soft rustling of leaves filling the quiet space between us.

The sun was slowly starting to dip, casting a golden glow over everything. After our shopping trip and grabbing ice cream, we ended up here, sitting on the plush outdoor couch.

It was 5:00 p.m. I knew I only had an hour before I needed to be home, but strangely, I didn’t want to leave.

I didn’t want to leave him.

There was something about Kingston—something that made me feel safe, like I didn’t have to pretend or explain myself. It was like I could just be around him, and that thought terrified me in the best way.

I found myself staring at him as he leaned back, his eyes tracing the clouds like they held answers to questions he hadn’t asked yet.

“Tell me a secret,” I blurted, breaking the silence.

His eyes slowly shifted to me, one eyebrow raised in amusement.

“A secret?” he repeated, his lips tugging into a smirk.

“Yes,” I said, crossing my arms. “One you haven’t told anyone before.”

Kingston chuckled, the sound low and rich. “You’re demanding today, little bunny.”

I rolled my eyes. “I’m serious.”

He sat up straighter, leaning in a little. “You want me to spill my darkest secret just like that?”

“Yes. Right now.”

Kingston let out a soft laugh, shaking his head. “You’re dangerous.”

Before I could argue, he tilted his head, studying me. His eyes softened in a way that made my heart flutter.

“You look like a nerd with those glasses,” he teased, the corner of his mouth twitching upward.

I groaned, smacking his arm lightly. “Kingston!”

He laughed, that deep, unbothered laugh that made my cheeks warm.

“I’m serious,” he said again, quieter this time. His hand reached out, his fingers gently tilting my chin up.

My breath caught.

“Be serious, K,” I whispered, staring into his eyes.

He paused, something shifting in his expression.

“Okay,” he murmured.

He leaned back, his eyes drifting up to the sky. For a moment, I thought he wouldn’t answer.

“I always feel like I’m not good enough for my sister,” he said suddenly, his voice quieter than I’d ever heard it.

I blinked, caught off guard by the vulnerability in his tone.

Kingston let out a slow breath. “Since our parents passed, I’ve tried to be the brother she needs. Tried to protect her, guide her. But... I don’t think I’m doing a good job.”

The air felt heavier.

“Nia doesn’t feel that way,” I said softly, looking down at my hands. I knew how much Nia loved her brother, even if they didn’t always show it.

“She just needs space sometimes,” I added gently.

Kingston smiled faintly, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes.

“If you say so, my love,” he whispered.

Before I could say anything else, he leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to my cheek.

My entire body froze.

My heart was pounding so loudly, I was sure he could hear it.

He pulled back slightly, his hand lingering on my cheek, his thumb stroking my skin so tenderly it made my breath hitch.

“Do you want to know another secret, baby?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

I nodded slowly, unable to form words.

His blue eyes burned into mine, but there was no teasing in them now—only something deeper, something softer.

“I want to kiss you,” he whispered. “So badly.”

I swear the world stopped spinning.

“Oh.”

That’s all I could say. My face burned, and I was sure I was redder than any sunset.

Kingston chuckled quietly, his fingers still brushing along my jaw.

“Can I?” he asked softly, so gently, like he was holding something fragile.

And that’s what I loved about him.

He always asked.

He always waited.

I didn’t answer right away. My heart was racing, my mind screaming at me, but something about the way he looked at me made me feel safe, made me want to say yes.

After a few quiet seconds, I nodded.

Kingston’s lips slowly pulled into a smile—a real one, not his usual smirk.

He leaned in carefully, giving me every chance to back away. But I didn’t.

I didn’t want to.

His lips brushed against mine, soft and warm, and I melted.

It wasn’t rushed or messy.

It was slow. Gentle. Like he was savoring every second.

His hand slid to the back of my neck, his fingers tangling in my hair as he deepened the kiss just enough to make my head spin.

I didn’t even realize I was holding my breath until I let it out in a soft sigh against his mouth.

When he finally pulled away, he didn’t move far. His forehead rested lightly against mine, and I could feel his breath on my skin.

“Wow,” I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Kingston chuckled, his thumb brushing over my cheek.

“Yeah,” he murmured, his eyes still closed. “Wow.”

We stayed like that for a moment, just breathing.

I didn’t know what this was, or where it was going, but in that moment, none of it mattered.

Because with Kingston, everything felt... right.

And that scared me more than anything.

But it also made me feel alive.

“Come on,” Kingston said softly, pulling back slightly. “Let me drive you home before your dad sends a search party.”

I laughed quietly, nodding.

But even as I stood up, I knew something had changed between us.

And I wasn’t sure I wanted it to go back.

I'm literally giggling writing this! omg 😭