Ruby’s heart skipped once, then twice.
The air between them was warm. The stream beside them kept flowing softly, as if time had paused. Her lips parted slightly, not from surprise but from something else.
Her eyes met his... and then she stepped in, her heartbeat loud in her ears.
She didn’t speak because sometimes, words weren’t needed.
She leaned forward, slowly, gently and her lips pressed against his.
Julian’s eyes fluttered closed as he held her face carefully, like something precious. He didn’t move too fast, didn’t push too close. He just kissed her back with all the quiet love he’d been holding inside for so long.
Ruby’s fingers rested on his chest, feeling the warmth of his heartbeat matching hers.
When they finally pulled apart, she opened her eyes and he was still looking at her, lips curved into a soft smile, eyes shining like the forest after rain.
Neither of them said anything right away.
Ruby looked at him for a second longer, her breath warm against his skin, her eyes searching his quietly smiling face.
Then, without a word, she reached again, her fingers slipping behind his head and pulled him gently closer.
She kissed him again.
This time, slower... a little deeper.
Julian let out a soft breath against her lips, surprised but not resisting. His hands, which had been hanging by his sides, rose carefully almost like asking permission through touch. They rested on her waist, light at first... then slowly holding her like he couldn’t believe she was real.
His fingers felt the soft curve of her waist under the fabric of her dress. The warmth of her body. The way she leaned into him so naturally, wasn’t the first time but a moment they had waited for without ever saying it aloud.
Ruby’s lips moved gently against his, and the sound of the stream nearby faded. The world faded.
And Julian... he wasn’t thinking anymore.
Feeling the softness of her mouth, the taste of sunshine on her skin, the curve of her waist beneath his palms, the way her fingers curled into his hair like she never wanted to let go.
When they finally parted again, just slightly, their foreheads stayed close.
Julian’s breath was uneven. His cheeks were flushed. His hands were still resting gently on her sides, but he didn’t move.
Ruby looked at him, eyes softer than ever. "You’re blushing," she whispered.
"So are you," he whispered back.
And then both of them laughed
"Karl! I’m your brother!!!" Lucien called out from the edge of the porch, standing right outside the house with his hands raised in fake pleading. His voice trembled delicately, almost like he was about to cry. "I heard you got a phone... from my sister-in-law. Can you let me see it?"
Karl stood on the porch, arms crossed, eyes cold. He stared at Lucien without a single trace of warmth.
Behind Lucien, Elira—Karl’s mother stepped forward, pretending to act sweet. "Yes, yes, we’ve never seen one before. Can we just see it once?" she said with a fake smile that didn’t reach her eyes.
And right behind her stood Danny watching with his sharp eyes like always. He nodded slowly, his deep voice joining in. "Yeah... let us see."
His chest was rising and falling slowly, like he was holding back something burning from inside.
Why were they here again?
Before Karl could say another word, a sharp voice came from behind him.
"Go away!" Milo said firmly, stepping out onto the porch beside Karl. He wore gray robe, slightly loose at the sleeves, the hem brushing the wooden porch floor. His arms were crossed, his expression serious and angry.
"We won’t show you anything," Milo added, glaring at them without blinking. "You don’t belong here."
Lucien frowned. "Milo...?"
Karl’s jaw tightened. His hands were shaking slightly, but his voice stayed strong. "Yes... you should leave," he said, eyes locked on Elira and Danny. "I refuse to acknowledge you as my family."
Elira’s eyes widened, her mouth opening in fake shock. "Karl—how can you say that?"
Danny stayed quiet, but his eyes were hard. He glanced between Milo and Karl, clearly annoyed that things weren’t going their way.
Lucien tried again, voice smaller. "It’s just a phone..."
Because the moment Karl raised his voice, the neighbors had already begun to notice.
They gathered slowly near the porch.
Karl stepped forward, standing tall beside Milo. His robe swayed slightly in the breeze, the dark blue fabric catching the light.
"You all abandoned me," he said, loud enough for the crowd to hear. "When I was nothing, you didn’t come. Now I have a home and a family—you show up because of a phone?"
Elira’s lips pressed together tightly.
"Get off my porch," Karl said. "And don’t come back."
Just as Karl and Milo turned to go back inside, thinking the drama was finally over, a loud wail echoed.
Lucien dropped to his knees on the dusty path in front of the porch.
"Oh my goodness, brother!" he cried, his voice trembling. "I’m sorry! We are very poor... we don’t even have anything to eat! That’s why you misunderstood us!"
His delicate face scrunched up, and his big watery eyes shimmered as he sobbed like a little ghost prince abandoned by fate. "You think we came here for a phone but I came here because I missed you! Woooooo..."
He clutched his chest like his heart was breaking in half.
"And aren’t you the one who got married to a better witch?" Lucien continued, pointing one elegant finger at Karl. "You got lucky! You got love!"
He sniffled, wiping his cheek with the edge of his soft robe sleeve.
"I don’t even have anyone to marry off!" he cried louder, almost howling now. "Not even a frog will take my name! I’m lonely!"
The way he wept with his beautiful, tear-streaked face, pale cheeks trembling, and trembling voice so pitiful...it started working.
Some of the older ghost in the crowd gasped softly.
"He is quite delicate-looking..."
—To be continued...🪄