Sol was no fool. Unlike the oblivious heroes of cliché tales, he could clearly recognize when affection shifted into something deeper. For a long time, he had sensed that Camelia’s feelings toward him were far from platonic, restrained only by circumstance. But now, with time having passed and both of them standing as adults in the eyes of their world, that restraint had thinned.

Her patience had lasted long enough. Now, Camelia was ready to embrace the bond she had always yearned for.

Testing the waters, Sol reached for her, his touch bold yet uncertain. To his delight, she responded with a trembling shiver, her composure faltering against the weight of his affection. Encouraged, he held her closer, savoring the fragile intimacy blooming between them.

Camelia, despite her graceful and holy image, had never armored herself against tenderness. As his hand lingered warmly against her, she felt her heart race, her body betraying how vulnerable she truly was beneath her serene façade.

Leaning closer, Sol whispered words that carried more weight than fleeting desire: “There are people who give me love without asking for anything in return. You may act carefree, but in truth, you’ll always have a place in my heart.”

The sincerity in his tone disarmed her. Embarrassed yet touched, Camelia lowered her head against his chest, her cheeks glowing red. “Don’t you think me shameless… yearning for someone younger?”

Sol tilted her chin up, meeting her eyes with unwavering resolve. “Of course not.” And with that, he kissed her.

Her hesitation melted away, replaced by a shy attempt to follow his lead. Though clumsy, her efforts were endearing—proof of her inexperience. Sol found it charming, even precious, as their lips pressed together again and again, the sweetness of their kiss growing deeper with every breath.

Time slipped by unnoticed as they shared one kiss after another, the quiet room echoing with their quickened breaths. Camelia’s usual poise faded, replaced by warmth, vulnerability, and a hint of playful nervousness that only made her more beautiful in his eyes.

For Sol, this was more than fleeting passion. He understood that once their boundaries broke, their relationship would be forever changed. And in his heart, he welcomed that change.