Főnix

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Phoenix

Part 48: The Silence Between Us

After the kiss, for a few seconds they simply stand facing each other.
The air trembles, as if every thread of the forest is holding its breath.

Phoenix’s chest rises and falls quickly, her heart beating chaotically.
Her face still burns from his closeness.

Albatross’s gaze is deep and soft—the kind that makes Phoenix’s legs weaken all over again.

But neither of them speaks.
Words would be too fragile. Too meaningful.

Night slowly settles around them.
Albatross lights a fire, and Phoenix sits down beside the fireplace.
The silence isn’t uncomfortable—it feels safe.

From time to time, Albatross looks at Phoenix, as if checking whether she’s really there.
And every one of those glances only confuses her more… and draws her even closer to him emotionally.

Two Days in the Forest

The following days are peaceful, warm—time almost seems to stop.

They cook together, laugh often, take long walks in the forest.
In every movement, the memory of the kiss vibrates—the unspoken feelings lingering between them.

In the evenings, they open a bottle of wine.
Soft light fills the cabin, the glass slowly empties, Phoenix’s cheeks flush, her voice grows gentler.

Albatross leans against the table, arms crossed, watching her patiently, smiling.

Phoenix feels dizzy—not from the wine, but from her emotions.

And suddenly… she can’t keep it inside anymore.

Honestly. Trembling. Half laughing, half on the verge of tears.

PHOENIX
(she sets the wine glass down, her fingers shaking slightly)
“You know… I… I’m not usually like this… I don’t usually say things like this…”

Albatross raises an eyebrow and slowly steps closer.

PHOENIX:
“And I didn’t even want to say it… because… if I say it out loud… then it becomes real.
And that always scares me.”

Her voice breaks.
Albatross takes a single step toward her—but doesn’t touch her. He waits.

Phoenix takes a deep breath.

PHOENIX:
“But now… I can’t keep it inside anymore.
Because… when you look at me… when you’re close… when you… kissed me…”

Her eyes fill with tears, but she doesn’t cry—she’s simply full of feeling.

PHOENIX (softly, but clearly):
“I’m in love with you, Albatross.”

After the sentence, everything stops.

As if even the forest forgets to breathe for a moment.

Albatross looks at her slowly, stunned.
His expression softens, deepens—and he simply starts walking toward her.

Phoenix would step back—out of habit—but she can’t.
Her own feelings anchor her in place.

Albatross stops in front of her, just as close as before the kiss.

He doesn’t ask.
He doesn’t doubt.

He simply reaches for her hand, gently, as if afraid she might disappear.

ALBATROSS:
“Come here…”

And he pulls her into his arms.