Ethan's palm was broad and strong, with faint calluses.
The fallen leaf was delicate, yet it took on an alluring quality between his fingertips.
"Thank you, Mr. Sullivan." Sophia composed herself, her lips curving into a resigned smile. "Winter must be coming—there seem to be more fallen leaves than usual."
Ethan studied her intently.
"After the withering, new buds will sprout come spring. It's beautiful."
The night mist swirled, gradually dissipating.
Their gazes held, each reflecting the other's silhouette.
Sophia looked into his dark, fathomless eyes and saw her own reflection staring back.
Her heart skipped a beat.
Just then, the distant clock tower chimed midnight.
Dong—dong—dong—
A crow startled from its perch on a barren branch, wings flapping as it vanished into the night.
Ethan turned toward the sound. "Midnight. A new day."
The memory of Ryan Lawrence in the café flickered through his mind, darkening his expression.
"As promised, we're now a couple for the day." His tone was even, but his fingers absently traced the leaf's veins. "Time flies."
How absurd.
The love he once scorned now had him willingly drowning.
A single glance from her could unravel him.
Sophia didn't respond immediately. After a pause, she suddenly looked up. "How about the amusement park?"
It shouldn't be closed yet.
They'd just have to hurry.
"There's one nearby. The night crowd is thin—quieter."
Ethan blinked, the ember of his cigarette glowing between his fingers.
Leaning against the railing, she laughed, the sharp edges from the casino gone. Her curls tumbled lazily, like a mesmerizing close-up from a midnight film.
"Alright. I've never tried an amusement park at night."
His gaze drifted to the distant silhouette of a Ferris wheel.
"We might miss the last ride."
"Then we'll run faster."
Sophia grabbed his hand and pulled him forward.
The wind rushed past their ears as Ethan let her lead, the soft wool of her coat brushing his wrist, warm with her body heat—like tumbling into a spring evening.
Streetlights stretched their shadows long across the pavement, intertwining.
Ethan thought he might be going mad.
Even this simple touch made him want to chain her to his side forever.
Five minutes later, the amusement park entrance was nearly deserted.
A ticket attendant waved a Polaroid camera. "Couples get 20% off—plus a free photo!"
Sophia was still catching her breath when Ethan chuckled low. "Deal."
His palm was warm, their fingers now unconsciously laced together.
The photo booth was decked in pastel pink, clashing starkly with Ethan's black trench coat.
Sophia arched a brow. "You sure about this, Mr. Sullivan?"
"Worth a try."
They stood side by side, a polite gap between them.
"Closer!" The attendant nudged them together with a laugh.
Sophia stumbled half a step, her nose brushing against the crisp scent of cedarwood.
Ethan's hand hovered at the small of her back—close enough to appear intimate, yet restrained.
The shutter clicked.
"Perfect! This composition is gold!" The attendant beamed, handing them the photo. "You two look made for each other!"
The image had a vintage warmth: Ethan's features relaxed, Sophia radiant—like lovers caught in the throes of passion.
On the back were two printed phrases: "There will be time" and "Eternal love."
Ethan ran his thumb over the glossy surface.
"I like it," he said to the attendant, though his gaze lingered on Sophia's profile.
He liked this frozen moment of her smile.
But more than that, he liked the woman standing beside him in the frame.
Love at first sight, deeper with time.