Back in the kitchen, Helena helped Dami prepare popcorn and snacks before they settled on the couch to watch the show. As the episodes rolled on, Helena lay down, resting her head on Dami's lap.
The position distracted Dami entirely from the show. Her eyes traced Helena's features—the way her braids framed her face, the soft curve of her jaw, and the depth of her blue eyes, like the ocean at night.
"Popcorn's done," Helena said suddenly, holding up the empty bowl.
"There's still more. I'll get it," Dami replied, carefully shifting out from beneath her.
"I'll pause it," Helena offered, picking up the remote.
"Don't bother. I've seen it before, remember?"
Helena still paused the show and followed Dami into the kitchen.
As Dami refilled the popcorn bowl and grabbed more snacks, she turned to find Helena leaning against the doorframe, watching her quietly.
"I can feel you want to ask," Helena said, smiling.
"Ask what?"
"About my eyes."
"I didn't want to be rude."
Helena shrugged. "I'm biracial. My mom had a thing with this foreigner she met on a business trip. She didn't even realize she was pregnant with me until after she came back to the country."
"Wow," Dami said, genuinely surprised. "Does he know about you now?"
"Yeah. She told him, and he's been part of my life ever since. We're actually really close. Sometimes my mom jokes that I'm a constant reminder of why she shouldn't be spontaneous."
Dami laughed at that, and Helena joined in.
They returned to the couch and unpaused the movie but it was obvious that none of their minds were on it, the air between them felt different now—charged, as though it was holding its breath.
"Dami," Helena called,
"Yes," she answered,
"Nevermind,"
Dami's heart raced as Helena leaned closer, and then, as if drawn together by gravity, their lips met.
It was barely a kiss, more like a simple peck on the lips, but it sent jolts of electricity surging through Dami. She felt like her whole body was tingling, and for a moment, she was certain she might actually be smoking. Her shock was written all over her face.
"I shouldn't have done that, right? You've been flirting with me since yesterday, and I thought…" Helena trailed off, her voice cracking with nervousness.
Dami couldn't find the words to respond. Instead, she leaned in and kissed her, properly this time. Helena froze for a second, her lips uncertain, but then she responded, and the sparks erupted between them like a lit match dropped into dry grass.
Dami could sense Helena's hesitation, but she let herself take the lead, moving slowly and carefully, guiding her. Helena followed, easing into the kiss with a soft eagerness. When they finally pulled apart, both of them were breathing heavily.
Dami's gaze searched Helena's, silently asking a question she wasn't ready to voice. Helena nodded slightly in response, as if giving her permission. Without hesitation, Dami kissed her again, this time more boldly. She helped Helena lean back against the couch, keeping the closeness between them as her hands slid gently down to her face, brushing against her neck and further down to her chest.
The intensity between them deepened, the world around them fading until nothing else existed but the warmth of the moment. Every breath, every movement felt electrified, but Dami paused, pulling back reluctantly.
"No, don't," Helena protested softly.
"If I don't stop now, I won't be able to," Dami murmured, her voice husky but soft.
"I don't want you to stop," Helena replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
Dami gave a quiet chuckle, trying to keep herself steady. "Your first time can't be like this."
Helena frowned, her lips pressing into an adorable pout. "What makes you think this is my first time?"
Dami raised an eyebrow. "Is it not?"
Helena didn't reply, but the way she bit her lip shyly told Dami all she needed to know. Dami smiled at her, her heart softening, and leaned down to give her a gentle, chaste kiss instead.
Pulling back, Dami reached for her phone and noticed two missed calls and a text from her mom: "I know you're having fun, love, but please come and get me."
If only you knew, Mom, Dami thought with a wry smile.
They straightened up the space quickly, brushing off the moment to return to reality. Soon enough, they were on their way to Helena's house.
The drive was mostly quiet, with only a few conversations here and there.
"Who taught you how to drive?" Helena asked, breaking the silence.
"My mom," Dami replied.
"Can you drive?"
"No. I've been thinking of registering for a driving school," Helena admitted, smiling shyly.
"Nonsense. I'll teach you," Dami said confidently, glancing at her.
"Really?" Helena asked, her disbelief evident.
"Yeah. When you're back at school, call me. I know a nice place we can use."
"Okay," Helena agreed, her excitement bubbling. She wasn't sure if she was more excited about learning to drive or spending more time with Dami.