We walk in silence, avoiding unnecessary words, while the sun mercilessly scorches our backs, reminding us of its relentless dominance. The beach seems like an oasis: the bright, gold-shimmering sand blinds our eyes, reflecting the dazzling rays, and the sea, calm yet alive, sways rhythmically as if breathing in sync with our steps. Waves rustle softly as they roll onto the shore, leaving intricate patterns that are immediately erased by their own touch.
The heat is unbearable. Every movement is a struggle, the air thick and heavy like viscous honey. Our thoughts circle around one thing: reaching the water, feeling the coolness of the sea breeze refreshing both body and mind. We long to drown not only our exhaustion in those waves but also all our thoughts, dissolving into the serenity of the moment.
When we finally reach the beach, I turn to Katrin, but my words stick in my throat. Her dress, dark yet vibrant in the sunlight, shimmers with an exquisite glow. It accentuates her slender waist, the graceful curve of her neck, and the effortless elegance that is uniquely hers. The wind plays with the hem, adding an elusive charm to her figure. Strands of hair slip free from her bun, giving her look a touch of careless sophistication. It is as if she is made for this place, yet each gust of wind makes her even more enigmatic. I glance at her, realizing with surprise how out of place the dress seems on such a scorching day by the sea. Is she really planning to swim in that? I wonder, picturing her trying to keep the hem afloat in the water.
I catch myself thinking that she belongs here as naturally as the beach itself, as if nature has created her for this moment. But the dress still seems an odd choice for the heat.
"Are you sure you didn't make a mistake with your outfit?" I ask with a smile, trying to mask my admiration.
She turns, squinting against the sun. A mischievous spark flashes in her eyes, and her smile lights up her face like a ray of light has just touched her.
"And should I have come in shorts, like you?" she teases.
I fall silent, watching the sunlight dance on her face. No pair of shorts could give her this kind of confidence. She looks like part of the beach — graceful, free, and incredibly beautiful. She looks like she could outshine the sun itself if she wanted to.
The silence between us is broken by Rebel Girl's question:
"What are your expectations this time,Nerd?" Her voice is soft but persistent, as it always is when she wants to know something important.
"Well, at the very least, that the party doesn't end in a fight," I reply, immediately realizing my words sound too harsh.
Rebel Girl falls silent, her face darkening. I see her shrink slightly, as if my remark has reminded her of the previous evening. It is wrong of me.
I hurry to fix my response, searching for words that won't ruin the mood.
"I'm kidding, of course. Honestly, I'm expecting a crowd of people, loud music, and, of course, a foam machine."
The girl glances at me, and the spark of amusement returns to her eyes. I feel relieved to see her back in a good mood, and even my soul feels lighter. It is as if we've slipped back into our usual rhythm, where there are no unspoken words, only trust and understanding.
I watch as she instantly returns to her usual carefree self, as if all the burdens and thoughts of the past have vanished, leaving only the future — full of fun and adventure. The shadow of sadness disappears from her eyes, replaced by the gleam of anticipation for something thrilling that we will create together that evening.
"Have you been to parties like this before, or is this new for you?" I ask, noticing how she relaxes and her gaze turns playful.
"Of course, I have! Who do you take me for?"
We walk through the streets, and I feel my heart tuning to the same frequency — the wild, reckless rhythm of the party.
"It's the most fun type of party," her voice is light, as if she is already completely sure the night will be unforgettable. "The main thing is to keep the foam out of your eyes and not to slip. Stick with me, and you won't get lost."
Inside me, that special party mood begins to stir — when nothing matters but the dancing, the laughter, and the sheer, unrestrained joy. I know an ocean of impressions awaits us, and I can't wait to dive in.
"I won't step away from you for a second," I promise, not planning to lose sight of her, especially in that chaos.
We reach the spot, and the atmosphere exceeds all expectations. The crowd in front of the stage glows with happiness, the music fills the air, making our legs move in rhythm. The stage is surrounded by bright lights, and foam shoots up from the generator, creating the illusion of a paradise island where there are no worries. It is impossible to stay calm here. The whole square is soaked in celebration. My feelings overwhelm me, and I realize I can't wait any longer — I want to be part of this crazy flow of energy that makes everything around spin.
There is also a small booth with drinks and snacks near the stage.
We decide to step back a bit and head towards a tree about forty meters from the stage. This place becomes a quiet refuge amidst the noise and brightness. We hide our things — towels, phones, and Katrin's wallet. In this corner, there is a sense of intimate safety, as if the whole world outside has stopped existing. But a slight unease still remains — the energy of the celebration is so powerful that it feels like we are hiding from reality. This feeling isn't because there is anything dangerous here, but because the whole storm of fun, this energy coming from the people, is so intense that it seems like we are hiding in the shadows, away from this wild reality.
When we are about to return to the crowd, the girl stops me. A mystery flickers in her eyes, and there is something more than a request in her voice:
"Wait, I'm not ready yet."
I can't take my eyes off her, every movement of hers seems like the key to understanding what is happening between us. Then she begins to take off her black dress, and I freeze, unable to understand what she is planning. A wild thought flashes through my head — is she going to walk into that crowd of half-drunk people in just her underwear?
I can't believe she can be that brave and fearless. But as soon as the dress slips off her shoulders and I see what is underneath, all my guesses collapse. Under the dress, she wears a one-piece swimsuit — black and red, perfectly matching her red curls, creating an unmatched contrast and highlighting every curve. It fits her perfectly, accentuating her elegant shoulders and slender waist as if it is made specifically for her figure. The fabric gently hugs her body, hiding her chest but leaving a hint of her femininity. The slit on her back, starting from the neck and smoothly descending to her waist, adds both boldness and elegance to the look. It is a combination of modesty and allure that makes her image unforgettable.
I stand, almost paralyzed, unable to look away. Katrin is incredibly beautiful — and that has nothing to do with what she wears. She is the embodiment of true strength and beauty, and I am drawn to her more and more. It isn't just physical attraction — I feel that with every minute spent together, I am dissolving more and more into her world.
I don't know what to do with this feeling. What if I give in? What if I fall in love? That question won't leave me, tormenting me from the inside. But what if she doesn't feel the same way? What then? How will I handle it if she rejects me? These questions never stop, and I don't know what to do with them. I'm not going to be like Ivan; I don't want to force her. No, I'd better let Katrin go and return to my quiet, boring life, where there won't be these worries and uncertainties.
Rebel Girl turns to me, and determination lights up in her eyes.
"Now I'm ready. Let's go."
But I still stand there, unable to move, frozen in observation.
"What's wrong? Why aren't you coming?" she comes closer to me, curiosity and a bit of surprise in her eyes.
"You're so beautiful," I exhale, unable to hide what is going on inside. It is a surge of the soul, sincere and unstoppable.
The girl doesn't respond, but her smile grows even brighter. This girl means so much more to me than I can admit. In the month and a half we've known each other, I've seen her smile many times, but now it is special. Maybe I have changed, and now I am seeing her with new eyes. It is impossible to look at her, watching her smile, without falling in love.
She reaches out and firmly takes my hand, pulling me towards the crowd. Her touch is determined but light, as if she knows I will follow her without question.
"Let's go, or we'll miss all the fun, Nerd."
My world seems to flip upside down. Her words awaken something in me, making my heart beat faster. I can no longer resist. Everything inside me tightens with tension and anticipation. I follow her, absorbed by the moment, feeling how each step brings me closer to something new, unexplored.
My legs move automatically, obeying her will. I am ready to go to the ends of the earth, just as long as she leads me. Everything that has come before suddenly feels insignificant. I stand on the threshold of something important, and everything else loses its meaning. Every step seems too quick, as if I am on the edge, ready to drown in this moment. My thoughts can't keep up with what is happening; my heart is pounding in a frantic rhythm — from excitement and fear. I'm not ready. Everything is happening too fast, and I feel like I am losing control over the situation, over what I feel, over what is happening between us.
Every movement she makes, every word she says, crashes into me, leaving no time for understanding. It is like a whirlwind I can't stop, as if I am just a small element in this huge storm that is breaking out, leaving me no time to comprehend. And here I am, right next to her, feeling her warmth, her gaze, and understanding how close we are to each other. All of this pushes me forward, even though fear tightens my heart.
I am scared by how quickly everything is changing. I am losing my stability, feeling like I can't cope with this intensity. Every moment with her is filled with such force that I fear I won't endure it. The fear comes not only from what is happening but also from losing control over my emotions.
Everything seems new, strange, and I don't know what will happen next. Anxiety and excitement mix inside, leaving me confused. It is as if I am sliding into an abyss, unable to stop. The closer I get to her, the more the whirlpool of emotions overwhelms me.
I am once again under her spell. It isn't just attraction; it is something more, something that fills me completely. My heart beats faster, my thoughts sharpen, and suddenly, three things become completely clear to me.
The first — I am sober. This shocks me, because all the feelings I am experiencing aren't caused by alcohol. I can't dull my emotions with a glass or any external factor. This is a real, genuine feeling, and I can't ignore it.
The second — I am starting to fall in love with her. Or maybe I am already in love, but don't want to admit it to myself. Everything happening between us is so alive and captivating that doubts fade away. This feeling is too strong to deny. It is that moment when you realize that your feelings are no longer under your control.
It wasn't love or anything close to that deep feeling. So far, I had only felt a slight infatuation, which could one day grow into love, but I don't think that will happen anytime soon. Infatuation is more about passion between people, while love is a great feeling that is born over a certain period of time, not in just one day spent together.
The third — I know for sure that I am going to kiss her tonight. It isn't just a desire; it is a belief born deep within my heart. Everything between us is leading us to this moment. I don't know how she will react, but I feel that it is something we both need. I don't know what will happen next, but I am ready for this step. Doubts and fears fade into the background.
Whatever happens next, I am certain: I won't forget this night, but how exactly it will unfold is impossible to predict. It will stay with me, like a bright flash in my memory, like something that turns everything upside down.
"I want to have something stronger first, and then we'll go dance."
We approach the drinks booth. Katrin orders something strong, and I stand nearby, feeling my thoughts start to get tangled.
While she is ordering, my gaze accidentally catches a couple nearby. Their behavior is strange, even provocative. The guy pours something onto the girl, and then begins to pour it off her neck. It is so intimate that something inside me flinches. It is a strange feeling, like I have witnessed something very personal, even something not meant for outside eyes.
I take Katrin's hand, trying to distract myself, but I can't hold back and point to that couple. It is as if I want her to see it too, to somehow explain to myself what is happening. But she, as if nothing has happened, just looks at me with clear confusion.
"So what?"
I meet her gaze and, despite the inner turmoil, exhale honestly:
"I want that with you too."
The words come out on their own, without thinking. It is a confession I can't hide. Everything inside me quiets down, and then my heart begins to beat harder. My hands start to shake a little, and I stay silent, waiting for her reaction, but in response, there is only silence — strange, tense, full of unspoken thoughts, emotions she is hiding.