I was shocked for a moment and didn’t know how to react.

The expression on his face was pure pain.

“I’m sorry,” I mumbled. ‘I don’t know what to do in these circumstances.

“Okay, this is awkward,” he scratched his head. “You’ve never kissed boys before.”

“Of course not,’ I sounded scandalized, “Did you kiss girls?”

“I did try, but they were all some crazy feats under the effect of alcohol and I don’t remember any of those. They weren’t even people I know, just some random girls who threw themselves on me at a sorority party.”

He looked down, unable to meet my eyes.

“I actually don’t care about your love life, Daniel. I’ve always told you what we share is a bond and an understanding. We’re not in a relationship. We can’t do what couples actually do. I can’t break any more hearts.”

“People treat you like a porcelain doll and you let them do that to you. That’s what actually makes you weaker. Be bold. For once stop thinking about the future. It may sound cliché but at this stage, you need to live every day like there’s no tomorrow,’ his voice was determined.

‘Maybe you’re right, but I really am a glass doll, fragile and could get hurt so easily. One deep kiss could actually peel off the skin from my lips. Have you ever thought of that?”

“Honestly never. But then, there was no you in my life. Every relationship differs. Every part of this relationship, if I can call it one, differs. We can work it out. I’ll never hurt you. Just follow my lead. One time Phoebe, trust me.”

Was I ready? It was so easy when they do it in movies, but here I was discussing my first kiss, its pros and cons with the person I love.

Phoebe Wellesley, you really are a freaking, unromantic, idiot. Just accept it.

“Okay. Just once. But what if it doesn’t work out? We stop talking?”

He burst out into pure, innocent laughter.

‘Do you think that after going through so many things, a kiss really matters? I would not even force you if you aren’t ready. Physical desires are all material. Our bond is further than that. It’s deeper, more spiritual.”

The look on my face was enough to make him stop.

“Not spiritual, but deeper, more ethereal,” he managed a nervous smile.

“Okay. No, it’s fine. If I have to be with you, I have to accept your faith. We needn’t hold back on words when we’re together.  I have no problem with you believing in God.” I pinched the bridge of my nose.

‘Phoebe, that’s fine but it’s going off track. We need to focus on the kiss. Don’t bother your head on other things.” he pleaded.

“Yes, sir!” I put on a serious face.”

“Okay, so focus. Take a deep breath and relax.”

I obeyed.

“Phoebe, you’re beautiful. Don’t let anyone ever tell you otherwise.”

His eyes fell on my lips, as if asking for the final permission.
I didn’t move as mine were locked on his.

He leaned forward, slowly. I stayed still. His hands reached out to cup my face. I shivered as my body sent strange signals to my brain. His lips gently touched mine. It was just a brush, a whisper of a touch.

But that touch made me feel warm and fuzzy all over.

I immediately threw my hands around him as his lips were on me again, warm, hungry, but slow and gentle.

And I found myself responding. My hands knotted through his hair as I devoured his lips with a hungry fierceness. I didn’t feel like holding back. It was exhilarating and liberating. It felt like being alive, with all the emotions coursing through my vein, enlightening every inch of me.

Finally, he was the one who broke away, only to drags his lips over my nose to my forehead, where he lingered for a moment.

“Whoa! That’s a century for your first kiss,” he was back to his flippant ways.

“Umm, sure,” I said, touching my lips, trying to ascertain if it was a dream or the reality.

And he touched his lips to mine again.

“Kids, I brought you something to eat —”

My mother’s voice jolted me out of my dream.

“Oh! I didn’t see anything,” my mother turned abruptly, facing the hallway.

“Oh shit!” I muttered.

Daniel’s expression mirrored mine as my mother pretended to cover her eyes.

A/N I'm crappy at romance scenes... Admit it Shreya. Well, did you like it?