Luck closed the distance with a few soft steps. He lifted his hands so she could see them, then let them fall to his sides again.
"If you want me to go, I'll leave right now. Just say the word."
Kana didn't move or speak, just watched him approach until he was close enough that the warmth radiating off his skin could be felt.
He raised a hand and brushed a strand of wet hair out of her face, then let his fingers linger, cupping her cheek. Her skin was damp and cool, and she flinched at the contact, but only a little.
"Can I kiss you?"
She drew a quick breath.
"You can," she whispered, "if you want."
It was barely audible, more a concession to possibility than a genuine invitation.
He leaned in, pausing with his lips just grazing her forehead, then traced down to her nose, then finally caught her mouth.
Mint and the cool tang of tap water touched his tongue. She tensed, a mix of teeth and breath, but when his hand gently cradled the back of her head, her body softened.
