Love,free from worries

Enzo and I started dating soon after his birthday. Our relationship felt natural, like breathing, and we became inseparable. Whether it was going on cute dates or studying together, we were always by each other’s side. At school, people called us the “Beauty and Brains” couple—Enzo, the top student in his IT class, and me, the school belle and the top achiever in science. Life felt perfect.

One afternoon, as we sat on a park bench, basking in the warm sun, I stretched my arms and sighed. “Ahh, finally! The weekdays are over, and we have a whole week of vacation. I can finally rest.”

Enzo chuckled. “Yeah, same. I was thinking, maybe we could—”

Before he could finish, his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen and frowned. “Hold on a minute, it’s my mom.” Standing up, he walked a little distance away to take the call.

His parents didn’t know about us. Enzo had always told me his family was strict and wanted him to focus solely on his studies. I watched as he paced nervously, his voice low but urgent.

“Mom, what is it?” he asked.

“I heard from your friend that you’re dating a girl,” his mother said sharply. “Are you seriously planning to keep this from us forever?”

“I’m sorry, Mom. I know I should be focusing on my studies, but I promise, Yannie doesn’t affect my grades. I’m doing well, and—”

“Yannie? So that’s her name,” she interrupted. “If you’re serious about her, bring her home. We need to meet this girl, or we’ll come find her ourselves.”

“But Mom, I don’t think she’s rea—”

Before he could finish, the call disconnected. Enzo stood frozen for a moment before turning back to me, a worried look on his face.

I frowned. “What happened? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

He sat down beside me, sighing heavily. “It’s my parents. They found out about us, and now they want to meet you. I don’t want to pressure you if you’re not ready. My family can be… intense. I don’t know how they’ll react, but whatever happens, I promise I’ll support and protect you.”

I reached out, placing a hand on his. “Enzo, it’s okay. I know you’re struggling to balance everything, and I don’t want to come between you and your family. But I think it’s time. We love each other, and your parents will see that. No parent wants their child to be unhappy, right? I’m sure they’re not as bad as you think. I mean, look at you. You’re the kindest, most lovable person I know.”

His eyes softened, and he squeezed my hand. “Yannie, I swear I’ll never lose you. I’ll keep you safe, always.”

“I know,” I whispered, smiling.

As the sun set behind us, casting golden light across the bench, our eyes met. Slowly, we leaned closer until our lips touched in a tender kiss. My cheeks burned, and I pulled away shyly, standing up quickly.

Enzo laughed, his expression teasing. “What’s this? Did you not like it? Why are you suddenly acting so shy?”

“What? Me? Shy?” I protested, my face growing hotter. “I’m not shy!”

“Then why are you walking away?” he teased, following me as I tried to escape.

“It was our first kiss, dumbass! Of course, I’m shy! How are you not embarrassed?”

He grinned. “Because watching your reaction makes it impossible to feel shy.”

“Ugh, stop teasing me! If you don’t—”

“Stop what?” he interrupted, smirking. “What will you do?”

Without thinking, I blurted, “I’ll kiss you again!” Then I stood on my tiptoes, kissed him quickly, and bolted, laughing as I ran.

Enzo stared for a moment, stunned, then burst into a run. “When I catch you, I’ll kiss you so many times you’ll lose count!”

“Catch me if you can!” I called back, giggling.

That day felt magical. We were just two people in love, free from worries, living in the moment. Little did we know, challenges were waiting for us just around the corner.

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