I might’ve told a couple of lies, but I wonder how those compare to what Ethan has been doing with these people, whoever they are.

“Let’s all take a photo,” says Dinah, and without waiting for an answer, comes over to my left, while Cameron moves over to Ethan’s right.

The photographer snaps a few photos and both Ethan and I are frozen, probably with the same kind of plastic smiles on our faces.

“And one just with you two,” says Cameron, sounding all excited.

Ethan and I are left alone now, while Dinah and Cameron stand in front of us, next to the photographer and stare.

“Don’t be shy. It’s alright. Just ignore the camera,” says Cameron.

Cameron and Dinah continue to stare. The photographer isn’t taking any pictures.

I turn to Ethan, trying to ask him, without words, now what? What do they want from us?

I think he understood because he takes my hand in his and pulls me to him.

I let him do it. The same feeling from earlier. This time though, I also have goose bumps all over my body. I’m fine. This is not real. It’s just… whatever it is.

“Just smile,” he says through his teeth.

“Can you look at each other?” asks the photographer.

We listen, and both turn and look at each other, still holding hands. I have looked into his eyes before. That very first day at the café, that first night on the terrace, and the last few days. Countless times. OK, not countless, but plenty. Now, it’s different somehow.

“Beautiful,” says the photographer, and I hear his voice as if it’s coming from far away.

We’re still looking into each other’s eyes and I’m losing track of time. Is it a second? A minute? I almost forget there are people around.

I hear, as if from another dimension, “A kiss?” but I can’t be sure anyone said that or if my mind fabricated it. I can’t be sure of anything right now. At this very moment, there’s only one thing for certain. My lips are inches away from his lips. Or are his lips inches away from mine? Who’s doing this? Him or me? His hand caresses my face. And then, just like that, our lips touch and I can’t remember the last time I felt like this. It’s dizzying and overpowering, and I’m out of breath.

I pull back, my legs feeling wobbly, and stare at him. He holds my gaze.

“Perfect, got it,” I hear the photographer say and I’m immediately brought back to reality.

A feeling of panic comes over me. What’s going on? What am I doing? Why did I kiss this man? He is Max’s friend. What did I do?

I take a step back and he lets go of my hand.

“I have to go,” I say and neither Cameron, Dinah nor the photographer even mind me, as I’m making my way through the crowds and outside. I need air.

At the door, Ethan is right behind me.