Chapter 12
James is greeted with the most beautiful smile he has ever seen as he guides Regulus around town, frequently casting sideways glances at him. They have been walking for five minutes before James musters up the courage to act. He slowly inches his hand closer to Regulus’ until they brush against each other. The two boys look in the other's eyes. Hands intertwine. His heartbeat speeds up, like a drum playing to the beat of their love. Nothing is as perfect as this moment.
A further five minutes pass when James stops, saying, “Close your eyes.”
Regulus gives a stoic “no” in response.
“Do you not trust me?” James teases.
“I do not trust blindly.”
“But do you trust me?”
Regulus pauses for a minute before looking James in the eyes and says, “Yes.”
He smiles and Regulus sighs before obliging. James carefully leads him forwards.
“Are you going to kill me?” Regulus jokes.
“Of course not. I would never kill you before I get to kiss you,” James responds. “Okay, you can open your eyes now.”
James can see Regulus’ eyes analysing the scene before him. Right in front of them was a lake, the surface of which reflects the surroundings like a mirror. Only the sporadic splash of fish could be heard disturbing the serenity. Around the lake, stunning evergreen trees loomed tall, shielding them from everything in the world outside of them and this moment.
“How did you find this place?” Regulus asks incredulously.
“I like running,” James answers, “I stumbled upon this place a while ago, and I often come here to think or get some peace and quiet from your brother. Like you and the coffee shop.”
“It’s beautiful.”
James nods in agreement. It truly is magnificent.
“You’re beautiful,” he hears Regulus whisper into his ear.
James feels his cheeks turn scarlet as Regulus’ breath tickles gently against his cheek. James grins manically, before removing his hand from Regulus’ grasp, and picking him up bridle style.
“James, what are you doing?”
“Potentially making you hate me forever,” James says, running towards the water edge.
“James, no. Put me down!”
“Okay,” he replies once he is knee deep in water, dropping Regulus next to him with a splash.
Regulus screams, “I hate you,” and throws water up at James, who responds by throwing water back.
For the next thirty minutes, they swim around and squirt water at one another before calming down a bit. Regulus’ amazing swimming prowess astounds James.
“You could be a professional, you know?” James says.
Soon they make their way out of the lake, shivering in the November chill. Neither of them seem to mind it though. Sitting on the grass, the boys watch the sun begin to set. As the evening sun cast long shadows on the ground, James turns to look at Regulus, who in turn looks at him back, smiling.
“Are you cold?” James inquires after observing Regulus’ shivering body.
“Just a little,” he admits, “but it’s fine, I’m always cold.”
“Here,” James says as he takes his jacket off, “you can borrow this.”
James puts it around Regulus’ shoulders, his fingers brushing against his neck.
“Do you know what would make this moment even better?” Regulus asks.
“What?”
Regulus picks up his phone and after a few delicate taps with his beautiful fingers once again laden with silver rings, music starts playing. James recognises this song after the first few guitar strums. Enchanted by Taylor Swift. He's a swiftie ? Biggest green flag ever.
Regulus gets to his feet and reaches out a hand to James. As soon as he stands up, James’ date’s arms are around him. And they dance. Rather awkwardly at first, but they soon adapt to the rhythm. As the bridge of the song starts playing, James can’t help but start singing.
This is me praying that
This was the very first page
Not where the story line ends
My thoughts will echo your name, until I see you again
These are the words I held back, as I was leaving too soon
I was enchanted to meet you
James looks Regulus right in the eyes as he sung that last line. From Regulus’ waist, he moved his hands upwards until they were tangled in his hair. His hair is so soft. While maintaining eye contact, James edges his body closer to him, and does something that surprises himself. He makes the first move. He leans forwards, pausing just centimetres from Regulus’ face, giving him a chance to back away, but when he doesn’t, they start kissing. Slow and tender. James pulls away, and looks at Regulus as if to say, “Was that alright?” Regulus simply smiles at him before leaning in himself and kissing once again, but much more passionately this time.
When their lips finally part, Regulus breathes, “I really was enchanted to meet you.”