Josh stared softly into the aquamarine eyes in front of him and realized he was being pulled like a magnet eager for metal. His lips were suddenly met with the gentle brush of Matthew's breath. He could smell the cookies and cream ice cream they had eaten a couple of hours ago

They had raced back from Pasadena to get Matthew back to his car before thе parking time expired at 12. Josh, first prеssing the car's hazard lights, leaned in and Matthew followed. Their pulses seemed to synchronize on that windy March night to a rhythm that reverberated across the avenue and tended the flame in Josh's heart

They embraced for what felt too short

"You gotta go," breathed Josh, tracing the sleeve of Matthew's black crewneck sweater

"I know," Matthew surrendered

He sat still for another few seconds and then got out, where the car's flashing lights encapsulated him in a crimson glow

Josh watched Matthew walk away through his rearview mirror, his car left with the perfume of a budding romance. The clock struck 12 as Josh's lover descended the stairs into the parking lot