Chapter 2 Love under the stars

The next day, Astrid arrived at the observatory, her heart racing with anticipation. She had barely slept the night before, her mind replaying the moments she had shared with Elijah. As she entered the observatory, Elijah looked up from his work, a smile spreading across his face. "Hey," he said, his voice warm and inviting. Astrid felt a flutter in her chest. "Hey," she replied, trying to sound casual. They spent the day working together, their hands touching as they adjusted the telescope's lens. Astrid felt a jolt of electricity every time their skin made contact.

At lunchtime, Elijah suggested they take a walk outside. The sun was shining, casting a warm glow over the landscape. As they strolled through the gardens, Elijah told Astrid about his childhood, about how he had always been fascinated by the stars. Astrid listened, entranced, feeling a deep connection to this man who shared her passions. They walked to a small pond, where Elijah picked up a stone and skipped it across the water. Astrid laughed, feeling carefree for the first time in years. As they stood there, Elijah turned to her, his eyes burning with intensity. "Astrid," he said, his voice low and husky. "I feel like I've known you my whole life." Astrid's heart skipped a beat. "I know exactly what you mean," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. And then, without another word, Elijah leaned in and kissed her. The kiss was like a supernova, exploding with intensity and passion. Astrid felt like she was melting into Elijah's arms, like their lips were meant to be together. As they pulled away, gasping for air, Astrid smiled up at Elijah. "Wow," she whispered. Elijah grinned, his eyes sparkling. "Definitely worth waiting for," he said, pulling her close again. They spent the rest of the day lost in each other's eyes, their lips meeting in soft, gentle kisses. Astrid felt like she was floating on air, like nothing could ever bring her down. But as the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the gardens, Elijah's expression turned serious. "Astrid, I have to tell you something," he said, his voice low and husky. Astrid's heart skipped a beat. "What is it?" she asked, feeling a sense of trepidation. Elijah took a deep breath. "I'm leaving in a few weeks," he said, his eyes locked onto hers. "I've been offered a research grant to study the star collision up close." Astrid felt like she'd been punched in the gut. "Leaving?" she repeated, trying to process the news. Elijah nodded. "I'll be gone for a year, maybe more." Astrid's mind reeled as she tried to wrap her head around the news. She had just found Elijah, and now he was leaving?