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The air was sticky from the thick summer heat. This didn’t stop Ty Lee from entwining her arm with Mai’s. They were walking down the boardwalk with ice cream cones; dark chocolate for Mai and strawberry for Ty Lee.
“Let’s go down to the beach,” Ty Lee said, tugging on Mai’s hand. “I want to watch the sunset.”
Mai rolled her eyes, “We can see it from right here,” but followed her anyway.
In truth, Mai would do whatever Ty Lee wanted. She felt a warm sensation bloom in her stomach as she watched Ty Lee cartwheel away. Tearing her eyes away, she sat down and looked out toward the horizon.
It reminded her of her date with Zuko. Back then, they were both two teenagers stumbling through life with only each other to lean on. Thankfully, they broke up after realizing that they were better off as friends. Mai was startled from her thoughts by Ty Lee calling her name.
“What?” she yelled back.
“I found a spot with a really nice view. Let’s go!”
Mai stood and quickly brushed the sand off her clothes, rushing to catch up with Ty Lee.
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Ty Lee said once they arrived.
It was a secluded area surrounded by rocks, but they could still see the tops of the boardwalk shops. Mai turned to look at Ty Lee. The setting sun had bathed her in soft pinks, oranges, and yellows.
“I love you,” Mai blurted.
Ty Lee’s eyes lit up brighter than any star in the sky, and Mai decided she wanted to chase that look for the rest of her life.
“I love you too,” Ty Lee said softly, before bringing their lips together. The kiss was tender and sweet and just a little bit awkward, but Mai thought it was perfect.