Fireflies sparkle like stars that have fallen to the earth. "Look at that one! I've never seen them fly that high!" Yuichi says with delight, pointing to a spot half way across the field that they were walking in.
"Wow, I wonder why he's way up there?" Miko whispered, not wanting to break the spell of their surroundings. She was glad that they had gone for a walk tonight, it might be the last time that she saw fireflies for a long time; she was going to attend college in California, and she had heard that they didn't live on the west coast. Vermont was quiet in the summer, but it had its own special beauty.
They walked together in the tall dew-damp grass, holding hands. Miko shivered in the cool June darkness. The grass was almost mid-thigh height for her, and the seed tops tickled her, spattering her legs with dew. Yuichi let go of her hand for a second, and got down low, stalking the fireflies like a cat. With a quick pounce, he caught one in his hands.
"Ooh, let me see!" Miko giggled and he brought his cupped hands over to her to share his treasure. She leaned in close to look, and he carefully opened his hands. Blink, flash! "Pretty!" she said, just as it flew away.
Yuichi continued to look at her. "I agree," he said, smiling at her. He sat down in the grass, and held out his hand to her. She took it and sat next to him, leaning on his shoulder. Shyness stole over the two, and they sat quietly watching the sparkling show. "Do you think..." "I read that- oh, sorry!" They both tried to speak at once, and laughed.
He reached his right hand to touch her face, turning it towards his. His lips touched hers, brushing them softly. She sighed, and he rested his forehead on her temple, whispering her name into her ear. "Miko…"
Their lips met once again, gentle at first, and then their kiss deepened, becoming more passionate. Yuichi pushed her, laying her down on the grass, and she gasped from the cold dew that dampened the back of her sundress. She tried to sit up from the shock of it; but he lay down next to her, placing his hand over her ribcage. "Shh-it'll be OK in a minute, you'll warm up. It's only dew."
He had been lying on his side, and quickly rolled over so he was half-on top of her. She reached up, touching his hair, running her fingers through it. He closed his eyes for a second, sighing and leaning his cheek into her hand. He kissed her wrist, and when she slipped her hand to the nape of his neck, he touched the tip of his tongue to her lower lip. He kissed her with feather light kisses, trailing them over her jaw, and down to her neck.
Yuichi found a sensitive spot near her left ear that made her tremble as he caressed it with his tongue. She moaned, and he started to suck on her there, but careful not to mark her delicate skin. Almost with reluctance he moved on, nipping her earlobe with his teeth; and her breath sped up. He could feel her heart pounding through the white-and-pink cherry print dress.
