They stayed like that for a while, moving together through the apartment until they found themselves back in bed. The lights were dim. The blankets warm. Kai lay beside her, close but not crowding, his arm resting lightly around her waist.
Sleep came easily.
————————
Morning arrived quietly.
Sunlight filtered through the curtains as alarms chimed softly. They moved through their routine like they always had—but now, there was an added closeness. Shared glances. Soft smiles. A quiet understanding that lingered between them.
They walked to campus together, shoulders brushing occasionally. Kai didn’t hold her hand—not yet—but he stayed close enough that she never doubted he was there.
Their business class was already filling when they arrived. Kai took the seat beside her without hesitation. Charlotte opened her notebook, pen ready, determined to stay focused.
And she did.
Mostly.
She felt the looks before she saw them—curious glances, whispered conversations. Some students leaned closer to see if they were imagining it. A few girls stared openly at Kai, irritation flashing when they noticed how close he sat to Charlotte.
By the time class ended, the tension had really settled into something unmistakable.
Charlotte felt it the moment the professor dismissed them—the shift in the air, the way eyes lingered just a second too long. Chairs scraped against the floor as students packed up, voices overlapping, but a pocket of stillness formed around her and Kai.
Kai noticed first.
He straightened slightly, posture instinctively alert, his gaze flicking toward the cluster of girls a few rows ahead. Charlotte followed his line of sight and immediately recognized them.
Jessica sat closest—perfect posture, glossy hair falling neatly over one shoulder, lips pressed into a polite smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.
Beside her was Brittany, tapping her manicured nails against her notebook, expression unreadable. Emily lingered just behind them, arms crossed loosely, watching everything with quiet calculation.
Charlotte’s stomach tightened.
She didn’t miss the way Jessica whispered something, the way Brittany nodded, the way all three of them stood at the same time.
Kai leaned closer to Charlotte, his voice low. “Stay with me.”
Before she could respond, Jessica stepped forward.
“Kai,” she said brightly, tone sweet as sugar. “Can we talk for a second?”
He didn’t smile.
“No.”
He replied calmly.
The bluntness caught them off guard.
Brittany’s eyebrows lifted.
“We just want to clear something up.”
“There’s nothing to clear up.”
Kai said, his voice even but unmistakably firm. He shifted slightly, positioning himself closer to Charlotte—subtle, protective.
“Say what you need to say here.”
Emily’s gaze flicked to Charlotte, then back to Kai.
“It’s not really about you.”
That did it.
Kai’s eyes hardened.
“Then it’s definitely not happening.”
A few students nearby slowed, pretending not to listen. Jessica let out a small, practiced laugh, holding her hands up innocently.
“Relax. We’re not trying to cause drama,”
She said, then turned her attention to Charlotte for the first time. “Actually… we were hoping to talk to you.”
Charlotte stiffened.
Kai immediately shook his head.
“No.”
Jessica blinked. “Excuse me?”
“You’re not pulling her aside.”
He said coolly.
“If you have something to say, say it in front of me.”
Brittany’s smile tightened.
“We’d prefer a private conversation.”
Charlotte inhaled slowly.
“It’s fine,” she said quietly, surprising even herself.
Kai turned to her. “Charlotte—”
She met his eyes, steady despite the knot in her chest. “I’ll be okay. I don’t want this to turn into a scene.”
His jaw clenched, but after a moment, he nodded. “I’ll be right there.”
Jessica gestured toward the hallway outside the classroom.
“Just a minute.”
Charlotte followed them, heart pounding but steps measured. She refused to look small.
The hallway was quieter, sunlight spilling through tall windows. The girls stopped near the lockers, turning to face her in a loose semicircle—close enough to feel invasive, far enough to pretend it wasn’t intentional.
Jessica spoke first.
“We just wanted to say congratulations,”
She said warmly.
“You and Kai.”
Charlotte hesitated.
“Thank you.”
Brittany tilted her head.
“It must be… overwhelming. Being with someone like him.”
Emily nodded.
“He draws attention. Always has.”
Charlotte felt it then—the subtle shift. The kindness that wasn’t quite kindness.
“I know.”
Charlotte replied carefully.
Jessica smiled wider.
“We just worry about you. You’re very… reserved. Quiet. And relationships like that can be a lot of pressure.”
Brittany crossed her arms loosely.
“Especially when people get the wrong idea.”
Charlotte frowned slightly.
“The wrong idea?”
Emily shrugged.
“People talk. They always do. And when things don’t work out—”
She paused deliberately. “—it’s usually the quieter person who gets hurt.”
The words slid under Charlotte’s skin like ice.
Jessica reached out, lightly touching Charlotte’s arm as if in reassurance.
“We’d hate to see you embarrassed. Or pushed out of circles you’ve worked hard to be part of.”
Charlotte stepped back gently, removing the contact.
“I’m not embarrassed;”
She said, her voice steady despite the tremor in her chest.
“And I’m not being pushed.”
Brittany smiled, but it didn’t soften her eyes.
“Of course not. We’re just saying—be careful. Kai has… history.”
Charlotte’s fingers curled slightly at her sides. “I’m well aware.”
Jessica’s smile finally faltered, just for a moment.
“Good. Then we’re all on the same page.”
The silence stretched.
Charlotte lifted her chin. “Is that all?”
Emily nodded. “Just friendly advice.”
Charlotte turned and walked away without another word.
Kai was already moving toward her the second he saw her expression.
“What did they say?” He asked quietly, scanning her face.
She shook her head.
“Nothing worth repeating.”
He studied her for a moment longer, then nodded slowly. “If they bother you again—”
“I’ll tell you,” she promised.
He reached out, brushing his thumb against her knuckles—brief, grounding.
“I don’t like people thinking they can intimidate you.”
She looked up at him, a small smile forming despite everything.
“I’m not as fragile as they think.”
“I know…”
He said softly.
“That’s why I chose you.”
And from the way he looked back toward the hallway—expression unreadable, resolve unmistakable—it was clear that if anyone doubted that… he wouldn’t let them for long.
Kai stayed close to her as they walked back into the classroom.
Not hovering—just present. His shoulder brushed hers once as they passed between rows, deliberate enough to be felt but gentle enough to be dismissed as accidental by anyone watching too closely. Charlotte slid back into her seat, heart still beating a little faster than usual, and opened her notebook again, determined not to let the encounter linger in her head.
Kai sat beside her, posture relaxed, but his attention never fully left her.
Throughout the class, his affection stayed subtle but unmistakable—sliding her a pen when hers ran dry, nudging her foot gently when she zoned out, murmuring encouragement when she answered a question correctly.
If it wasn’t obvious before, it was now.
And Kai didn’t care.
If anyone wanted to doubt it—he’d make sure they wouldn’t. Respectfully. Clearly. And always on her terms.
At first, it was small things.
When Charlotte leaned over her notes, brow furrowed in concentration, Kai tilted his head and whispered, “You do that thing when you’re thinking.”
She blinked. “What thing?”
“That.” His lips curved. “Like you’re about to solve the world’s problems.”
Her ears warmed instantly. “Kai, pay attention.”
“I am.”
He said easily. “
Just… to you.”
———- (where i left off-sophia).
She ducked her head, pretending to write, though the words blurred for a moment.
Later, when the professor asked a question about market forecasting, Charlotte hesitated before raising her hand. Kai noticed the pause immediately. He tapped her ankle lightly with his foot—once, twice.
“You’ve got this.”
He murmured.
She answered flawlessly.
When she sat back down, he leaned closer.
“Told you.”
Her face felt hot now, and she pressed her lips together to keep from smiling too much.
But Kai didn’t stop.
When she reached into her bag and frowned, realizing she’d forgotten her highlighter, he wordlessly slid his own across the desk—then added, quietly, “I like it when you color-code. Makes you look serious.”
She shot him a look. “I am serious.”
He smiled. “Exactly.”
A few rows ahead, someone glanced back, clearly noticing the way Kai leaned in just a little too close, the way his attention never wandered. Kai noticed them noticing—and instead of pulling back, he rested his elbow on the desk, chin propped in his hand, eyes openly fixed on Charlotte.
Not possessive. Just certain.
When Charlotte shifted in her seat, aware of the attention, Kai lowered his voice.
“You okay?”
“Yes,” She whispered.
“You’re just—being obvious.”
“Good.” he replied without hesitation.
That made her choke a little on her breath.
By the midpoint of class, his boldness had grown—not louder, not inappropriate, just undeniable. When Charlotte tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, Kai reached up and did it for her instead, fingers barely brushing her temple.
“You missed one.”
He said softly.
Her entire train of thought derailed.
“Kai…” she whispered, flustered beyond recovery.
He leaned back in his chair, utterly unashamed.
“What?”
“You’re doing this on purpose.”
“Absolutely.”
She stared at her notes, heart racing. “People are staring.”
“Let them.”
He said calmly. Then, softer, meant only for her:
“I’m not hiding you. Not anymore. It’s been way too long for that.”
That did something to her—something warm and steady that settled deep in her chest.
By the end of class, Charlotte was exhausted in the strangest way—not from stress, but from being seen so clearly, so openly. When the professor dismissed them, Kai packed up slowly, still close, still attentive.
As they stood, he leaned in once more. “You handled yourself well today.”
She glanced up at him. “You mean… earlier?”
“I mean always.”
He said.
And this time, when she smiled—unguarded, bright—Kai didn’t look away at all.
The morning light was slowly seeping into the apartment windows, the warmth of the sun’s light only bringing more warmth to Charlotte and Kai’s huddled up form. It was soothing, the light. So was the feeling of Kai’s arms around Charlotte’s waist.
Both were already awake, but didn’t want to move away from each other. The feeling of the position was all too tempting. The bed was soft, and their bodies felt heavy.
“…You know we have to get up soon, right?”
Charlotte said, shifting a little in Kai’s arms before she felt Kai tighten his grip on her waist, the action almost involuntary.
“Five more minutes.” He mumbled under his breath, burrowing his head to Charlotte’s lavender scented hair.
“The smell of your hair is making me sleepy…It’s all your fault…” He murmured, his hand making its way under Charlotte’s shirt, absentmindedly tracing small patterns against her stomach.
“You know I’m weak for lavender…”
“…Fine.”
She said, a slight pout on her face. She always had a habit of waking up early and on time. She never really liked sleeping in unless she had nothing to do. But Kai…He slept whenever he was able to.
But it was whatever. At this point she was used to it.
“But we have to start getting ready soon. You know we have to meet up with our parents today.”
“And let them see you with those puffy ass eyes? Even you know you should sleep for a little longer.”
Kai gently shifted Charlotte, turning her back so that she was facing Kai’s face. He lifted his hand and grazed her cheek with his thumb, thoroughly savoring how it got warmer under his touch. A small smile lighting up his features as he leaned in closer to her, kissing her forehead and slowly getting up.
“I’ll get ready before you. Just sleep for now, okay?”
“Mhm.”
Charlotte hummed in affirmation, burrowing deeper into the blankets, her eyes fluttering shut. She couldn’t tell if she was keeping them closed to try to sleep, or if it was to distract herself from the fact that Kai was in the other room, undressing…She felt herself blush, but shifted again, sighing under her breath. She still felt that lingering feeling of doubt. What if she didn’t look as good as Kai thought? She knew that Kai wouldn’t care what she looked like under all her clothing, but it still irked her, constantly.
She drifted off to sleep, her body relaxing and her mind quieting down everything else around her.
———
Kai, who was still in the shower, hummed a soft melody under his breath, the same one that they used to sing together as kids. He couldn’t keep the smile off of his face, his body practically shaking in happiness. He was looking for a time all by himself so he could finally celebrate.
Kai finished his shower with a content sigh, water still dripping from his hair as he wrapped a towel around his waist. He stood there for a moment, hands braced against the sink, staring at his reflection. The grin on his face wouldn’t go away no matter how much he tried to relax his features.
“So this is real…”
He muttered to himself, a quiet laugh slipping out.
He dried off, got dressed in something simple but clean—black slacks, a fitted white shirt, sleeves rolled just enough to look effortless—and ran a hand through his damp hair. He glanced toward the bedroom door, listening. Everything was quiet. She was still asleep.
Good.
He moved quietly, gathering his wallet and watch before heading back into the bedroom. Charlotte was curled on her side, blankets pulled up to her chin, her hair slightly messy from sleep. The morning light painted her softly, and for a moment, Kai just stood there, watching her chest rise and fall.
God… she’s beautiful.
He swallowed, something warm blooming in his chest, and gently shook her shoulder.
“Charlotte…”
He murmured, voice low.
“Hey. Sleeping beauty.”
She groaned softly, turning her face into the pillow.
“Mmm… no…”
He chuckled, sitting on the edge of the bed. “You said we have to get ready. Dinner’s in a few hours.”
Her eyes fluttered open slowly, unfocused at first. Then they landed on him.
“…Oh.”
She whispered, cheeks immediately warming.
He smiled at her reaction.
“Morning.”
She pushed herself up slightly, pulling the blanket closer around herself.
“You’re… already dressed.”
“Yep. I figured I’d let you take your time.”
He tilted his head, noticing how she pulled the blanket closer to herself.
“You okay?”
Charlotte hesitated, then nodded.
“Yeah. Just… nervous.”
He reached out without thinking, brushing his thumb across her knuckles.
“Same. But hey—”
He squeezed gently
“—we’re doing this together.”
That earned him a small smile.
After he left the room, Charlotte sat there for a moment longer, letting her heart calm down. She then took a deep breath and got up. She showered, letting the warm water wash away the last traces of doubt clinging to her. By the time she stepped out, she felt steadier.
She chose a simple dress—soft fabric, neutral tones, something elegant without trying too hard. It reminded her of her parents’ designs: timeless, thoughtful, made with care. She styled her hair loosely and kept her makeup light, pausing to look at herself in the mirror.
This is enough, she told herself.
I’m enough.
When she stepped out, Kai looked up from his phone—and froze.
“…Wow.”
Charlotte blinked. “What?”
He stood up, clearing his throat.
“Nothing. Just—yeah. You look amazing.”
She laughed softly, warmth spreading across her face.
“Thank you.”
They left together, fingers hesitantly brushing in the elevator before finally intertwining. Neither of them commented on it, but neither let go.
The ride to the restaurant was quieter than Charlotte expected.
Not uncomfortable—just heavy with anticipation. The city lights blurred past the car windows, reflections flickering across the glass as traffic hummed softly around them. Charlotte sat with her hands folded in her lap, thumbs brushing against each other in a nervous rhythm. Kai noticed immediately.
He always noticed.
Without a word, he reached over and laced his fingers through hers. His palm was warm, grounding. She glanced at him, surprised, and he gave her a small, reassuring smile.
“You okay?”
He asked quietly.
She nodded, though she wasn’t entirely sure it was true.
“I think so. I just… didn’t realize how real this would feel.”
He squeezed her hand, a quiet understanding.
They pulled into the restaurant parking lot soon after. The building was elegant—tall windows glowing with warm light, soft music faintly audible even from outside. It was a place meant for deals, celebrations, and important conversations. Charlotte had been here dozens of times growing up, but tonight felt different.
As soon as they stepped inside, the familiar scent of polished wood and subtle perfume wrapped around them. A hostess greeted them by name and led them toward the private dining section where their families were already seated.
Charlotte slowed her steps unconsciously.
Kai noticed and leaned closer.
“Hey,”
He murmured.
“You don’t have to do anything you’re not ready for. We can just… be us.”
She took a breath, nodding.
“I know. I just don’t want this to turn into a business meeting about us.”
He huffed a small laugh.
“With our parents? It’s inevitable.”
They both gave eachother a weak smile.
They rounded the corner—and that was when everything stopped.
Charlotte’s mother was mid-sentence, gesturing animatedly while Charlotte’s father listened with his usual thoughtful expression. Across from them sat Kai’s parents, relaxed, wine glasses already half full. The conversation died the second they noticed Charlotte and Kai standing there… together.
Hand in hand.
Charlotte’s mother’s eyes immediately dropped to their hands.
Then her eyebrows lifted. Her eyes lit up.
Slowly.
“…Well,”
She started carefully.
“That’s new.”
Kai’s dad leaned back in his chair, squinting. “Is it, though?”
Charlotte swallowed, her eyes glancing at Kai’s before she spoke up, her voice soft.
“Mom—Dad—there’s something we need to tell you.”
Kai straightened beside her, shoulders tense but posture firm, his eyes drifting to Charlotte’s father.
“We’re together.”
For a moment, no one spoke.
Then Charlotte’s father let out a low chuckle.
“Took you long enough.”
Charlotte blinked.
“You’re… not mad?”
Her mother stood up immediately and crossed the room, pulling Charlotte into a tight embrace.
“Mad? Sweetheart, I’ve been waiting for this since you two were little.”
Kai’s mom followed suit, hugging Charlotte as well before turning to her son and cupping his face with both hands.
“You finally figured it out.”
She said softly, pride shining in her eyes.
“I’ve had enough of hearing you talk in your sleep about her.”
She said playfully. Charlotte blushed from the revelation, trying to pretend not to hear it while Kai laughed nervously.
The mood shifted completely after that.
What started as surprise turned into celebration—glasses raised, laughter echoing through the private room. The waiter returned at the perfect time, refilling drinks and smiling knowingly as congratulations were exchanged.
Once everyone settled, the conversation naturally drifted—first to how it happened.
“The hotel room.”
Kai said, rubbing the back of his neck. “That wasn’t an accident, was it?”
Charlotte’s mother smiled innocently.
“We might’ve nudged things a little.”
“A little?”
Charlotte groaned.
“You booked us the same room.”
Kai’s dad shrugged.
“We’ve been business partners for years. It only made sense to invest in the future.”
Charlotte buried her face in her hands as everyone laughed.
Dinner was served soon after, plates arranged meticulously, the aroma rich and comforting. As they ate, talk turned to work—their parents discussing upcoming collections, fabric sourcing, international expansion. Charlotte listened closely, as she always did. Fashion wasn’t just her parents’ company—it was something she’d grown up with, something woven into her life.
Kai leaned toward her.
“You’re doing that thing.”
He whispered.
She blinked.
“What thing?”
“Thinking ten steps ahead. You do it when you’re interested.”
She smiled slightly.
“I can’t help it.”
Across the table, Kai’s mom noticed and smiled.
“You know,”
She said.
“We’ve been talking about a joint line for years now. A collaboration between both companies.”
Charlotte’s heart skipped.
“You have?”
“Yes;”
Her father said, nodding.
“And honestly, having the two of you involved makes it even more promising.”
Kai stiffened slightly.
“Involved… how?”
Charlotte’s mother tilted her head.
“Creatively. You both understand the brands, the audience, and—”
She paused, smiling knowingly
“—each other.”
Charlotte felt Kai’s hand squeeze hers again, this time with a mix of nerves and excitement.
“That’s… a lot.”
Charlotte admitted softly.
Her father nodded.
“Not a demand. Just an opportunity. An offer we can talk about later.”
The rest of dinner passed more gently after that—stories from their childhoods resurfacing, embarrassing moments dragged into the light. Kai groaned when Charlotte’s mom brought up the time he cried because Charlotte beat him at a spelling bee.
“I was eight!” He protested.
“And dramatic.”
Charlotte added with a grin.
As laughter filled the room again, Charlotte leaned slightly closer to Kai, her shoulder brushing his arm. The doubt that had lingered that morning felt quieter now. Not gone—but softened.
For once, she didn’t feel like she was standing on the outside of his world.
She was right there.
And for now, that was enough.
After the meeting and celebrations, Charlotte and Kai eventually made it back home, both tired but less tense than before.
The apartment felt different now.
Not unfamiliar—Charlotte had stayed here before, countless times over the years—but altered, as if something invisible had shifted its weight. The air felt warmer. Fuller. Like the walls themselves were holding their breath, aware that something long overdue had finally happened.
The door clicked shut behind them, and the sound echoed softly through the entryway.
Charlotte slipped off her shoes first, lining them neatly by the wall like she always did. Old habits didn’t disappear overnight. Kai noticed—he always did—but he didn’t comment. He just watched her with that same quiet fondness he’d been carrying since dinner.
She caught him staring.
“…What?”
She asked, self-conscious.
He blinked, then smiled.
“Nothing. Just thinking.”
“That’s dangerous.”
He scoffed lightly. “Only when I overdo it.”
They moved around the apartment naturally—Charlotte setting her bag down, Kai tossing his keys onto the counter. The night had drained them both, not physically, but emotionally. It had been full of revelations, laughter, old wounds reopening only to be gently closed again.
Kai rolled his shoulders, exhaling.
“I’m gonna shower.”
He said, voice casual. Then, quieter, more careful. “You can come with me. If you want.”
Charlotte stopped.
Not because the idea scared her—but because it surprised her how gently it was offered. No expectation lingered behind his words. No impatience. Just an open door, waiting.
She turned to look at him, searching his face. Kai met her gaze steadily, hands relaxed at his sides. He noticed the hesitation immediately and responded before she could even speak.
“Hey..”
He said softly. “You don’t have to. I promise I’m not trying to rush anything. I just like… being near you. That’s all.”
Her chest tightened—not with anxiety, but with something closer to relief.
She nodded slowly. “I know. I just—this is new.”
“And that’s okay,” he said without missing a beat.
“We can take it slow. As slow as you need.”
She let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.
“…Okay,” she said, shy but sincere. “I’ll join you.”
The bathroom soon filled with steam, warm and comforting. The sound of running water drowned out the rest of the world, leaving only the quiet space they shared. Kai scooted just enough to give them separation, instinctively positioning himself on the opposite side of the tub.
Charlotte hugged her arms loosely around herself, shoulders slightly tense. She wasn’t scared—just hyper-aware. Of herself. Of him. Of how close they were without touching.
Kai noticed and turned his face away slightly, giving her space without making it obvious.
They stood like that for a moment, letting the water run.
Then Kai spoke, breaking the silence.
“You did really well tonight.”
Charlotte blinked. “At dinner?”
“Yeah.”
He said.
“You handled everything… really calmly. I know it couldn’t have been easy.”
She shrugged faintly. “I was terrified.”
He smiled softly. “You hid it well. Better than me.”
That earned him a quiet laugh from her. The tension eased just a little.
They talked as the minutes passed—nothing heavy at first. Joking about how their parents had clearly been plotting for years. Laughing about how obvious everything seemed in hindsight. Kai admitted he’d nearly choked on his drink when his dad said ‘about time’.
“I thought I was gonna pass out…”
He said.
Charlotte giggled, shoulders relaxing. “You did look a little pale.”
The steam wrapped around them, blurring edges, softening thoughts. Charlotte’s arms loosened. Her posture shifted—less guarded, more at ease.
“You know,”
Kai said after a pause, voice thoughtful,
“you don’t have to be ‘put together’ around me.”
She glanced toward him. “I know. I just… forget sometimes.”
“I don’t expect anything from you.”
He added carefully.
“I just want you comfortable.”
Her throat tightened, but she nodded. “Thank you.”
By the time they turned the water off, the earlier nervousness had faded into something quieter—trust, maybe. Familiarity reshaped into something deeper.
They dried off separately, moving around each other with a careful ease that felt natural rather than forced. Kai pulled on boxers and a robe, his hair still damp, curls forming at the ends. Charlotte slipped into a simple sleep set, soft and modest, then braided her hair with practiced hands.
She reached for her lavender scent.
Just a little—out of habit more than intention.
Kai stilled behind her the moment the scent filled the room.
He inhaled slowly, eyes fluttering shut, eyebrows furrowing faintly, shoulders dropping like he’d finally relaxed for the first time all day.
“…You smell like home.”
He murmured without thinking.
She turned, startled.
“I—what?”
He laughed quietly, embarrassed.
“Sorry. That just slipped out.”
Before she could respond, he stepped closer—slow, careful—hands hovering at her waist, silently asking permission. When she leaned back into him instead of pulling away, his breath hitched.
He wrapped his arms around her gently, holding her like she was something precious rather than fragile. He rested his forehead in the crook of her neck, nuzzling there softly, content.
Charlotte didn’t flinch this time.
She relaxed into his hold, resting her hands over his arms. “You always say things like that.” she whispered.
AI will not replace writers. AI will not replace artists.
AI will not replace writers. AI will not replace artists.
AI will not replace writers. AI will not replace artists.
AI will not replace writers. AI will not replace artists.
AI will not replace writers. AI will not replace artists.
AI will not replace writers. AI will not replace artists.
AI will not replace writers. AI will not replace artists.
AI will not replace writers. AI will not replace artists.
AI will not replace writers. AI will not replace artists.
AI will not replace writers. AI will not replace artists.
AI will not replace writers. AI will not replace artists.
AI will not replace writers. AI will not replace artists.
AI will not replace writers. AI will not replace artists.
AI will not replace writers. AI will not replace artists.
AI will not replace writers. AI will not replace artists.
AI will not replace writers. AI will not replace artists.
AI will not replace writers. AI will not replace artists.
AI will not replace writers. AI will not replace artists.
AI will not replace writers. AI will not replace artists.
AI will not replace writers. AI will not replace artists.
AI will not replace writers. AI will not replace artists.
AI will not replace writers. AI will not replace artists.
AI will not replace writers. AI will not replace artists.
AI will not replace writers. AI will not replace artists.
Zen stood there, watching as the young man went to greet his sibling. He eyed the basket of strawberries on the ground, the frustration in his mind now replaced by curiosity.
Zen: "How...odd."
He thought to himself, his eyes drifting over the young man's slender form, taking in every detail of his features, from his messy brown hair, his rough skin, to his warm smile.
A small flutter appeared in his chest, and he quickly pushed the sensation away, scolding himself for even thinking of such a thing.
As the young man engaged in conversation with his sibling, Zen found himself strangely captivated by his every move. His eyes couldn't help but roam over his figure, taking in each detail. There was something about the man's careless and cheerful demeanor that drew him in, and it irritated him to no end.
He couldn't understand why he was feeling this way, why his heart skipped a beat every time the man turned and smiled. It was maddening, it was infuriating, it was...
He clenched his fists, trying to compose himself.
Jesiah continued to talk to his sibling, watching as two of his other ones came along.
They all greeted each other like they haven’t met in months. But in reality, they’ve only been apart for a few hours, as ironic as it seems.
—
One of Jesiah’s siblings named Annabelle looked over at Zen with a curious gaze before she spoke up to Jesiah.
Annabelle: “Who’s that guy?”
Annabelle gestured towards Zen, making Jesiah look back at him.
—
He noticed the look on Zen’s face and the subtle hint of blush on his cheeks, making Jesiah smile warmly and wave at him before looking back at his siblings.
Jesiah: “Apparently, he’s the Prince of the Melkar Empire...”
He glanced back at Zen, looking at him up and down, his eyes softening as he silently admires his features.
Jesiah: “He’s kinda cute..”
He said under his breath, but made sure it was loud enough for his siblings to hear.
But it seemed someone else was somehow able to hear that as well…
Zen's cheeks flushed a deeper shade of pink as he heard the young man compliment him. He tried to ignore the feeling that was bubbling up within him, but the more he tried, the more it seemed to grow…
Zen: "Stop blushing like an idiot!"
He mentally scolded himself. But he couldn't tear his gaze away from the young man's smiling face. His heart was drumming in his chest, and he could hardly believe that he was admiring a commoner like this.
Jesiah looked back at Zen again, noticing the pinkish hue on his cheeks grow even more intense. A small smile formed on his lips as he realized what reaction his comment had on Zen.
His family members started to tease him, poking him and giggling at his almost lovestruck expression as he looked at Zen. He brushed them off, trying to remain composed and not let his family's teasing get to him.
He looked back at Zen, his smile softening as he saw the expression on his face. he couldn't help but find his flushed cheeks cute, but he didn't say anything about it out loud to spare Zen the embarrassment.
Zen felt his face grow even hotter under the young man's gaze, and he shifted uncomfortably, feeling as if those golden like eyes could see right through him. He coughed to clear his throat, attempting to compose himself, but that only seemed to make it even more difficult for him to suppress the feelings bubbling up inside.
He was a crown prince, and he was feeling flustered over a commoner? This is ridiculous. But try as he might, he couldn't shake off the feeling. He felt helpless for the first time in his life. And he hated it.
——————————————————————————
Chapter 3 is coming soon!! I’m sick right now but I promise that I’m working on it ❤️🩹
Zen, the crown prince of the illustrious but overbearing Empire of Melka, had been suffocated by the agonizing pressure and responsibilities of ruling for so long. He had decided to escape his empire for the faraway lands beyond his borders to clear his mind and get ready for the role.
There, he happened to come across an unexpected sight. A lowborn commoner; The commoner offered him a simple gift, a basket of freshly grown strawberries, which bore a genuine smile that he had rarely seen from nobles.
————————————————
Zen: "Strawberries? Aren't they poisoned?"
Jesiah tilted his head, still holding onto the basket of strawberries.
Poisoned? What does he mean?
He snapped out of his confused state and smiled softly at him, a reassuring look in his eyes.
Jesiah: “No, of course not..why would they be?”
When he saw the genuine uncertainty in Zen’s gaze, he looked down at the strawberries and picked one up, looking back up at him.
Jesiah: “Look. I’ll prove it to you..”
He took off the leafs and rubbed the strawberry against his clothing to make sure it was clean before taking a bite and eating it.
Zen’s eyes grew wide with shock and astonishment, watching as the young commoner took a bite out of the strawberry without hesitation. He was taken aback by the young man's carefree act, and a mix of surprise, worry, and admiration washed over him.
Zen: "You just ate that without hesitation... what if it was poisoned? Don't you care for your own safety?!”
Jesiah: “I’ve grown my own fruits and vegetables for as long as I’ve known. I’ll know if it’s bad to eat..”
He said in a lighthearted tone before he noticed a faint smell of something sweet. Was it coming from this man? Even with all the other rather strong scents of cologne on his body saying otherwise, he couldn’t help but notice it. He tried to put that thought to the side, atleast for now.
Suddenly telling him he smells like something sweet might throw him off guard even more. And he didn’t want that to happen. He just met him…
He was already able to tell that he was born in a high status, probably constantly on edge.
He didn’t know what happened to this guy, but he understood, in a way.
Jesiah: “Luckily for you, I picked the best ones. I always do for people that just arrived.”
Zen couldn't help but be stunned by the careless demeanor of the young man. he stared at him in disbelief, his mind still reeling from the realization that he was a mere commoner, yet he acted like they were old friends.
Zen: "You're careless. And so casual. Don't you understand who I am? I'm the crowned Prince of the Melkar Empire, you shouldn't approach a superior so recklessly like this."
Jesiah’s head tilted a bit, his eyebrows furrowing as he tightened his grip on his basket.
His thumb started to gently rub against it as Zen spoke before he looked back down at the strawberries, his expression a little softer than before.
Jesiah: “Mm..I see. My apologies. I hadn’t known..I always thought that royalty would at least have some bodyguards by their side, and you seem to not have any type of protection.”
Zen grimaced inwardly, feeling a pang of irritation at the young man's careless response. He was growing increasingly exasperated with the man's behavior, but he kept his composure, despite the urge to snap at him.
He couldn’t help his reactions. He was so used to fear and timidness…
Zen: "Well, you assumed wrong. And I don't see how that makes it any better....I'm still royalty, you should still treat me with the respect that befits my status.”
He said, folding his arms irritably and staring at him.
Jesiah sighed, hearing the clear annoyance in the Prince’s voice, his head still low, looking down at the baskets. His lips turned into a thin line, realizing that no matter what he says, it’s going to be seen as disrespectful, or too ignorant.
He didn’t know what life was like in Zen’s eyes, but he felt that the Prince was just too tense and strict..
He heard someone call out his name, making him look back. Once he realized it was one of his siblings, he put the basket down in front of Zen and went up to them…
—————————————
That’s the end of Scene I!!!! I hope you liked it! Don’t worry, I will post more about them and their story really soon.
As soon as summer ends, I will post more stories, and I’ll be more productive with my work. It’s just that school is STILL way too stressful.
I hope you’re having a good day/evening/ or night!! :D
Ever since childhood, Charlotte and Kai had a friendly rivalry towards each other. They always used to say that they “hated” each other, and bickered a lot as kids. But they only did this to hide their feelings towards one another deep in their hearts…
They were both currently single and in their twenties, so their parents had been pushing them to start dating and eventually get married. And it always “irked” the two of them.
On a holiday trip to visit their family, Charlotte’s parents booked her a hotel room, only to find Kai in the room as well…
∘•···············•∘ʚ ♡ ɞ∘•················•∘
“What are you doing here?”
Kai asked, looking at her with both disbelief and confusion etched on his face.
“What are you doing here? This is my room.”
She replied right back, the same confused expression on her face as well.
Kai checked his room key, and then checked the door, looking at the number on it. And of course, they both had the same number.
3114.
“I’m supposed to be here. Look.”
He showed her his key, and her eyebrows furrowed before she pulled out her own hotel key and showed it to him.
“That’s weird…I have the same room number. Look, see?”
She kept her hand held out in front of his, showing the keys before Kai gently took it away from her, grabbing it.
“How the hell could that have happened? Our parents booked these rooms out. There should only be one room per person. There’s no way they could possibly mistake the room number..”
He mumbled, looking at her keys and then the keychains attached to it. They were little trinkets that they used to collect when they were smaller. The fact that she cared about them so much and took them wherever she went made him blush. His hand started to shake faintly while he held onto her keys, a moment too longer than he needed to. He eventually realized that he was starring at the keychains and gave it back to her, looking away from her eyes.
‘She still has that thing.?’
He asked himself, lost in thought before her voice quickly brought him back to reality, making him jolt up a bit.
“Haven’t they wanted us to get married the day after we graduated? This can’t just be a ‘mistake’ if it was from them..”
She said, unaware of Kai’s blush. She was a little surprised by the fact that both of their parents were so eager to get them together, that they got a room for both of them without even saying anything. They knew that you couldn’t just change your room after you booked it. It was a famous hotel after all. If you made a decision on what room you wanted, you had to stay with it.
He let out an annoyed groan when she mentioned their parents, seemingly putting the pieces together in his head before he spoke again.
"Unfortunately they have. You'd think they'd understand that they have a better chance of hell freezing over than us getting together."
He said in both a serious and sarcastic voice, still not looking at her.
“Ouch…am I really that out of your league?”
She said in a fake hurt voice, putting her heart on her chest and clenching onto her shirt to pretend she was heartbroken.
—————————
•.His words did hurt her, don’t get me wrong.
But by now, she had a good way of hiding it. And so did he.•
—————————
He playfully rolled his eyes and crossed his arms, his blush a little less noticeable as he finally looked back at her.
“Please, I’m the hottest guy at college. I could get any girl I want.”
————————
•.He stated, cocky and confident in himself.
As usual.
She hated that about him. She hated how he was so arrogant in himself while she was so humble. Charlotte was never the type of person to date people. Even with how social she was. She always focused on school and getting a good education. Kai however, always dated. But his only excuse on why the relationships would never last over a year, was because he could never find the ‘right one’, knowing the one he’s always wanted to date, was Charlotte.
Charlotte never liked arrogant men and always stayed away from them, but he was an exception. The only exception.•
—————————
He opened the door, showing the well lit room, giving the room the signature comfortable setting the hotel was most known for. He helped her put her suitcases in as his other hand held the door for her, still having the smug smirk on his lips as he let her walk through the door.
“Then why don’t you?”
She said in a playful voice as she put one of her suitcases down onto the bed and sat on the bed, still looking at him.
"Oh I have."
————————
•.He says casually, shrugging his shoulders as he closed the door behind him. He says it in a way where it's just casual information, but that sentence actually makes Charlotte’s heart sink a little bit.
Of course he's gone on dates and probably hooked up with people. She knew that already, but hearing it hurts because she’s always had a crush on him, but tried to push it away. For both of their sakes. For their friendship.•
————————
Her gaze on him softened slightly from his words, her hands slowly and unconsciously turning into small fists. She noticed this, and immediately unclenched her hand, deciding to fidget with it instead.
Kai made his way in front of her, his hands making his way to his hips as he looked at her, his head tilting a bit as he stretched.
“Oh really..? Who.?”
She asked
"Why, you jealous?"
He asks, but there is a teasing tone in his voice as well. He then starts listing off names.
"Jessica. Brittany. Emily. Maria. Sasha... Those are just some of the girls I've been out with this year. I didn’t really like them though. They were all just first dates. Nothing much."
—————————
•.She knew Jessica. And she knew Brittany. She knew all of them.
They were girls that he knew she knew. They were the “pretty and popular” ones that she thought she could never hope to even compare to.
The fact that he just named the prettiest people she knew like they were nothing to him, made her think about how he had thought about her.
If they looked average, then what would she be? The feeling hurt her. It hurt her everywhere. She hated comparing herself to other people, but she was never able to help it…
Her hands went into fists and they tightened as she swallowed and listened, before unzipping her bag and taking out her pajamas.
Kai saw the way she was clenching her fists, but the idiot that he is still has the nerve to tease her more.
He never really knew when to stop teasing her about something. It was such a bad habit. He was a blunt person. And sometimes he can’t see how that affects the people around him. But even now, he was a little more careful with his words. He knew how she would get sometimes. It wasn’t pretty.•
—————————
"You're acting so weird right now. Why do you look so upset? Don't tell me you're actually jealous or something."
He said mockingly, but even he can hear the subtle concern in his voice.
“…It’s nothing, Kai. I’m going to take a shower.”
Her voice was more stern and strained than usual, and she mentally curses herself for letting her voice sound like that. Now she knew that Kai was going to find out that something was wrong.
She got off the bed and grabbed her pajamas before she walked away from him and into the bathroom, locking the door.
He was caught off guard by how stern her voice suddenly was. She usually never acts like that.
He watched as she quickly walked to the bathroom and locked the door, his eyes narrowing when he hears the sound of the lock clicking. He has no clue what got her so uptight.
He waited for a few moments, contemplating if he should ask anything or just let it be. Eventually he decided to check on her, slowly walking towards the door till he was just a few steps away.
"Hey. Are you okay?"
He calls through the door.
She heard his muffled voice through the door and she huffed quietly.
The air around them suffocated them both with tension; it was so thick that a knife could’ve easily slid through it. She had loved him for years. Yet it felt as if they were ‘just friends’. Even though in her heart it wasn’t the situation.
In her heart, there was something more. A tension that she knew they couldn’t just ignore for much longer. She was starting to feel as if her importance towards him has been slowly wavering and losing it’s touch.
She felt guilty for making him worry, but she didn’t want to seem weak to him by showing her jealousy and vulnerability.
“Don’t worry about it.”
She said in a softer tone, trying to convince him that nothing was wrong.
But of course, that attempt didn’t work. Kai knew Charlotte like the back of his hand. He knew something was up. And he knew he had something to do with it.
“Come on, Charlotte. Don’t try that with me.”
He said as he stretched a bit, getting a bit closer to the door to hear her clearer.
“You’re upset with me and I know it. Why don’t you just tell me what I did this time?”
She listened to him as he spoke, and she felt another pang of guilt for making him feel like he did something wrong.
But without thinking, she just blurted something out, sounding even more harsh than before.
———————
This was unfortunately normal for them. They always try to say something but it always mixes up and comes out wrong whenever they try to open up about something, leading into their arguments.
———————
“I’m not that important to you. . .So why would you care?”
His eyes widened, surprised to hear her say that.
"When have I ever said, that you're not important to me..."
He asked. He was genuinely confused. He doesn't understand why she thought that he "doesn't care about her". He's been keeping all of his possessive and protective feelings towards her locked away within himself for years and instead has been bickering with her, but that didn’t mean that he didn’t care about her..
“You don’t have to say it to show it Kai!”
She shouts in frustration, as she clenches her fist. Reminiscing all the times she was left out of his care, all the times she had to play fake to be able to be close with him. All the times she had to endure her feelings being teared apart by his actions just because she was scared their relationship would falter even more.
“What…”
Kai’s voice was filled with shock, but he didn’t know how to respond to her words.
Tears started flowing down her face almost uncontrollably; her throat felt so heavy and dry as if it was impossible for to breathe. But she continued.
“I hate that you’ve been so annogrant. I hate that you’re careless. I hate the way my brain works whenever you’re near! I can never think straight..I can never think rationally when I’m with you!”
She exclaims, her tears flowing out more and more. She couldn’t decide whether she was crying because of frustration or sorrow... Her hands warped around her like it was the only amount of comfort she can get, before running one of her hands through her hair in frustration.
“I-I hate that I had to- to fake a smile to become an acceptable presence in my ‘perfect’ fucking life! While you’re so perfect, you can get anything and anyone you want without trying too hard!”
She chokes on her tears, sniffing throughout every word.
Kai’s heart sinks from hearing her voice. He hated how broken it sounded... He thought about her words for a second.
Anyone he wants..?
All he wanted, was her..
Bitting his lips, his eyes narrowed down to the floor. Maybe it was his fault... He never knew he was hurting her like this.
‘If I had just shown her that I care instead of hiding it from her..would she have been the same..?’
A voice rings in his mind before it gets quickly interrupted.
“I hate myself. I-I hate you.. I hate you so much it hurts”
She blurted out loud, her voice cracking followed by a quiet sniffle.
“Wha- Then what do you want from me Charlotte?! I-I cant understand you when you wont even let me!”
He responded with desperation and frustration. He didn’t know why he was so upset from her words. He didn’t know how to try to settle down the situation. He wanted to comfort her so badly, but he just needed to understand what was going through her head.
He pauses before blurting out loud again.
“If you think I’ll never see you as important as you are, then go think that! But that doesn’t give you the right to have a tantrum about something as little as this! I’m not a perfect person! Nobody is!-”
He shouts out loud, his frustration turning into anger before he lets out a huff.
“You’re fucking childish, Charlotte. And it shows. I don’t know how anyone can put up with you, when all you do is act like this.”
He says, hearing the coldness in his tone from deep within his chest without realizing what he said.
It took him a few moments before he realized, his eyes widened before he stepped back from the bathroom door, leaning onto the wall next to it.
“God fucking dammit..”
He mumbled, rubbing his temples in a stressful manner.
She stood there frozen for a good minute. Her heart pounding in her ears. She felt as if her heart shattered in pieces. She closed her eyes, trying to calm down at least a little bit. But when she did…
*•….. ⏦ﾟ♡︎ ⏦ﾟ…..•*
‘Charlotte, you’re my only best friend! And that makes you the most precious person in the whole world!’
A flashback suddenly plays in her head. The first thing she saw was Kai when they were both kids, his chubby cheeks and the warm smile on his face as he looked at her. She remembered how in this moment, she blushed and gave him a warm smile right back, giggling as a warm feeling spread through her body, butterflies flying in her stomach. The sun was bright behind him, the sky a beautiful mix of orange and pink.
*•….. ⏦ﾟ♡︎ ⏦ﾟ…..•*
But as soon as that memory came, was as soon as it left, shattering to pieces right in front of her eyes.
She shakes her head,clenching her chest tightly, as she mumbles out something at she had harbored in herself for so long. She couldn’t take it anymore. And this was her breaking point.
“I’m childish because of you. I’m childish because I can’t let go. I can’t let go of my feelings for you. No matter how hard I try. And I hate it. I hate that I love you when you won’t ever feel the same..!”
“I’ve spent my whole life with you, trying my best to not let my emotions show because I thought you’ll probably be grossed out and never talk to me again! But I can’t take it anymore, Kai! I love you so fucking much that it hurts.!”
She pauses and wipes her tears away from her face, sobbing quietly as she sat down, her arms slowly wrapping around her knees to keep herself stable. She felt a heavy feeling in her chest, making her breath hitch. But she continued on.
“There...I said it. I-I’ve have always loved you, Kai..and it hurts..it hurts so much that you don’t feel the same..And to know that you probably never will, hurts even more. You don’t know how bad it feels seeing you with someone else. Loving them and being there for them, while all I can do is watch. I-it just hurts..so much..”
Kai’s eyes widen faintly as he listens to her words, his hands slowly moving away from his temples and onto his sides as time went on.
He looked at the door, his eyes softening a bit as he heard her cry. He looked back down at his hands, fidgeting with the fabric before he sighed, slowly getting up and knocking on the door as gently as he could as if to not startle her.
“…Charlotte? Can you open up.? Please..”
He asked, his voice quiet.
Charlotte hesitated a bit, wiping some tears off her face as she continued to think.
After a few minutes, she managed to calm down. She let out a shaky sigh, reluctantly pulling her arm up to the door knob, unlocking it with a soft click.
Kai heard the door knob click, making him sigh in relief before he slowly opened the door, looking down at her form.
He noticed how shaky she seemed from all her crying, and he couldn’t blame her. If anything, he was struggling not to cry in this situation. But he knew he had to stay calm. For both of their sakes.
He slowly sat down next to her, looking down as he fidgeted with his hands a bit. He didn’t know what to say at the moment. He just knew he had to come up with something.
He felt like such an idiot. How could he not notice her feelings sooner? How could both of them be so oblivious? All this time, they both thought they hated each other when it was clearly much farther than the truth..
“Do…do you remember our first day in kindergarten?
He suddenly asked.
She was caught off guard by the sudden and random question, making her pause and nod before answering.
“Y-yeah…the day we meet. What about it.?”
He let out an embarrassed sigh, running a hand through his hair before he spoke again, his voice a little calmer than before.
"I was sitting by myself on the playground...and you came up and sat next to me. I was super nervous, I didn't know anyone at the school... then you sat down and just...started talking to me. You asked me my name, and then you started rambling."
He says, a small smile slowly forming on his face as if he was reliving the moment.
“Yeah... you looked so out of it...”
She said lightheartedly, slowly starting to smile before giggling. He was so cute when he was smaller. Quiet and timid…
He lets out a small scoff and rolls his eyes.
"I was not 'out of it'. I just didn't know how to approach random people back then. I was awkward and shy, okay?"
He groans again as he leans his head back on the wall, looking at Charlotte with fondness and affection in his eyes for a few moments before looking at the wall in front of him, crossing his arms together.
"What even made you decide to come talk to me, anyway? You had plenty of other kids to make friends with."
Charlotte turned her head, looking at him with a calmer expression on her face.
“You caught my attention...you were different and I wanted to know more about you...”
"Pffft. I don't even want to ask what about me caught your attention...l was a shy, dorky, little introvert."
He says, the memories of himself at such a young age making him cringe internally.
“I mean yeah, but you were cute that way... That's one of the reasons you got my attention.”
He lets out another scoff, but he can't help blushing a little bit. He's surprised to hear her say that. No one has ever called him cute other than her or his mother. But every time she does it, he gets a little more flustered.
“That sounds pretty wimpy, to be honest. Thinking that I was cute when I was like that.”
“…I don’t care how ‘wimpy’ it may seem. It’s what made me like you. To be honest, the more we knew each other in kindergarten, the more I started to feel like you didn't like me talking so much. But l remember one day where I asked you if I was being annoying and you said you liked my voice...and I think I’ve liked you since then...”
Charlotte mumbled, blushing a bit in embarrassment before putting her head back in between her arms. She felt the faint wetness of the fabric from all the tears she wiped off with them. But she didn’t mind it.
He jolted up faintly and his head immediately turned to her, his face slowly flushing as well as he starts to remember that specific moment. He had almost forgot about it…
He felt even more guilt and even more like an idiot for not seeing how impactful his words were at the time, and not seeing her feelings after all this time. He replayed every other memory with her in his mind, noticing how obvious her feelings were.
‘How the hell did I never notice.?’
He asked himself in his head before speaking up.
"I...I said that?"
He asked, his voice slightly shaky and nervous. He didn’t believe her for a few moments, as if he was in denial. But he knew it was true..
“Yeah... and I blushed and pretended to brush it off. But I couldn't get it out of my head...I still remember the confused look on your face...”
She chuckled before speaking again, her voice a little muffled from her face embedded on the fabric of her sweater.
“You were like, ‘What’s wrong? Why are you blushing?’ and I just told you it was because we were playing so much and I felt hot, or something like that.”
He groans and facepalms, rubbing his face with both of his hands, letting out a both embarrassed and frustrated sigh
"Ugh...l was such an oblivious little kid, wasn't I..."
He mutters to himself. He got his hands away from his face and put them on his sides, rubbing the floor with his thumbs unconsciously and looking at her one more.
He thought for a few moments, trying to figure out what else to say before he spoke up, his voice a little more flustered than usual.
“I..there’s something I need to ask you.”
Charlotte looks up at him, noticing the blush on his face, but deciding not to say anything about it.
“What is it?”
He looked at her for a few moments, his eyes roaming her face before they made their way to her lips. He immediately looked away and back up at her eyes, swallowing softly, trying not to do anything too crazy. His heartbeat was already picking up with him sitting so close to her… He knew he had to calm down.
“Do you remember the night of our high school graduation party?”
“Of course I do.”
She said softly.
He hummed, nodding a bit as he tapped on the floor with his fingers as he tried to figure out how to phrase what he was going to say next.
"Do you...remember the moment where that guy was flirting with you and put his arm around you, and how I suddenly became...overprotective of you for some reason... and tried to get you away from him?"
He asked, trying to get her to remember that specific moment as he glanced at her eyes every couple of moments. He was a little nervous from what he was going to say soon enough.
She thought for a bit before she nodded, still looking up at him.
"Do you remember how after he finally went away and left you alone, I grabbed you by the wrist and suddenly dragged you with me...and brought you to the back of the school... and just suddenly pinned you up against the wall...and I..."
He paused and swallowed, a little embarrassed from the memory and how he acted. He lets out another nervous and shaky sigh as his heart began to beat faster, the memory of having her pinned up against the wall with his body pressed against her’s began to flash vividly through his mind. He remembered the way she looked at him, the blush clear on her face, her eyes dilated. He felt his face getting warmer and warmer, but he kept going, wanting to make sure she had remembered everything.
“I-I suddenly leaned in really close to you, and just said... ‘You're mine... only mine...l never want to see anyone else trying to flirt with you again…’"
He said, scratching the back of his head, his chest heaving faintly as he felt his heartbeat rising again.
“Yeah...l thought you were just toying with me.”
She said, blushing from the memory and giggling from the blush on his face getting more and more noticeable.
"You thought I was fooling around? I guess I can see how you thought that...but no, I wasn't fooling around."
He said, his voice more serious than before. He looked at the blush on her face, making him a bit more confident in himself. His hand slowly shifted closer to her.
Charlotte saw his hand moving closer, and moved one of her arms away from her knees, putting her hand on the floor before her hand gently grazed his, making both of them blush a little more.
Kai shifted his position, now sitting on his side as he gently grabbed both of Charlotte’s hands, rubbing her knuckles with his thumbs as his gaze bores into hers.
“L-listen…my whole point is.. that I-…I don’t hate you. I never have, Charlotte. Everything that I’ve said about you being childish is just not true, alright?…You’re a lovely person to be be around. And this honestly isn’t the way I’ve wanted to tell this to you, but I love you, too.”
Charlotte listens to him, her gaze softening and her expression quickly turning into a soft smile. She slowly leans in before hugging him tightly, crying happy tears with her head on his shoulder.
Kai glanced at her, blinking a bit with his arms up. He was a little shocked, but as soon as he regained his composure, he quickly pulled her closer, his head burying to the crook of her neck.
They both felt the heavy weight on their shoulders that they’ve held onto for decades fade away within seconds. The heavy feeling of longing and pain no longer present. All that mattered was just them at the moment.
“I love you…I’ve always loved you.”
Charlotte said.
“And I love you more.”
———————————————————————
And then they kissed and lived happily ever after!!!!!!!! 😁
(I’m going to make a little sequel about them meeting their family like one or two days after so stay tuned!!1!)
Ty to @sukioyakio for giving me tips on the conflict. Literally wouldn’t have been able to finish this without you☺️
Atlas’s voice boomed across the endless prairie, shattering the delicate stillness.
Eleanor stood in the heart of the meadow, a pale ghost of her former self. Her white dress fluttered in the wind like a fragile dove, and the bouquet of wildflowers trembled in her hands. Around her, the once-vivid blooms of the field were replaced by a ring of glinting steel. Knights in polished armor closed in, their swords drawn, their expressions as cold as stone.
At the center of the chaos, Atlas sat tall on his black steed, his dark cloak billowing like a stormcloud. His gaze locked on her, unwavering.
“Give up.”
Eleanor’s chest tightened. This wasn’t the man she had loved—the one who had once filled her days with warmth and laughter. This was her stepmother’s weapon, her executioner.
Her breath hitched as the spearhead at her throat nudged her skin, cold and unyielding. The sharp sting made her wince, and a lump rose in her throat. Betrayal coursed through her veins like venom. She had trusted him—believed in him. Now, she was nothing more than a task to be completed, a threat to be erased.
Her trembling eyes rose to meet his. Gone was the warmth, the affection that had once softened his brown eyes. Now they were hard and focused, as if she were just another target. Her heart ached so fiercely it felt as though it might shatter into pieces.
“Atlas…” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
His expression didn’t falter. If he felt anything, he buried it deep. “Don’t make this harder for us,” he said, his voice like frost on steel. “It will be over in a few moments.”
A pair of knights grabbed her roughly, forcing her down onto her knees. The rope they bound her wrists with bit into her skin, and she gasped, straining against the binds.
The knights retreated at Atlas’s command, leaving the two of them alone in the meadow. Eleanor glanced around, her vision blurring as memories surged to the surface. This was where they had once danced under the stars. Where he had picked flowers for her and promised her forever. Now, it was to be her grave.
The scrape of metal against her cheek dragged her back to reality. His sword hovered there, its blade cold and merciless.
Atlas dismounted and approached her slowly. His presence loomed over her like a shadow. She couldn’t stop staring at him—searching for some sign, some spark of the man she knew.
When he knelt before her, his face so close she could feel his breath, her heart raced. His hand rose to cup her chin, tilting her face upward. His touch was gentle, familiar, but it only made the ache in her chest deepen.
“Say your last words,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Eleanor blinked back tears, her lips quivering. “I love you, Atlas,” she breathed. Her voice cracked, but she forced herself to go on. “Maybe in another life, our love won’t be doomed. When I die… I’ll become a butterfly, and I’ll always fly around you, to remind you of my love.”
Her words struck him like an arrow. Atlas’s chest heaved, and his grip on the sword tightened. Memories of their childhood flooded his mind—the way she had once laughed so freely, the way she had teased him about butterflies being the souls of the departed. He had scoffed at her then. Now, the weight of her words crushed him.
“Eleanor…” he murmured, his voice cracking for the first time.
Tears spilled down her cheeks as she gave him a small, fragile smile. “It’s alright,” she said. “Do what you must. But… before you do, kiss me. Just once.”
Atlas’s resolve faltered. He knelt closer, his cold mask slipping. His hand trembled as it rose to brush her tear-streaked face. He wanted to hold her, to tell her he loved her, to defy the orders that chained him. But he couldn’t.
He leaned in, his lips meeting hers in a kiss that was tender yet suffocating with finality. Eleanor poured every ounce of love she had into it, her bound hands straining against the ropes. For a fleeting moment, it felt as though time stopped.
When he pulled away, his forehead rested against hers, and for the first time, she saw the cracks in his armor—the anguish buried beneath his stoic facade.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered, his voice breaking.
He stepped back.
And the sword rose again.
—————————
18th Day Of The Harvest Moon
My September.
It’s been twelve days since the incident. I still remember her pained expression as I pierced that sword through her chest. I no longer have a purpose other than to serve our queen.
My love, my universe, my only real purpose, is gone.
I miss her dearly. I want to see her smile again. I want to hear her voice. I want to hold her in my arms. But the last time I was able to do that, I only felt a bloody, cold, and lifeless body as I carried her to the queen.
I’ve been meeting her in the meadow, under the tree I confessed to her. I always get greeted by a yellow butterfly, one that rests on the flowers I put on top of Eleanor’s grave. And I like to think it’s her I’m talking to for hours on end.
I’ve decided that once that butterfly is dead, I’ll be dead myself.
Hello!!!!! This is my first time ever posting anything on Tumblr, so if it’s not the best, please bear with me. I promise I’ll do my best in posting. (n_n)
I would like to thank my dearest pookies @sukioyakio and @lynxslokley for helping me out with the app and just thank them overall with all their support and such 😋
Tysm for reading this far, and I really hope you liked it :))
(Ps. If you like what I create, please give me some suggestions and feedback. I’d greatly appreciate hearing you guys out!! ^^)
Atlas’s voice boomed across the endless prairie, shattering the delicate stillness.
Eleanor stood in the heart of the meadow, a pale ghost of her former self. Her white dress fluttered in the wind like a fragile dove, and the bouquet of wildflowers trembled in her hands. Around her, the once-vivid blooms of the field were replaced by a ring of glinting steel. Knights in polished armor closed in, their swords drawn, their expressions as cold as stone.
At the center of the chaos, Atlas sat tall on his black steed, his dark cloak billowing like a stormcloud. His gaze locked on her, unwavering.
“Give up.”
Eleanor’s chest tightened. This wasn’t the man she had loved—the one who had once filled her days with warmth and laughter. This was her stepmother’s weapon, her executioner.
Her breath hitched as the spearhead at her throat nudged her skin, cold and unyielding. The sharp sting made her wince, and a lump rose in her throat. Betrayal coursed through her veins like venom. She had trusted him—believed in him. Now, she was nothing more than a task to be completed, a threat to be erased.
Her trembling eyes rose to meet his. Gone was the warmth, the affection that had once softened his brown eyes. Now they were hard and focused, as if she were just another target. Her heart ached so fiercely it felt as though it might shatter into pieces.
“Atlas…” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
His expression didn’t falter. If he felt anything, he buried it deep. “Don’t make this harder for us,” he said, his voice like frost on steel. “It will be over in a few moments.”
A pair of knights grabbed her roughly, forcing her down onto her knees. The rope they bound her wrists with bit into her skin, and she gasped, straining against the binds.
The knights retreated at Atlas’s command, leaving the two of them alone in the meadow. Eleanor glanced around, her vision blurring as memories surged to the surface. This was where they had once danced under the stars. Where he had picked flowers for her and promised her forever. Now, it was to be her grave.
The scrape of metal against her cheek dragged her back to reality. His sword hovered there, its blade cold and merciless.
Atlas dismounted and approached her slowly. His presence loomed over her like a shadow. She couldn’t stop staring at him—searching for some sign, some spark of the man she knew.
When he knelt before her, his face so close she could feel his breath, her heart raced. His hand rose to cup her chin, tilting her face upward. His touch was gentle, familiar, but it only made the ache in her chest deepen.
“Say your last words,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Eleanor blinked back tears, her lips quivering. “I love you, Atlas,” she breathed. Her voice cracked, but she forced herself to go on. “Maybe in another life, our love won’t be doomed. When I die… I’ll become a butterfly, and I’ll always fly around you, to remind you of my love.”
Her words struck him like an arrow. Atlas’s chest heaved, and his grip on the sword tightened. Memories of their childhood flooded his mind—the way she had once laughed so freely, the way she had teased him about butterflies being the souls of the departed. He had scoffed at her then. Now, the weight of her words crushed him.
“Eleanor…” he murmured, his voice cracking for the first time.
Tears spilled down her cheeks as she gave him a small, fragile smile. “It’s alright,” she said. “Do what you must. But… before you do, kiss me. Just once.”
Atlas’s resolve faltered. He knelt closer, his cold mask slipping. His hand trembled as it rose to brush her tear-streaked face. He wanted to hold her, to tell her he loved her, to defy the orders that chained him. But he couldn’t.
He leaned in, his lips meeting hers in a kiss that was tender yet suffocating with finality. Eleanor poured every ounce of love she had into it, her bound hands straining against the ropes. For a fleeting moment, it felt as though time stopped.
When he pulled away, his forehead rested against hers, and for the first time, she saw the cracks in his armor—the anguish buried beneath his stoic facade.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered, his voice breaking.
He stepped back.
And the sword rose again.
—————————
18th Day Of The Harvest Moon
My September.
It’s been twelve days since the incident. I still remember her pained expression as I pierced that sword through her chest. I no longer have a purpose other than to serve our queen.
My love, my universe, my only real purpose, is gone.
I miss her dearly. I want to see her smile again. I want to hear her voice. I want to hold her in my arms. But the last time I was able to do that, I only felt a bloody, cold, and lifeless body as I carried her to the queen.
I’ve been meeting her in the meadow, under the tree I confessed to her. I always get greeted by a yellow butterfly, one that rests on the flowers I put on top of Eleanor’s grave. And I like to think it’s her I’m talking to for hours on end.
I’ve decided that once that butterfly is dead, I’ll be dead myself.
stormborns
amandla
theartofmadeline
turnnoffyourmind
ellievsbear
gracieabrams
blakekathryn
gummygunk