Kaede
"Well? Are you going to do it?"
The past three days since we started dating had been wonderful. We were the same in school but when we were alone, there was certainly more intimacy, though still kind of shy - or diffidence might be more appropriate. We held hands a lot and there was no more space between us when we sat down next to each other.
But today, she had a determined look in her eyes, as if taunting me, challenging me. It was a quiet Friday night in my apartment and she was overwhelming my senses. Her eyes were boring down on me, and her scent seemed to cover me.
I held her gaze, willing myself to match her determination. But I knew my heart wasn't 100% in it. Yet again, she'd blame herself so much if I didn't.
"Fine." Finally, I phoned and dialed for Andrew Dawkins. There was a lot of risk to it. It meant that it'd be a long-distance relationship, which also meant plenty of uncertainties amid the gaps.
When I finally hung up, she took in a deep breath, "So when do classes start?"
"September 25."
She took a deep breath and walked to the kitchen, "31 weeks." I heard her whisper to herself.
I followed her, wondering if she was truly okay with this. She stood before the sink, face turned away from me, and moments of silence passing between us. I was about to say something when she cut me off, "I love you."
It caught me off guard. She hasn't actually said it like that before. When she turned to look at me, her cheeks were a bright pink and her eyes were glassy, "I really love you." She said again and this time her voice was trembling. "Just as you are and I don't want you to be any less of who you are because of me."
My heart cracked at the same time my arms found itself wrapped around her and she buried her face in my shoulder. In a few moments, I heard her sniff, "I will be cheering for you from here. Always, always."
Ah, screw shyness! I claimed her lips in our second kiss. She melted in my arms and I felt her wrap her arms around my neck for support. She kissed me back with the same ardor, throwing all bashfulness out the window. This kiss seemed more desperate as if we were racing against time.
Theeeen...of course, wanting to explore her mouth some more, my tongue darted out. And that was it. Swiftly, she pulled away, taken aback. Her expression conveyed confusion and amusement, "What was that?" She practically chuckled.
In embarrassment, I groaned and rested my forehead on her shoulder to hide my face, "I don't know...just... wanted to try something. Don't laugh at me." I've never done this before. It was instinct! Instinct! Blame instinct.
She chuckled a little bit more, brushing my hair. A few seconds of silence pass between us, it was so nice to be this close. I muttered against her shoulder, "I love you very much."
I heard her chuckle again before I felt her lips on the base of my neck, "Let's try it again then."
