N: She felt both embarrassed and apprehensive about what she had done as she left the broadcast room.
Aumi P.O.V
Why did you do it, idiot? You just laid a kiss on your suitor, but to be honest, I freaked out.
My only choice to break free from his intimacy was to kiss him, but I wasn't sure how to proceed.
N: She was still frightened and nibbling her fingernails.
Should I make the trip back? How should I proceed? We might not speak again if I return since I'll be embarrassed to see his face again.
Well, what ought to I do? Do the girls need to know what I did?
However, if I tell them, they could make fun of me or, worse, believe that I'm pleading for his affection.
Shall I take another chance? Let's take a shot at life we've already suffered enough harm.
N: She returned to the broadcast room and saw her suitor waiting outside as soon as she got there.
He hurried over to give her a firm embrace while grinning when he spotted her.
"I'm glad you came back, even though I thought you wouldn't," he replied with joy.
"I was just afraid of what you might think of me after what happened earlier," she added, letting him hold her after being shocked by him.
"And why would you think that?" he questioned, releasing the hug to allow them to look at each other directly. "A little incident won't harm what we have, remember that," he continued.
She looked down and replied, "I know, and that's what I'm afraid of. I just don't want to make a mistake in front of you."
"Hey, look at me. I've seen your strength and resilience," he continued, lifting her chin and maintaining an unyielding stare. "You've faced challenges before, and you've always come out stronger on the other side. I have faith in you, in your abilities, and in our connection. And remember, making a mistake doesn't define you. It's how you handle it and learn from it that truly matters." His tone became more sincere. "You don't have to be perfect for me. Just be yourself, and that's enough."
She inhaled deeply as her eyes met his, expressing both thanks and resolve at the same time. She said, "Thank you for believing in me." Her voice faltered a little.
With a soft grin, he extended his hand to remove a loose hair from her face. "Always," he murmured quietly. "Remember, I'm here to support you, no matter what."
She felt a surge of comfort rush over her as she leaned into his touch, tears welling up in her eyes. "I feel so blessed to have you," she said, her voice brimming with feeling.
He held her close, his arms encircling her in a loving hug. He kissed her forehead tenderly and said, "And I'm lucky to have you too. We'll get through this together."
She gave him a strong hug in return, feeling reassured by his presence. With thankfulness, she looked up at him and said, "Thank you for always being there for me."
With a loving grin, his devotion was evident in his eyes. "I'll be here for you forever," he whispered. "No matter what challenges come our way, we'll face them together."
Her ex suddenly came across their path while they were standing there together, immersed in each other's arms. A twinge of fear shot through her, but she gripped his palm tighter, wanting comfort.
Seeing that she was uncomfortable, he gave her a kind handshake and offered his quiet support. He turned to face her ex, greeting him coolly and respectfully in spite of the chance meeting.
Her ex gave them a quick nod and moved away, leaving them alone once more. She exhaled a breath of relaxation, appreciative of her suitor's constant support.
He smiled comfortingly and said, "We're in this together, no matter what obstacles come our way." She nodded and thanked him for his strength and encouragement as they went on their trek hand in hand.
Kuro was still confused, a feeling that persisted in his thoughts as her ex left. His inner distress grew worse when he saw his girlfriend, who was waiting for him at the end of the corridor, smiling pleasantly.
Though his former partner had sent him a letter wishing him well with his new partner, and he couldn't help but think about it. He began to wonder if the basis of his present relationship was based on honesty and trust since the timing felt too untimely.
He ignored the concerns that were eating away at him since he didn't want to draw conclusions before knowing all the facts. However, the picture of his ex-girlfriend's bright happiness with someone else stayed in his mind, clouding his own relationship.
His girlfriend smile broadened as he walked up to her, who extended his hand and held her. He gave the gesture back, but his thoughts were elsewhere, struggling with the doubt that weighed on his heart.
He knew he had to face his doubts head-on since he felt like something wasn't right with every stride he took toward her.
But for the time being, he forced a grin, resolved to savor the moment with his partner while silently pondering the unsolved concerns that consumed much of his thoughts.
Her girlfriend worriedly said, "Is everything all right, babe?"
Kuro's girlfriend stretched out to him, concern visible in her features as she saw the tightness in his countenance.
Kuro tried to hide his inner distress by forcing a grin. "Yeah, everything's fine," he said in a rather strained voice.
His partner wrinkled her brows, perceiving his discomfort. She softly pressed, her eyes scouring his for any sign of what was troubling him. "Are you sure?" she asked.
Kuro paused, caught between wanting to be honest and not wanting to worry his girlfriend needlessly. He let out a final, quiet sigh and decided to tell her what was on his mind. He said quietly, "Actually, there's something on my mind."
His girlfriend was there to listen intently and provide him with support as he collected his thoughts. "I came across my ex earlier," he said, his words carefully chosen. "She seemed genuinely happy with someone else, and it got me thinking..."
He faltered, not knowing how to put into words the uncertainties circling around him. His girlfriend encouraged him to keep going as she waited patiently.
"I guess I'm just wondering... if everything between us is as it seems," he said, his voice trailing off into doubt.
His partner listened intently, her countenance understandingly softening as she took in what he had to say. She felt his hesitancy and reached out to give his hand a little squeeze, a wordless consolation.
"Thank you for sharing this with me," she said with sincerity in a steady, comforting voice. "It's natural to have moments of doubt, especially when faced with unexpected reminders of the past. But I want you to know that I'm here for you, no matter what."
She stopped and met his eyes with an unyielding look. "Our relationship is built on trust and honesty, and I want you to feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and feelings with me," she said. "If there's anything on your mind, I'm here to listen and support you."
Her words calmed the tempest of doubt roaring within him, like a soothing salve. He smiled back at her, appreciative of her constant presence and comforting presence.
He said, "Thank you," in a soft, appreciative voice. "I'm lucky to have you."
The warmth of his girlfriend surrounded him, relieving the stress in his heart. He gave her a grin in response, his eyes expressing his gratitude for her understanding and encouragement.
The burden of doubt left his shoulders as they strolled along, to be replaced by a renewed sense of serenity and appreciation for the woman by his side.
•~• Aumi's Classroom •~•
When Aumi met up with her friends after class, her heart was racing with anticipation as she presented her suitor to them. Aumi couldn't help but feel pleased and content to have him by her side as they greeted one other and made small talk.
As they conversed and got to know him more, her peers gave him a hearty welcome and genuine grins.
Aumi's suitor welcomed her peers with a genuine grin and a nice tone as they arrived. He held out his hand and said, "Hello, my name is Kyle Leo. It's a pleasure to meet all of you."
They each shake his hand and say, "Hello, this is Sei Shine and I'm Eun Eiko. It's nice to meet you, Kyle."
With a pleasant grin, Kyle Leo thanked Eun and Sei for their cordial welcome. "Likewise, it's a pleasure to meet you both," he said with a courteous nod.
Eun and Sei were naturally interested in learning more about Kyle and Aumi's relationship history and length of courtship as the talk progressed.
"So, Kyle, how did you and Aumi meet?" Eun asked, her tone somewhat curious.
As he related the tale of their first encounter, Kyle's eyes brightened with nostalgia and his smile expanded. He said, "We actually met at a party through a mutual friend. We hit it off right away, and I knew there was something special about her."
With a laugh, Sei nudged Kyle's shoulder playfully. With a teasing sparkle in her eye, she said, "And how long have you been courting Aumi?"
With a bashful chuckle, Kyle ran a hand over his hair. "Well, it's been about four years now," he said, blushing a little on his cheeks. "I guess you could say I've been patiently waiting for the right moment."
"So, you've been courting her since first year of college and you met at a party?" Eun was intrigued.
"Yes, it took me four years and counting to get her trust" stated Kyle.
Curiosity sparked, Eun nodded. "That's quite the journey," she said in a tone full of appreciation. "It takes a lot of patience and dedication to pursue someone for that long."
Warmly smiling, Kyle expressed his delight in the adventure he and Aumi had taken together. He softened his expression and said, "It has been worth every moment," looking at Aumi. "She's an incredible person, and I feel incredibly lucky to have her in my life."
At Kyle's comments, Aumi flushed and felt warmth shoot through her. "Aw, you're making me blush," she jokingly nudged Kyle.
Seil smiled, moved by Kyle's genuineness in his remarks. She said, "You two are adorable," her eyes glimmering with love. "I'm glad Aumi has someone like you by her side."
Aumi was appreciative of the love and support she was receiving as they talked and laughed together. She understood their relationship was based on true affection, trust, and respect because of Kyle's consistent devotion and the support of her friends.
With mischievous smiles flickering on their lips, Eun and Sei exchanged knowing looks. When Sei quipped, "So, when's the big day? When will Aumi finally say yes?" Eun gave him a friendly nudge.
Nervously, excited and a little apprehensive at the same time, Kyle laughed at the idea of Aumi saying yes. He grinned and said, "I'm hoping sooner rather than later," his eyes gleaming with love for Aumi.
While they kept talking and laughing, Kyle was appreciative to Aumi's friends for their kind welcome. No matter how long it took Aumi to say yes, their playful banter just made him more determined to put her happiness first.
Eun spat out, "I'm glad Aumi has you and she'll forget about her ex."
Eun's surprise remark caused Aumi's cheeks to slightly blush, but she still grinned genuinely at her friend. She said, "Thank you, Eun," with sincerity in her voice. "Kyle has been amazing, and I'm grateful to have him in my life."
When Kyle stared at Aumi, his heart began to fill with love as he was moved by her words. Reaching for her hand and giving it a comforting squeeze, he added quietly, "I promise to do everything I can to make you happy."
Sei grinned, delighted with the warmth and affection that surrounded Aumi and Kyle. "It's evident how much you two value each other," she said with a sincere warmth in her voice. "And that's what truly matters in the end."
Aumi felt a wave of calm and satisfaction wash over her as they talked and spent time together.
She felt she was just where she was supposed to be—surrounded by people who genuinely cared for her—thanks to Kyle's constant love and support as well as the friendship of Eun and Sei.
And Aumi couldn't help but be thankful for the love and joy that flooded her heart as they laughed and told stories to each other.
♡~♡ 04 COMING SOON ♡~♡