The moment Selena stepped out of the car, a biting gust of wind swept under her collar, and she shivered involuntarily. The cold immediately cleared her sleep-fogged mind, and she found herself second-guessing her actions from earlier, asking Tara with some concern, "I didn't do or say anything embarrassing, did I?"
Tara shook her head, laughing softly. The streetlamp cast a warm orange glow around her, softening her expression as she reached for Selena's hand. Feeling the chill of Selena's fingers, Tara wrapped her hand around them, her warmth spreading to the icy skin like a balm. "Come on, it's cold," Tara said gently. "Let's get inside."
Selena's eyes sparkled, her gaze softened with a playful warmth. "Alright, Assistant Tan."
As they walked through the covered passageway between two buildings, Tara instinctively slowed down, the breeze now blocked, allowing Selena's hand to warm up. As they strolled, Tara stole a glance at Selena—the high cheekbones, the cool fair skin, the soft curl of hair at her temple—each detail, though familiar, struck her anew with Selena's elegance.
Tara's fingers instinctively tightened, a possessive glint crossing her gaze, as if she could somehow hold all of Selena in her palm.
Selena's mouth quirked up slightly, stifling a laugh. The curve of her lips had Tara blinking, almost caught off guard, loosening her hold slightly, which allowed Selena to quickly slip her fingers between Tara's, their hands entwined.
The air seemed to spark as a soft, barely-there laugh broke through the quiet tension, Tara's playful "Sister," uttered with that familiar mischievous lilt, reigniting the fire in Selena's chest.
Selena tilted her head, studying Tara's steady posture, the sharp line of her jaw, and that hint of defiance in her eye. Selena, unable to look away, muttered, "Do you know what calling me 'Sister' means, Assistant Tan?"
Her voice held a barely discernible tremor, but to Tara, it sounded laced with allure. Tara's eyes twinkled as she feigned innocence, her voice soft and teasing. "Does it mean I'm working overtime tonight?"
Sliding the key into the old door's lock, Tara pushed Selena inside, using a little force to jiggle the key out, muttering, "We really should replace this lock—it's too old, doesn't feel safe."
Selena squinted at her before looping a finger through Tara's tie, pulling her forward. Tara complied willingly, leaning down until their noses were mere inches apart. Selena's warm breath, carrying the faintest hint of fruit from the wine, washed over Tara's cheek as she murmured, "Assistant Tan, you're misbehaving."
After warming her hands with a little friction, Tara lifted one to gently tuck a stray lock of Selena's hair behind her ear, her fingers lightly grazing the soft skin of Selena's jaw. Tara's touch slid down, hooking a finger under Selena's chin to tip her face up.
The effects of the evening's wine began to resurface, Selena's breath catching as she felt Tara's gaze devour her, that glint of playful challenge breaking through her expression. Releasing Tara's tie, Selena brushed a fingertip across her lips, whispering, "Calling me 'Sister' like this… implies you're asking for a bit of trouble."
As her lips grazed the shell of Tara's ear, Selena's breath turned Tara's skin electric, making her shiver. Sensing Tara's reaction, Selena grinned and brushed a kiss over her earlobe, a soft, wicked move that made Tara's breath catch.
But before Selena could savor the satisfaction of her victory, Tara's hand pressed firmly against her back, and, tilting her face, Tara's lips met hers in a fierce, unrestrained kiss. Caught up in the moment, Selena let herself be drawn into Tara's rhythm, matching each beat with as much fervor.
The world seemed to disappear in their shared breaths until, eventually, Tara pulled away. Selena blinked, dazed, her lips tingling and chest heaving slightly as her eyes landed on Tara's rumpled shirt, her lipstick smudged slightly at the collar. Reality hit her—a surreal thrill rooted deep inside.
This wasn't a fleeting fantasy. She'd truly kissed Tara, the one she'd loved for nearly a decade in quiet secrecy.
In that moment, years of silence, longing, and restraint had finally found their voice, but Selena felt as though it all could still slip away. Her heart clenched as her gaze met Tara's, searching for reassurance.
Feeling the depth in Selena's stare, Tara mirrored it with a gaze filled with unwavering devotion. She saw herself reflected in Tara's eyes—only herself.
Selena reached out, cupping Tara's cheeks, marveling at the softness of her skin. She pressed a gentle kiss to Tara's forehead, murmuring, "Tara, I love you so much. I never thought I'd ever get to say that. Please, don't ever leave me."
Tara's voice softened, her gaze warm and resolute. "I'll love you forever, Sister."
The dawn light poured into the small apartment, its warmth spreading across the room. Wrapped snugly in a striped blanket, Selena felt the sun's rays brush against her face. Slowly, she stirred, her arm reaching out, but her fingers met only the cold sheets beside her, the space long vacated.
She felt a pang, sleep vanishing as she tossed off the covers and hurriedly got out of bed. Despite the extra-thick pajamas, the chilly air of the unheated room made her shiver. But she ignored the cold, padding barefoot into the hall, calling out, "Tara?"
Tara's voice drifted from the kitchen. "Here!"
Selena let out a sigh of relief as she spotted Tara, emerging with two plates of breakfast. The sight of Tara, slightly disheveled in a pink apron that contrasted with her composed demeanor, brought a soft smile to Selena's lips.
Tara, her hair loosely tied back, turned to look at Selena, a hint of reproach in her eyes as she took in Selena's bare feet. "Sister, you shouldn't walk around barefoot. You'll catch a cold."
Setting down the plates, Tara fetched a pair of warm slippers, carefully kneeling to slide them on for Selena. Sitting on the couch, Selena watched as Tara knelt before her, marveling at the unusual perspective.
Taking hold of Selena's ankle, Tara's hand brushed the cool skin as she slipped on the slippers, her touch gentle and unhurried. As her hand accidentally grazed Selena's arch, Selena jerked her foot slightly, stifling a laugh.
They brushed their teeth together in the tiny bathroom, their shoulders occasionally bumping. Tara, watching Selena's thoughtful expression, eventually asked, "Did you have a nightmare last night, Sister? You seemed a little anxious."
For a brief moment, a shadow flickered in Selena's bright gaze, and her faint smile faltered. Tara, noticing immediately, looked at her, concern clouding her features.
Selena replied with a simple, "Mm," but didn't elaborate.
Tara's smile faded as well, a trace of worry filling her eyes. She knew that whatever troubled Selena likely ran deep, something she couldn't easily pry into. Washing the foam from her hands, Selena dried them and turned to Tara with an easy smile, changing the subject with a casual, "I'm going home tomorrow."
Tara took the towel from her, drying her hands as she replied, "Are you picking up something? I could come with you."
Selena hesitated before responding, "No need; I'm going back to my hometown."
"Hometown?" Tara frowned. "The holidays are almost here—can't it wait until New Year?"
"No, that'll be too late," Selena replied softly. "It's a long trip, nearly three hours by plane."
Tara studied her quietly, a flicker of concern surfacing. Memories of Selena's difficult family and toxic home life surfaced, and Tara spoke firmly, "Then I'll come with you."
But Selena shook her head. "There's no need. I'm handling some things there, that's all." She hesitated, then added, "A cat I bought is arriving tomorrow, and I'll need you to pick it up from the transport service after work."
Selena took a sip of milk as if trying to swallow her worries with it, and when she looked at Tara again, her smile was affectionate but composed.
The thought of bringing Tara along was tempting, but Selena didn't want her to endure the journey. Once off the plane, there'd be a bus, then a two-hour tricycle ride, and finally, a long hike through the forest before they'd reach her remote, weather-beaten family home.
Tara's usual warm gaze had hardened, but she didn't press further, quickly adopting a lighthearted tone as she offered a sandwich she'd prepared. The kitchen filled with laughter, brushing away the earlier tension.
Yet deep down, Tara's determination grew stronger. She wanted to be the rock Selena could lean on, the first person she'd think of when things got hard.
But saying those words felt insubstantial—she wanted to show Selena through her actions.
As Selena had risen from a small mountain village to the bustling city, building her life from nothing, Tara couldn't help but wonder how many struggles she'd silently endured.
So, Tara silently resolved to prove herself. She'd been accepted into a renowned business competition and would make her mark. The internship she'd once started for a certificate now had a deeper purpose: to prove herself worthy of standing by Selena's side.
The next day, as Selena left for the airport, her suitcase full of gifts for her grandmother, she couldn't shake a feeling of unease. Despite the cold farewell, she hadn't had the heart to wake Tara.
Checking her phone at the terminal, she sent a quick message. Just then, her eyes fell on a figure in the crowd.
The young woman wore a familiar black jacket, hands in her pockets, and although her face was mostly hidden under the hood, the quiet confidence in her stance struck a chord.
It couldn't be Tara. But Selena's heart skipped, pulling her phone to snap a picture and sent it with a wistful note: I miss you already.
A picture arrived from Tara almost immediately: a familiar desk scattered with reports. She was there, at work. Selena chuckled, feeling a wave of reassurance wash over her.
A quick reply arrived: Miss me how much?
As she prepared to board, she sent one last message: Pick up the cat after work.
Tara replied with a hint of playful jealousy: You care more about the cat than me!
Hours later, as Selena arrived in her tiny village, twilight cast a crimson glow over the mountains. Her family home loomed ahead, dark and somber.
Anxiety churned in her chest as she trudged up the muddy road to her grandmother's small, rundown house. She pushed the door open, eyes adjusting to the dimness inside, the faint sound of murmured voices drifting from the back room.
Finally, she saw the black-and-white photo on the mantle, an image of her grandmother, soft and warm even through the monochrome.
Selena's breath hitched as she took in her grandmother's serene smile. Memories of her voice flooded back in whispers:
"Why can't a girl do as well as any boy?"
"Someday, my little girl will see the world beyond these hills."
"Alina… go and live your life, sweetheart. I don't want you to look back."
A soft hand touched her shoulder, and in that moment, Selena fell to her knees, grief closing in.
Harsh words echoed around her as her relatives bickered in the background, arguing over her grandmother's small inheritance. Her hands tightened around the frame, shielding her grandmother's eyes from the harsh scene.
Just then, a familiar voice drifted into the room. "Excuse me—is this Selena's house?"
Selena looked up, her vision blurry. Tara stood at the doorway, caked in mud and panting slightly as if she'd sprinted the whole way.
And finally, letting go of the stoic calm she'd clung to, Selena crossed the room, her face buried against Tara's shoulder, as she finally allowed herself to break down.