Luna's POV
The door creaked open, and Aria walked in, her backpack slung over her shoulder. Her bright smile illuminated the room, chasing away the shadows of my tumultuous thoughts.
"Luna!" she exclaimed, dropping her bag beside the door.
I forced a smile, shaking off the lingering thoughts of Julian. "Hey, kiddo! How was school?"
Aria plopped onto the bed beside me, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "It was fine."
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Just fine?"
Aria shrugged, her shoulders barely rising off the bed. "Yeah, nothing exciting happened."
We chatted idly about her day, discussing classmates and teachers, but my mind began to wander. Thoughts of Julian lingered, refusing to be silenced.
Then, Aria mentioned Luca.
"Do you think Luca will call us tonight?" she asked, her voice tinged with hope.
My guilt, temporarily forgotten, came flooding back like a tidal wave. I felt the weight of my betrayal, the ache of longing for someone else.
"Yeah, probably," I said, trying to sound casual, but my voice betrayed me.
Aria's face lit up, her eyes shining with anticipation. "I miss him so much."
My heart twisted, torn between loyalty and desire. I nodded, though uncertainty gnawed at me.
"We'll see him soon," I said, trying to reassure her – and myself.
Aria snuggled closer, her voice barely above a whisper. "I wish he was here."
Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I wrapped my arms around her, holding her tight. In that moment, my feelings for Julian seemed like a betrayal.
Luca was my love, my partner.
Not Julian.
Guilt and loyalty wrestled within me, the outcome uncertain. I felt lost, torn between the love I knew and the desire I couldn't explain.
As Aria's eyelids fluttered closed, her breathing slowing, I knew I had to confront my emotions. But for now, I held her close, cherishing the innocence of this moment.
Tomorrow would bring its own challenges.
Tonight, I'd face my demons alone.
Aria's voice cut through my thoughts, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Luna, can I ask you something?"
I nodded, a sense of trepidation creeping up my spine.
"You've been really absent-minded lately, smiling to yourself and all," Aria said, her brow furrowed. "Is everything okay?"
My heart skipped a beat. How much did she know?
I felt a bead of sweat trickle down my forehead, my palms growing damp.
"Aria, I'm fine," I stammered, forcing a laugh. "Just thinking about Luca, that's all."
Aria's gaze lingered, searching. "Really?"
I nodded vigorously, desperate to convince her. "Yes, really. Just remembering when Luca was...before the hospital. When we were together."
Aria's face softened, her eyes filled with understanding. "I miss those times too."
Relief washed over me as Aria's suspicion seemed to dissipate.
"I'm just worried about him, that's all," I added, grasping for solid ground.
Aria nodded, snuggling closer. "Me too."
The tension dissipated, replaced by warmth and familiarity.
But the fear lingered.
Had Aria truly bought my explanation?
Or was she just letting it slide?
And what if Akira had reported something?
My mind whirled with questions, but I pushed them aside.
For now, I'd cherish this moment with Aria.
But the unease remained, a constant reminder.
I had to be more careful.
My secrets couldn't stay hidden forever.
Aria and I lounged on the couch, chatting idly, until she mentioned him.
"Hey, how's your boss? I've heard great things," Aria said, curiosity sparkling in her eyes.
My heart skipped a beat. "Julian? He's...fine."
Aria's smile grew. "I've heard he's amazing. Really charming and successful."
I frowned, discomfort creeping up my spine. "Where did you hear that?"
Aria shrugged. "Around. People talk. I'm really curious to meet him now."
My unease deepened. Aria had never even met Julian, yet she was admiring him?
"He's...complicated," I said, trying to sound neutral.
Aria's eyes sparkled mischievously. "That makes him even more intriguing."
I felt a pang of jealousy, irrational but unmistakable.
"He has a girlfriend, Aria," I blurted, my tone sharper than intended.
Aria's eyebrows shot up. "Whoa, okay. No need to get defensive."
I forced a laugh, attempting to cover my rudeness. "Sorry, sorry. Just...protective of his time, I guess."
Aria's gaze lingered, searching. "You okay? You seem really worked up."
I shook my head, feigning dismissal. "Just tired, that's all."
Aria nodded, dropping the subject.
But the tension lingered.
Why was Aria so interested in Julian?
And why did I care?
"Luna, are you sure you're okay?" she asked, her voice soft.
I nodded hastily, attempting to brush off the awkwardness. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just tired."
Aria's eyes narrowed slightly. "You seem...distracted. And that reaction to Julian's name..."
I shifted uncomfortably, sensing where this was headed.
"Aria, really, I'm fine," I insisted.
But she wouldn't let up.
"Luna, I've known you long enough to recognize when something's bothering you," Aria said, her voice gentle but firm.
I sighed inwardly.
How could I explain?
My feelings for Julian were tangled and confusing.
And Luca was still in the picture.
"Aria, please. Drop it," I said, trying to sound calm.
Aria's expression softened.
"Okay, for now," she said. "But if you ever need to talk..."
I nodded gratefully.
Aria's concern was genuine.
But I couldn't shake the feeling.
She saw right through me.
And soon, everyone would.
As the silence stretched between Aria and me, my mind began to wander.
What would happen if my secrets spilled out?
If Aria discovered my true feelings for Julian?
If Luca found out?
Panic clawed at my chest, threatening to consume me.
I couldn't bear the thought of losing everyone I loved.
My relationships, my friendships – all tarnished by my own desires.
I felt trapped, suffocating under the weight of my emotions.
Demonic feelings, I thought, echoing Aria's words.
That's what they were – dark, possessive, and destructive.
I needed to purge them, to rid myself of this toxic infatuation.
Before it was too late.
Before I did something irreversible.
I stood abruptly, startling Aria.
"I need some air," I muttered, fleeing the room.
The cool evening breeze outside offered little solace.
My thoughts swirled, a maelstrom of fear and uncertainty.
How could I escape this turmoil?
Was it even possible?
I paced the balcony, searching for answers.
But the only certainty was the turmoil within.