Always.

{POV: Jess} ------

After I confessed to Erin through tears unintended to fall. Her reaction left me dumbfounded.

I want to know what she's thinking.

Does she secretly still hate me? Will she forgive me for not protecting her? Does she not believe me?

At the back of my mind was the thought of K... I betrayed her... For Erin.

Am I a bad person to follow my heart? Why does loving Erin cause chaos in the hearts of everyone I care about?

K has always been merciless to those who betray her. Was falling in love betrayal?

"*Sigh*" I'm exhausted just thinking about all of this.

Snapping out of my thoughts I found myself being dragged into the kitchen by Erin.

"Uhm.. what are you doing?" I questioned her when she started rummaging through the open fridge.

"Im hungry... I didn't get to eat my pancakes earlier remember?" She answered with her head in the fridge.

Again I was left with nothing to say. What in the world is going on in her mind?

Oh well, I guess a small meal wouldn't hurt, I am a little peckish.

As if on que Erin's head returned and she exclaimed with joy. "Aha!.. I know what to make."

She turned to me with a smiling face. "Could you help me a little?"

Surprised at her happy mood I managed a reply. "Y-yeah... sure"

For the next hour I was cutting, slicing and stiring at Erin's instruction.

Moments like these reminded me of our past. I remember when I tried making Erin breakfast in bed, I was planning wake her up with the smell of coffee and waffles. Instead of that it was the smoke alarm beeping furiously.

I unconsciously laughed at the memory.

"What's funny Jess?" Taking out a plate an putting in on the island counter, she had a half smile.

"I.. Uhm... no.. nothing... Sorry." I lowered my head in embarrassment. She dismissed it and continued with dishing the food.

We ate in relative silence. I only spoke out to compliment her culinary skills, fearing speaking too much or I'd embarrass myself.

Avoiding any eye contact during the meal was hard due to the fact Erin was intently staring at me.

Was there something on my face? Did I say something to offend her? Wait... did she poison the food... I guess I would deserve it after the pain I caused her... even if it was not the real me...

Continuing with my internal ramblings, I finished my food in no time.

I looked up to see Erin gone from her seat. I shot up from my chair and frantically looked around the kitchen, then the living room, in her room and still no sign of her.

Where could she have gone? Raking my hands through my hair in a panic I started pacing back and forth in Erin room, thinking of a plan to find her.

I must've been too preoccupied with stress to hear her coming out of the bathroom in her room.

"Oh you're done with your food already?."

I don't know what came over me but I rushed to her and hugged her tightly. Not realising the attire she was in was only a few centimetres thick.

Her scent was intoxicating and it caused me to hold her closer, feeling her warmth. I pulled away just enough to have her face a few inches away from mine.

I held her in my embrace not letting go, fearing she'd disappear just as quickly as she appeared.

Her wet hair stuck to the edges of her face, framing it perfectly.

Her green eyes with flecks of a stormy grey looked up at mine, causing my knees to feel weak.

I softly caressed her cheek with my hand only to have them heat up from my touch. Moving down I traced the outline of her soft lips with my thumb.

I felt her arms wrap themselves around my neck as she pulled me close. Returning my arms around her waist I rested my head on her shoulder.

That moment was all I needed. Being in her arms. No words needed, we understood each other.

Later at night I watched her peacefully sleeping next to me. She shifted in closer to my chest, her lips curving slightly upwards.

"I Love You Rin... Always" I kissed her forehead and drifted into a deep slumber not long after.

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End Chapter 7