unspoken feelings

A Night of Confessions and Unspoken Love...

The soft glow of the chandelier cast a golden hue over the dining hall as, I sat next to Adrian,, feeling the weight of his gaze on me. He wasn't speaking,, just watching—his deep, penetrating eyes making my skin tingle...

Across from me,, Lily was animatedly talking about wedding preparations, her excitement filling the space...

Just as I nodded in response to something she said, the dining room door opened,, and a tall figure entered...

"Come, Luka," Lily called out with a warm smile... "Everyone, this is my elder brother."

Luka took the seat beside Lily,, his presence instantly commanding attention. His sharp eyes landed on me as I spoke, and he leaned slightly forward,, studying me with an intensity that sent a rush of heat to my cheeks...

"For the first time,," he murmured, his voice smooth and rich,, "I have seen someone so gorgeous—beautiful in simplicity."

I blinked in surprise,, my fingers tightening around the silverware... Luka's words were direct, confident, and they made my heart race slightly...

"What's your name?" he asked...

"Rimi," I replied softly..

He smiled,. "Rimi… such a beautiful name."

I returned a small smile before focusing back on my food,, but I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched... When I lifted my eyes, I caught both Luka and Adrian staring at me. Luka, upon meeting my gaze, quickly looked away., But Adrian… he didn't. He held my stare,, his expression unreadable before a slow, almost knowing smile curved his lips. My breath hitched,, and I looked down, pretending to be engrossed in my plate...

The air felt charged for the rest of dinner...

Adrian's silent gaze never left me,, and Luka occasionally threw glances my way... Even Lily had stopped talking at some point, her eyes darting between us as if piecing something together...

When dinner ended,, I carefully picked up the kitten,, cradling her against my chest as she slept.. I needed some fresh air, so I walked out into the garden, the cool night breeze caressing my face. I stood near a lamp post, lost in thought,, when I sensed someone approaching..

Turning,, I saw Luka walking toward me,, hands in his pockets, his expression easygoing...

"You have a cute kitten,," he said, stepping close. Too close.

"She is," I replied softly...

"What's her name?"

I hesitated.. "I haven't decided yet. I found her by accident."

Luka listened intently as I told him how I had come across the kitten... When I finished, he gave me an appreciative smile..

"You're lucky," he said... "Not just because you found her, but because you have such a kind heart,. Let's name her together."

I nodded but took a small step back... "I should go... I wanted to decide her name with Adrian."

Luka's expression shifted slightly, but he masked it quickly., "Alright, then. See you later,, Rimi."

I hurried inside the hotel,, my mind swirling with thoughts. Luka was kind,, but something in Adrian's gaze at dinner unsettled me more than anything Luka had said...

Spotting Lily, I approached her..

"Where's Adrian?"

She smirked,, crossing her arms. "You've been asking about Adrian a lot lately, Rimi.... Tell me the truth—do you have feelings for him?"

"What?! No—shut up!" I protested...

She grinned.. "You blush every time I mention his name.. And just so you know, he was staring at you and Luka when you two were talking in the garden.. Right after that, he went up to his room."

My heart pounded... "He… he was watching?"

"Yes. And he didn't look happy." Lily wiggled her eyebrows. "Jealous,, maybe?"

I didn't respond. Instead,, I rushed toward the elevator, my thoughts a tangled mess...

Adrian's Room: A Night of Confessions...

I knocked once... The door swung open instantly, and Adrian stood there,, his expression unreadable..

"Luka is waiting for you,," he said flatly. "Go meet him."

I frowned. "Are you jealous?"

He scoffed but didn't answer., Instead, I pushed past him and sat on the sofa,, placing the kitten beside me...

"Adrian,, what should we name her?"

"It's your cat," he muttered, closing the door before sitting across from me...

I tilted my head. "No, she's ours., You saved her and gave her to me... Technically, that makes you her father and me her mother."

Adrian smirked and leaned in.. "So, we're a couple now?"

My breath caught. He was too close, his scent—a mix of cologne and something uniquely Adrian—clouding my thoughts...

"N-no," I stammered,, recalling how he had once told a tarot reader that we were 'just friends.'

He laughed,, his gaze softening. "You're the best."

I exhaled,, relieved. "So, are you helping me name her or should I ask Luka?"

His smirk vanished.. "No. We'll name her together. But first,, promise me you won't let Luka get too close to you."

I met his gaze,, my heart hammering. "Adrian… are you jealous?"

He moved even closer,, whispering, "Yes."

The air between us was electric...

I could feel his breath against my lips,, our faces mere inches apart...

My pulse was out of control, and for a moment,, neither of us moved...

Then,, before I could react, he cupped my face and kissed me...

It wasn't a fleeting touch...

It was deep, intense,, filled with unspoken emotions and years of restraint breaking all at once...

My mind went blank, my body reacting instinctively. I didn't push him away.

. Instead, I melted into him,, my hands grasping his shirt as he pulled me closer...

Fifteen minutes later,, when he finally released me, I was breathless...

I shot up from the sofa,.. flustered beyond words. "Y-you're drunk."

He grabbed my wrist gently,. "I'm not. Rimi,, please… make me your boyfriend."

I shook my head,, trying to think straight. "We'll talk tomorrow, Adrian."

"Please," he whispered,, desperation in his voice.

I pulled my hand away,, my emotions in chaos, and rushed out of his room... Once inside my own, I collapsed onto the bed,,

touching my lips.

I couldn't stop blushing..

Adrian had kissed me... My first kiss.

. And I had let him.,,

I buried my face in my hands...

"What do I do now?"

Adrian's Perspective: The Fear of Rejection

Adrian thoughts...

Lying in bed, I stared at the ceiling, my heart heavy with uncertainty...

"What if she rejects me?"

I had loved Rimi for years , silently, hopelessly. Seeing her with Luka tonight had set something ablaze inside me... I couldn't hold back anymore...

"I'll beg her if I have to,," I whispered. "But if she loves someone else… I'll let her go."

Because more than anything,, I just wanted Rimi to be happy.

Even if it wasn't with me...

With that thought,, I finally fell asleep, praying for a tomorrow that wouldn't break my heart...