A Love Worth Risking It All

"Ma Aye Phyu," I whispered, the name rolling off my tongue like a prayer.

"Yes, Ko Soe Naing?" she replied, her voice a blend of softness and curiosity, the kind that made my chest tighten.

"I don't want to part from you," I admitted, my heart laid bare. The words hung between us, heavy with meaning.

Her brows knitted, confusion flickering across her delicate features. "Who said we have to part?"

I hesitated, then asked, "What did you tell your family when you left the house today?"

"That I'd be going to Inwa with friends after the exams," she said, her tone casual, though her eyes searched mine for the reason behind my question.

"And what time are you supposed to be back?" I pressed, stealing a glance at my watch.

She looked at the clock on the wall. "Around four o'clock."

I exhaled slowly, the reality sinking in. "It's already past one. That means we only have three hours left before we have to say goodbye."

Her lips curved into a faint smile, but I caught the shadow of sadness in her eyes. "Ko Soe Naing, surely we can handle being apart for a little while. Once you finish your studies and settle into your work, we'll be together. Forever."

I shook my head, the thought unbearable. "I can't wait that long, Ma Aye Phyu."

Her smile faltered, replaced by a look of gentle concern. "And what will you do if you can't wait, Ko Soe Naing?" she asked, her tone quiet yet firm.

I stared at her, her wide eyes fixed on mine, and the weight of my emotions became too much to bear. "Don't look at me like that," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "If you do, I'll lose my mind."

She laughed softly, her smile returning. Her laughter was light, like a melody that wrapped around my heart. But her gaze lingered, her dark, glistening eyes pulling me in, undoing me.

"How am I supposed to survive without seeing your eyes, Ma Aye Phyu?" I murmured, unable to stop the words from spilling out.

She tilted her head, her cheeks tinged with a soft blush. "Is it really that bad, Ko Soe Naing?"

"Worse," I said, my voice trembling. "I mean every word."

I reached out, placing my hand gently on her bag. Her brows furrowed slightly as I extended my hand toward hers. She hesitated only for a moment before slipping her soft, delicate hand into mine. The warmth of her touch sent a rush through me, as though my heart had skipped a beat and then raced to catch up.

"Oh, Ma Aye Phyu," I said softly, my thumb brushing against her knuckles. "You're so beautiful, so kind. How could anyone not fall in love with you?"

Her cheeks darkened, and she glanced down, her lashes fluttering as if to shield her from the weight of my words. But she didn't pull her hand away. Instead, she let it rest in mine, her fingers slightly trembling.

"I don't want to say goodbye," I said, my voice breaking. "Not today, not tomorrow, not ever."

Her eyes lifted to meet mine, wide and searching. "Ko Soe Naing, what are you saying?"

"Let's run away, Ma Aye Phyu," I said, the words tumbling out before I could second-guess them. "Right now. You and me."

Her hand jerked slightly in mine, but I held on, my grip firm yet gentle. "What?" she breathed, her voice barely audible.

"Let's leave this all behind," I said, leaning closer. "We'll find a place of our own, where no one can tell us what we can or can't do. Just you and me, Ma Aye Phyu."

Her lips parted in shock, her brows furrowing deeply. "Ko Soe Naing, we can't... we can't do that."

"Why not?" I asked, my tone desperate. "Why not, Ma Aye Phyu? Don't you love me?"

She blinked, her eyes glistening. "Why would you even ask that? Of course I do."

"Then let's do it," I said, my voice trembling but resolute. "Real love, true love—it makes you brave, doesn't it? Brave enough to take risks, to face the unknown. If you truly love me, you'll find the courage to be with me."

Her gaze fell to the glass of lime juice in front of her, the ice cubes floating serenely. She didn't say a word, her silence louder than anything she could have spoken. I could feel her hand trembling in mine, her pulse quickening.

"Ma Aye Phyu," I said softly, my voice filled with urgency. "Love isn't about waiting for the right time or the perfect moment. It's about taking chances. Look at the stories—princesses leaving their castles, crossing rivers and seas for the ones they love. Why should we be any different? Let's write our own story. Together."

Her shoulders sagged slightly, and for a moment, I thought she might give in. But when she finally looked up, her eyes were filled with a mix of sorrow and determination.

"I don't know, Ko Soe Naing," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know if I'm that brave."

Her words hit me harder than I expected, but I refused to let go. I held her hand tighter, willing her to feel my resolve, my love. "You don't have to know," I said gently. "Just trust me. Trust us."

She didn't reply, her gaze falling once more to the glass in front of her. I could see the war waging in her heart, the weight of her hesitation bearing down on her. My heart ached for her, for the uncertainty she carried.

"Ma Aye Phyu," I whispered, my voice trembling. "If you love me, truly love me, then come with me. Let's leave now. Let's start a life together."

The silence that followed was almost unbearable. Her hand remained in mine, her pulse steady but fast. My chest tightened, my breaths shallow, as I waited for her answer. Whatever she chose, I knew it would change everything.