Chapter 13: An Unexpected Confession

[POV: Kilin]

It had been a few weeks since we started sneaking around, but things were starting to feel different. I found myself thinking about Naina constantly, even when I was supposed to be focused on work. It wasn't just that she made me feel normal—it was more than that. She made me feel seen, in a way that no one else did.

But every time I was with her, a part of me was terrified. Terrified of what would happen if someone found out. Terrified of what would happen to her if this went too far. Still, I couldn't stop myself. Every moment with her felt like something I needed to hold on to, something I couldn't let go of.

Tonight, we met again. As usual, it was a secret. We were sitting on the bench at our usual spot by the river, watching the water shimmer under the city lights. The night was calm, the sounds of the city distant and muffled. It felt like the world had quieted down, just for us.

Naina: Kilin, what are we doing? Every time we meet, I feel like we're just stealing moments. Shouldn't we stop pretending that we can keep this up?

Her voice was soft, and her eyes held a sadness that I couldn't ignore. I knew she was right, but the thought of losing her—of walking away—felt impossible.

Kilin: I don't know.

I paused, my fingers curling around the edge of the bench.

Kilin: But every time I'm with you, it feels like… like I'm living for something real.

She tilted her head slightly, studying me.

Naina: But it's not real, Kilin. It can't be. You know that.

I looked at her then, really looked at her. She had always been so careful, so reserved with me, and I understood why. She was afraid. Afraid of the consequences. Afraid of what people would say if they found out.

But that didn't change the fact that I had feelings for her. More than just a friendship.

Kilin: Naina, I—

I hesitated, the words stuck in my throat.

Kilin: I think about you all the time. And when I'm not with you, it feels like something is missing. I'm… I'm scared, but I can't help it.

She looked away for a moment, her fingers tracing the hem of her sleeve, her thoughts seemingly miles away. I could see the conflict in her eyes, the war between wanting to trust me and knowing that this wasn't the right thing to do.

Naina: I don't know if I'm ready for this, Kilin.

Her voice was barely above a whisper.

Naina: This isn't just about us. It's about everything that comes with it—the people who will judge us, the rumors that will spread. I don't want to be the reason your life gets harder.

Her words stung, but I understood. I knew the consequences, and I knew the risks. But I couldn't stop feeling the way I did.

Kilin: I'm not asking you to make any big decisions, Naina. I'm just telling you how I feel.

I took a deep breath, my heart pounding in my chest. I had never been good at expressing myself, but with her, I didn't want to hide anymore. I needed to tell her, even if it meant taking a chance.

Kilin: I care about you. More than just a friend. And I don't know what that means for us or for the future, but I can't ignore it anymore.

There was a long silence between us, and for a moment, I thought she might say something. But instead, she just sat there, looking at me. Her expression was unreadable, her eyes distant.

Naina: I... I don't know what to say, Kilin.

I felt my heart sink a little. The last thing I wanted was for her to feel pressured.

Kilin: You don't have to say anything right now. I just needed you to know. I'm not expecting anything from you. But I had to tell you, because I can't keep pretending that I don't feel this way.

She nodded slowly, her fingers still nervously fidgeting with the sleeve of her sweater.

Naina: I don't want to hurt you, Kilin. I really don't. But I'm scared. Scared of what this could do to both of us.

Her words hit me harder than I expected. I reached out, placing a hand gently over hers, wanting to offer some comfort.

Kilin: I know. But sometimes, I think it's worth the risk.

Naina: Maybe it is. But not today. Not yet.

I let out a quiet breath, trying to let go of the tension I hadn't even realized I was holding. I didn't want to push her. I didn't want to force anything.

Kilin: Okay. We'll take it one day at a time.

She gave me a small, tentative smile, and for a moment, everything felt a little lighter.

Naina: One day at a time.

And as we sat there, in the cool night air, the weight of our feelings unspoken but understood, I realized that maybe that was enough for now. We didn't need to have all the answers, didn't need to figure everything out. Maybe just knowing that we both cared was enough.

But deep down, I knew this was just the beginning. And I wasn't ready to let go of what we had. Not yet. Not ever.

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