Chapter 12: Sneaking Around

[POV: Naina]

It had been a week since Kilin and I had last talked openly about our situation. The silence had hung between us, heavy and suffocating, but there was something else too—an unspoken understanding that we couldn't just let go.

We continued seeing each other, but it wasn't easy. Every meeting had to be calculated, planned carefully. We met in places where no one would recognize him, where no one would look twice at me, the girl in his life that didn't belong there. But in those stolen moments, it felt like the world didn't exist.

Tonight, we were supposed to meet at an old café on the outskirts of town. It wasn't much—just a quiet place with dim lighting and faded furniture—but it had become our place. No one knew we were there. It was just the two of us, hidden away from the chaos.

I checked my phone one last time before I left. A message from Kilin flashed on the screen.

Kilin: I'll be there in 15 minutes. Stay safe.

I smiled at his words, despite the unease that still lingered in my chest. I was used to the secrecy by now. But that didn't make it any easier.

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[POV. Kilin]

I wasn't supposed to be doing this. Sneaking around, making excuses to see her when I knew better. But I couldn't help myself. Every time we were apart, it felt like something important was missing from my life.

Tonight, I was taking extra precautions. I'd left my phone in my bag, making sure no one would be able to track me. It was risky, and I knew it. But this was the only way I could be with Naina—without the prying eyes of the world, without the constant scrutiny.

I arrived at the café just as the evening light began to fade. The street was quiet, the hum of the city barely audible from here. I spotted her almost immediately, sitting in our usual corner by the window, looking out at the empty street.

She looked beautiful—like she always did. Her hair was loosely tied back, and her brown eyes seemed to shine even in the dim lighting. When she saw me, she smiled, a soft, almost shy smile that made my heart skip a beat.

I sat down across from her, and we both exchanged the usual small talk—how the day had been, how work was going, the random funny things that had happened. But beneath it all, the tension lingered. We were both living in a lie, pretending that everything was okay, pretending that the world didn't exist outside of this moment.

Kilin: How's your day been?

Naina: Boring, as usual. But I can't complain. It's nice to have a quiet evening.

I leaned back in my chair, studying her face. She looked so peaceful, yet I knew the weight of this secret was heavy on her too. It wasn't easy for either of us, but for some reason, it felt like it was worth it.

Kilin: I'm sorry, Naina. For making you go through this.

Naina: Stop. You didn't make me do anything.

She reached across the table, taking my hand gently.

Naina: We both made this choice.

I squeezed her hand, trying to calm the storm of thoughts swirling in my head. She was right. But that didn't make it any easier.

We sat in silence for a while, just enjoying the warmth of each other's presence. But as the minutes ticked by, I couldn't ignore the feeling that we were running out of time.

My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I froze. I knew who it was.

Manager: Where are you? You have a schedule in 30 minutes. Don't make me come find you.

I cursed under my breath, quickly turning the phone face down.

Naina: Everything okay?

Kilin: Yeah, just work stuff. I'll be fine.

I forced a smile, though it didn't reach my eyes.

Kilin: I should probably go soon.

She nodded, but I could see the disappointment flicker across her face. She didn't say anything, but I could tell she was thinking the same thing I was. Every moment we spent together felt more precious, but also more dangerous.

Naina: Kilin, what are we doing?

Her voice was quiet, almost like she was afraid to ask the question. But it needed to be said.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair.

Kilin: I don't know. I really don't.

I paused, looking down at the table, avoiding her gaze for a moment.

Kilin: But being with you feels right. It feels... normal. And I'm so afraid that if we stop, I'll lose that.

Naina: But we can't keep sneaking around. This... it's not safe for either of us.

She bit her lip, her brow furrowing.

Naina: We both know that.

I felt a pang in my chest. I wanted to tell her that I'd find a way, that we could make this work. But I couldn't make that promise.

Kilin: I know. But what else can we do? If I'm seen with you... everything I've worked for could be destroyed.

My voice cracked slightly, but I kept going.

Kilin: And if you're seen with me, you'll be dragged into this mess. I can't do that to you, Naina. I won't.

She looked down at our hands, her fingers tracing the edges of mine.

Naina: You think I care about that?

Kilin: I care about you. I care too much to see you hurt because of me.

She shook her head, her voice steady despite the conflict in her eyes.

Naina: We'll figure it out. Together. I'm not afraid of the consequences, Kilin.

I studied her face, her determination. She wasn't backing down, and that only made me want to fight for this even more.

But deep down, I knew the truth. No matter how much we cared for each other, this was dangerous. Every second spent together was a risk.

And one day, we would have to face the consequence

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