A Love That Wasn't Enough

Eryon and Candice sat across from each other in a cozy restaurant, the warm glow of the lights casting a soft ambiance around them. The quiet hum of conversations mixed with the occasional clinking of silverware, creating a familiar, intimate atmosphere.

Eryon's gaze lingered on Candice, his eyes filled with warmth. "I'm really glad we could have lunch together today," he said, his deep voice steady and calm. "Feels like I haven't seen you in forever."

Candice chuckled softly, her heart fluttering at the sound of his voice. "It's only been a few days, you idiot," she teased, her eyes sparkling with affection. "But yeah, I get what you mean. It's nice… just us, with no distractions."

Eryon nodded, taking a sip of his drink, his eyes never leaving hers. "Every moment with you is worth something," he murmured. "I never get tired of it."

A soft warmth spread through Candice's chest, her cheeks flushing slightly. There was something about the way he spoke—so sincere, so effortless—it always made her feel special. "Me too," she whispered.

When their food arrived, they ate in a comfortable silence, sharing the occasional glance, the quiet between them feeling just as meaningful as words. Candice found herself watching him, the way he moved, the way he looked when he was deep in thought. He seemed so at ease, and for a moment, she let herself enjoy it.

But then, the weight of why she had asked to meet today pressed down on her chest, twisting the warmth into something heavier.

She took a slow breath, steadying herself before finally speaking. "Eryon, there's something I need to tell you."

Eryon set his fork down, giving her his full attention. "What is it?" he asked, his voice gentle.

Candice hesitated, biting her lip. Her fingers played absently with the edge of her napkin, as if stalling for time.

Eryon noticed. He shifted forward, closing the space between them, and reached for her hand, his thumb brushing lightly over her skin. "It's okay," he said softly. "Just tell me. I'm listening."

She looked down, then back up at him, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. "Can we talk somewhere more private?"

Eryon held her gaze for a moment before nodding without hesitation. "Yeah," he said. "Wherever you want."

....

The sky was painted in hues of gold and crimson as they arrived at a secluded park, accompanied only by the soothing sound of a cascading waterfall. The evening breeze carried the scent of damp earth and fallen leaves, wrapping them in a tranquil embrace.

Candice wrapped her arms around Eryon's neck, pulling him closer. Their lips met in a kiss that was deep, tender, and filled with unspoken longing. The soft sound of their kisses echoed in the quiet park, blending with their increasingly heavy breaths. Eryon's arms tightened around her waist, drawing her body against his until not a single space remained between them.

Her fingers traced slow, teasing patterns at the nape of his neck, making him exhale a low, shuddering breath between their kisses. Candice could feel her heartbeat pounding wildly, consumed by a heat she could no longer ignore.

When they finally pulled away for air, Candice looked up at him, her eyes shimmering in the dim glow of the setting sun. Her lips were still slightly damp, her breath uneven, her cheeks flushed with a warmth that spread through her entire body.

"Eryon..." her voice was barely a whisper. "Should we go to a hotel?"

Her gaze locked onto his, raw and unfiltered. Her fingers clutched the collar of his shirt, as if afraid she'd lose the courage she had just gathered.

"I want to spend the rest of the night with you," she continued, her voice carrying an unspoken hope that lingered between them.

Eryon remained silent for a moment, feeling an unexpected rush in his chest. But he quickly steadied his thoughts. "Candice, I understand how you feel," he said gently. "But... is this really what you wanted to talk about?" His gaze searched hers. "If it is, then we can go right now."

Candice hesitated, her fingers anxiously playing with the hem of her shirt. "Actually, I..." her voice faltered, as if she wanted to say something but was afraid.

Eryon let out a slow breath. Carefully, he placed his hands on her shoulders. "Candice, I don't know what's on your mind, but I can see you're nervous and scared. You look like someone who's afraid I might get angry." His voice softened. "But I won't." He held her gaze, unwavering. "So just say it. I'm here. I'll listen."

Candice's eyes began to well with tears. She looked at Eryon, her heart drowning in hesitation and fear before finally forcing out the words that hurt the most.

"I want to break up."

Time seemed to stop.

Eryon's eyes froze, his chest tightening as if an invisible force had just struck him. "What?" His voice came out hoarse, barely audible.

Candice bit her lip, tears slipping down her cheeks. "I want us to break up," she repeated, her voice laced with regret.

Eryon stared at her, his expression unreadable. "Why?" he finally asked, his voice quieter than before.

Candice shook her head weakly, unable to answer.

Something inside Eryon twisted painfully. "Is it because of someone else?" he asked cautiously.

Candice remained silent for a moment before giving a small nod. "There's someone close to me," she whispered.

Something inside Eryon shattered. His hands slipped from her shoulders, his jaw tightening. "So... you cheated on me?"

Candice quickly shook her head, panic flashing in her eyes. "No! It's not like that!" She reached for his hand, gripping it desperately. "He's just... really kind to me. My family likes him too. I haven't even let him touch me, Eryon."

Eryon took a deep breath, trying to suppress the storm raging inside him. After a few seconds, he looked at her with eyes filled with raw sincerity. "Candice," he murmured, "I'm going to ask you just once. Forget him and stay with me. I'll make you the luckiest woman in the world. We'll standing to the top of the world together."

Candice lowered her head, silent tears spilling onto her hands. "I can't," she finally whispered, almost too softly to hear.

A heavy silence hung between them.

Eryon studied her, as if searching for something—anything—that could help him understand her decision. But all he found was hesitation and tears.

"Eryon..." Candice took a shaky breath. "The truth is, I still love you." She bit her lip, her face burning with shame. "I know I can't love two people at the same time, but... for just tonight, I want to be with you. You were my first love, and I want to give you my first time."

Eryon stiffened.

The pain in his eyes darkened into something else. Slowly, he shook his head. "Stop, Candice," he said, his voice turning ice-cold. "I don't need your pity."

Candice flinched.

"You can't just come back to me whenever you want and offer me something like this as if it's some kind of compensation for your guilt." Eryon stepped closer, his gaze piercing through her. "I love you, Candice. But I won't let my love be turned into an insult."

Candice opened her mouth, but no words came out.

"If this is what you want, then we're done." Eryon turned and walked away.

Candice watched his back retreat into the distance, tears falling uncontrollably. "Eryon... wait!" she called out, her voice trembling with desperation.

But Eryon never stopped.

She could only stand there, watching as he disappeared, leaving her drowning in sorrow and regret.

Her heart felt empty.

Deep down, she knew she still loved Eryon. But letting him go was something she could no longer avoid.