The Rule

I stood in front of my porch, gazing at Riana's house across the street. Tonight, I felt like I was trapped in an invisible storm. My mind was filled with unanswered questions.

Riana, it seemed, had shown her feelings for me. I knew, albeit vaguely. However, there was one thing that made me hesitate. Her daughter, Luna.

Luna, who was only 9 years old, had shown unusual feelings towards me. I didn't understand why she was so protective and jealous when I talked to other women. I felt like I was caught in an unbalanced situation.

I remembered the moments I had spent with Riana and Luna. Those moments made me feel like I was part of their family. But now, I felt like I was trapped in a snare and couldn't get out of it.

I didn't know what to do. Should I follow my heart and take the risk, or should I play it safe and leave Riana and Luna? I stared at Riana's house, searching for an invisible answer. But all I got was darkness and silence.

The only thing I could hear was my own breath, which sounded like a loud scream in my ears. The moon shone brightly, as if mocking my pitiful state.

"Andra? What are you doing here? Come inside, the night wind is very cold," my mother said from behind me.

I just stood there waiting for the next moment. I tried to calm myself, but my emotions took over. My mother must have seen my face and heard my deep and heavy breath because she spoke again.

"Are you okay, dear?" My mother's soft voice broke my thoughts, and I looked up.

"Yes, Mom. I'm fine, thank you. I'm just tired," I lied to myself.

"Come inside and tell the truth," she said softly. I nodded silently and followed my mother into the house.

After closing the door behind us, we went to the living room and sat on the sofa.

"Okay, tell me what happened?" she asked calmly, sitting next to me.

"Mom, have you ever loved someone but there was a third person who loved you at the same time?" I began.

"Fortunately, I've never experienced that. Because I know it would be complicated. In a love triangle, one of them has to be sacrificed. Because we can't love two people at the same time, right?" my mother explained.

Then I sighed and said, "What if I don't want to sacrifice anyone?"

"And how long will you have to hide between them? What if both of them ask you to be with them at the same time?" my mother replied.

What my mother said was true. Ah, how selfish I was. But what about Luna? Of course, she couldn't let go of me. Especially when my mother explained to me that one person had to be sacrificed. But I also couldn't see either of them get hurt.

I had to find the best option. The only way was to wait. For now, I couldn't act rashly. I had to think about it further. Maybe it was just a matter of time?

***

Today, I took Luna home from the hospital. The fever that had plagued her for several days was finally gone. I was very grateful for that. I couldn't imagine what would have happened if something bad had happened to this little girl I loved.

I rode my motorcycle with a relieved heart. In front of me, Luna sat comfortably, hugging me tightly with both hands. I could feel the warmth of her small body, and it made me feel happy.

I looked at Luna, who was staring at the road with wide eyes. Her long, brown hair fluttered in the wind, and it made me want to smile. I loved her very much, and I would always protect her and make her happy.

After about half an hour, we parked the motorcycle and entered her house.

"Luna, I want to show you something," I said to her enthusiastically. Luna just nodded and followed me inside.

When we reached the door of her room, I whispered in her ear,

"Ready?" Luna nodded.

"Alright, open your room door,"

Then Luna slowly opened her room door. And looking around the room, her eyes widened as she saw all the surprises I had prepared. Storybooks, toys, and accessories themed around her favorite Beauty and the Beast filled the room.

Luna ran to me and hugged me tightly. "Andra, I love it so much!" she exclaimed with a cheerful voice.

I smiled and hugged Luna back. Luna jumped up and down while hugging me tightly and accidentally kissed my lips. I was surprised and unprepared for that. I didn't know how to react. I could only stare at Luna with wide and shocked eyes, trying to understand what had just happened.

Suddenly Luna let go of me and giggled. I was completely stunned.

"Thank you, Andra, you're so kind," Luna grinned.

"No problem," I replied flatly and still stunned.

I saw Luna walk to her bed and jump on it. She started playing with all the toys happily while talking cheerfully.

She suddenly stopped talking and looked at me with a curious look.

"Andra?" she called me.

"Yes?" I answered quickly, curious about what she wanted to ask.

"You love me, right?" Luna asked flirtatiously.

"Yes, of course, why are you still questioning that?"

"So why didn't you kiss me back?"

This child was really challenging me. But I knew, she was still a child and it was really inappropriate for her to do that.

Then I approached her and said,

"Alright, I'll kiss you back," After that, I gently kissed her cheek.

"How was that?"

"I kissed you on the lips, not on the cheek, right?" Luna said with a pout.

Now I was confused about what to answer? Until finally, I set a rule in our relationship. I sat on the sofa, with Luna next to me. We both looked in the same direction, but with different expressions. I was serious, while Luna looked innocent.

"Luna, we need to talk about something," I said softly.

Luna looked at me with big, curious eyes. "What is it?" she asked.

I took a deep breath before continuing, "We can't kiss on the lips anymore, Luna. Just on the cheek or forehead, okay?"

Luna didn't seem to accept that rule. She looked at me with angry and disappointed eyes.

"Why is that? I saw you and Floryn kissing on the lips. I thought that was a sign of love."

"Luna, that's different," I said softly. "Floryn and I are adults, and we have a different relationship. You're still a child, and I don't want you to do something inappropriate for your age."

Luna didn't seem convinced by my explanation. She looked at me with eyes that were still angry and disappointed.

"I love you very much, Luna," I said sincerely. "But not in that way. I love you sincerely, without any basis. I want to protect you, take care of you, and make you happy."

Luna looked at me as if she was starting to understand my point.

"Kissing on the lips is very dangerous, Luna," I continued. "It can lead to lust, and I don't want that to happen in our relationship. I want us to have a pure relationship, one that isn't tainted by inappropriate things."

Luna nodded, and I could see that she was beginning to understand.

"Alright, Andra, I'll follow the rule," she said with a sweet smile.

I smiled and hugged Luna tightly.

"Thank you, Luna, I love you very much."

"I love you more, Andra," she replied, and I buried her head in my chest.