Initiation (studxstud) (discontinued)

Chapter 23 - ॐ

CHAPTER 23

The Predicament

(recap) -

"I just want a straightforward and honest answer. Do you have romantic feelings for me?"

I tore my gaze away from her as I continued to shake my head and she pulled it right back.

"Look me in the eye and use your words." Taye said as she held my face in place. She then asked, "You... genuinely want me?"

I stared back into her eyes before nodding my head slowly. I mumbled out quietly, "I do..."

Taye pulled me into a warm embrace, and all my nerves melted away in that instant. "Thank God..." She mumbled into the crook of my neck.

She was holding me close enough that I could feel her heart thumping inside her chest.

...It's beating so fast.

She peppered many little kisses onto my cheek.

"You have no idea how happy it makes me to hear that." Taye said sincerely as she looked into my eyes, "I wasn't sure before but now I know."

"What do you mean?" I asked as I sniffled lightly.

"I've waited to hear that come out of your mouth for so long..." Taye admitted, "To know... I wasn't the only one feeling this way."

...What way is that? How do I know if we feel the same? Oh, shit... what about Braille?

My eyes darted around the room as I searched for Braille but there was no sign of her.

I was conflicted as Taye embraced me once more and she withdrew to say, "You won't regret this."

I stared back into her eyes as my mind flooded with thoughts and Taye gently kissed my lips.

Fuck... I don't want Braille to be upset. I'm so confused. ...But I'm too tired to think anymore.

Taye eventually left the room and I was able to acknowledge the extent of my exhaustion. I couldn't even lift a finger from where I laid in bed. It was as if my body had sunk into the mattress.

My eyelids grew too heavy to keep open, so I forced my mind to shut off, and allowed a dreamy haven of nothingness to engulf me.

✣ - [ Braille's Insight ]

I was occupying myself with my phone when Taye entered the living room. I glanced at her before returning my attention to the Tik-Tok that I was watching. "How's Amina?" I asked.

"Sleeping..." Taye responded and I could feel her eyes linger on me. "You've been here the whole time?" She asked me.

I nodded before locking my phone screen and lodging it into my back pocket. I looked up at her as I said, "Did you expect me to stay and watch your half-assed attempt at confessing?"

"You was like... 'You want me?'...and–" I paused to contain my laughter but still busted out laughing, "Like what the fuck was that!?"