𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚. yeonji

𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐞-𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐭-𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐞

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"Are we really allowed to be here?" Chand asked Kali as he assists her in walking.

Kali's body had become weak but despite her condition, she still didn't want to succumb to it. "Yep," she responded while popping the "p". She wanted to appear less weak in front of Chand.

As soon as they reached the top floor of the hospital building, the vast dark sky greeted them. The countless stars twinkled brightly looking like small crystals.

"So, this was the reason for the blanket," Chand spoke as he eagerly prepared their spot. A faint smile could be seen gracing his face, seemingly happy at the unexpected moment.

Kali then sat on the thick blanket without any ounce of hesitation. The short walk tired the hell out of her.

"You wanted to stargaze? Why didn't you tell me sooner?" Chand sat closely beside Kali, putting a shawl around her to keep her warm which the girl gladly accepted.

"I wanted to surprise you with it. Also, this is the only time that happens," Kali smiled mysteriously at Chand.

That?, Chand thought but didn't voiced out the question the moment he sees Kali looking up at the sky with a faint smile. He finds her beautiful, as she always is whenever her lips lifts up.

The small gasp from Kali caused Chand to look up.

"Wow," he breathed out lowly. There were thousands and thousands of shooting stars that looked like they were falling.

"I know, right?" Kali looked at Chand with a bright smile. The lad was too amazed to even give a response to her but Kali didn't mind it. Instead, she continued to stare at him as she rest her arms and head on her knees.

She didn't knew what came over her but something within her willed her to speak—to speak the words that she wasn't supposed to. "I love you," it was soft like a whisper against the air.

However, it made her heart drum crazily against her chest when Chand turned to faced her. His eyes were bright and his lips apart, looking breathless yet hopeful.

"What did you say?" Chand asked, his concentration heightened as he willed himself to listen to Kali.

Kali sat properly. A lot of things went through her mind, contemplating whether she should say it again or not. But instead of listening to it, this time, she decided to follow what her heart has been telling her ever since.

"I love you. I have always been in love with you."

A single teardrop flowed unto Kali's cheek as she gave in to her feelings. Then it was followed by another and then another. The sight of Kali crying softened Chand's whole-being. Facing her, he gently wiped her tears with both of his thumbs as he cupped her small face between his hands.

"And I'm sorry for hiding everything from you, I'm sorry for—"

"Shh," Chand hushed Kali. "Don't apologize, okay? None of it is your fault. I should've been more understanding," he added but Kali shook her head at his words.

Chand gently hugs Kali as he tenderly kisses her forehead. An action indicating that he doesn't mind what had happened in the past anymore. And Kali understood it.

It brought Kali's heart at peace—a feeling she hasn't felt in a long time.

Looking up, Kali faced Chand. Their faces were so close yet neither of them minded it. "Thank you," Kali smiled at him as her tears never stopped flowing, but this time it was due to her feeling grateful for what he has continued to do for her in the past few days or weeks even.

"I never actually got to say it to you but I'm very thankful that you're here with me right now," she added.

"I don't think I'd want to be anywhere anyway other than here beside you," he smiled at her.

They stayed like that for a few seconds while smiling at each other. The falling stars in the sky long-forgotten.

"Can I kiss you?" Chand's upfront question caused Kali to laugh, her tears completely drying up. It was so candid that she couldn't help it. But upon seeing Chand's pouting face, she nodded.

And so, they kissed.

The moment their lips connected, both Kali and Chand could feel their longing towards the other. How long has it been since they've kissed? Both of them couldn't even remember. But this was something they relished in.

It was full of emotions that the two couldn't convey to each other over the past few months. And as they broke apart from it, they couldn't help but feel empty.

But the next few words from Chand brought fullness to Kali's heart.

"I love you too, my Kali," and as Chand saw how Kali's eyes lit up from his words, he, as well, couldn't help but feel full.