𝐈 𝐒𝐄𝐄 𝐘𝐎𝐔 | 𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐲𝐚𝐦

Chapter 10: Tonight

We spent the rest of the night in that tree, talking to each other about everything and nothing. The hours racing by until the sun appeared from behind the moon.

"We should get back." I said into his chest, his hand stuff buried in my hair. "I've already been gone for two whole days. The others will begin to worry."

"I think they'll understand if I keep you to myself for a little while longer." He buried his face into the crook of my shoulder, breathing me in. "I have a lot of things I need to make up for."

"There will be time for that." I rolled my eyes and leaned back to look at him. "I need to talk to Aonung."

"He's smart, he'll figure it out." Neteyam leaned forward to steal another kiss.

"Neteyam." I chided. It was only respectful that I tell Aonung what had happened. He deserved that much.

"Fine." Neteyam frowned, "Let's go back."

He stood and lifted me off the ground, setting me on my feet. We walked back to the village hand in hand, dropping to the forest floor when it came into view. We were walking between the bungalows when I spotted Aonung with his friends.

He looked our way and smiled when he spotted me, only for his face to fall into a frown when he saw Neteyam's fingers laced through mine.

"I'll meet you back at your bungalow, okay?" I turned, looking up at him. He was staring at Aonung's, a scowl on his face. "Neteyam. Be nice."

He nodded, kissing the top of my head before walking of toward his bungalow.

Aonung walked away from his friends, watching Neteyam as they crossed paths.

"So you've chosen?" He asked as he approached.

I nodded my head and sat down on the edge of the walkway, Aonung taking a seat beside me. "I never meant to hurt you, Aonung."

"I know," he looked down at the water. "I should have known I never stood a chance."

"Im sorry." I frowned. I truly did feel bad about leading him on, even if I never meant to.

"You have nothing to be sorry for, who am I to stand in the way of your happiness." He put a smile on his face for my benefit.

"Can we still be friends?" I asked. It was selfish to ask this of him, but I didn't wanna lose his friendship.

"Of course." He smiled weakly, bumping his shoulder into mine. "I'll always be your friend."

I sighed heavily, relief flooding through me. He handled this a lot better than I thought he would.

"Thank you for understanding." I said, standing on my feet. "It means a lot to me."

He stood up, and looked out over the water. I could see he was hurting, but I had no way to comfort him but give him space.

He sighed and leaned forward, kissing my cheek before taking a step back. "As long as you're happy, Äeya."

I nodded my head and watched as he walked back to his friends, his head hung between his shoulders.

The walk to the Sully's bungalow was short, and once I got there, the entire family was sitting inside eating.

Then all looked up when I entered, but before I could make my way over to Neteyam, Tuk pulled me down beside her.

Neteyam rolled his eyes playfully, picking up his food and moving over on the other side of me.

"You guys aren't fighting anymore?" Tuk asked, leaning forward to get a better look at me and her brother. Neteyam gave me a look and motioned for me to tell her.