Love at War | Aonung 🤍

🤍 Chapter 24

On the morning of the following day, Aonung avoided Luam for as long as he could.

Night had fallen as stars hung in the sky.

Luam was still looking for him in order to initiate a conversation with him. He had been seeking Aonung all day long.

Finally, he spotted Aonung up ahead, conversing with a group of Metkayina warriors up ahead, with his back turned to him.

"Hey, Aonung," he said, catching Aonung's attention as he turned around. "Can we talk, please?"

"You looking for another beating?" He scoffed.

Horrified, Luam quickly shook his head. "N-No... I just want to clear things up."

Aonung looked at his friend intently for a moment.

Truth be told, he felt a little sorry for him. As Lia had said to him the other day, people can't always help who they fall in love with.

"Fine, you get five minutes."

"W-Wait, five minutes only?"

"Two minutes, let's go," Aonung nudged Luam toward a secluded area close to the shore.

"Two?! Actually, five minutes is fine," Luam bit his lip nervously as he followed after him.

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There was a tense atmosphere on the shore as the two friends sat under a sea of stars.

"Time's ticking," Aonung raised a brow at Luam.

"Um, look," He sighed, pondering his words. "I don't really know where to begin, or what to say really. I know I have disrespected you and our friendship by developing these feelings for Lia."

"Go on. Keep confessing your crimes."

"U-Um..." Luam stammered nervously, averting his gaze from Aonung's sharp eyes that burned holes into him. "Anyway... I just want to say I'm sorry. I shouldn't have been alone with her at that time. Because it led to me almost kissing her. If it makes you feel any better, I will stay away from her."

Gazing at him intently, Aonung's jaw tightened as he remained silent.

"T-That's all," Luam concluded, looking at the sand.

As he waited for Aonung's response, a few seconds of silence lingered.

"It's fine, I forgive you," Aonung stated, prompting Luam to do a double-take.

"What? Really?"

"Was that what you wanted me to say?" He scoffed. "She's carrying my baby, Luam. You should've drawn the line there regardless of whether I'm your friend or not. I don't give a fuck if you didn't know she was already pregnant before you confessed to her. The two of us are mated for life before Eywa. Confessing to her wasn't a wise move."

"I... I know," Luam murmured as he lowered his head, his ears drooping in guilt. "I know, Aonung. And I'm truly sorry."

Aonung sighed as he ran his fingers through his hair, his eyes softening a bit. "Do you recognize this place?"