𝑼𝒏𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝑩𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒔: 𝑨𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑼𝒔

Chapter XV: Aching Hearts

KRYSTAL

I walked casually at the park after finishing my last errand at work. As I walked mindlessly minding my own business when suddenly noticed that I wasn't alone. I looked behind me and there was a shadow figure of a man following me to where I'm heading. Fear had raced through my heart as I walked faster but to my curiosity I looked back again, which to my shock, it was Kye. From the moment I saw him, my heart skipped making it hard to breathe, tears then immediately ran down my face.

After what seemed like an endless wait, we finally had the chance to reunite. Overjoyed, my heart felt like it could burst at any moment.

The crisp air and leaves transitioning into a new season were the backdrop of our long-awaited meeting. Gazing at each other, our eyes conveyed all the love and affection we had for one another.

I found myself walking towards him and so was he. I bit my lip as I tried my best not to cry but as I felt his arms wrap around me, I gave in. We hugged for I don't know how long but I honestly don't give a damn. I want to stay like this forever.

Wrapped up in each other's embrace, we stood for a while, cherishing the moment. Years of his absence had bottled up emotions that were now yearning to be freed. Holding back my tears was nearly impossible. Wishing we could stay in each other's arms for eternity, we eventually separated. But we still had so much to talk about, and we found a nearby bench to sit and share stories about what had happened in our lives since we last met. Reminiscing about old times, there were many stories we had been eager to share with each other but couldn't. As he paused, contemplating what to say next, I took his hand and leaned on his shoulder, assuring him that he could share anything with me.

"I'm sorry for hurting you. I'm sorry for leaving without saying anything." Kye said abruptly.

He then whispered in my ear, "I'm so sorry. I know I messed up. But I couldn't live another day without seeing and having you in my arms again."

I pulled back to look at him, wiping away my tears. "I missed you too, Kye," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

We stood there for a moment, just looking at each other, as the sun began to set behind us. It was like time stood still, and all the pain and hurt we had caused each other melted away.

"I know I have a lot to explain," Kye said, his eyes never leaving mine. "I know you have a lot in mind, questions that I will tell you, but before I do I just want you to know that I did what I did because I want to protect you. I love you, wifey"

As he spoke those words, I knew in my heart that I will forgive him no matter what. Despite everything that had happened between us, my feelings for him never truly went away.

His silence made it really clear how hard it is for him to be here, I then let out a deep sigh and questioned, "I didn't know what you were going through, I thought that you were fine. Why did you have to hide?"

"I didn't want to let you down, but the truth is out. It's tearing me apart, not having you in my arms! But I know it was the right thing to do." Kye responded, turning away from me. My heart broke.

"A lot had happened after you joined the gang. I was scared every time you were assigned to missions! They don't like failure and failure either way could cause you harm. I had to do something and I did, but I have to let you go and leave you in return, as well as removing you from it." He said with a shaky voice.

I clasp my left hand into a tight fist as I recall the unpleasant memories I have experienced being a spy. I never thought he felt that way, I never thought that he was scared. I was so rude whenever he cheered me/us after accomplishing a hard task and it never occurred to me how bad I treated him afterwards. Feeling ashamed of myself I looked down. But despite feeling ashamed and embarrassed, my anger rose as I thought how little he had thought of me.

How dare he just drop me off the gang and leave me like I meant nothing! In my frustration, I started hitting him on his back. "You could've told me! You know I would've understand!" I blurted out angrily. "You left me." I whispered sadly.

"I know-" he replied but l cut him off and said, "You know? You know, but you still decided on your own! Losing you has caused me so much pain but do you know what hurts the most? The fact that you just left, vanished!! Without giving me any reason why! It made me overthink, was it my fault? Did I hurt you without me realizing? What have I possibly done for you to leave me like I meant nothing!" With tears streaming down my face, I gazed into his eyes as I expressed myself painfully.

"I know what I did was wrong. I know I should've told you everything but doing so will only put you in danger. Knowing you, knowing how scared you've become after joining the gang. I know right there and then, I wouldn't want to see you like that anymore! And even though I have to lose you in return, I don't care! Because all I ever cared about is you, and your safety!" Kye admitted as his tears fall down his face.

Upon seeing him cry like that, my heart ached. "You're so unfair! You're so unfair." I said to him as I continue to sob.

"I'm sorry." Kye apologized as he tried to wipe my tears away.

"I really had to go. It's not safe." He explained.

"And I would never stop you, even though it changed-" I said, tears streaming down my face.

"Nothing has to change, you can always find me in the space between. Where our two worlds come to meet. I'll never be out of reach, 'cause you're a part of me so you can find me wherever you are." He said trying to assure me while wiping and cupping my face at the same time.

"You'll never be alone, no matter where you go, even though we cannot meet all the time, know that I am always around watching and protecting you from afar." Tenderly, he kissed me passionately and I responded by saying, "Nothing can stay the same, it's growing pains-" Everything was changing and it hurts me so deeply. I close my eyes as I feel my breathing quickens.

"Be proud of all the scars, they make you who you are." He said making me feel at ease but it only made me cry even more. I sobbed and wept as I put both my hands on my face trying to cover it.