Flowers Left Behind | Luka x Reader

Chapter 52

May we meet again one day. That's what the snake in your dream said. There was a reason why you recognized it. It was the same color as that performer's snake. Its eyes were golden like the man's, but its scales were the same teal as Luka's eyes. The same color as the tips of his hair, the paint on his nails, the aura of his soul. You cried when the snake left you because deep down you weren't ready to say goodbye.

So here you stood on top of the Eiffel Tower with Luka, hope slowly blooming.

"I'm sorry." You released a deep breath, taking one step forward. "For what I did. You were trying to talk to me and I didn't listen. I take back everything -"

"No," Luka stepped forward, reaching to grab your wrists. His fingers slowly traced down to hold yours. It was his turn to let out a breath. "You were right to do what you did. I hurt you, and as much as I wish I could take that back, I know I can't."

There were small tears prickling at the corner of his eyes and you reached out one hand toward his cheek, wiping them away before they could fall with your thumb. Luka leaned into your touch, his hand falling to hold your arm with a light touch, and you felt his lips brush against the inside of your wrist.

"You don't owe me any apologies, but I owe you millions." The tension in his body relaxed only slightly. "I know we already talked about it, and I know we agreed to start over, but I just want you to know that I'm glad you were my soulmate and I'm sorry that I hurt you. You deserve better than me."

His voice cracked a bit. You dropped your hand on his cheek as you looked down at both your wrists. He wasn't wearing any bracelets. The black square was clear and visible. You realized that neither of you knew what the other's tattoos were. He knelt his head slightly, his forehead touching yours. You hadn't noticed that he moved closer - or were you the one that did? Either way, it doesn't matter.

"I want to become someone that deserves you - if you let me," he continued. A small shy smile curved his lips. "Because I really - really - like you."

You couldn't resist your own smile from forming. "How long have you been practicing that?"

Luka's smile grew as he let out a laugh. Husky and soft like his voice, you want to hear more of it. All of the inner turmoil in his eyes vanished when he looked at you. The lights of the tower cast a warm glow around him.

"A lot longer than I want to admit." He smirked. You laughed, turning your head away for a second. When you looked back at him, his entire expression had lit up. That awe-struck gaze of his sent your heart fluttering.

You glanced down at your wrists again, your thumb lightly grazing over the black square on his. Your eyebrows creased together.

"What if we don't work out?" The question left you in a weak whisper.

"We promised to always be friends," he assured. His gaze found yours again. "And if we don't work out in this lifetime, we can always try again in the next."

"You think we'll still find each other?"

"I know we will," he smiled again. "Tattoo or not, I'll recognize you in every lifetime."

You felt your cheeks flushed at his words. His tone was the most sincere you've ever heard. It made you believe that his words were true, and it wasn't just by the way he said it. You truly can't imagine not having him in your life.

You interlocked your fingers with his own, giving his hands a small squeeze. His expression softened at the action and he returned the gesture back to you. You grinned. "I really really like you too."

The two of you were so close that your noses brushed against each other. He let go of one of your hands to brush away a stray hair near your forehead. The feather-light touch of his finger sent chills down your entire body. His gaze flickered down to your lips for a quick second. There was a bright twinkle in his eyes despite the growing blush on his cheeks.