Heartstrings and Forever Bonds

Passionate Hearts

Natalia's Perspective:

After that brief conversation with Nikolai in the library, it became effortless for me to converse with him. Approaching him and forming a friendship was natural. We often share snacks, engaged in random conversations, and even though he wasn't regular attendee at school. he excelled in his studies. He became my go-to person for homework help and math-related challenges. Honestly, he was unmatched in math skills.

As the years passed, we progressed from one class to another. Three years later in grade 3, we remained friends, although not as close. Despite his irregular attendance, Nikolai who captured my heart. I couldn't decipher if it was love or simply a profound affection for the way he spoke, looked, and carried himself, bringing immense happiness into my life.

However, by the end of the third grade, I became certain that what I felt for him was more than just friendship.

Unfortunately, I made a mistake that I never anticipated would turn out so horrific.

Some of my classmates kept asking me, "Do you have a boyfriend? Who is he? Is he from our class?" Their persistent question continued not just for a day, but for a whole week. Eventually, I caved and confided in four of them, foolishly believing they would keep my secret. "I don't have a boyfriend, but I love someone," I admitted. Their curiosity peaked, and they demanded, "Who is he? Tell us, tell us." Without a moment's hesitation, I blurted out, "He's from our class," making my second mistake. Their excitement grew, and they pressed further, pledging, "Tell us, promise no one will find out." Reluctantly, I revealed the first letter of his name. They began guessing names, but I denied each one until they finally said "Nikolai." Despite my initial denial, I couldn't help but smile. That's when everyone discovered my love for Nikolai.

I had hoped that it would take time for the news to be spread, at least a day. However, during snacks time, I shared the secrets with my classmates, and to my disbelief, within moments, every person, including Nikolai, found out about my feeling for him. My classmates were thought that they poked fun at him, saying, "Heyy! Natalia's husband." Can you believe it? What was the point of such immaturity? Loving someone doesn't automatically make them a boyfriend, girlfriend, or husband, and even as a kid, I understood that much.

Everything became chaotic. Nikolai, in particular, gave me peculiar look, one I never anticipated from him. I had planned to talk to him and clear things up, but the way he looked at me shattered all my intentions to ever speak to him again or even glance at his direction. I knew other might react that way, but I had hoped Nikolai would at least try to understand. Sadly, that wasn't the case.

Since that day, Nikolai didn't talk to me, and I refrained from approaching him as well. I was occupied trying to quell the spread of the rumor. Despite mu genuine feelings for Nikolai, I had to put on an act to stop the gossip. Yet, it appeared everyone was more engrossed in Nikolai's and my life than their own. They openly discussed it in class and even outside, their voices loud and intrusive. I'm certain the teachers have caught wind of it by now It's a nightmare! What have I done?

Nikolai's perspective:

I never thought Natalia would fall in love with me; it's like I never imagined. At first, when I found out, I thought it was just for fun. As much as I know Natalia, she is nice, beautiful girl, happy in her own world, capable of making others happy with her sweet smiled her overwhelming cuteness, bro. Why would a girl like her fall in love with me, who is seemingly useless. I'm not even her close friend. Why would she choose me?

But it turned out that she really has feelings for me. I noticed her efforts to ensure I wasn't bothered by this. How could I not care when my classmates are all immature and tactless? They made it incredibly hard for her.

I don't care about them, though, because I love her too. The way she smiles, talks, looks into my eyes, speaks to me makes me fall for her every day. None of the other girls I've met in this class or outside have ever looked into my eyes the way she does.

Every moment with Natalia feels like a dream, a dream I never want to end. I cherish the way she understands me without words, how we can share comfortable silences and laughter that echoes in my heart. It's a love that grows stronger with each passing day, a connection that defies the doubts I once had. I find myself striving to be a better person, not just for her, but because of her. Her presence in my life has given me newfound purpose, a reason to believe in the goodness of the world. Despite the challenges we face, I am determined to protect this love, to shield it from the judgmental gazes and harsh whispers of the world. Natalia and I, we're bound by something profound, something that transcends the shallow opinions of the others.

I will express my feelings to her; I just need the opportunity and the courage to tell her how I truly feel,