Unfading Shadows [2]

54

As everyone finished their lunch and took a brief rest, they made their way to the beach for their planned swim. There was an underlying excitement among everyone, especially with Miray joining them this time, but they made an effort not to overwhelm her. Miray, feeling a bit hesitant, settled down next to Luke and asked them to go ahead without her, explaining that she needed a little more time.

In reality, what she truly wanted was some alone time with Luke, but as everyone decided to stay, it didn't unfold quite as she had hoped. It was then that Noah came up with the idea of playing volleyball, which was warmly received by everyone. Miray's spirits were lifted when the group embraced the suggestion, and as they ventured off to play, she found herself delighted when Luke was the one who stayed.

Luke's presence was undeniably stunning, with his effortlessly tousled hair that framed his handsome face perfectly. As he pushed his sunglasses up into his hair, it only added to his allure. His body was sculpted to perfection, making him look like a work of art. His bronze skin glistened in the sunlight, enhancing the vibrant shades of his hazel eyes, which sparkled beautifully as they met the sun's warm rays.

"C'mere," he suddenly said, his voice warm and inviting as he patted the spot in front of him on his lounge chair, "Let's put some sunscreen on you before you sunburn," he suggested, reaching for the sunscreen. 

Miray obediently walked over and sat down, her back to him. Luke gently took her hair and pulled it in front of her to get more access to her back. Her skin was notably fair, having seen little sun, and her hair usually concealed her back. He opened the sunscreen, and his skilled hands began to gently apply the sunscreen to Miray's skin.

"Lou," Miray suddenly said, her voice carrying a hint of hesitancy and nervousness.

"Yes, love," Luke responded, his hand continuing to caress her skin with tenderness.

Miray fidgeted, her fingers nervously playing with the fabric of her shorts. Her mind raced, trying to find the best way to broach the subject without upsetting Luke or drawing the attention of the others. "I-I..." she began, then paused and swallowed, struggling to find the right words to start the conversation.

Luke gently turned Miray to face him and took her arms to apply sunscreen. "Relax," he whispered softly, his voice soothing. "It's just me, you don't have to be nervous. Just tell me, what's on your mind?" he encouraged gently, focusing on the task of applying the sunscreen to hide his curiosity and concern.

Miray took a deep breath, her hesitation still apparent, but she summoned the courage to look at Luke. "I actually have something to tell you," she began, her words filled with uncertainty. "Not tell you... like ask you?" she corrected herself, her nervousness evident. "I mean, I promise it's not like... I mean, please don't get mad, and don't tell anyone else, and you can tell me no... again, just... just can you tell me why?" She paused, her voice trembling slightly. "It's been bothering me... I mean, I've been thinking about this for so long, and I just..." she struggled to find the right words to express her thoughts. " I want to have a final answer." Her words hung in the air, and she gazed at Luke, hoping he would understand her and won't get upset.

Luke finished applying the sunscreen and then set the bottle aside, giving his full attention to Miray. He looked into her eyes with a gentle smile. "Babe," he began, "You can always ask me anything, and I'll do my best to answer honestly. You know that, right?" He reached out and gently held her hands with his, his larger hand enveloping hers, while his other tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. 

"Relax," he reassured her, his voice filled with tenderness. "I promise I won't be angry or upset. I'm here to listen, and I won't say no without explaining why. So, take a deep breath for me, love, and just tell me without overthinking, okay? Can you do that?" His words were soothing, offering her the support and comfort she needed to open up.