The Hidden Heartbeat | Kairain

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Kai's Point of View

as the school bell chimed, signaling the end of another typical day of classes, i gathered my books while discreetly glanced at Rain, seated at the desk nearby.

a smile spread across my lips as i watched Rain animatedly chatting with her other friends, unaware of my adoring gaze fixed upon her.

"how's the view?"

i was surprised when someone suddenly spoke beside me and put their arm around me, prompting me to quickly shift my gaze away to avoid looking towards Rain.

"huh? what are you talking about?"

i blushed and pretended not to know what was being said, unable to look directly at him because he caught me once again.

as i tried to compose myself and divert the conversation, the person beside me chuckled knowingly, causing my cheeks to burn with embarrassment at being so transparent.

"come on, Kai, i've noticed the way you look at Rain. your feelings are written all over your face whenever she's around. why not tell her how you feel?"

my heart raced when he uncovered my secret feelings, making me struggle to avoid his questions. this surprise revelation put my friendship with Rain at risk, tempting me to share my heart's secrets.

"i can't... she can't know how i feel about her."

"and why don't you want to confess to her? is it because you're both girls?"

the unexpected question hung in the air, piercing the mess of emotions swirling inside me. i blinked, stunned by the direct question.

"it's not just that," i answered, my voice barely above a whisper. "it's... it's complicated. we've been through so much together, and i'm afraid that revealing my feelings might change everything between us."

his eyes softened in understanding, a quiet reassurance amidst my inner turmoil. "sometimes the fear of losing what we have can be more powerful than the desire for what could be,"

i nodded slowly, my heart heavy with the weight of unspoken truths. "i don't want to risk our friendship, but at the same time, i can't shake this longing in my heart."

he offered a reassuring smile, acknowledging the complexity of my emotions. "it's a delicate balance, isn't it? the fear of losing something precious can often overshadow the hope of something more."

i sighed, feeling a mixture of relief and apprehension at having voiced my inner turmoil. "i wish things were simpler, but love has a way of complicating everything."

i felt him gently tap my shoulder and smile at me. "when you're ready, confess to her. don't wait for the time when you'll regret it."

i smiled back at him, feeling a sense of relief after his comforting words. "only you know about this, so let's keep it between just the two of us, okay?"

"don't worry, no one else will know your secret. i'm your friend, Kai, and i won't betray the trust you placed in me."

my smile grew wider at his response. "thank you so much, Jarren. but, is it really that obvious that i like her?"