Unfading Shadows [2]

63

As the movie continued playing, Ren abruptly stood up and muttered something about needing the bathroom before disappearing, leaving Miray feeling uneasy and kind of responsible for his sudden mood change. 

She curled up, pulling her knees to her chest and resting her head on her knees, her eyes fixed on the paused TV screen with a troubled expression.

"Miray," Rayan's voice, tinged with hesitance, broke through her thoughts. She turned slightly to meet his gaze, feeling the depth of his worry and something more ambiguous beneath it.

"Don't be sad," Rayan pleaded, his tone carrying a desperate urgency as if her sadness pained him physically. The words, though whispered, carried a warmth that tugged at her heartstrings, coaxing a smile from her lips.

"I'm not sad," she replied, her smile brightening the whole place as she gazed at him. To her surprise, Rayan returned the gesture, his smile so captivating that Miray wished it could stay there forever.

This was the second time he smiled at her, and it was just...

"Beautiful," Miray murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, before continuing with a soft smile, "Your smile is so beautiful." Her words flowed effortlessly, stirred by the genuine admiration in her heart.

She continued to gaze at him with a smile, completely oblivious to the profound impact her words, her voice, her eyes, and simply her mere presence had on Rayan.

Miray was even more surprised when she noticed a hint of flush coloring Rayan's cheeks. It was such a rare sight as he barely blush. 

His ears, which were covered by his long hair, were on fire.

Beautiful?

She was beautiful.

Not just when she smiled.

For Rayan, Miray embodied human beauty in its purest form, whether she wore a smile or a scowl.

She forgave him - Rayan's heart fluttered at the thoughts.

After he had hurt her... she forgave him.

Miray forgave him completely.

He knew it with certainty because the way she gazed at him mirrored the same love and warmth she had shown him years ago.

He wished he could undo all the pain he caused her but he knew he couldn't.

He still felt terribly guilty for hurting her. It was something he'd carry with him every single day.

And although he knew she deserved someone better, someone who wasn't burdened by darkness and ugliness, both inwardly and outwardly, he couldn't help but long for her acceptance.

Rayan couldn't help but be selfish. 

She gave him a chance, and Rayan would make it worth it. He would do his best for her, anything... anything to make her happy.

She had given him a chance, and Rayan was determined to make it count. 

It was a second chance, a lifeline he couldn't afford to mess up.

He'll be better when he's older.

He will be her soldier.

He will be always there for her.

God... he would do anything for her.

As long as she loved him, Rayan was ready to live and die for her.