𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬

27

Arsalan POV:

The day is a rollercoaster of emotions, with Liam's struggles weighing heavily on my mind. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) always presents its unique challenges, and today is no exception. The constant flux of Liam's emotions and impulsive actions keeps me on edge, leaving me mentally exhausted by the time I return home.

But as I step into the familiar warmth of our house, the tension of the day seems to ease away, replaced by a sense of comfort and familiarity.

There she is, Airah, the steadfast presence in my life, her face lit up with genuine excitement as she greets me. Her smile is like a ray of sunshine, casting aside the shadows of the day and filling the room with warmth. Despite the chaos of my work, she remains a constant source of stability and support, her presence grounding me in the midst of turmoil. Airah's enthusiasm for our nightly adventures is infectious, and since our baking session last week, I find myself looking forward to the simple pleasures of our time together.

"Assalamualaikum," she greets with a smile as I enter.

"Walaikum assalam," I reply, feeling a sudden urge to embrace her. Without overthinking, I kick off my shoes and wrap my arms around her. A sense of peace washes over me as I hold her close, feeling the tension melt away with each passing moment.

To my surprise, she hesitates at first, caught off guard by my sudden display of affection. But slowly, tentatively, she returns the embrace, and a pang of happiness surges through me at the realization that she is willing to share this moment with me.

She smells of strawberries and something sweet, a comforting scent that envelops me as we stand there, lost in the warmth of each other's presence.

But as the embrace lingers, a wave of shock washes over me. What had possessed me to act so impulsively, to cross a boundary that has never been crossed before? I pull away abruptly, my heart pounding in my chest as I struggle to comprehend the implications of my actions.

She looks at me with a mixture of surprise and concern, her eyes searching mine for answers. I stumble over my words, attempting to offer some feeble explanation for my behavior, but the words catch in my throat.

In the open kitchen, the air is filled with the comforting aroma of spices and simmering dishes, a testament to Airah's culinary skills. As I enter, still reeling from the unexpected intimacy of our embrace, I can't help but marvel at the cozy atmosphere she has created.

Airah stands at the stove, her back to me, stirring a pot of fragrant curry with practiced ease. The soft glow of the overhead lights illuminates her silhouette, casting a warm halo around her, and for a moment, I find myself captivated by the simple beauty of the scene.

But the lingering awkwardness of our embrace hangs heavy in the air, casting a shadow over the familiar surroundings. I shift uncomfortably, unsure of how to navigate the newfound tension between us.

"Dinner's almost ready," Airah calls over her shoulder, breaking the silence that has settled between us. "Why don't you go change while I finish up here?"

Her words are gentle, but I can't shake the feeling of unease that gnaws at my insides. I nod mutely, grateful for the excuse to retreat to the safety of my room.

As I make my way to the bedroom, I can't shake the image of Airah's surprised expression from my mind. What had possessed me to act so impulsively, to break the unspoken boundaries of our friendship in such a brazen manner?