The courage to find me - The fate of us: Part I

Chapter 16: Do you get off on ruining everything?

POV Zelda

Completely stunned, I can't find any words after hearing Tauro's news. After all these years, he's back, as suddenly as he fled. And at the worst possible time. Tauro looks at me with concern, the hidden tension in his eyes unbearable.

"How are you feeling?" is his first question. Despite knowing what Link's return might mean, his priority is still my well-being. My stomach churns.

"I don't know," I reply honestly. "I didn't think he'd come back... ever."

Tauro nods sympathetically.

"Zelda, I..." he begins, but cuts himself off and sighs sadly.

I have a bad feeling but gesture for him to continue.

"I loved the past few weeks. You're amazing. When we're talking, the hours fly by like minutes. But I... I don't have the time or energy for a love triangle."

I'm speechless for a few seconds.

"What do you mean by that?"

Tauro runs a hand over his neck, uncomfortable, but continues, looking me in the eyes as he speaks.

"You clearly haven't gotten over him, Zelda. And when it was just his ghost between us, I thought we could handle it. But now he's here, and even after years, you're torn. And I want to be with someone who's 100% committed to me. I'm sorry for that."

Even though what he says is completely understandable and reasonable, I feel betrayed—he knew the story before choosing to get involved with me.

"You're breaking up with me?"

"I am," he says simply.

"But... I don't understand. Is it because of yesterday?" I blurt out, hurt.

I see desperation in his eyes at my accusation.

"Of course not, Zelda! If it were just a physical thing, I'd wait years, without a second thought. But it's clear as day that your heart is still with Link. You might think it's not, but I saw how your face lit up at the news—even beneath the initial shock. And I won't... I don't want to compete with that."

Completely stunned, I stand up. Tauro does too and moves closer to me.

"I'm sorry it has to be this way. But I deserve a whole relationship. We all do."

I nod, unsure what to say. He steps closer, pulls me into a hug, and plants a gentle kiss on top of my head.

"I really hope you two work things out," he says softly, pulling back a little to look at my face. "And if it doesn't work out and you manage to move on, maybe we could try again?" Tauro laughs.

- - -

I am furious. It's been four days since my world was turned upside down again. Just when everything seemed to be falling into place, that DAMNED man comes back and wrecks it all over again. I grab my pillow, press it to my face, and scream, pouring all my rage into it. My fury is so intense that it leaves scorched marks where my hands grip the fabric.

Someone knocks on the door. I look out the window and see it's around noon. After Tauro broke up with me, I came straight to the chalet and have stayed here since—let my rage destroy the furniture instead of some unsuspecting person.

"Z?" Purah's voice comes from outside. "We're all worried; it's been days since you left the house."

"GO AWAY," I shout, sulking.

The door opens, and Purah walks in, ignoring my command.

"Honestly, Zelda, haven't we outgrown tantrums?"