Unrequited

15

The next morning, Pooh woke up to an empty bed. Panic surged through him as he called out, "Pavel? Captain?" His heart raced with fear as he jumped out of bed and ran through the house, desperately searching for Pavel. He finally reached the kitchen and saw Pavel standing by the stove, making breakfast.

Relief washed over Pooh as he ran and hugged Pavel from behind. Pavel almost froze at the unexpected embrace.

"P-Pooh? Is everything okay?" Pavel asked, trying to understand why Pooh's heart was beating so fast.

"I-I thought you had left me, Captain," Pooh said, his voice choking with tears as he tightened his hug.

Pavel slowly broke the hug and turned to face Pooh. He wiped the tears from Pooh's face with a gentle touch. "I was just making breakfast," he said, ruffling Pooh's hair with a reassuring smile.

Pooh sniffed and looked up at Pavel with wide, anxious eyes. He followed Pavel as he moved to the table with the breakfast dishes, sticking close like a shadow.

"Pooh, I need to tell you something," Pavel said, setting the plates down. He gestured for Pooh to sit, and Pooh obeyed, sitting down with a worried look.

Pavel took a deep breath, his expression serious. "There's a reason why I'm still single," he began.

"Why?" Pooh asked, his curiosity mingling with anxiety.

"I'm an army captain in a Task Force, which means I often have to work in war zones. I've broken my arms and legs multiple times, dodged countless bullets... my life is constantly at risk," Pavel explained. "I only have five days left of my holiday, and then I have to go back. I don't want you to get attached to me, Pooh. Please, don't fall in love with me."

Pooh's eyes filled with tears. He wiped them away quickly and took Pavel's hand in his, holding it tightly. "You've been through a lot, Captain," he said, and Pavel nodded in acknowledgment. "But I love you. From the moment I saw you walking with your crutches, I fell in love with you. I don't care if you don't love me back. I love you, and I'll make you feel loved within these five days. Please... don't kick me out."

Pavel looked into Pooh's earnest, tear-streaked face and felt a tug at his heart. He squeezed Pooh's hand gently and said softly, "Okay."

Pooh's face lit up with joy. He smiled widely, his worries melting away. "Thank you, Captain," he said, his voice filled with happiness.

Pavel smiled back, feeling a mix of emotions. He watched as Pooh began to eat breakfast with newfound enthusiasm, clearly relieved and happy. Despite his reservations, Pavel couldn't help but feel a warmth in his heart, knowing that he had brought some comfort and joy to Pooh's life.