Part 19||Tensed

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"she is the reason I want to live more to admire the goddess like her"
~AUSTIN KIM~

Divided by coffee wars , United by their unpredictable feeling and nightmares.

Aanya's Escape

Aanya's POV:

"I am leaving, and I will be back until your meeting is over, Shanaya," Aanya said hurriedly, not wanting to worry about her friend. She needed to escape the chaos of her nightmares and wander the streets of Paris, leaving everything behind and seeking solace in the city's vibrant energy.

Part of her longed to encounter Austin, while another part was terrified of what that might mean.

As she walked along the bustling footpath, lost in her thoughts, someone bumped into her, causing her to lose her balance. Just before she fell, a strong pair of arms caught her broad shoulders and ocean-blue eyes belonging to none other than Austin Kim.

Aanya felt herself drowning in his gaze as they locked eyes, the world around them fading. The tension between them was palpable, their shared breaths mingling in the air. Austin's hand rested gently on her waist, making her feel safer than she had in a long time.

They could have stood like that for an eternity, lost in each other's presence, but reality crashed in as Austin pulled away slightly. "Be careful, Chérie. You look like you're not familiar with the streets of Paris," he said, a teasing smile playing on his lips.

"Thank you, but I can manage it. I don't need your help," Aanya replied, adjusting her light pink, floral-printed dress, which made her feel like a ray of sunshine.

"Oh really, Chérie? Then I apologize for offering my assistance," Austin replied with a mocking tone, but his smile betrayed his playful nature. "If you don't mind, I could help you explore Paris."

Aanya hesitated, her emotions warring within her. She wanted to spend time with him but felt overwhelmed by her feelings. This time, though, she listened to her heart. Taking a deep breath, she replied, "Okay, Mr. Austin, I would be delighted." Her smile broke free, lighting up her face and causing her eyes to sparkle.

"Thank you for this opportunity, Chérie," Austin said, mirroring her smile, his dimples deepening and making him even more charming.

As they walked along the footpath, Austin played the role of her guide, sharing the small details of Paris with her. "I must confess, Mr. Kim, you are the finest violinist I have ever seen. You're beyond that," Aanya remarked, trying to mask her admiration.

"The pleasure is mine, Chérie. I didn't think you liked classical music enough to praise me," he replied, his eyes glinting with delight.

"Well, I've loved classical music since I was a kid-especially the violin. I always wanted to learn but never found the time," Aanya admitted, gesturing animatedly in Austin's direction.

"So, you love violinists?" he teased.

"I love the violin, not the violinists, Mr. Kim," she shot back, smirking.

"Okay, let's believe that. If you don't mind, I could teach you," Austin offered, his tone genuine.

A smile spread across Aanya's face, but it faded quickly. "Really? But I'm not a good learner. I always mess up, and just so you know, you'll probably go mad teaching me."

Suddenly, a car honked, breaking their moment. Aanya stood on her toes, leaning close to his ear. "I'm not a good learner; I'm a messy learner, Mr. Kim," she whispered.

Austin leaned in slightly, and they were mere centimeters apart. Aanya could feel the warmth radiating from him and the sweet scent of bare vanilla that filled his nostrils, sending a sensation coursing through his body.

Aanya's Thoughts:
Oh my god, oh my Jesus! He's just centimeters away! Why did I have to stand on my toes to whisper in his ear? Why did that car have to honk? I could just kill that driver.

Stepping back to regain her composure, Aanya felt flustered. Austin coughed awkwardly, looking anywhere but at her.

"I'll buy some water," Aanya said, almost stumbling over her words as she darted toward a nearby store.

"Okay," Austin replied casually, though his heart raced as they parted.

As they walked, they both felt a flutter of butterflies in their stomachs, their minds racing with the thrill of their interaction. Act fool. Act fool. Act fool.

They were both suffering from their own battles, hidden from the world, but in this moment, just by walking and talking together, they were slowly healing each other.

Will they will become each other's Healer or they will not?

Don't forget to vote.

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