Water and Wind || Kataang

Chapter 13: Unseen

Katara
I don't know why I did it. Just seeing Haru, it shook something in me. I wasn't thinking when I kissed him. My heart still throbbed after we locked lips. When I let go, I sprinted towards my tent without looking back. Once I got in, I closed the curtains and closed my eyes. I put my hand over my mouth and a tear ran down my cheek.

Why did it hurt to see Aang kiss her? And he did it with such a passion, like he was longing for affection. I let out a long breath and bit my bottom lip. I don't know what's wrong with me. I rejected him. I told him I needed time. I moved on and we were friends now. So why do I feel so betrayed?

I ran my hands through my hair. The world seemed to spin around me. I sat down on my bed and tried to contain my rapid breathing. After some time, I managed to calm down a little and took off my coat. I didn't even realize how hot it was in the tent and that I was sweating. I laid down and tried to sleep but to no avail. My eyes were shut but my mind was racing.

I didn't have any reason to react like this. I thought about the last couple of days and how he had changed. He really grew up and took on his role as the Avatar. At first I thought he was rather serious but when we got closer, I still saw the old him. His personality has not changed and I am glad of that. His appearance shocked me most. When we were waterbending in the ocean, that's when I really noticed it. His height and physique. His training served him well. He looked so handsome.

I blushed at the thought if it. I shook the thoughts out of my mind. He was a good friend, nothing more. There could've been something but I stopped it. I can't regret that now. I do but I know I shouldn't . I just wish things could've turned out better. I wish he hadn't left that night.

I barely slept that night. It was like my mind possessed me. When dawn finally came, I got up and put my hair up in some style. I didn't really care for my appearance this morning. I wanted to get through the day unseen.

I walked out and saw only very few people out. The usual fishers and some tribe women. I was looking at Sokka's newest snowman when I suddenly bumped into someone. I rubbed my head as I stepped back.

„Oh sorry-„ I looked up to see Haru standing in front of me. He furrowed his eyebrows in confusion.

„Uhm, did you get any sleep last night?" He asked looking at me. I put my hand down and glanced back.

„Kind of. Why?" He chuckled and pointed to a puddle of water next to us. I walked over and looked at my reflection. I didn't realize how tired I looked. My undereyes were as dark as my hair. I rubbed my eyes and looked back at him.

„You don't need to lose sleep because of it." He said as we walked together.

„What?" I asked rather fast as I looked at him.

„You know, last night. It doesn't have to mean anything." I looked at him with a blank expression, trying to figure out how he knew. He saw my expression and spoke .

„Our kiss, Katara." Oh, that. I let out a small sigh of relief and gave him a weak smile.

„Yeah, sorry about that. I was just really tired. I don't know why I did that." He smiled back and looked ahead of us.

„It's fine. I know it's been rough, especially for you." I looked down and then at him.

„Thank you, Haru." He kept his gaze focused ahead of us but chuckled at my words.

We walked around for a while before Haru went back to his tent. I walked around alone for a while. Even though everyone was here, I felt lonely. I wanted to do something to lift my spirits. I wanted an adventure. I was about to take a turn when I almost bumped into yet another person. I have gotten so clumsy. I looked up and was about to apologize when I saw a pair of familiar grey eyes.