Crystal Hearts

Chapter 5. Is he him?

Ashter realized how rude he had been, but he was at a loss for what to do. No one had ever cared for him the way Crystal did, and it left him feeling both guilty and confused.

A soft knock interrupted his thoughts. "Um... sir, may I come in?" Crystal's said in a soft voice.

"Yeah," he sighed, his voice was softer now.

Crystal stepped inside and sat down beside him, gently taking his injured hand. She began applying antiseptic cream with careful hands.

"Oh God... are you okay, sir? Does it hurt?" she asked, her face a mix of worry and fear.

"You're more scared than me... I'm fine. It doesn't hurt," Ashter replied, touched by her concern.

After a moment, he added, "Um, Crystal... I'm sorry. For the way I reacted. I shouldn’t have yelled at you."

"It's okay," she said, her voice small but sincere. Then, hesitating, she asked, "But why did she react that way? What a bitc—" She gasped, quickly covering her mouth as she realized what she had almost said.

Ashter looked at her, a hint of amusement in his eyes, but he didn’t say anything.

"Is she your girlfriend? Are you offended? I’m sorry, sir," Crystal blurted out, biting her lower lip nervously.

Ashter couldn't help but smile at her adorable reaction. Before he knew it, he leaned forward and gave her a quick peck on the lips. Crystal’s eyes fluttered shut, expecting more.

Noticing her surprise, he gently lifted her and placed her on his lap. She blushed deeply, her heart racing.

"I’m really sorry for yelling at you... you adorable piece of sugar candy," he said with a playful smile, kissing her again, this time earning a wholehearted giggle from her.

Crystal, still sitting on his lap, stared at him, her smile soft and warm.

"Are you asking for another kiss, sugar candy?" he teased.

"N-no... I... it was my first kiss..." she stammered, her voice shy. "Um... what do I taste like?"

"Addiction," Ashter whispered, leaning in to kiss her once more.

After the kiss, he pulled her close, burying his face in the crook of her neck. His hair tickled her, making her giggle softly.

"I like you, Crystal," Ashter confessed, his voice low and earnest.

"Yeah... me too," she thought, but the words stayed trapped in her throat.

Then, a sudden realization crossed Ashter’s mind. "Crystal... don’t you remember me?" he asked, rolling up his sleeve to show her his wrist.

Crystal looked at him, confused at first, but then her eyes widened in shock. She gasped as she saw the tattoo on his wrist—an Aster flower, the same one she had drawn for him years ago.

"I kept it safe, but you never came back," Ashter said, his voice tinged with the pain of old memories.

They had been childhood best friends since grade six. She drew an Aster flower tattoo on his wrist back then as his name was similar to that flower but years later he tattooed it parmanently.

"Why didn’t you come back, Crystal? Do you know how much I missed you?" Ashter asked, his voice thick with emotion.

Tears welled up in Crystal’s eyes as she wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. "Oh, Ashter, I missed you too... I wanted to, but I was homeschooled. You kept it safe all this time... but how did you recognize me?" she asked, her voice trembling as she wept.

Ashter cupped her cheeks, gently wiping away her tears with his thumbs. "It was easy... You still have those big brown eyes, your long and silky hair, and that little birthmark on your jawline," he said softly.

"You remember everything about me," she whispered, her voice filled with wonder.

"Of course I do, Crystal. We were best friends, and... I kind of liked you," he admitted, a faint blush creeping up his cheeks.

They smiled at each other, lost in the moment, until a knock on the door interrupted them.

"It’s Mr. Ian... Oh right, it’s time for your meeting, sir," Crystal said quickly, standing up before anyone could walk in and see them together.

Ashter chuckled, amused by her flustered reaction. "Here are the files and your coffee. Let me know if you need anything else," she said, trying to regain her composure.

"I need you," Ashter said with a playful, seductive smile.

"Oh, please... just go," Crystal replied, giving him a gentle push, her cheeks flushing once more.

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