Ashter gently calmed Crystal down, holding her until she stopped trembling. When she finally relaxed, she looked around in confusion.
"Where am I?" she asked, her voice laced with surprise.
"My house," he replied softly, watching her carefully.
"Wow... it's so cool. You have a poster of One Direction... but it looks familiar, though," she said, pointing to the wall with a puzzled expression.
"It's yours," Ashter chuckled.
"You still have this?" Crystal said, her eyes wide with disbelief.
He simply shrugged, grinning at her reaction. "Get up, use the bathroom," he said, handing her one of his shirts. The tag was still on it-it was brand new.
---
After freshening up, Crystal emerged from the bathroom to find Ashter in the kitchen, cooking something that smelled delicious. The sight of her made him pause, his jaw dropping slightly.
"You look hot," he teased, unable to resist the grin spreading across his face.
"Seriously... don't make fun of me," she mumbled, her cheeks flushing pink as she fiddled with the hem of the oversized hoodie she was wearing.
"You're wearing something different," he noted with a surprised tone.
"That... umm... that T-shirt was half sleeves. Sorry, I should have asked you before wearing this," she stuttered, looking down as she nervously twisted her fingers together.
Ashter's expression softened. "You're my girlfriend now, Crystal. You can wear my clothes even without asking."
She looked up at him, her face lighting up with a shy smile. Seeing her like this, so vulnerable and yet so endearing, made Ashter lose his composure.
He crossed the room in a few swift strides and pulled her into his arms, wrapping one arm around her waist while the other hand found its way onto her face, gently caressing her cheek.
He planted a soft kiss on her temple and murmured, "What do you want to eat, love?"
"Love?" she repeated, her eyes widening with surprise as she gazed up at him.
Ashter pressed his forehead against her shoulder, staying silent for a moment before he spoke again, his voice low and serious. "I love you, Crystal."
Her breath caught in her throat. A smile spread across her face, brightening her entire expression as tears welled up in her eyes. Without saying a word, she hugged him tightly, as if afraid that if she let go, he might vanish.
After a few moments, she pulled back slightly, still in his arms. "Do you know how to cook?" she asked, her eyes searching his face with a mixture of curiosity and amusement.
•••
YOU ARE READING
Crystal Hearts
RomansaCrystal, a 21-year-old girl, grew up in an abusive family, and now she struggles with PTSD. Then there's Ashter, a guy who despises people with dual personalities because he believes anyone who cares for him is only interested in his wealth. But as...
