LOVE IS KEY || A Tyler, The Creator Story REIMAGINED

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It had been a few weeks since Akeylah had spoken to Tyler after the surprise tour announcement at Clancy's office. He's made attempts and she ignored them all. She even changed the locks so he couldn't waltz his way into her place. In her eyes, he was no longer welcomed there.

Tyler's been sending bouquets of pink roses to Akeylah's loft everyday because he knows they're her favorite. Every time they came, they would have a hand written apology note attached and it was different every time. At this point, Akeylah's balcony is covered in pink roses.

He also stops by her loft every other day and tries to speak to Akeylah outside her door since she won't let him inside. Today was another one of those days. Akeylah stood by the door inside her loft leaning her shoulder on it with her arms crossed. Tyler on the other hand stood in the hallway on the other side of the door with her favorite food from her favorite vegan restaurant across town. His forehead pressed against it.

Tyler: (whispers through the door) Akeylah, please...just talk to me. I brought you food from that place you love. The burger and fries with the cayenne lemonade...

"Damn...I am hungry...but I can just cook something" Akeylah thought to myself.

Tyler: (sighs) Look, I know I messed up. I shouldn't have let things go that far with you that night. I didn't mean to hurt you or play you. I just...I'm sorry, okay? I miss my friend.

Akeylah: (sighs heavily) Tyler, I don't know if I can do this. Every time I think about that night, I just feel...stupid. Like I was just a piece of ass for when you didn't have Wyatt around.

Tyler: (voice muffled through the door) Key, that's not what it was. I swear. That night with you...it was real for me. I just...everything going on with me and Wyatt-

Akeylah: (scoffs) So what? Now that you guys aren't talking again, I'm the backup plan?

Tyler: (firmly) No! That's not it at all. I've realized that what I have with Wyatt isn't...it's not what I thought it was. It's complicated, but you...you're different. You're special to me.

Akeylah's heart skipped a beat at his words, but she remained steadfast in her anger.

Akeylah: (shakes head) I don't believe you. (tears up and voice cracks) You made me feel just how Michael made me feel except...you claimed the "pot of gold'...I-I can't keep playing second fiddle to you niggas. I refuse! Every time I let a man in...

Tyler: (voice strained) Key, please. You're not a second option to me. I care about you so much more than that. I know I fucked up, but I'm asking you to give me a chance to make it right. To show you how much you mean to me.

Akeylah: (sniffs) Why should I? You had your fun...you got what you wanted.

Tyler: (voice strained) Because I'm falling for you, Key. Have been for a long time now...

Akeylah stood with her hand over her mouth stunned. She slowly got up from the floor and cracked the door open. The chain on the door stopping it as she peeks through the crack

Akeylah: (furrows brows) What?

Akeylah's eyes searched Tyler's, looking for any sign of deceit or manipulation, but all she saw was sincerity and regret. Her heart raced as she processed his confession. Tyler was falling for her? All this time, she had assumed her feelings were one-sided.

Tyler: (clears his throat) Yeah...I realized it months ago when you dragged me shopping that day and then that pillow fight...It's like something in me saw something different in you. The confidence. You carry it strongly and beautifully.