A veil of hearts

•flashes•

A/N : listen to the music above

18

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Felix's POV

As we sit in the quiet cafe, Aina sipping her coffee while gazing out the window, a wave of memory washes over me. The contrast between then and now is almost painful.

It was a day much like this one, cold and snowy outside, warm and cozy in the cafe. But unlike now, the air was filled with Aina's laughter and animated chatter.

"Oh! They have lemon cake!" Aina had exclaimed, her face lighting up with that childlike excitement I adored. "It looks amazing."

I remember chuckling, shaking my head at her enthusiasm. "You and your lemon obsession," I had teased.

Aina's eyes had narrowed playfully. "Says the man who won't even try it. Come on, Felix, live a little!"

When the waiter approached, Aina had ordered her usual lemon cake and caramel latte. I had asked for just a black coffee, earning me an exasperated look from her.

"Really? Just coffee?" She had said, waving her hand dismissively. "You're in a cafe with all these delicious treats, and you're only getting coffee?"

I had shrugged, amused by her indignation. "I'm not much of a sweets person."

"Nonsense," she had declared. "Everyone likes sweets. You just haven't found the right one yet. You know what? I'm ordering you a slice of this lemon cake. You have to try it."

Before I could protest, she had already called the waiter back and added another slice of lemon cake to our order.

"You really don't have to-" I had begun, but she cut me off.

"Nope, you're trying it. Trust me, it'll change your life."

I had shaken my head, chuckling. "Has anyone ever told you you're a bit bossy?"

Aina had grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Only everyone I've ever met. But they all thank me eventually when they realize I'm right."

The memory fades, and I'm back in the present. Aina sits across from me, quiet and reserved, a stark contrast to the vivacious woman in my recollection. She's stirring her coffee absently, lost in thought, unaware of the history we share in places like this.

I glance at the dessert display, spotting a familiar lemon cake. For a moment, I'm tempted to order a slice, to see if it might spark something in her memory. But I resist. This Aina, with her fragmented memories and cautious demeanor, isn't ready for such a bold move.

"Is everything okay?" Aina's soft voice breaks into my thoughts. She's looking at me with a mixture of concern and curiosity.

I realize I've been staring and quickly compose myself. "Yes, sorry. I was just... thinking."

She nods, offering a small smile. "This place does seem to inspire deep thoughts, doesn't it?"

If only she knew how deep, how filled with history this simple cafe is for us. But instead of sharing these memories, I simply nod and take a sip of my coffee.

As we sit in companionable silence, I can't help but hope that someday, we'll be back here, with Aina insisting I try the lemon cake, her laughter filling the air once more. Until then, I'll cherish these quiet moments, holding onto the memory of the woman she was, and appreciating the woman she is now.

Even in silence, even without her memories, she's still Aina. And that's enough for me.

I watch Aina's face carefully as I ask, "Have you been to the underground swimming pool here?"

She furrows her brow, thinking. "No, I don't think so. Is it nice?"

Her innocent question triggers a flood of memories, vivid and intense.

The echo of voices bounces off tiled walls. Chlorine scent hangs heavy in the air. Aina stands at the pool's edge, her body tense with anger, eyes flashing.

"Aina, please," I plead, reaching for her. "Let's talk about this."

She jerks away from my touch. "There's nothing to talk about, Felix. You don't understand. You never do!"

I see the recklessness in her eyes, recognize the set of her shoulders. "Don't do this if you're angry with me, Aina," I warn, my voice urgent.

But it's too late. She's already stepping off the edge, plunging into the deep end.

I know she can't swim well. Fear grips my heart as I dive in after her.

The water is cold, shocking. I see her struggling, panic replacing anger on her face. With powerful strokes, I reach her, wrapping an arm around her waist.

"I've got you," I gasp as we break the surface. "I've got you, Aina. You're safe."

She clings to me, coughing and sputtering. As I guide us to the edge, her anger seems to dissolve, replaced by a mix of fear and remorse.

"I'm sorry," she whispers as I help her out of the pool. "I don't know why I... I'm so sorry, Felix."

I pull her into a tight embrace, not caring that we're both dripping wet. "It's okay," I murmur into her hair. "Just... please don't scare me like that again."

She nods against my chest, her arms tightening around me.

The memory fades, and I'm back in the present, Aina looking at me expectantly. I realize I've been silent for too long.

"Oh, uh, yes," I stammer, trying to regain my composure. "It's... interesting. Very unique architecture."

Aina tilts her head, studying me. "Are you okay? You looked far away for a moment there."

I force a smile, pushing down the ache in my chest. "I'm fine. Just remembered something, that's all."

She nods, accepting this, unaware of the tumultuous history we share in that very pool. As she returns to sipping her coffee, I'm struck by how calm she seems now, so different from the impulsive, passionate woman in my memory.

Part of me misses that fire, even with all its dangers. But another part is grateful to see her at peace, unburdened by the turmoil of our past.

"Maybe we could visit it sometime," Aina suggests, breaking into my thoughts. "The pool, I mean. If you'd like to."

For a moment, I'm tempted to say yes, to revisit that place and see if it might spark something in her memory. But the thought of Aina near that water again, especially without her memories, fills me with an irrational fear.

"Perhaps," I say noncommittally. "There are many beautiful places in Helsinki to explore. We'll see where our wanderings take us."

As we continue our quiet conversation, I can't help but marvel at the twists of fate that have brought us here. Aina, serene and curious, a far cry from the tempestuous woman who once jumped into that pool. And me, carrying the weight of our shared past, navigating this new reality.

I may no longer need to save Aina from the water, but I silently vow to keep her safe in other ways. Even if she never remembers, even if we never return to what we were, I'll be here. A silent guardian, a friend if she'll have me, watching over her as she discovers herself anew in this city of snow and hidden memories.

AUTHOR'S NOTE
So are you guys team Felix or Joshua?
so, who would Aina like to chose for her life?What if the previous version of Aina liked Felix, and now what happens to Joshua?
Do tell me how you all felt.