Echoes of the Rain

Happy days

The rain was relentless, and just as the tension in the room seemed unbearable, the electricity went out, plunging everything into darkness. I fumbled through the drawers, searching for a candle. I could hear Yohan moving, the faint glow of his phone light illuminating his face.

"Let me help you," he offered softly.

I kept my distance. "No, thanks."

Finally, I found a candle and lit it. Its small flame flickered, casting long, wavering shadows on the walls.

"I think you should go now," I said, trying to sound firm. "Here, take my umbrella. The rain is slowing down."

But Yohan didn't budge. His eyes were intense, searching mine. "Not until you give me an answer."

I felt a sharp pang in my chest. "What answer?"

"Do you like me?" he asked, his voice almost a whisper. The words cut through me like a knife, breaking the fragile barrier I had built around my heart.

"Can't you stop with your games?" I snapped, trying to hide how shaken I was.

He leaned closer, his face serious. "I'm not playing games, Yuri. I love you. Please, trust me."

"Trust you?" I laughed bitterly, feeling the sting of tears in my eyes. "You think I'm crazy?"

Suddenly, the electricity came back on, flooding the room with harsh light, but the darkness between us felt deeper than ever. I turned away, desperate to end this conversation. "Please, just get out now," I pleaded.

"No," he replied firmly, "I won't leave."

"Why are you doing this?" I felt my voice break, and the tears I had been fighting so hard finally spilled over.

Yohan's expression softened, and he stepped closer, pulling me into his arms. I tried to push him away, but he held on tight. "I know I hurt you. I know I did something terrible, but I had my reasons. Please, believe me," he murmured, his voice full of raw emotion.

I could feel his heart beating against mine, and for a moment, I just let myself cry, unable to fight the pain any longer.

Yuri: "No, this time I'm not going to believe you..."

Yohan tightened his grip slightly, desperation etched on his face. "Please, just this once..."

I felt a lump in my throat, words caught between wanting to scream and wanting to cry. "I never thought anyone could love me... but when you said you liked me, I felt something. My heart started beating so fast. I was... happy, Yohan. Really happy. But at the same time, I was terrified."

I paused, feeling my voice tremble as I continued, "Every time love comes into my life, it's like it has an expiration date... not meant to last, just here for a short while before it vanishes again."

I could see the pain flash across his eyes, and for a moment, he looked like he wanted to say something, but I cut him off. "I don't know how to trust something that always disappears. I don't know how to trust *you*."

Yohan's voice cracked with emotion. "Yuri, you don't know how much I've waited for you... Please, Yuri..."

I couldn't hold back any longer. "Then why... why?" I screamed, my voice filled with all the pain I'd kept hidden. His tears spilled over, and before I knew it, I reached out to wipe them away, my hands trembling. He placed his hand on my shoulder, grounding me in the moment.

"I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice heavy with regret. "I'm never going to leave you again. Never, ever. I promise."

"Promise me you'll never lie to me, never ignore me again," I said, my voice breaking. "It hurts... it hurts like hell..."

Yohan nodded earnestly, his grip tightening as if afraid I might slip away. "I promise, I'll never leave. I'll never hurt you again."

I took a deep breath, the words escaping before I could stop them. "I love you, Yohan."

He smiled through his tears. "I know, dummy. I missed you so much."

We wrapped our arms around each other, holding on as if our lives depended on it. "You stupid..." I murmured against his shoulder, "I missed you too."

For the first time in what felt like forever, I felt a weight lift off my chest, replaced by the warmth of his embrace.

Now, Yohan and I are officially dating. Life has changed, but it feels like it's moving in the right direction. I work at a reputed company, and Yohan has started a job at his mother's firm. Both of us are swamped with work, deadlines, and responsibilities. Our days are filled with meetings and endless to-do lists, but no matter how busy things get, we never miss a chance to see each other.

We find little pockets of time in our hectic schedules to meet-grabbing a quick coffee between meetings, sharing lunch whenever we can, or simply walking home together when our days finally end. Even if it's just for a few minutes, being with him makes everything feel lighter, more bearable.

Our conversations have deepened, and we talk about everything-our dreams, fears, and hopes for the future. We cherish these moments, knowing how precious they are amidst the chaos of our daily lives. Each time we part, I look forward to the next moment we'll meet, and it feels like I'm falling for him all over again, every single day.

One evening, as we were sitting on a park bench, enjoying a rare moment of calm in our busy lives, Yohan suddenly turned to me, his expression more serious than usual.

"Let's get married," he said, his voice steady but his eyes filled with a nervous excitement.

I blinked, caught off guard by the abruptness of it. "Are you serious?" I asked, trying to read his face.

"Of course," he replied, smiling. "We've been dating for almost two years now, and I can't imagine my life without you. So, let's make it official. Let's stay together, forever."

I felt a warmth spread through my chest, my heart pounding in a familiar way-the same way it did when he first confessed his feelings to me. I reached out and took his hand, squeezing it tightly. "Let's stay together," I whispered back, a smile spreading across my face.

We both laughed, and the world seemed to blur around us, leaving just the two of us in a moment that felt like it could last forever.

At Yohan's home, we waited in the living room, my heart pounding with nerves. I adjusted my dress for what felt like the hundredth time. "I'm so nervous," I whispered, glancing at Yohan. "Do I look okay?"

He chuckled softly, giving me a reassuring smile. "You always look perfect," he said, squeezing my hand.

As we were talking, his mother entered the room, her expression calm but curious. Yohan stood up immediately. "Mom, this is Yuri," he began, his voice filled with warmth. "The one I've been telling you about."

I stood up, bowing slightly. "Hello, ma'am," I greeted, trying to keep my voice steady.

She nodded, her gaze sharp but not unkind. "Yes, sit down," she said, gesturing to the chair. "Yohan has been talking quite a bit about you, claiming he's in love and all."

I felt a blush creep up my cheeks. "Yohan always speaks very highly of you," I replied, hoping to make a good impression.

His mother looked at me for a moment, her expression unreadable. "I see," she finally said, her tone neutral. "Let's see how this goes, then."

I glanced at Yohan, feeling his hand slip into mine under the table, a silent reassurance in his touch. The tension in the room was palpable, but with Yohan beside me, I felt a bit braver.