Republic City // Lin Beifong x Fem Reader

A Love Unveiled

A LoveUnveiled

Y/n's POV

I slowly opened my eyes, letting them adjust to the dim light filtering through the curtains. The room was quiet, still wrapped in the silence of early morning. As I took in my surroundings, I realized I was back in my bed, the familiar comfort of the blankets surrounding me. A dim ray of light broke through the darkness, casting a soft glow on the figure slumped in the chair in the corner of the room.

I tried to sit up, but the moment I moved, a sharp pain shot through my head, forcing me to fall back with a groan.

"Y/n?" a familiar voice called out, filled with concern.

The figure stirred and stood up from the chair, moving closer. As she stepped into the light, I recognized Lin. Her features were softened by the gentle glow, and she was dressed in a simple white tank top. Despite the situation, I couldn't help but blush at the sight of her, a warmth spreading across my cheeks as she caught me staring.

"How do you feel?" she asked, sitting on the edge of the bed and turning her upper body to face me.

"Much better," I replied, smiling to reassure her.

"Are you sure?" she pressed, her tone laced with worry.

I nodded, touched by her kindness. "Yes. Thanks to you, I'm fine."

A shy smile tugged at the corners of her lips, and we locked eyes for a moment, the silence between us filled with unspoken words. After a while, I asked, still a bit confused, "Did you stay here the entire time I was asleep?"

She nodded, her gaze shifting away as if she were suddenly shy. "Why?" I continued, genuinely curious.

Lin sighed, her eyes focusing on the wall as she gathered her thoughts. "I would have preferred to explain when you were feeling better, but... I'm not sure I'll ever find the perfect moment."

She took a deep breath, and I could see how difficult it was for her to express her emotions. I waited patiently, knowing this was hard for her.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I'm sorry for running away the day you kissed me. The truth is, I was so afraid that even the thought of hurting you didn't cross my mind..."

Hearing her words, I sat up, ignoring the dull ache in my head, and moved closer to her until our shoulders were touching. I wanted her to feel my support, to know she wasn't alone in this.

"When I learned you were one of the missing people," she continued, her voice thick with emotion, "I was so angry at myself for not being there with you. I felt guilty for putting you in that position. It's been so long since I've loved someone... and had someone love me back. Knowing that you might have feelings for me made me so happy and scared at the same time. I'm terrified of losing someone again. But I don't want to miss out on what we could have together."

Lin took my hands in hers, the warmth of her touch grounding me. Her voice trembled as she spoke, and I could feel the weight of her words. "It might sound stupid or too early, but... I truly feel it. This feeling is so strong and yet so overwhelming. I don't think I can hide it from you anymore."

She took another deep breath, then met my gaze, her eyes searching mine as if she were revealing a part of herself she had kept hidden for too long. "In the short amount of time we've known each other, I've fallen in love with you."

Her confession hung in the air, and for a moment, all I could do was smile—a genuine, heartfelt smile that I gave her with all the love I felt in my heart. Lin, despite her tough exterior, was just as vulnerable as anyone else, and she had just opened up to me in a way that took immense courage. She was afraid of rejection, of being hurt again, yet she trusted me enough to show me her true self.