Timeless | rorasa

Chapter 19: The Love and The Fragile Timeline

The air was thick with unspoken emotions as Rora held Asa tightly, her embrace fierce and unyielding, as if letting go would shatter her heart into a thousand pieces. The warmth of Asa’s body was the only solace Rora had, but it did little to calm the storm raging inside her. The truth about Asa’s identity and their fleeting time together weighed heavily on her, making her heart race and her breath uneven.

Asa, nestled in Rora’s arms, could feel the tremor in her lover’s hold, the silent desperation in every touch. She knew Rora had discovered the book—had seen it in Rora’s room earlier. The truth is out now. No more secrets. No more false assurances that everything would be alright.

Asa’s heart shattered, the weight of reality settling heavily in her chest. She wanted to comfort Rora, to promise her that she would stay, but even Asa didn’t know how much time they had left.

A cold rush of panic gripped her as she glanced at her fading arms. Her skin was becoming translucent, dissolving before her eyes.

“R-Rora,” Asa’s voice trembled, her fear palpable.

Rora froze, her eyes widening in horror as she followed Asa’s gaze. She saw it too—Asa’s arms were disappearing, fading into nothingness. “No… no, no, no,” Rora whispered, panic rising in her throat. She clutched Asa tighter, her fingers digging into her lover’s skin as if she could somehow anchor Asa to this world.

“Don’t leave me,” Rora pleaded, her voice trembling as tears blurred her vision. “Please, Asa… I can't lose you. I can’t…”

Asa’s heart ached, her fading form a cruel reminder of the destiny she couldn’t escape. Her own tears spilled over as she wrapped what was left of her arms around Rora, her voice soft yet filled with anguish. “I love you, Rora… I love you so much. Please believe that, no matter what happens.”

“I know, I know,” Rora choked out, pressing her forehead against Asa’s. “I love you too, more than anything. That’s why… that’s why you can’t leave. There has to be a way to keep you here. I’ll find it, Asa, I swear, I’ll find a way.”

But Asa could hear the fear, the doubt behind Rora’s words. She knew better. Fate wasn’t something they could fight. It was already written, etched into time. Despite Rora’s desperate promises, Asa knew staying wasn’t an option. Still, she couldn’t bring herself to say it aloud. Not now. Not when Rora’s arms were trembling around her.

Moments dragged on, and slowly, Asa’s arms began to solidify again. She gasped in relief, but the fear didn’t leave her eyes, nor did it leave Rora’s.

Still shaking, Rora pulled Asa impossibly closer, her breath hot against Asa’s neck as she whispered, “I’m so scared, Asa. I can’t lose you. I won’t let you fade away. I’ll find a way. I promise I will. Just… stay with me. Please.”

Asa’s lips quivered as she fought back a sob. “Rora…” She gently placed a trembling hand against Rora’s cheek, her fingers lingering on the warmth of her skin. “I desire to remain here, by your side, with all my heart. But…”

“No,” Rora cut her off sharply, determination in her voice. “Don’t say that. Don’t tell me it’s impossible. I’ll do whatever it takes. I’ll go to Minju again, I’ll find someone else if I have to. But I’m not losing you.”

Asa’s chest tightened, knowing that Rora’s fierce love would drive her to try to change the unchangeable. She wished she could give Rora the happy ending she deserved. But deep down, Asa knew some battles couldn’t be won.

Still, she couldn’t shatter Rora’s hope—not tonight. So instead, Asa nodded, forcing a soft smile even as her heart broke.

“I believe in you,” she whispered, though she knew belief alone wouldn’t save them.