As time went on, Kiomie couldn’t shake a gnawing feeling that something was shifting within her. While she was undeniably happy for Nora and her budding relationship with Jake, her own emotions toward Theo had become more complicated. Their connection was strong, but as they spent more time together, Kiomie found herself questioning whether it was the kind of love she had always imagined.
Sitting at her desk one evening, Kiomie stared out of her bedroom window, replaying moments from the past few weeks. She and Theo had grown closer, sharing intimate conversations and moments that should’ve made her heart race, but instead, she felt an unsettling sense of detachment.
They spent almost every day together, yet Kiomie often found her mind wandering. She started noticing little things—how their silences sometimes felt heavy instead of comfortable, how she had to put in more effort to stay present when they were together. It wasn’t that Theo did anything wrong; he was sweet, attentive, and kind. But something inside her felt… off.
Later that week, they met up again at the park, their usual spot. Theo greeted her with a warm smile and a soft kiss on the forehead. Normally, that small gesture would’ve made Kiomie’s heart flutter, but now, she barely felt anything.
“How’s your day been?” Theo asked, taking a seat next to her on the bench.
“It was okay. A little busy,” Kiomie replied, trying to keep the conversation light. She didn’t want to ruin the peaceful afternoon with her confusing thoughts.
“You seem distracted,” Theo said, tilting his head slightly to study her face. “Is everything alright?”
Kiomie forced a smile. “Yeah, I’m just tired, I guess. School’s been stressful.”
Theo nodded, accepting her answer without pressing further. They sat in silence for a while, watching the sun slowly dip below the horizon. Kiomie knew she should feel content in this moment, but instead, she felt a growing sense of guilt. Theo deserved someone who was fully present, not someone whose mind was constantly elsewhere.
“Hey, Kiomie,” Theo started after a long pause, his voice unusually hesitant. “I’ve been thinking… about us.”
Her heart skipped a beat, fearing where this conversation might lead. “What about us?”
“I really like being with you,” he said, his words slow and careful. “And I’ve been wondering if you feel the same way. Are we… are we heading in the right direction?”
Kiomie’s throat tightened. She had been dreading this moment, knowing that Theo was beginning to sense her hesitation. She took a deep breath, trying to organize her thoughts.
“I do care about you, Theo,” she began, her voice barely above a whisper. “But I’ve been feeling… confused lately.”
Theo’s brow furrowed in concern. “Confused? About what?”
“About us,” Kiomie admitted, her eyes downcast. “I don’t know if I’m ready for what we have right now. I thought I was, but something’s been holding me back, and I can’t figure out why.”
Theo was silent for a moment, processing her words. When he finally spoke, his voice was soft but firm. “I understand if you need more time, Kiomie. But I don’t want you to feel like you have to force anything with me. If you’re not sure, then maybe we need to take a step back.”
His response took her by surprise. She had expected hurt or frustration, but instead, Theo was giving her space—something she hadn’t realized she needed so desperately.
“I’m so sorry, Theo,” Kiomie said, tears pricking at the corners of her eyes. “I didn’t mean for things to get so complicated.”
Theo gave her a reassuring smile. “Hey, don’t apologize. These things happen. I just want you to be honest with yourself and with me. If taking a break helps, then that’s what we’ll do.”
Kiomie nodded, grateful for his understanding. She had been so worried about hurting him that she hadn’t considered the possibility that Theo might feel the same way—that perhaps they were both on different pages.
“Thank you for being so patient with me,” she said, feeling a weight lift off her chest.
“We’ll figure it out,” Theo replied, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. “No matter what happens, I want you to know I’ll always care about you.”
They sat in silence for a little while longer, letting the conversation settle between them. Though the future felt uncertain, Kiomie was relieved that they had finally addressed the growing distance between them.
As the sky darkened, they said their goodbyes, parting on amicable terms. But as Kiomie walked home, she couldn’t help but wonder if this was the end of their romantic relationship or if it was just the beginning of something different—something deeper rooted in friendship.
Back in her room, Kiomie lay on her bed, staring up at the ceiling. She knew she had made the right decision to be honest with Theo, but now the hard part began. She needed to figure out what she truly wanted, not just in love, but for herself.
Nora’s journey had been about finding love after heartbreak, but maybe Kiomie’s journey was about discovering herself before falling in love. And that, she realized, might take a little more time.
YOU ARE READING
Silent Affection
Romancehigh school students Kiomie Hart and Theo Sebastian Adler are paired for a project by their teacher, during their work there where unspoken emotions reveal deeper struggles beneath their quiet exteriors. As they navigate the complexities of their gr...
