Beautiful Dark Eyes

Chapter 6: Second Meeting

I open the gate for him, and my heart leaps the second I see him. He’s standing there, hands in his pockets, looking a little unsure but with that soft, familiar smile I’d been missing for weeks. It’s only the second time we’ve met in person, yet somehow he feels so familiar, like I’ve known him my whole life.

He steps through the gate, and suddenly, it’s just us—no long-distance, no screens, just the two of us. He looks down at me, and I can see it in his eyes—he’s missed this too. Without a word, I throw my arms around him, and he wraps me up in a hug so tight I feel like he’s putting all the time we were apart into that single embrace.

For a moment, I just breathe him in, feeling his heartbeat against mine, letting everything else melt away. When we pull back and our eyes meet, I feel that same spark, that warmth that made me fall for him the first time. But now, it’s even deeper. It’s like I’m seeing him in a new light, yet every little thing I adored is right there—that little smile that shows up when he’s nervous, even the subtle quirks he thinks he has to hide. They’re all right here, and they’re all part of what makes him… him. And I can’t help but fall for him all over again.

We spend the day wandering around, lost in each other’s company. Every touch, every laugh, every shared glance feels like a piece of the puzzle falling into place. And as we spend the day together, I know, deep down, that I’d fall in love with him a thousand times over if I could.

He comes with me to my mental health appointment, holding my hand or his arm around me. I’m nervous—I always am before these appointments—but with him beside me, there’s this quiet strength that steadies me. He doesn’t say much; he doesn’t need to. Just the way he squeezes my hand, his physical presence , tells me everything I need to hear: he’s here for me, no matter what.

When we sit in the waiting room, he keeps close, his shoulder against mine, offering silent reassurance with every little touch and look. I feel like he understands in a way that few people do. He knows that being here is hard for me, that opening up about my struggles takes more than I like to admit. And somehow, just his presence—steady, grounding, and without a trace of judgment—makes it all feel a little easier.

As I walk out of the appointment, his eyes meet mine, full of encouragement and warmth. I realize then just how deeply I love him, not only for the laughter and the lightness but for moments like these, where he shows me he’s there for everything, even the hard parts. In that moment, I feel like the luckiest person alive to have someone like him by my side.

The gifts :he pulls out a bag with a little grin, clearly excited, and hands all the gifts to me. My heart skips as I open it to find a beautiful hairpin shaped like a miniature sword—delicate yet strong, exactly my style. I can’t help but smile, touched by how well he knows me. Next, I see a copy of my favorite book, one I’d mentioned ages ago. The fact that he got it for me (knowing full well if he had mentioned it i would be upset as i don't like money being spent on me)… it makes my heart melt. Somehow, holding it in my hands now, it feels like he’s given me more than just a book; he’s given me a reminder that he truly listens, that he remembers the little details.

And then, at the bottom of the bag, there’s another item. I know exactly what it is—a token of something deeply personal, something he might not realize what it actually was. Seeing it there, along with all the other thoughtful gifts, I feel an overwhelming sense of embarrassment, shyness actually. Each item feels like a piece of me he’s chosen to celebrate, and it makes me fall for him all over again.

Throughout the day, he’s simply there—kind, patient, and loving in ways that feel so natural and genuine. He doesn’t try to fill every silence with words; instead, he gives me space and follows my lead, his quiet presence a steady comfort by my side. Whether we’re walking together, sharing a meal, or just sitting quietly, he’s fully there, his attention on me in such a gentle, unassuming way. He notices when I need a little extra support, offering his hand or leaning in close, like he’s instinctively tuned in to what I need without me having to ask.

He has this way of making everything feel lighter, like the world is a little brighter just because he’s in it. Every glance, every soft smile, every small gesture—it all feels so deeply caring and thoughtful, a constant reminder that he’s here not just in the big ways but in the quiet, everyday ways too. And as the day unfolds, I find myself falling for him all over again, realizing that his love is as steady and genuine as he is.

I know I mentioned falling for him the entire time, but I truly fell harder than ever.