Lost In Her Emotions (A Forbidden Love)

Chapter 5: Long Warm Hug

Winter's icy grip began to loosen, giving way to the first hints of spring. At school, the demands of student council meetings, exams, and homework only seemed to multiply, and being top of her class meant Alexandria was constantly pushing herself to keep her grades pristine. But no matter how exhausting the day was, Alexandria always had one constant to look forward to—Gin.

Each evening, she found herself hurrying home to the calm haven of his presence. It had become their quiet routine—sharing stories, discussing dreams, laughing over the mundane. It was a bond that went beyond anything she'd experienced before, woven in threads of quiet companionship and deep trust.

One late evening, after an especially grueling day, Alexandria stumbled into the apartment, dropping her bags by the door. Gin was already there, looking up from a book he'd been reading, his eyes warming as he saw her. The sight of him melted her fatigue away instantly.

"Rough day?" he asked, rising to take her coat.

She nodded, laughing as she sank onto the couch, patting the spot beside her. "Don't even get me started. My brain's in knots from council work and exams." She leaned her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes.

"Would you like to rest?" Gin's voice was soft, almost musical in its soothing cadence.

She hesitated, feeling the pulse of his steady heartbeat beneath her ear. "No... I just want to stay here for a bit."

They stayed in the embrace for a while, the rhythmic beat beneath her ear lulling her into a peaceful state, one that washed away the day's tensions. To anyone else, it might have seemed strange—how she found comfort in a heartbeat that was designed, simulated. Yet for her, it was more than real. It was Gin, constant, supportive, an anchor in her world that was otherwise a storm of expectations and responsibilities.

--

As the evening deepened, they shared stories of the past—moments from her childhood, the kinds of friendships she'd known. "It's funny," Alexandria remarked, her gaze softening. "I always thought being strong meant handling everything alone. But you... you make me feel safe in ways I didn't know I needed."

Gin watched her, his hand reaching to gently tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "You don't need to bear everything by yourself. I'm here to help... in whatever way you need."

"Tired?" he asked, moving aside as she kicked off her shoes.

"You could say that," she replied, smiling. "But I think I've missed you more than I've missed being home."

Gin's brow lifted, a small flicker of something close to amusement passing through his gaze.

"Perhaps I should consider joining the council," he replied playfully. "Then you can see me every hour."

The simplicity of his words struck a chord, and Alexandria felt a warmth bloom within her chest. She leaned in closer, their breaths mingling in the dimly lit room. She wanted to say something, anything, to capture the strange but familiar feeling Gin stirred within her.

"Gin..." She trailed off, finding herself at a loss.

"Yes?" he murmured, his gaze steady and open.

A comfortable silence settled over them, words unnecessary in the quiet of their shared connection.

She laughed, the sound light and genuine. "Maybe I should bring you to school with me! I could use someone who actually listens during those endless meetings."

Gin tilted his head, feigning consideration. "So, I'd be your assistant? Taking notes and fetching coffee?"

"More like my partner in crime," she said with a grin. "You'd keep everyone in line, with that unnervingly calm logic of yours. Honestly, they'd probably elect you president in a day."