Our Story

Chapter 5-Echoes of a Silent Heart

[Sam's POV]

As Eira's arms wrapped around me, a sudden calmness swept over me, though it was accompanied by a whirlwind of emotions crashing inside. I couldn't help but hold her a little tighter, as though afraid that if I let go even for a second, this moment—this perfect, fragile moment—would slip through my fingers.

Her body felt like the most comforting thing I had ever touched. Soft, warm, alive. And as she pressed her face against my chest, I felt her breath against my skin. Each inhale and exhale seemed to sync with the frantic rhythm of my own heartbeat, which was pounding so loudly in my ears that for a moment, I thought it might stop entirely, consumed by the overwhelming sensation of having her so close.

But then, in the silence, her face resting so gently against me, I felt it—the weight of everything I had never said. The love I had held for her since we were kids. It was all in that one hug, in the way our bodies were aligned as though we were two pieces of a puzzle that had finally come together after so much time apart. Her face pressed into my chest, right near my heart, and I couldn't help but feel that the world should stop. I didn't want anything to exist outside of this moment. It was as though the universe itself had paused just for us, giving me a fleeting second to cherish the feeling of having her so close.

My heart raced with every breath she took, her warmth seeping into me, grounding me. I could feel the gentle thrum of her pulse through my hands, which instinctively rested on her back, holding her, cherishing her as if she were the most precious thing I had ever held. It was impossible to ignore how natural it felt to have her in my arms. It wasn't just the comforting warmth of her presence; it was the way everything in my life, every decision, every step I had ever taken, had somehow led me here—to this very moment.

I had loved her since we were children. But it wasn't just about the love I felt. It was how deeply ingrained she was in my world, in my very being. Every decision I had made, every path I had chosen, was in some way influenced by her. Even my choice of major. She had always been my guiding star, even if I never had the courage to tell her. I had followed her, silently, for years. Her dreams became my dreams, her passions became my passions. But above all, I just wanted to be near her, to always be part of her life—even if she never knew.

As I held her there, my chest tightening with all the things I wanted to say, I felt a fire kindling deep inside. Why hadn't I said anything before? The words were there, waiting, a million thoughts crowding my mind, begging to be released. But I didn't say them. I couldn't. Not now. It wasn't the right time. The interview, her future—it was her moment. I wanted her to be the best version of herself in that room, to shine in a way that only she could.

But even though I didn't say the words, I thought them with every part of my being. Eira, I love you. I've loved you for so long. You've been the heart of my world since we were kids. I closed my eyes, immersing the feeling, as though trying to freeze time, to etch it into my memory forever.

But right then, as her hands rested against my chest and her face nuzzled against me, I felt like I was finally where I was supposed to be.

I wanted to tell her everything that I took the same major because of you. Every choice I made was just a way to stay close to you. I wanted to be near you. I wanted to make you proud. I wanted you to see me, to notice me the way I've always noticed you.

But I couldn't say any of it. The words lodged in my throat, caught somewhere between wanting to speak and knowing the time wasn't right. Her interview was about to start, and this wasn't the moment for confessions. It was her time, her chance, and I didn't want to steal that from her.

Instead, I just held her tighter, my hands gently pulling her closer, as if to somehow communicate everything I couldn't say. And when I finally loosened my grip, I felt the sting of the separation, a small ache in my chest as I reluctantly let go of her.

"You can do it, Unicorn," I whispered, the words barely audible. But they felt like a promise to myself—I'll tell you everything soon, Eira. I promise.

She stepped away, walking toward the interview room, and I couldn't help but watch her go, my heart still racing from the feeling of holding her in my arms. It was like I had been holding my breath the entire time, and now that she was walking away, I could finally exhale.

But in my chest, a new hope began to form—a hope that, today, I would be able to tell her everything. And when that moment came, I would make sure she knew just how much she meant to me, how much I had loved her since we were kids. Until then, I would carry the memory of this hug, this perfect moment, in my heart.

Arjun and I sat tucked away in a secluded corner of the bustling cafeteria, out of sight from the main crowd. We'd chosen a spot where we couldn't even see the door—a small sanctuary to calm my racing thoughts as we waited. My heart drummed louder with each passing second, anticipation and a creeping fear swirling in my stomach. Beside me, Arjun sat in silent understanding, radiating the kind of calm only a best friend could bring.

But then he broke the silence, his voice soft but firm, like he was delivering a truth he knew I couldn't ignore. "If you miss this chance," he said, looking me dead in the eye, "you might never get it again. It's the last day of college." His words hit me like a jolt, grounding me in the reality I'd been trying not to think about. Today really was it—the last day. If I didn't tell her now, who knew when, or if, I'd ever get another chance.

He didn't say anything else. He didn't need to. Arjun knew me well enough to understand the weight of those words. He'd seen what Eira meant to me in every look, every small gesture, every conversation where her name came up. And now, his reminder hung heavy between us, a silent push urging me to act.

Arjun gave me a small, encouraging smile, his hand reaching over to give my shoulder a quick squeeze, steady and reassuring. "You've got this," he murmured, a glimmer of excitement lighting up his usually calm expression. His unspoken message was clear: he believed in me, even if I was struggling to believe in myself.

With him here, I felt my own resolve strengthen, a flicker of courage rising within me. Arjun's silent support had always been my anchor, but now it was a spark, igniting a sense of urgency I hadn't let myself feel until this very moment. There was no more time to hesitate.

Soon, Eira would be here, and with Arjun's reminder pressing on my heart, I knew this was my only chance. I had to finally tell her everything I'd kept hidden for so long.

Authors Note:

Thanks for Reading!!

Let's hope for the best , and let's see how it will end in next chapter.