Kiss & Tell ( Asa and Chiquita)

Chapter 16: The Tipping Point

Asa's POV

It's strange how quickly everything can shift. A few days ago, I was someone who had everything under control, who prided myself on never letting emotions get the better of me. And now... now I'm standing on the edge of something I don't fully understand.

Chiquita and I have spent the last few days in a delicate dance. After that kiss, after everything we shared, it's as if the world around us has gotten both smaller and larger at the same time. Smaller because the space between us is charged — everything seems to revolve around her now. Larger because the possibilities, the unknowns, are endless. I can't focus the way I used to. Every moment is consumed by thoughts of her.

It's disorienting.

I sit at my desk, trying to regain some semblance of normalcy. Work has always been my anchor, but today, it feels like a distraction. The tasks I used to handle with precision now seem so... insignificant. I glance at my phone, as if waiting for a message from Chiquita, even though I know it's too early for that.

But then, as if on cue, my phone buzzes.

I miss you.

It's simple. Direct. But those words have more weight than anything I've ever read. I stare at the message for a long time, my heart thumping loudly in my chest.

I've always believed that vulnerability was a weakness — that showing too much was dangerous. But now, I wonder if that's just another lie I've told myself.

I type a response, my fingers shaking slightly.

I miss you too.

I hit send, the finality of the words settling into me. The moment I've been avoiding — admitting that this, whatever it is between us, isn't something I can control.

Chiquita's POV

I read Asa's reply, and my heart skips. I miss you too. It's the simplest, yet most profound thing she could've said.

I've been waiting for this — waiting for her to let go, to admit that we're in this together, that we're more than just a flirtation or a game.

But even now, I can sense her hesitation. The wall she's built around herself is still there, and every moment with her is a reminder that, despite everything we've shared, she's still holding a piece of herself back.

I know why. She's afraid. She's afraid of letting go, of losing control. But I'm not going anywhere.

I stand from my desk, walking over to the window of my apartment. It's a clear night, the city lights twinkling below. I press my forehead against the cool glass, watching as people rush around on the streets, completely unaware of the battle I'm fighting — the battle for Asa.

I don't want to push her too hard, but I can't help myself. Every time we're together, it feels like she's on the verge of something — like she's about to let go, but then she pulls back, afraid of what might happen if she does.

I need to show her that she doesn't have to be perfect. She doesn't have to be in control all the time.

I grab my phone and type a quick message.

I want to see you tonight. Let me take you somewhere that's just ours.

I hit send before I can second-guess myself.

Asa's POV

The message comes through almost immediately. I want to see you tonight. Let me take you somewhere that's just ours.

The words are simple, but they carry weight. I can feel the intensity behind them, the invitation for something deeper, something more than what we've shared so far.

I take a deep breath, unsure of what to do next. I've always been the one to call the shots, to stay in control. But with Chiquita, everything feels out of my hands. It's both exhilarating and terrifying.

I don't know if I'm ready for whatever this is, but the truth is, I'm tired of fighting it.

I tap out a response, my fingers moving more confidently now.

Where are we going?

Her reply is quick.

I'll pick you up at 7. Wear something you can move in.

I don't ask any more questions. Something tells me this won't be just another dinner date or a quiet evening. Whatever she has planned, it's not about staying in the safe zone.

It's about breaking free. And I can't deny that, in a strange way, I'm looking forward to it.

Chiquita's POV

I watch the clock tick toward 7 p.m. The excitement in my chest is almost unbearable. I don't know exactly what tonight will bring, but I know one thing for sure: it's time to take things to the next level.

When I hear the knock on my door, I take a deep breath and open it. Asa stands there, as impeccable as always, in a sleek black dress and heels that make her seem even more untouchable. But her eyes, the way she looks at me, is different tonight. There's something raw there, something that makes my pulse race.

"You look beautiful," I say, stepping aside to let her in.

She nods, but her gaze lingers on me, as if she's searching for something.

"Where are we going?" she asks, her voice low.

I smile, and for the first time in a long time, I feel a flutter of nerves. "Trust me. It's a surprise."

She doesn't argue, doesn't question me further. Instead, she follows me as I lead her outside to the car, the night air cool against my skin. The drive is silent, but it's comfortable. There's no need for words between us right now. The anticipation is enough.

As we drive toward the outskirts of the city, I can feel Asa's curiosity building.

"Where are we going?" she repeats, her voice tinged with the smallest hint of impatience.

I grin, unable to help myself. "We're almost there."

We finally arrive at an old, industrial building. It looks abandoned, but I know better. This is the place I've been waiting for. A secret spot, hidden from the eyes of the world. I've had it to myself for months, and tonight, I'm going to share it with Asa.

I turn to her and see the confusion on her face. "Don't worry," I say, "You'll see."

I lead her inside, past dimly lit hallways, until we reach a large, open space. The floor is covered in soft mats, and the walls are lined with ropes, rings, and bars. It's an old gymnastics facility — a place where I've spent hours training, learning to let go of the control I'm so used to.

And tonight, I'm going to teach Asa how to let go too.

Asa's POV

I stand in the middle of the room, surrounded by mats and equipment I don't recognize, and I can't help but feel a little... lost.

"What is this?" I ask, my voice hesitant.

Chiquita steps in front of me, a smirk on her face. "This is where we get to stop pretending."

I stare at her, confused.

"You're going to trust me," she continues, her eyes intense. "And you're going to let go. No plans, no control. Just us."

I swallow, my heart pounding in my chest. This isn't what I expected, but somehow... it feels like the right thing. She's not asking me to do anything that I haven't already been fighting for.

I nod.

"Okay," I say, my voice quiet, but steady.

And just like that, everything changes.