ೀ ⋆｡When Love Reveals its Truth(⁠ ⁠˶⁠ ⁠❛⁠ ⁠ꁞ⁠ ⁠❛⁠ ⁠˶⁠ ⁠)

Chapter 3

Chapter 3:
"I've figured it out"

I woke up to the sound of my alarm blaring in my ear, jolting me out of a restless sleep. I groggily reached over to turn it off and sat up in bed, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. The clock read 8:09 am. "Oh no, I'm late!" I exclaimed, throwing off the covers.

While running downstairs, I found my sister, Kumari, sipping coffee in the kitchen. She looked up and smiled. "Good morning, sleepyhead! You're running late, aren't you?"

I nodded, feeling a bit flustered. "Yeah, I have to meet Shinji today sis. We're going out."

Kumari raised an eyebrow. "You okay with that? You seemed hesitant last night."

I sighed, dropping into the chair across from her. "Honestly, sis, I don't know. I feel like I'm just going through the motions. I don't really know Shinji, and I'm not sure I'm ready for a relationship."

Kumari set her coffee down and reached out to take my hand. "Kairi, you need to communicate your feelings to Shinji. Don't lead him on if you're not interested. But also, don't dismiss him without giving him a chance."

I nodded, knowing she was right. "I will, sis. I just don't want to hurt him."

We chatted for a while longer, discussing everything from school to our favorite books. I felt a sense of calm wash over me, grateful for my sister's guidance.

As I got ready, my mind wandered to Shinji. What would today bring? Would I find myself enjoying his company, or would my doubts resurface?

When I arrived at the meeting spot, Shinji was already there, smiling brightly. "Hey, Kairi! You look beautiful today."

I forced a smile, feeling a bit awkward. "Thank...you,Shinji."

We set off into the city, exploring different restaurants, visiting a local museum, and catching a movie at the cinema. Shinji was charming and attentive, but I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was pretending to be someone I wasn't.

At lunch, we sat at a quaint café, surrounded by the aroma of freshly baked pastries. Shinji asked me about my favorite books and authors. I launched into a passionate discussion about the books I read the most,  Shinji listened intently, asking thoughtful questions.

"I've always loved reading books," he said. "There's something about the book that was brooding nature that resonates with me."

I smiled, surprised by his insight. "Really! Yeah it's true though"

For a moment, I forgot about my doubts and enjoyed his company. We delved deeper into literature, discussing the merits of Dickens and the wit of Wilde.

As we strolled through the museum, Shinji shared stories about his family and childhood. I found myself laughing and feeling at ease.

But as the sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow over the city, my uncertainty returned. Was I truly interested in Shinji, or was I just caught up in the excitement of having someone like me?

As we walked back to my house, Shinji took my hand. I felt a spark of electricity, but it was quickly overshadowed by my doubts.

"Thanks for today, Kairi," Shinji said, smiling up at me. "I had an amazing time."

I forced another smile. "Me too, Shinji."

As we stood outside my door,he looked at me and said

I'll see you tomorrow, okay?" Shinji whispered.

I nodded, feeling like I was living someone else's life. "Okay."

As I entered my house, Kumari looked up from her book. "Hey, how was your day?"

I flopped onto the couch beside her. "It was...interesting. I don't know, sis. I feel like I'm pretending to be someone I'm not."

Kumari closed her book and wrapped her arms around me. "Kairi, it's okay to take your time. You don't have to rush into anything. Just be honest with Shinji, and yourself."

I nodded, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. Tomorrow, I'd face my feelings head-on.

"Kumari, what if I'm making a mistake?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Kumari's expression turned serious. "Then you'll learn from it, and move forward. But what if it's not a mistake? What if Shinji is genuinely interested in you, and you have a connection?"

I pondered her words, weighing the possibilities.

I stood up, feeling a sense of determination wash over me. "Sis, I'll go upstairs to the balcony. I need some fresh air and time to think."

Kumari nodded, smiling encouragingly. "Take your time, Kairi. You'll figure it out. Just remember, I'm here for you."

As I stepped out onto the balcony, the cool evening breeze enveloped me, calming my racing thoughts. I gazed out at the city skyline, my mind wandering to Shinji.

He's so kind, I thought, a warmth spreading through my chest. He's not playing with my feelings. Tomorrow, I'll tell him how I really feel.

I took a deep breath, rehearsing my apology. "Shinji, I'm sorry for acting distant. I was scared, but I realize now that I like you too."

I hoped he'd understand, that he'd forgive me for my hesitation. I imagined the conversation unfolding, my heart racing with anticipation.

As I stood there, the stars beginning to twinkle in the night sky, I felt a sense of clarity wash over me.

I liked Shinji, genuinely liked him. His kindness, his passion for literature, his thoughtful nature...it all resonated with me.

I realized that my initial fear of entering a relationship was rooted in uncertainty, but now I knew it was time to take a chance.

I'm 18, I thought, a sense of maturity settling in. It's okay to take risks, to explore my feelings.

I thought back to our conversations, the way Shinji listened to me, the way he made me laugh.

I remembered the spark I felt when he took my hand, the flutter in my chest when he smiled at me.

It's real, I thought, a smile spreading across my face. My feelings for Shinji are genuine.

I descended the stairs, a newfound confidence in my step. Kumari looked up from her book, noticing the change in me.

"Hey, sis, you okay?" she asked, a hint of curiosity in her voice.

I nodded, feeling a sense of peace wash over me. "Yeah, I'm more than okay sis. I've figured it out."

Kumari's eyes sparkled with interest. "Figured what out?"

I took a deep breath, my heart racing with excitement. "I like Shinji, sis. I'm going to tell him tomorrow!"

Kumari's face lit up with a warm smile. "That's amazing, Kairi! You can do it, goodluck!"

We hugged, and for the first time in days, I felt a sense of clarity.

Tomorrow, I'd face my feelings head-on, and I was ready.

"I'll support you no matter what, Kairi," Kumari said, her voice filled with conviction.

I smiled, feeling grateful for my sister's support.

"Thanks, sis. That means everything to me."

As I drifted off to sleep, my mind wandered to Shinji, to the possibilities that lay ahead.

Tomorrow, I'd taken a chance on love, because I've always been wondering "WHAT LOVE IS LIKE?"

(ೀ 💙⋆｡To be continue...)

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