Fates Entwined

Chapter 17: A Confession in the Rain

It has been three days since Risha was released from the hospital. Miri stayed with the first day to help her with some stuff. Aaron was there too. Then both Sol and Ashan took over. They both wanted to look after Risha and Miri wanted to see who did it better. So, she let them do so and went with Aaron to look for more ways to protect Risha.On the third day, Ashan went out of town and Sol stayed with Risha, taking great care of her.

Risha awoke to the gentle clinking of dishes. The soft aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. As she was about get out of the bed, her eyes fell on Sol, carefully arranging a tray with toast, jam, and a warm mug.

"Morning, sleeping beauty," Sol said, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "I was starting to think you'd never wake up."

Risha sat up, her muscles still aching, but her heart warmed by Sol's presence. "I'm so glad you stayed last night. You're doing so much—more than I could ever ask for."

"I am glad to be here, Rish. We were so scared" Sol said.

"You didn't have to do all this. OMG, You're even doing the dishes!" Risha said softly.

Sol shrugged. "I wanted to. Besides, you've been through a lot. Let me spoil you for once."

Risha accepted the tray with a soft laugh, their fingers brushing briefly. Sol lingered for a second longer than necessary before stepping back, a faint blush dusting her cheeks.

As Risha ate, Sol busied herself tidying the room, her movements deliberate yet distracted.

"Ashan had to head out of town for something," Sol said, her tone casual. "So, it's just you and me for now. Hope you don't mind."

Risha shook her head. "Not at all. Thank you for staying."

They shared a quiet moment, the kind of silence that felt comforting rather than awkward.

Meanwhile, across the City - it was Miri and Aaron roaming around. They found a sitting spot. Miri sat cross-legged on the floor of Aaron's makeshift study, surrounded by glowing maps and ancient texts. Aaron leaned over the table, his brow furrowed in concentration.

"This doesn't make sense," Aaron muttered. "The energy trail disappears every time we get close to a conclusion. It's like they're one step ahead."

Miri's gaze hardened. "They're not invincible, Aaron. Everyone has a weakness. We'll find theirs."

Aaron looked at her, admiration flickering in his eyes. "You've changed, Miri. You're... different. Stronger."

She paused, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Life has a way of making you grow up fast."

Aaron hesitated, then reached out to place a hand over hers. "You're incredible, you know that? I just wish..." He trailed off, his voice faltering.

Miri raised an eyebrow. "Wish what?"

"Wish you'd see me as more than just... this," Aaron said, his voice barely above a whisper.

The air between them grew tense. Miri pulled her hand away, her expression unreadable. "Aaron, let's focus on the task at hand. We don't have time for distractions."

Aaron's face fell, but he nodded. "Right. Of course."

By late afternoon, the rain began to fall, a soft drizzle turning into a heavy downpour. Risha sat by the window, watching the droplets race down the glass. Sol joined her, holding two steaming mugs of tea.

"I've always loved the rain," Sol said, her voice softer than usual. "It's like the world hits pause, just for a moment."

Risha smiled. "I think it's comforting. Like everything gets washed clean."

They sat in silence for a while, the rhythmic patter of rain filling the space between them.

Finally, Sol broke the quiet. "Risha, there's something I need to tell you."

Risha turned to her, curious. "What is it?"

Sol set her mug down, her hands trembling slightly. "I've been holding this in for a while, but... I can't anymore." She met Risha's gaze, her eyes filled with both determination and vulnerability. "I care about you, Risha. More than I've ever cared about anyone. And I don't know where you stand, but I needed you to know."

Risha's breath caught in her throat. For a moment, she didn't speak, the weight of Sol's words settling over her like the rain outside.

Without thinking, she reached out, her hand finding Sol's. "Sol, I—"

But before she could finish, Sol shook her head. "You don't have to say anything. I just needed to be honest."

Risha smiled softly. She stood, pulling Sol to her feet, and led her out onto the balcony. The rain soaked them a bit instantly, but neither seemed to care.

Risha cupped Sol's face gently, her thumbs brushing away the droplets of water. "You mean so much to me, too. And I think... I've been too scared to admit it, even to myself."

Sol's breath caught in her throat. "Risha...I"

Risha leaned in, their lips meeting in a kiss that was both tender and passionate. The world seemed to blur, the rain mingling with their warmth as they held onto each other like lifelines.

When they finally pulled apart, both were breathless but smiling.

"Well," Sol said with a playful grin, "if I'd known confessing would lead to this, I might've done it sooner."

Risha laughed, her heart lighter than it had been in weeks. "Guess I'm just full of surprises."

Sol gave Risha another gentle kiss, and this time, Risha pulled Sol closer. They stayed on the balcony, the rain washing over them, as if, for a moment, the rest of the world didn't matter.