Fates Entwined

Chapter 25: Decisions and Consequences

The day had been quiet, the world around them seemingly frozen in time. Miri and Aaron wandered through the streets, their hands brushing occasionally, the air thick with unspoken words and shared glances. Miri felt lighter than she had in days, her thoughts no longer torn between Neil and Aaron. She had made up her mind, but the weight of the decision still lingered in the back of her mind. It was almost evening.

Aaron had been patient with her, never pressing her for answers, never making her feel rushed. But today, as they strolled along the tree-lined path, Miri could feel the pull between them more than ever. He was kind, understanding, and patient. Everything that Neil wasn't. But it wasn't just that. It was the way he made her feel—alive, seen, and understood. Aaron had a way of drawing out her best self, of making her feel at home in her own skin, in a way that no one else could.

Miri and Aaron were waking down a park. Suddenly, Miri hugged Aaron.

"You okay?" Aaron became concerned.

"Never been more sure." Miri whispered.

Miri turned to him, a soft smile tugging at her lips. "I think... I think I've known for a while. It's just been hard to admit it."

Aaron looked at her, his expression soft, understanding. "You don't have to say anything you're not ready to," he replied, his voice low and sincere. "But I want you to know, whatever you decide, I'll be here."

Miri's heart swelled at his words. She could feel the truth of them—he wasn't asking her to choose him out of obligation, but out of care. He wanted her, but more than that, he wanted her to be happy. That was something she hadn't realized she needed until now.

Taking a deep breath, Miri finally let the truth spill out. "Aaron... I've been so torn between you and Neil. But, I've realized something. I've spent so much time holding onto what I thought I should want, and I've ignored what I truly feel. I feel something for you. I've been feeling it for a while now."

Aaron's face lit up with a mixture of relief and joy, but he kept his expression neutral, respecting her vulnerability. "I'm glad you're being honest with yourself. But I need you to be sure, Miri. This has to be real for both of us."

Miri nodded, her grip tightening on his hand. "It is. It is real. I've been scared, but... I know now. I want to be with you. I want to see where this goes."

Aaron pulled her into a gentle embrace, his arms wrapping around her as if to reassure both of them. "Then we'll figure it out together," he murmured into her hair.

They stayed like that for a long moment, the world outside their bubble forgotten. Finally, Miri pulled away slightly, her eyes searching his.

"Aaron, we should go to my condo. Can you take me there, please?" Miri urged. Aaron smiled and called a cab. After 45 minutes, they reached where Miri lived. Aaron was even standing at Miri's door, hesitating to enter. Miri noticed.

"Come on in, now," Miri smiled. Aaron walked in and sighed, ""I don't want to rush you, Miri, I just want you to know that I have always loved you, wanted you."

Miri swallowed hard, her breath catching as she took both of Aaron's hands in hers. "I'm sorry it took me so long to say this... but I feel the same way too."

"It's okay if I kiss you, right?" Aaron asked softly.

But instead of responding with words, Miri leaned in and kissed him. The emotions of the day overwhelmed her, flooding every movement as the kiss deepened—slow, tender, and heavy with the weight of their unspoken connection. When they finally pulled apart, breathless, Aaron kept his hands cradling her face, his forehead gently resting against hers, as if anchoring the moment between them.