25-Roads To Forever || One Shots

1-Destined Fate

Kerry POV-

College has been hard; in fact, my whole life has been challenging because I am disabled and unable to walk. High school was lonely, as I didn't have any friends, and my crush never liked me back because of my condition.

But I couldn't give up on love, could I? Deep down, I wanted it-someone who would see me for who I was, not the wheelchair I sat in.

One evening, as I scrolled through my phone, I came across an ad for a dating app. I paused.Could someone actually look beyond my disability and see me?

Against my judgment, I downloaded it. My fingers hovered over the screen as I created a profile. I decided to be honest:
"Life hasn't been easy for me, but I believe in love. I'm looking for someone who can see beyond appearances and share moments of kindness, laughter, and understanding."

I wasn't expecting much. Days passed with nothing but the occasional meaningless match or messages. I told myself it wasn't worth hoping for, but then, my phone buzzed.

You've got a match!

My heart raced as I opened the notification. His name was Johan. His profile was simple but warm: "I believe everyone has a story worth hearing. Let's write a new chapter together."

I hesitated before typing, my nerves on edge. "Hi, Johan. What's your story?"

The reply came faster than I expected:
"Hey! My story? A mix of clumsy beginnings and hopeful endings. But I'd rather hear yours. What's the most interesting thing about you?"

A smile crept across my face, a real one for the first time in what felt like forever. Maybe this wasn't just another match. Maybe this was the beginning of a story I'd been waiting to tell.

Johan POV-

From the moment I matched with Kerry, I knew she was different. Her profile caught my attention right away-honest, vulnerable, and so refreshingly real. There was something about the way she described herself that made me want to know more.

Our first conversation was light-books, movies, the usual small talk-but it didn't take long for us to dive deeper. She opened up about her life, the challenges she faced, and the loneliness she'd endured. It wasn't easy for her, I could tell, but the way she talked about it, with so much quiet strength, left me in awe.

I found myself checking my phone constantly, waiting for her replies. I'd text her about my day, ask her questions about hers, and somehow, hours would fly by without me realizing.

One night, as we talked about dreams, she told me about her high school crush who never liked her back.
"It's silly," she texted, "but I always thought if someone just took the time to get to know me, they'd see I'm worth it. I guess no one ever did."

My chest tightened reading that. I couldn't let her think that way-not when I could see how incredible she was.
"You're more than worth it," I typed back. "I'm glad I matched with you because I get to see how amazing you are. I just wish I'd met you sooner."

Her reply was shy, : "You really mean that?"
Of course I did.

Weeks passed, and I couldn't stop thinking about her. She had this way of making even simple texts feel meaningful, and I realized I wanted more than just conversations on a screen.

One evening, I decided to ask her out. I was nervous-what if she said no? What if I came on too strong? But I couldn't keep this connection limited to texts.

"So... when do I get to see you in person?" I sent. "Let me take you out. No pressure, just two people enjoying each other's company."

Her reply came after a pause: "Are you sure? I mean, I don't want you to feel... awkward."

I shook my head, smiling at the screen. She had no idea how much I wanted this.
"The only thing that'll be awkward is if you say no. I like you, and I want to get to know you outside of this app. What do you say?"

When her next message popped up, my heart danced.
"Okay. Let's do it."

I grinned, already imagining the moment I'd finally get to meet her face-to-face. This felt like the start of something real, something special-and I couldn't wait.

Kerry POV-

The day of the date arrived, and I was hella nervous. I couldn't remember the last time I had been this excited and terrified at the same time. Johan suggested we meet at the park-somewhere casual, where we could just enjoy each other's company.

As I arrived, my heart was pounding. I wheeled myself to the spot we agreed on, a quiet area near the fountain, and saw him standing there. He smiled when he noticed me, and for a second, I forgot about everything-my fears, my doubts, my chair.

"You made it," he said, his voice warm and genuine.

I smiled back. "Of course. I wouldn't miss it."

He suggested we take a walk-or, in my case, a roll-around the park. The conversation flowed easily, just like our texts. We talked about everything: our favorite books, funny childhood memories, even embarrassing moments that made us laugh until my sides hurt.

But as we made our way down the path, I noticed something. Johan had a slight limp. At first, I didn't think much of it, but the more we walked, the more pronounced it became. I hesitated before asking.

"Johan," I started gently, "is everything okay? I noticed..." I gestured toward his leg.

He stopped walking and let out a soft laugh. "Ah, you caught that, huh? I was going to bring it up eventually." He turned to me, his expression serious but kind. "I was in an accident a few years ago. It left me with a permanent injury. I can walk, but it's... complicated."

I stared at him, processing what he said. He was just like me-someone who had faced challenges, who knew what it felt like to live in a world that sometimes seemed too quick to judge.

"I guess we're more alike than we thought," I said softly, gesturing to my chair.

He smiled, his eyes meeting mine. "Looks like it. But you know what? I think that's what makes this even better."

We continued down the path, slower this time, both of us silently acknowledging the connection we shared. I realized at that moment that I didn't feel self-conscious anymore. He didn't see my chair as a limitation, just as I didn't see his limp as one.

Under the golden light of the setting sun, I felt something I hadn't in a long time-hope. This wasn't just a date. It was the beginning of something beautiful, something that made me believe that love wasn't just possible; it was real.

Johan POV-

After what felt like ages, I finally asked her, "So, Kerry, if I ask you out, will you say yes?" She stopped, and I sat down to her level. Our eyes met for a second, and it gave me butterflies all over my stomach.

"Yes, I would love to," she said, hope shining in her eyes, and in that moment, we were the happiest people in the world.

No one's POV -

"They met through a chance but their hearts knew it was fate..."