Lines Blurred, Traces Found (Published Under Ukiyoto Publishing)

Chapter 33: Suspended Moments

Suspended Moments

Eros' chiseled features softened into a captivating smile as his gaze met Hyunjie's. His piercing eyes sparkled with warmth, illuminating his entire face. Hyunjie's curiosity deepened. "What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice tinged with a hint of surprise.
 
Eros' eyes blazed with intensity. "Can we talk?" he urged, his voice dripping with heartfelt emotion and taking a step closer, his words infused with longing.

Hyunjie's expression remained steadfast, unmoved by Eros' fervor. "It's getting late, Eros," she replied firmly. "We don't have anything to talk about anymore."
 
As Hyunjie was about to return indoors, Eros swiftly reached out, gently grasping her arm. His fingers wrapped warmly around her wrist. "I know you're leaving for Korea," he said, his voice low and urgent.
 
Hyunjie's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she halted her departure, pivoting to face Eros once more. She studied his expression, searching for clues. "Did Maya tell you that?" she asked, her voice tinged with mild suspicion.
 
"You don't have to do this, Hyunjie," he implored sincerely. He grasped Hyunjie's arm firmly but gently, his pleading eyes locking intensely onto hers. "I understand that your intention is to distance yourself from me, leading you to choose to leave this place to escape me permanently," he stated. "And your brother wants you to avoid me."
 
"I'm doing this because I have a dream, Eros," she said. "There's a chance for me in Korea that's way better than just hanging around here doing nothing."

Eros' eyes burned with sincerity. "I understand everything now," he said, taking a step closer. "I know you must chase your future, and I won't stand in your way. But know this, Hyunjie: I love you wholeheartedly. I'm willing to support you, prove my devotion, and earn back your trust. My obsession with you is real, but it's born from love, not a desire to control. I swear to protect and cherish you, never to hurt or manipulate you."
 
Eros' eyes locked intensely onto Hyunjie's, his voice barely above a whisper. "But I'll wait for you, if you're not ready yet." He gently raised his hand, cradling her other arm. His warm fingertips sent shivers down her spine. Slowly, Eros inched closer, his breath mingling with hers. Hyunjie's heart raced as their faces drew nearer. Time seemed to freeze. Then, in a tender, longing gesture, Eros' lips softly brushed against hers.
 
Hyunjie's eyelids fluttered closed, surrendering to the tender touch. Eros' soft lips grazed hers, and the gentle caress ignited a flurry of emotions, yet she remained still, savoring the moment. As abruptly as it began, the kiss ended. Eros' hands slowly relaxed, releasing their gentle grip on her arms. He stepped back, his warm breath no longer whispering against her skin. The distance between them grew, leaving Hyunjie's heart pounding in the silence.
 
Eros exhaled deeply, his shoulders sagging under the weight of longing. With a final, lingering glance at Hyunjie's composed features, he turned and began a slow, deliberate walk away, honoring her decision amidst his own heartfelt sorrow.

"Eros, wait..." Eros halted beside his car, keys in hand, as the soft whisper of his name carried through the evening air. He turned, his gaze locking onto Hyunjie's approaching figure. Her eyes shimmered with unspoken emotions. "I'm..." she faltered, her voice barely audible. Eros' heart skipped a beat. He stood motionless, his eyes never leaving hers, urging her to continue. "I'm sorry," she finally whispered, her words tinged with regret.

A gentle smile softened Eros' face. "It's okay," he reassured, his voice warm with understanding.
 
"No, I mean... I'm sorry because I have to do this," she said, her words filled with a deep longing. "I don't want to stay away from you, Eros. The thought of leaving tears me apart. But I know it's not too late for me to pursue my future, to chase my dreams." Maya's wise words resonated deeply within Hyunjie. The memory stirred a surge of determination.

She realized that leaving without resolving things with Eros would forever leave a knot of uncertainty. Hyunjie knew she had to confront him, to clear the air and find closure. The weight of regret, she understood, would far outweigh the pain of confrontation.
 
"Okay, I also want to be clear that everything is between us; I just don't want to..." Hyunjie's voice trailed off, her sentence hanging unfinished. Eros suddenly appeared beside her, his determined strides closing the distance. His piercing gaze locked onto hers, and Hyunjie's words dissolved under the intensity of his stare.
 
Now face-to-face, their eyes locked in a silent understanding. "Do you believe me?" Eros asked, his voice tinged with vulnerability. Hyunjie's gaze held his, searching for sincerity. She stared at Eros for what felt like an eternity, her mind racing with doubts, her heart weighing his words.
 
She faltered, her words caught in her throat. Eros' eager eyes searched hers, anticipating her response. "Hyunjie, do you feel the same way I'm feeling?" he pressed gently, his voice trembling with vulnerability. His face leaned in, inches from hers, breaths mingling. Time stood still.