I Wanna Love You Forever

CHAPTER 16: Walking On Air

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WALKING ON AIR

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It’s almost daylight. Still on my wits to be able to drive our way back, I have Yuko take the backseat than let her sleep uncomfortably beside the driver’s seat. It’ll be quite a long drive and all we have for company is the faint sound from the radio and the cold wind from outside seeping in my cars’ open window. Currently, I am weighing circumstances if I’d go on leave from work today or just have a small nap when I get home then go to work later the day while tapping the steering wheel. The wind is helping me to come sober as I drive slow enough just to be on the safe side. I don’t want to grab attention of fellow drivers in fear of being reported of driving under the influence of alcohol. I think I’m doing a good job.

I glanced over my overhead mirror to check on Yuko. She’s still deeply asleep, seated fair well, her hair playfully grazing over her face as it danced with the wind. Her calm face makes me wonder if she’s having a nice dream. After finishing six bottles of liquor with just the two of us, it’s pretty crazy that nothing happened. Maybe my feelings for her are stronger than the effect of any alcohol. I’m glad I was able to control myself.

“I’m sorry…”

I was startled by the voice that just echoed from the back. I checked her again through the mirror, and this time her head was turned to the sides to the window, watching the way we’re traversing. I replied a hum to ask what it is for.

“I’ve… I’ve… given you a hard time.”

I stayed silent without any intentions of answering back. The wind tells me it’s not necessary. Then I felt her arms wrapping around my neck. It is warm enough to make my face turn pink and slowly makes me feel the cold dissipating away from my body, so familiar that it makes me wanna cry.

“I don’t… expect you to forgive m--”

She stopped unexpectedly as I kissed her arm that is wrapped around my neck. Small faint sobbing sound emerged from the back. Her breathing seems to be slowly getting deep and irregular, making me worried and at the same time feeling sorry. “It’s okay. Don’t think about it.” I whispered. She answered with a nod.

“Can I sit beside you?” her gentle voice asked me with a sniff.

I pulled the car to the sides. “Okay.”

Not longer than a minute has passed and she’s already seated beside me. As I was about to move the gear, I felt her palm on top of my hand. I froze for a bit before giving her an empty look. I need to keep calm. Our eyes met like magnets. My heartbeat starts to race as she bit her lower lip while keeping that gaze on me. It’s like most of my senses are malfunctioning as the distance between us decreases inch by inch. I hear the DJ’s voice from the radio slowly fading together with my sight getting dark and blurry. It’s freezing and only the warmth from her touch is the only feeling that’s distinct. I know she’s getting closer as I her breath bring to life my face’s frozen sensation. “I…” she whispered nearer.