No Matter

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This story is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, events and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events are coincidental.

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PROLOGUE

There came silence, but it was neither an awkward nor an uncomfortable one. It somewhat soothes me. It was peaceful and the only noise you'd hear is the leaves swayed by the gentle wind. It was as if the place along with the sky have prepared for this conversation. I continued what I was saying, "— It just means that to love a person is to see them even when they're away."

He concluded, "And to love a person means to believe in that strong bond that unites you two despite the uncertainties," I looked at him only to catch him already staring at me. He was wearing his most genuine smile and somehow, it was all that mattered. The calmness of the night sky and how the stars gleamed were nothing compared to the contentment of that smile. I feel like when I am exhausted, I never want to look at the moon anymore for this smile brings warmth and comfort. And just like the moon, it gives hope and it reassures that everything will be okay.

I looked at him in the eyes and said, "And so the infatuation became an undying love, doubts are turned into faith and fears are turned into trust because.." I stated every word slowly while watching him get closer to me.

"Because the unconditional love remains unconditional.. no matter," He said, his gaze fixated on mine. I can feel his warm breath on my face until the centimeter-long distance between us was killed because he kissed my forehead. He touched both of my cheeks and we stared at each other straight in the eyes as though we can see the reflection of our souls.

I repeated, "No matter."

We both smiled and before we knew it, our lips met. I closed my eyes to cherish the moment. This was the first time I neither felt my heart racing nor did I feel butterflies in my stomach. After all the years of living with hesitations, his kiss made me feel safe and protected. It was his kiss that did the role of what the tongue cannot utter to say.

When our lips parted, we never lost our smiles. He caressed my cheeks and hugged me.

And from that moment, I was no longer yearning for someone who would be willing to make me forget about how cruel my life is but I started thanking the universe because I met someone who saw and understood the honesty in my soul; with no need to sugarcoat what I feel.