Intertwined

I Like You Too

"I had no idea you were living with all this. Why does a sweet girl like you live like this? I have no clue. When you acted funny after I mentioned your family, I started to have doubts and now I think they're confirmed" He looked at her solemnly.

The petite brunette tried to keep eye contact but she ended up just looking down at the ground and going silent.

"You could've talked to one of us. You could've talked to me. I know that's not easy but we all care about you and we all would want to help you" He resumed his speech. "Mara...nothing bad happened to you, right?"

"T-thanks but.. i-it's fine" She tensed at the last part.

He used his hand to gently but confidently move her head so she was facing him. "You went all intense again. I'll ask again. Nothing bad happened to you, right?"

She just stayed silent.

The moment of silence between the two seemed to have stretched on for forever. Both of them were looking at each other. Their eyes directly piercing one another. Both were blushing, Mike because his hand gently stroked Mara's chin, and Mara because her chin was in Mike's hand.

Finally, Mike decided to be daring. A lot of things were going inside his head. Everything in him said to lean forward.

And he did.

Before either of them realized it, they were tenderly kissing each other. On the lips.

Mara's face went bright red but she happily returned the kiss. She didn't notice but her hand went up into Mike's hair.

After the sweetness of their moment, they pulled away slowly, both still very red. Mike was facing forward then he looked back at Mara. "Sorry...I got too caught up in the moment" He nervously giggled. He knew Mara wouldn't be mad at him, unless....

She didn't know what to feel. She felt the heat in her face and she had a pretty big smile on her face.

"Mara..?"

"Y-yeah?"

"I should've probably told you way before doing that, but I really like you a lot. I don't know how but it was ever since we met, I got this crush on you that I can't explain..."

"M-Mike. I-I don't know what to s-say. I-I l-like you t-too"

"Well, yeah...I see that now. Otherwise, I would be dead by now" He giggled a bit.

She giggled a bit as well. "So true"

Mike put an arm around Mara's shoulder and scooted closer to her. "Mara, you don't have to tell me anything you don't want to. Just know that everyone and me are here for you. Okay, little baby girl?" He teased her, playing with her hair.

She giggled a bit, blushing slightly. "Th-thank you"

"So, should we flaunt that we're together now in front of the others tomorrow?" He smirked.

She smiled, blushing a bit more "Maybe we should. Maybe we shouldn't"

"It's up to you, love. Meanwhile, why don't I give you another kiss?"

"That sounds like a plan"

He smiled and leaned in once more, this time making sure she was ready for it.

She smiled and closed the gap between them.

Mike pulled away to speak. "At least now I won't feel cringey when I call you love"

She laughed a bit. "True that"

He laughed along with her. It wasn't the best place to have the first kiss and get together in, but Mike and Mara would cherish this moment for the rest of their lives.