Veiled Echoes

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AIDEN

I believe there are many beautiful things in life. The soft callings of the bird, the melodic push and pull of the waves, nature unmarred by humans, and the authenticity of humanity. All these things have, at some point in my life, left me utterly speechless.

However, the woman who just crossed the street and strode down the road with an unwavering beauty truly made me speechless. Maybe it was just in my eyes, but she was glowing—bathed in the rare sunlight that decided to show up today. Or perhaps it was all a work of play; maybe my mind began formulating a picture that was not there.

However, seeing her come to a stop just a few steps before me, I could not help the slow tilt of my lips. It always happened whenever I was with her. It was as if a lightness filled me and I was teleported to a world where none of the people around us mattered. Only one that did was her and the crescents of her eyes when she smiled back at me.

There was always something in them that mesmerised me. Perhaps it was the different shades of brown that surrounded her iris. Her eyes were as delicate and sweet as the swirls of chocolate and so enticing that I could almost taste their sweetness like a piece of priceless candy. Even though her eyes were bright and sparkling, there was always a hint of darkness or dimness within them, igniting a passionate desire in me to erase all her worries and troubles.

Her lips moved, yet I couldn't register a word she uttered. Then her brows furrowed ever so softly, and her lips pulled to the side as she slapped my shoulder gently. That was enough to jerk me out of the stupor I was in.

"Where are you taking me?" She repeated it, a newfound amusement glinting in her eyes.

I pulled my hand out of my pocket, holding it out for her. "You'll see."

I held in the surprise when she eased her fingers through mine, steady and sure, like she didn't even realise what she was doing to me.

We walked through the crowded street that had gotten busier as the clock hit twelve, and now that it was twelve-thirty, some restaurants had begun opening. I guided Hana towards one of the valleys and into the next.

"Why do I feel like you're kidnapping me?" She asked, laughter bubbling under her words. But there was something else there too–something softer, more curious.

"Perhaps I am." I shrugged and then chuckled when she slapped my shoulder. "Just two more minutes."

She groaned. "You have said that for the past hour."

I raised my brows in amusement and glanced down at my watch. "It has not even been fifteen minutes since I saw you."

She grunted; however, her hold on my hands did not loosen, and I could not stop the strange palpitations happening inside my heart. It had always been there with her, but nowadays, it was a strange rhythm that I was not familiar with.

Eventually, we came to a stop in front of a building, and I squeezed her hand, as if out of habit.

When I heard the gasp from beside me, I tried my best to hide the smile.

"Arcade?" Hana turned to face me, and watching her eyes light up with pure glee made all of my efforts worth it. "How did you know I wanted to come here?"

A bashful smile quirked my lips as I rubbed the back of my neck. "I may have asked around?"

Her brows lifted, and she pursed her lips. "Let me guess, Rae?"

I avoided her eye contact and shrugged before ushering her inside. But I didn't miss the soft chuckle she tried to hide as she followed.

The place was quiet when we stepped inside—almost too quiet. Apart from the woman at the front desk, the arcade looked empty, like it was holding its breath for us. Lights blinked softly; the hum of idle machines buzzed faintly in the background, broken only by the low clink of tokens being shifted behind the counter. The scent of old popcorn and metal lingered in the air.