Finding Love in Winter Nostalgia

Chapter Eighteen

The line is deafeningly silent. My heart is beating out of my chest.

It was meant to be a thought in my head—I think—I don't know!

He's about to tell me to slow down. I'm moving too fast.

"Baby,"—he breaks the silence—"Are you sure?"

His first instinct wasn't to rebuke me. That's promising.

Despite the words being a slip of tongue, I'd absolutely love to move in with him. There is a possibility of Landiwe showing up unannounced, right at the door now that she has the address, but a big part of me hopes she does.

"I am one-hundred percent sure. It's absurd, I know. And you don't have to agree if you feel—"

"I'd love to move in together," he cuts me off.

The world stops spinning.

Did I hear him correctly?

"Seriously?"

"Don't sound so surprised, Brown." He chuckles, revitalising my weary heart. "I meant what I said about wanting to spend every day with you. However, for the time being, we'd have to shuttle between the two places. Spend a few nights here, a few nights there, and so on, but always together."

I love the sound of that!

"Always together," I repeat.

I can't tame the wide grin on my face. I'm ecstatic; tempted to scream. I won't have to leave his side, or be alone anymore.

"You're probably worrying about the pace we're moving at again. If it feels right for you and I, I don't see why we should let outside influences determine how we progress in our relationship. Those people are yet to experience this kind of whirlwind romance. Stop feeling guilty for pleasing your desires. Do you understand me?"

Ooh. This is bossy Kairo speaking.

"I do, baby."

"Perfect. We'll have a more in-depth discussion after class tomorrow. For now, listen to the song and rest your handsome self, 'kay?"

"I will. Sleep well, sweetheart. I love you."

"I love you more, de la Draco."

I blush at how he rolls the 'r' pronouncing my full name—like he hasn't said it a hundred times before. It's safe to say I'm completely taken by this idiot.

"Bye."

He sucks in a sharp breath. "Please never say 'bye'."

What a drama queen.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Milano." I roll my eyes and hang up.

I play pov and smile throughout the song as though it is my first time hearing it. After all the crying, this has turned out to be a good day.

We're moving in together!

I send a group text to the girls.

[10/4/2021, 21:43]
Me:
sooooo, not to alarm anyone, but Kairo and i are moving in together. crazy. i know. eeeek!!!

My brothers have yet to respond to my text. It's still quite early for them in South Africa. I'm now dreading the conversation we're going to have. I'm in a different headspace than I was earlier.

[10/4/2021, 21:45]
Me:
Sunday Blues – Langa Mavuso.

goodnight xx