[Clayrin Aisfine Ezz]
I dropped my fork mid-air and let my announcement tumble out: “I’m going to talk with Jow! I’ll talk to him! I’ll make it happen!”
Yvette’s eyes lit up like stars in the dim cafeteria. Jovenyl flashed a supportive thumbs-up. Nova’s forehead creased—curious yet approving.
“Oh, you’re gonna confess or what?” Nova asked.
My heart lurched. “I’m going to tell him how I feel… Whether he accepts it or not, he deserves to know.”
A sob caught in my throat. I pressed my hand over my mouth before tears could escape.
“Th-thank you…”
---
Afte afternoon class.
I slung my bag over my shoulder and slipped out of class, tension tightening around my chest. Curious whispers trailed behind me until Jovenyl subtly intercepted them—crisis averted.
> Nice save, cuz.<
My pulse pounded like a drumbeat as I reached the door to Jow’s classroom. I cracked the door and peered in: he stood facing the blackboard, alone, heat clinging to the empty room.
My heart slammed against my ribs as I gripped the door handle and pushed it open. The air felt suffocating; every fan was off, every chair askew. My heels clicked on the tile, and sweat beaded across my forehead as I swallowed hard.
“J-Jow!” My voice trembled.
He turned, expression unreadable. “I can’t believe Nova did all this just for you… To think she threatened people so I’d be left alone here with you. Clay… it’s odd that we never talked.”
Tears stung my eyes.
“J-Jow…”
He hesitated, then narrowed his eyes.
“Are you mad at me? Have you learned the real reason your brother died—?”
His words sliced through me. I interrupted, voice urgent.
“Jow! I know what happened to Cruzecrin. I have his phone. I read every message between you two. I’m grateful… You were his friend, and you’re my friend too.”
His pupils snapped wide. Relief, fear, something charged the air between us.
“I’m a dangerous person. I’ll only get you hurt!” he snapped.
I closed the distance, gripping his collar. My chest pressed to his, voice trembling with resolve.
“Look into my eyes. See the determination to accept you no matter who you are!”
I hugged him, fierce and unyielding. His heart hammered beneath my cheek. He froze… then sank to his knees, the dam breaking as sobs overtook him.
“Clay! I… I can’t do this alone!” he pleaded.
I wrapped him tighter, whispering through his tears.
“Jow! I love you. Without you, my heart aches. When we’re apart, my soul feels empty. Whatever burdens your mind, tell me—I’ll help. I won’t abandon you.”
He cried for what felt like an eternity, then leaned back, chest shaking, hands clutched mine.
---
He wiped his face with a borrowed towel, murmuring, “Sorry.”
He paced a few steps, then leaned against the blackboard.
“Clay…” he said softly.
I slid in beside him, offering my hand. He looked at it, then took it, trembling. Our palms warmed and tingled.
“I’m sorry for how I’ve acted these past days…” he confessed.
I nodded, heart swelling.
We stayed like that—a quiet connection solidifying as our clasped hands exchanged warmth.
He exhaled, voice thick with emotion. “I feel myself unraveling… engulfed by a calm darkness. But your presence… you ignite light in me. I only agreed to this meeting under pressure: my family’s feud with my half-sister is messy. Nova threatened me—she’d tell my sister’s mother about me and her meeting secretly to bond if I refused. I can’t believe I forgot to tell you about her… I’m sorry.”
I pressed my head to his shoulder.
“I love you. I want you. Let me be by your side… You’re the only one in my heart.”
Silence. Then he leaned forward and kissed my forehead. Waves of warmth curled across my cheeks, breath catching in my throat.
“I’ll trust everything to you… But promise me: when it all gets too heavy, if being with me breaks you, don’t stay—put yourself first.”
I squeezed him, voice firm. “I’m not leaving.”
---
He looked up, eyes shimmering.
“The first time I saw you… when I lost my sight momentarily—I couldn’t stop thinking of you. You shone so brightly.”
My cheeks burned.
“Really? Sounds like you fell before I did.” I teased; he smiled.
He took my hand gently, voice resolute. “Clayrin Aisfine Ezz, I love you. I see us together in the future—I’m ready to sacrifice anything for you.”
My stomach fluttered, breath speeding.
“Thank you.”
He kissed my palm. “Let me confess—if you’re not my destined soulmate, my remaining eye will soon fail. But I’m glad I saw you before that happened.”
My pulse raced. I kissed his cheek. “I love you. Bury it in your heart.”
He looked away, voice distant. “I’m dizzy… my eye is itching.”
And suddenly, blood trickled from his nose and eyes—quiet tears of red.
“My eyesight… it’s gone. It’s all black.”
Panic seized me. I pressed a handkerchief to his bleeding eyes.
“I’m here. You’ll be safe.”
He slumped, fragile. “Thank you.”
I murmured, “I love you. I won’t abandon you.”
His vision gone, I laid my hand gently on his shoulder. “Come on. I’ll help you up.”
He fumbled for support; I guided him upright. His breath was shallow. My jaw clenched in determination:
> “I won’t let you fall. I promise—I’ll carry us both.”<
We took a step toward the door—then his eyes flashed open, bright and clear. I blinked against the sudden glint. Tears welled as he stared at me.
“Clay! I love you!” he cried, wrapping me in a tight hug.
“I love you too!” I whispered back.
“My sight… it’s back!” he gasped.
“Seriously? What happened?”
He laughed with overwhelming joy.
“Clay! You are the destined partner of my heart and soul. Thank you!”
I felt tears sting as he held me close.
Then, golden light burst from our clasped hands—a glowing cord linking us. A vibrant red ribbon formed between us, swirling into a heart shape above our heads before dissolving into sparkling embers.
His eyes watering, he whispered,
“You said my fate cord was broken… maybe it was just waiting for your love.”
He gazed at me with awe.
“Once two souls find each other and marry, the fate cord disappears.”
I blinked.
“Married? We’re not married yet.”
He grinned, cheeky and tender at once.
“We are, in my heart.”
I wanted to kiss him, but nerves made me smile softly instead.
“Checkmate.”
He teasingly glared, but his voice was warm.
“Are we even dating now?”
I laughed.
“Yes, we are. Take care of me, my love.”
He pressed his hand to his chest.
“And if anyone messes with my wife—oops, spouse—they’re in trouble!”
I scolded, playful yet protective.
“No beating! That’s not nice.”
He scratched his head, chuckling sheepishly.
“I love you, Clay.”
My throat tightened.
“I—I love you, Jow.”
He teased back, “Speechless? Checkmate!”
We tapped noses, laughter mingling—two hearts sealing their forever.
---
Falling for him is a bliss. Being by his side is heaven.
Speaking to him is my eternity.
I love you, Jow Ylliard Hayle, with all of my heart.
The End.