Akina's POV
I watched him vanish, then touched my lips. I'm still not used to him kissing me... It must be what getting struck by lightning feels like—so much energy rushing through me, my body tingling all over. My legs wobbled as I made my way inside the house.
"Hey, honey. Welcome home! I made spaghetti tonight," Mom said warmly.
I wanted to tell her that sounded great, but I was having trouble speaking, so I just smiled. She smiled back, not noticing anything off, and started talking about a story she'd been working on.
"Make some tea after you eat, then come see me so we can chat more," she added.
I nodded and walked to the kitchen. Once I was sure no one could see me, I dropped to my knees and caught my breath. He knows the effect he has on me, and yet he never holds back... Serco is such a bully.
After regaining my composure, I fixed a plate and sat down to eat. My phone buzzed in my pocket. To my surprise, it was Serco—he'd sent me perhaps the longest message I've ever received from him.
"You are already a safe place for me. You're not complicated or greedy or ugly like so many others—not just here, but back home too. You stand out. I feel peace when I see you.
I've lived a long time and gave up hope of meeting anyone who makes me feel the way you do... I don't want to burden you with my past. Despite what's publicized, my home is not perfect. And my home life… wasn't the best.
I'm also not innocent. It scares me to consider letting you see the darker, pitiful side of me. But I will try to see you more, because I need to… and I'll share a little more each time."
I wasn't sure what I expected… but it definitely wasn't that.
I thought hard about how to respond, trying to understand what he was afraid of.
"I… look forward to it. I can't imagine you saying anything that would make me dislike you. I'll study more to be open-minded about your culture… and your past is just that—your past. The person I adore is here in the present. I would never confuse the two."
As soon as I hit send, I regretted it. My hands trembled, and my heart raced.Would he be upset? He's never really reacted badly to me… well, except that one time.
"I don't need anyone's help."
Remembering him saying that still stung. Would I actually cry if he said it again now?
Another message came in—short this time.
"You are so good and so sweet… I adore you so much. You are my treasure. See you tomorrow."
I wasn't even trying to be sweet—I was just being honest. Still, I was so relieved. I texted back with warm cheeks and a fluttering heart:
"See you tomorrow."
Then I began brewing the tea Mom asked for and joined her in the living room.
200 Years Ago – InfaniyaSerco's POV
"Where have you been? Why haven't you replied to any of my messages?"Uqia was standing in front of my doorway, clearly upset.
"Move," I said, and my tone startled her—but she stood her ground.
"If this is going to work, we have to talk to each other," she insisted.
"What are you talking about?" My head was throbbing, my vision blurry… I needed to lie down.
"Us! As a couple! Are you saying I mean nothing to you?"
The question was so ridiculous, I laughed.
"Of course, you mean nothing to me."
She stayed angry, but a tear rolled down her cheek.
"After everything I did for you?! I covered for you, lied to your family, gave you my virginity—"
"I never asked you to do anything," I cut in coldly. "Now move."
My headache worsened. I stepped closer, and she backed into my door. I placed my hand on the scanner, and the door opened at my touch—Uqia stumbled back and fell on her butt. I walked past her and collapsed face-down on my bed.
"You're being unfair!" she shouted, getting up. "I wanted to marry you!"
I sighed and sat up.
"…I hate you. I'd never marry you."
Her pride couldn't take more. She left, slamming the door behind her. Good. Finally, some peace.
About an hour later, a knock came. By the heartbeat rhythm, I knew it was Crescent, so I allowed her in.
"What did you do to Uqia?" she asked.
I didn't answer. She came to sit beside me and handed me an apple.
"You like these, right?"
I accepted it silently and started eating.
"I heard you fought with your father."
"He wants me to be someone I'm not," I muttered.
"Well, yay. You spoke," she teased.
I scoffed and tossed the core in the trash across the room.
"My coronation is in two years," I added.
"Is that what the fight was about?" She inquired. I scoffed saying,
"We fought because he wants me to be him. Because I'm not, he thinks I'm not ready to rule, but I've always been ready to rule."
Crescent smiled and ruffled my hair.
"Where do you store your never-ending confidence?"
I gently took her wrist and smirked.
"I get it on sale. I buy in bulk so I'll never run out."
She laughed. "Don't be a smartass."
She kept giggling as she cleaned my room, putting my books and clothes away.
"How was your day?" I asked.
"I feel… pretty decent," she replied.
"Ah. I'm decent too."
"No, you're not. You're legendary levels of fire and hotness."
I laughed again. "That was clever." She stayed quiet, then I added, "Thanks… for being my friend."
"What do you mean, thank you? It's an honor. I get bragging rights just for knowing you." Crescent coo-ed sweetly
"Oh yeah?" I asked.
"Yeah. And I think… I think we should go on a date. As more than friends."
I'd always sensed her feelings. But…
"I'm sorry. I care too much about you to do that." I don't want to date her or anyone. The people I have dated so far were just pawns, I used before they could use me first.
Crescent frowned. "You don't like anyone else. So why not me? Do I disgust you? Are you just putting up with me?" She rambled.
"I want you to be happy—with someone who's crazy about you. And that can't be me. You're practically my—"
"Don't!" she cut me off. "I'm not your sister. And I never will be."
I looked away. That's when she grabbed my hand, placed it against her breast, and kissed my jaw. She looked into my eyes, longingly, waiting for my reply. What I said was,
"Get out," simultaneously, snatching my hand away. But then I saw her hurt expression. We've been friends for years, so I felt remorse, so I retracted my earlier words by saying,"Wait… don't go. Let's just talk about something else. Please."
"This isn't the first time I've told you how I feel. But you always brush me off. Why?" She replied, refusing to let the subject drop.
"I asked to talk about something else. I even said please." I reasoned. She pouted, preparing to state her case again. Before she could speak my annoyance boiled over, and I added, "I just… feel like throwing up when I think about having a relationship with you. I love you, but I could never be with you. I could be with anyone—except you."
Tears filled her eyes.
"Seriously?! You've been with three girls this week! You'll sleep with anyone but me. And I'm the only one you say you love? AND I'm the only one you won't touch? You're full of shit, you f***ing hypocrite."
She flipped me off and stormed out.
…There must really be something wrong with me.Because all I feel… is relief.Finally. I'm alone again.Now I can sleep.
Yeah... I'm better off alone.