He stared into my eyes, the essence behind them captivating and drawing him in.
My gaze couldn't help but fall onto his lips as he moved closer. Both of us knew what was coming, and what came after would be our own responsibility.
We were fearless teens; youth would bring our lips together, and then-
BEEP. BEEP.
Ariya slammed her fingers over the audiobook playing on her phone and shut her eyes tightly.
Her long strands of lashes attempted to conceal the embarrassed warmth sweeping across her face.
She reopened her siren eyes moments later, the sun's rays reflecting golden hues within her irises. She tugged at a thin strand of her hair, taking in her shame and humiliation. Although part of it wasn't her fault, she still couldn't help but berate herself.
The dream wasn't coincidental; it was building up, waiting to emerge at any moment.
Along with his confession and the numerous occasions when his face had been close to hers, this had been inevitable.
"This won't do. I can't stay cooped up inside even on a vacation."
She blurted it out, attempting to summon her courage as she stomped toward the door.
Once she peeked outside, her eyes swept across the room, searching for his presence.
He was sitting on the sofa, a book open in his grip and his familiar reading glasses resting over his eyes.
Ariya froze at the sight of him.
For a moment, she contemplated retreating back into the room and pretending she had never stepped outside.
Alright no,
She had to act normal.
She couldn't let a ridiculous dream dictate her entire morning.
Taking a deep breath, she stepped out, trying her best to appear composed.
Haider's eyes lifted from his book almost immediately.
"You're awake."
His calm voice only made her more conscious of the dream.
"Yes!" she replied, a little too quickly.
His brows furrowed faintly.
"Are you alright?"
"I'm perfectly fine."
This answer also came too fast.
Haider lowered his book slightly, studying her expression.
Ariya immediately avoided his stare.
Why was he looking at her like that?
She cleared her throat and walked toward the kitchen, desperately trying to find something- anything- to occupy herself with.
"I was just going to get some water."
"Alright."
She reached for a glass, her fingers suddenly feeling unusually clumsy.
Behind her, she could feel his gaze lingering.
Haider gulped at the moment.
"Are...you bothered by what happened last night?"
He asked his voice carrying a hint of concern and regret.
Her hands locked around the cup and she stiffened.
"No, what about it?"
She turned back and forced a smile.
Haider's gaze softened, yet the concern in his eyes remained.
"I meant what I said yesterday."
Ariya's smile faltered.
"I know."
"And if I made you uncomfortable..."
"You didn't!"
Haider took a brief second before smiling at her, almost as if a wave of relief had washed over him.
"That's good, then."
As he uttered the words, he got to his feet and moved closer to her. Instantly, Ariya's heart thumped rapidly within her chest.
"Why-"
"I'm thirsty as well."
His fingers moved towards her cheek again, but his purpose was merely to grab the cup from the cabinet.
However, to Ariya, the gesture immediately recalled the thirsty look from her dream and the hand coming so close to her face that she-
"Ahh!!"
Haider's eyes widened with surprise, and he blinked, his fingers halting mid-air.
"??"
She swiftly covered her face after realizing her mistake and dashed into her room, leaving Haider utterly confused and bewildered.
Haider remained frozen for a moment, his hand still suspended in the air.
His eyes stayed fixed on the doorway through which Ariya had disappeared.
The faint confusion in his expression gradually faded, replaced by a sinking realization.
She was uncomfortable.
His fingers slowly curled into his palm as he lowered his hand.
Of course she was.
He had seen it himself- the way she had stiffened, the startled look in her eyes, and then the way she had fled without another word.
His confession had bothered her.
A heavy silence settled over the room.
Haider lowered his gaze, his jaw tightening as the thought continued to gnaw at him.
Perhaps he had been too hasty.
He had spent years building something between them. Slowly. Patiently. He had earned her trust one moment at a time, never forcing his presence upon her, never asking for more than she was willing to give.
And then, with a single confession, he might have ruined it all.
His chest tightened.
"Idiot..."
The word escaped beneath his breath.
Why had he said it?
Why couldn't he have given her more time?
He had known she was still trying to understand her own feelings. He had known she needed space. Yet the moment he finally found the courage to tell her everything, he had placed the weight of his feelings upon her shoulders.
And now she was running away from him.
Haider sank back onto the sofa, his elbows resting against his knees.
His book remained untouched on the table and the words on its pages felt utterly meaningless.
He dragged a hand across his face, exhaling heavily.
His gaze drifted towards the doorway again, his hand slowly reaching forward, as though instinctively searching for the warmth that had just slipped away.
His gaze remained hazy as he muttered,
"Why is it so hard to have you?"