Hello, Goodbye..

Arc I: Chapter VI

...

Silence

Was all that was heard, after my sudden outburst.

I just.. Can't understand.

Be it this situation or even myself.

I was scared.. I am scared.. To even look at him.

'How is he looking at me?'

I have honestly.. No clue.

...

Will he.. Be disgusted? Mad? Violent? Loud?

I'm scared.. To even see his reaction.

Sadly, time waits for no one.. Time doesn't stop.

So, I've got nowhere to hide.. Nowhere to run to.

'I'm such a coward...'

I really am disappointed..

In myself.

Why did I want to run away again?
Why did I run away?
Was it worth it..?

I got this man involved.. And all I can think about is escaping. Running.. Hiding..

From my problems.

I couldn't stop it.. I couldn't stop the tears from falling onto the floor... From my eyes, to my cheeks and then.. The floor.

I really am pathetic.. Now my vision is even blurry.. I don't want him to see me like this..

'I'm sorry...'
I couldn't even apologize properly. Out loud.. Upfront.. Sincerely.

Instinctively, I crouched down and hugged my knees.. Burying my head between my knees. My legs.

Hiding.

I couldn't help but to hear his footsteps growing closer..
Getting louder with each step he took..

'He's coming closer...'

I have to face him..
But..
I just can't seem to do it..

Slowly I felt a pair of warm arms wrap themselves around me, hugging me.. Protecting me..

From the world outside..

And then.. I heard that oh so warm voice..

I seemed to see a brilliant light.. In this dark tunnel.

I did it instinctively.. I got closer to the light.. And hugged it carefully.

Not wanting to lose it.

Ever.

Because.. It was so comforting.
It is, so very comforting.

"Because... I love you."

I didn't care at this moment.. I didn't care what he was. What I was, if was lying or speaking the truth..

If he'd be my heaven or hell.. I'd follow him.

Because I can't go back now..
I'll selfishly stay by your side.

Even though I know the consequence.
The risk.

I held him tightly, while questioning him.

"Even if.. I'm a married woman? The emperors woman..? A cursed woman?"

Tears were still running down my cheek.. Seemingly endless.

What he said next.. I couldn't comprehend.. I couldn't understand.. Yet, I didn't care.