No strings attached |(UNDER REVISION)

Chapter 28- One Month of love

I swallowed. "But do they know?"

Aiah didn't answer right away. She reached for my hand, squeezing it gently. "I don't want you to worry about them, baby."

That wasn't an answer.

"Aiah..." I whispered, feeling a knot form in my chest.

She exhaled, finally giving in. "No. I haven't told them yet."

I felt my heart sink a little, but I forced myself to nod. "I see."

Aiah immediately cupped my face, tilting it up so I would look at her. "Mikha, listen to me. This time, no one-no one-is going to come between us. Not my parents, not anyone."

I wanted to believe her. I really did.

But a small part of me was afraid.

Afraid that history would repeat itself.

Afraid that, once again, I would end up not being enough for the world Aiah belonged to.

Aiah must have seen the worry in my eyes because she leaned in, pressing a lingering kiss to my forehead.

"I love you," she murmured against my skin. "That's all that matters."

I closed my eyes, leaning into her touch.

Maybe she was right.

Maybe this time, love was enough.

Maybe this time, we wouldn't break.

I wanted to believe Aiah's words-that no one, not even her parents, could come between us this time. But a small part of me still carried the scars from before, from when their disapproval felt like a wall I could never break through.

Still, I forced myself to push those thoughts aside. I didn't want to ruin this moment.

Aiah must have sensed my hesitation because she suddenly stood up, brushing the crumbs off her lap before extending a hand toward me. "Come on," she said with a grin.

I raised an eyebrow. "Where?"

She wiggled her fingers, urging me to take her hand. "Just come."

Sighing, I gave in and let her pull me up. She led me toward the open grassy field, the golden hues of the sunset casting a warm glow around us.

And then-without warning-she started spinning me around.

"Aiah!" I yelped, laughing as she twirled me like we were in some romantic movie.

She chuckled, pulling me close until our foreheads touched. "You think too much," she whispered.

I looked into her eyes, breath hitching. "And you don't think enough."

She smirked. "That's why we balance each other out."

I shook my head at her silliness, but before I could say anything, she cupped my face and pressed a soft, lingering kiss on my lips.

It was slow, sweet, and filled with unspoken promises.

When we finally pulled away, she rested her forehead against mine. "Let's just enjoy this, okay? No overthinking, no what-ifs. Just us."

I exhaled, nodding. "Just us."

For now, that was enough.

And as the wind carried our laughter across the field, I allowed myself to believe that maybe, just maybe, we were finally getting our happy ending.

___

One month.

It's been exactly one month since Aiah and I officially got back together. And while it felt like time was flying, every single moment with her had been worth it.