Chapter 9 part 1;
Kiea's (POV)
Two months had swiftly passed since Ryzen and I began relishing each other's company. Each day was a canvas on which we painted memories, creating a tapestry of shared experiences in the blink of an eye. However, the inevitable moment had arrived – the moment when I had to send him away to a place that had been a source of disdain for me until now, a place marked by farewells.
Ryzen, ever attentive, held my hands and asked for the twentieth time, "You okay?"
I couldn't help but jest, "Do you really need to ask me the same question for the twentieth time?" He chuckled in response and planted a gentle kiss on my forehead, his small gestures evoking a smile from me. "I told you I'm fine. If anything, I should be the one asking how you're holding up, considering you're the one leaving."
"Nah, I'm fine," he reassured me, concern evident in his expression. "It's just that you haven't said a word since we left the house. I couldn't help but ask because I'm worried."
I cupped his cheeks, a worried expression on my face. "I should be the one worrying. Don't be reckless in there, okay? Be patient, don't attend too many parties, and get enough sleep. And if you catch a cold, take care of yourself and rest." He yawned at my words, and I couldn't help but pout at him.
"You're even more of a worrier than my mother," he teased, scratching his head and chuckling. "Come here." He gently pulled my wrist and enveloped me in a warm hug.
"I'm going to miss you so much," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Me too, babe. Me too," he sighed, rubbing my back and planting a tender kiss on my head. "I need to board." I reluctantly released the hug, watching as he smiled sadly. "I love you, babe." He kissed my forehead, turned away, and began to walk.
"I love you too, Ryzen. Take care of yourself," I whispered, tears welling up as I witnessed him gradually moving away.
Suddenly, he turned back toward me and sprinted in my direction. Surprising me, he kissed me passionately on the lips, a wide smile on his face. "I've marked what's mine. Goodbye, babe." With a wave, he turned away, leaving me blinking in astonishment. A few moments later, a warm smile graced my lips.
As Ryzen's figure grew smaller in the distance, a whirlwind of emotions churned within me. The weight of our shared moments pressed against my chest, making each breath feel heavier than the last. The world around me seemed to blur momentarily, the sounds of distant chatter and rustling leaves fading into a muted backdrop.
Gathering my composure, I took a deep breath, the crisp air filling my lungs. The place where I stood, a location once tainted by the memories of previous goodbyes, now held a different resonance. It was here that Ryzen and I had forged memories, woven tales of laughter and shared dreams, and whispered promises of a future yet to unfold.
Drawing my coat tighter around me, I felt the lingering warmth of Ryzen's embrace. His words echoed in my mind, a poignant reminder of the challenges that lay ahead for both of us. The thought of his absence gnawed at me, but I held onto the belief that our bond was strong enough to withstand any distance.
A gentle breeze swept through, carrying with it the scent of fresh pine and distant adventures. Closing my eyes, I allowed the sensation to envelop me, grounding me in the present moment. Memories of our time together played like a film reel in my mind, each frame capturing a moment, a touch, a shared glance.
Lost in thought, I almost didn't notice the soft footsteps approaching from behind. Turning around, I was met with familiar eyes filled with concern. "Are you alright?" a voice asked, pulling me back from the depths of my reverie.
It was Lia, my steadfast confidante and voice of reason. With a gentle smile, she reached out, offering a comforting embrace. "I saw everything from afar," she whispered, her voice tinged with empathy.
Drawing back, I met her gaze, finding solace in her unwavering support. "It's never easy saying goodbye," I admitted, my voice quivering slightly.
Lia nodded understandingly, her hand resting reassuringly on my shoulder. "But remember, goodbyes are not forever. They simply mean I'll miss you until we meet again." Her words resonated with a newfound clarity, offering a beacon of hope amidst the uncertainty.Taking one last lingering glance at the horizon, I felt a renewed sense of determination. Ryzen and I may be separated by distance, but our hearts remained intertwined, bound by a love that transcended time and space. With Lia by my side and memories to cherish, I was ready to embrace the journey ahead, confident that our paths would cross again.
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As I stood there, watching Ryzen disappear into the crowd, his unexpected kiss lingered on my lips, leaving me both surprised and comforted. The bustling airport seemed to fade into the background as I touched my fingers to my lips, savoring the warmth that remained.
"Smooth move, Ryzen," I mumbled to myself, a small smile breaking through the bittersweet moment. Even in saying goodbye, he managed to leave a lasting impression.
For a while, I lingered at the airport, unable to tear myself away. The reality of his departure settled in, and the weight of loneliness began to creep in. I couldn't shake the feeling that a part of me had left with him.
With a deep breath, I decided it was time to face the inevitable. The drive back home felt longer than usual, the echoes of our laughter and shared moments haunting the empty spaces in the car. The house, once filled with warmth and his presence, now seemed to echo with an unsettling silence.
Days turned into nights, and nights into weeks. The absence of Ryzen created a void that even the busiest of days couldn't fill. I found myself reminiscing about our time together, replaying the memories like a cherished movie. Every corner of the house seemed to hold a piece of him.
One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, I received a call from an unknown number. Hesitant, I answered, only to be greeted by Ryzen's voice on the other end. The sound of him brought a surge of emotions, and I couldn't help but smile.
"Hey, Babe," he said, his voice carrying a mix of excitement and exhaustion. He began sharing his experiences, the challenges, and the new people he had met. Listening to him, I felt a strange mix of pride and longing.
As days passed, our calls became a lifeline, bridging the physical distance between us. We navigated the complexities of a long-distance relationship, learning to cherish the moments shared through a screen. The late-night conversations, the virtual movie dates, and the endless "I miss you"s became our new normal.
Yet, despite the distance, our connection remained strong. The love that had flourished in those two months continued to grow, resilient to the challenges of separation. We found solace in the anticipation of the next visit, counting down the days until we could bridge the miles that kept us apart.
Little did we know, this chapter of our journey was just beginning, and the twists and turns ahead would test the strength of our love in ways we never imagined.
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Kiea's (POV)
Upon reaching the sanctuary of my home, the facade I'd maintained for the outside world began to crumble. With each step toward the bathroom, the weight of the day's events bore down on me, threatening to engulf me in a sea of emotions. The familiar surroundings of my house offered little comfort, serving as a stark reminder of Ryzen's absence.
Shutting the bathroom door behind me, I allowed the dim lighting to envelop the space in a soft glow, casting shadows that danced along the walls. Without hesitation, I turned on the shower, the sound of cascading water providing a rhythmic backdrop to my turbulent thoughts. As the steam began to fill the room, I stepped beneath the warm embrace of the water, letting it wash over me, attempting to cleanse the ache that resonated within.
As droplets mingled with tears streaming down my face, I allowed myself a moment of vulnerability. Each tear was a testament to the depth of my emotions, a poignant reminder of the void left in Ryzen's absence. Memories of our time together played in my mind's eye, each moment etched with a bittersweet clarity that tugged at my heartstrings.
Lost in the cascade of emotions, I leaned against the tiled wall for support, the water serving as a shield against the outside world. The solitude of the moment allowed me to confront my feelings head-on, grappling with the reality of our newfound separation. The echoes of Ryzen's laughter, his comforting embrace, and the warmth of his presence lingered, serving as both a source of comfort and a painful reminder of his absence.
Drawing a shaky breath, I allowed myself to acknowledge the depth of my feelings, embracing the rawness of the moment. The sound of water served as a soothing lullaby, offering a fleeting respite from the whirlwind of emotions that threatened to consume me. With each passing moment, I felt a semblance of clarity emerge, a newfound resolve to navigate the challenges ahead.