(Karsten)
I felt lighter, the mountain of guilt seemed to have been reduced to a boulder after my confession.
She needed to know how guilty I was and how much I loved her and only her.
Arata struggled with words at my confession and I knew she wasn't ready for any commitments with someone like me.
Her pupils dilated and I could see myself and only myself in them.
The selfish part of me wanted to believe she wanted me like she had done before our lives crashed and tumbled.
Before the Winter Gala.
Before I hurt her and left her heart so wounded.
She would need so much healing…maybe even time away from me.
But now I believed in my love and knew we would make our way back to each other.
Some day—one day.
I needed to go and give her space without overwhelming her.
She had asked for time, and I needed to respect her wishes for now.
But I couldn't go without a kiss.
Without feeling her lips against me.
It would keep me going.
In the darkest of hours.
