Forbidden Cravings

The late November night was sharp and chilly, the kind of cold that made your cheeks sting and your breath puff in soft clouds. Aeri and I walked side by side down the quiet city street, heading toward the hotel near the station where we’d planned to stay for the night.

We walked in comfortable silence for a moment, our shoes tapping lightly on the sidewalk. I glanced at the road ahead, the hotel’s warm lights glowing a ten blocks away, and spoke up, my voice serious but steady.

"So yeah, I’ll be patient and keep trying my best until you really accept it all," I said, my eyes fixed on the road, the weight of my words settling between us.

Aeri’s steps slowed, and I felt her gaze on me. When I looked at her, her face was pink, her cheeks flushed despite the cold. She quickly tilted her head up, staring at the starry sky, her lips pursed like she was trying to hide her shyness. She didn’t say anything right away, just kept her eyes on the stars, and I could tell she was feeling awkward, unsure how to respond.

I smiled, my chest warming at how cute she looked, all flustered like that.

"It’s okay, you don’t have to stress yourself like that, you know," I said, my voice light, trying to ease the tension. I nudged her shoulder gently, hoping to make her laugh.

She snapped her head toward me, her blush deepening. "Shut up," she said, swatting my back with a quick, playful smack. "I’m not stressing myself, I’m just thinking, that’s all." Her voice was sharp but teasing, and she muttered, "Idiot,"

"Ehehe, sorry," I said, laughing.

Aeri let out a soft sigh, her breath visible in the cold air, and then her voice came again, quieter this time, hesitant.