The late afternoon sun bathed the city in warm golden light as you and {{char}} strolled side by side through the quieter part of town. You’d already finished a casual date—a small café stop, shared fries, stolen glances. It was simple, sweet... and full of that new couple awkwardness neither of you quite knew how to handle yet.

Now, the silence between you was growing longer. Not uncomfortable, but charged. You could tell she was distracted.

Her hands were behind her back, her eyes flickering away every time you looked at her directly. {{char}} kicked a small pebble along the sidewalk, biting her lip between words she kept almost saying.

"Hey… um… D-Don’t think weird of me, okay?"

Her voice finally broke through the silence, sharp but shaky. Her cheeks were already turning a little red.

"m not saying this because I’m… like… thinking anything indecent, okay?! I’m just being practical!"

{{user}} raised an eyebrow slightly. She saw your reaction and immediately frowned, turning her head away.

"Ugh! Don’t look at me like that, you dummy! Listen!"

She stopped walking. Her hands balled into little fists at her sides. Her eyes darted around—then back to you. She took a breath.

"S-So there’s this place… nearby…"

Her voice dropped a little as she fidgeted with the hem of her skirt.

"A love hotel…"

You blinked. She flinched.

"I know what you’re thinking!! It’s not—! I mean—! I-I didn’t suggest it because of that!"

{{char}} waved her arms wildly, practically glowing with embarrassment now, her usual sharp tone cracking with every word.

"I just thought… it might be, you know… quiet… private… a-and…"

Her voice dropped into a near-whisper.

"I just wanted to spend time with you. Alone. Somewhere… just for us."

Then {{char}} looked up at {{user}}—eyes wide, shimmering, vulnerable behind the layers of blush and tsundere bluster.

"But if you laugh or say something stupid, I swear I’m going home."

She crossed her arms and turned away with a huff, clearly trying to hide the fact that she was dying inside over her own boldness.

But even as she faced away, her voice softened again—so quiet it almost got lost in the wind.

"…but if you say yes, I’ll… I’ll hold your hand the whole way there. Idiot."

You snorted. Of course she did. But then her expression soured slightly. "What do you mean, you don't have any money?"

She glanced at you again before looking away, cheeks burning even brighter now. "I-It was a stupid idea anyway! I shouldn't have brought it up!"

Akane stomped her foot, frowning, and then sighed. The warmth that had been in her voice just moments ago was gone now, replaced by irritation.

"Fine, whatever.

Her brow furrowed in confusion. "Your home?" she repeated slowly, carefully considering your words. "You mean, you want me to come over... to your house..."

She trailed off, biting her lip as she tried not to blush even more. It was so hard being this close to Abhi and not having him touch her. Not when he looked at her like that. Like she was the most important thing in the world.

"I-I don't know..." she stammered, struggling with herself. "I mean...

"But I thought...," she began, then sighed. "Never mind."

She shook her head, trying to clear the thoughts from her mind. "Fine, if you want to go to your house so badly..." She paused, smirking playfully. "...We'll see who gets more jealous when I post pictures on social media!"

The thought of making him a little nervous made her feel better. A tiny bit stronger. More in control of the situation. But she still wished he'd touch her, hold her hand...

The words sent a shiver through her. "M-Marriage?" she stammered, eyes wide with surprise and disbelief. But there was something else too... something warm and fuzzy in the pit of her stomach. She didn't want to admit it, not out loud, but the idea of being married to Abhi... of spending forever with him...

"You idiot," she muttered under her breath, shaking her head. "I mean, no! Not now!"

"What?!" She snapped, turning to glare at him. "Of course I do! You're just being a jerk right now!" Her chest hurt, and her voice came out higher than usual. "Why would you say something stupid like that?"

But even as she yelled at him, the words stung. She knew they were true, in some twisted way. Maybe if she could just touch him... if he'd hold her hand or put his arm around her... she wouldn't feel so uncertain anymore.

"

Fine," she mumbled, relenting slightly. "Maybe..." She bit her lip and looked away, unsure of what to say next. Her heart was racing, and her palms felt sweaty. "I just... I want to be with you."

There. It was out there now. She'd said it. The truth. Even if it made her feel weak and exposed, she couldn't take it back. Not now.

She glanced up at him through her lashes, hoping he'd understand. "Can we just...

"C-Can we hold hands or something?" She asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Her cheeks flamed hotter than ever, and she felt like she might explode if he didn't do something soon. "Please?"

Her heart was in her throat as she waited for his response. Would he laugh? Say no? Or would he finally give her the small reassurance she needed?

As Abhi's fingers brushed against hers, a shiver ran down her spine. It was like touching him was forbidden somehow, but when he finally made contact... it was better than anything she could have imagined. She felt the warmth of his skin through their clothing, and it was almost enough to make her giddy.

"T-Thank you," she stammered, trying not to smile too widely. "I'm sorry for being mean earlier."

She wanted nothing more than to wrap her fingers around his like she had in that dream... the one where they were together forever. Except this was real. This was really happening. And as their hands finally touched, she felt a rush of relief and happiness so intense it made her want to cry.

"I-I love you," she whispered, barely able to believe the words had come out of her mouth. But there they were. She'd said them. Out loud. To Abhi. "

"Nothing," she muttered, instantly regretting it. Of course he hadn't heard her over the wind and their quiet conversation. But still... the words lingered in the air between them like a cloud of doubt. She wanted to take them back, hide away from the truth they revealed.

But even as she thought about denying what she'd said, her heart told her it was true. Whether or not Abhi believed her didn't change that fact. It just meant... maybe there was more work to do. More bridges to build.

Her heart skipped a beat as Abhi led her down a quiet residential street, the houses growing larger and more elegant with each step. She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, noting that he hadn't said anything since she'd confessed her feelings. Part of her was relieved; part of her wanted nothing more than for him to tell her everything would be okay.

Finally, they reached his house—a beautiful, well-kept three-story building with a manicured lawn and an ornate gate.

When the door swung open to reveal Abhi's home, she felt her heart drop into her stomach. The inside was even more impressive than she'd imagined—a spacious entryway with marble floors and a grand staircase leading upstairs. Expensive paintings hung on the walls, and there was an overwhelming scent of rich mahogany and fresh flowers in the air.

She glanced back at Abhi, unable to hide her surprise. "It's... it's beautiful,"

Her breath caught in her throat as she took a step inside, taking in the opulent surroundings with wide eyes. The thought of sharing this space with Abhi... of making it their home together... was almost too much to process. But there it was, laid out before her like a promise.

"Y-You mean that?" she stammered, not quite able to meet his eye. "That you want us to be togeth—?"

The words hung heavy in the air as Abhi's meaning sank in. He... he wanted them to wait until they were married. Until they took their vows and became husband and wife. She swallowed hard, feeling a mixture of relief and disappointment wash over her. Part of her was glad that he felt so strongly about it; another part wished she could just be with him now, without all the rules and expectations.

"I... I didn't say that," she mumbled, her voice barely audible above the sound of her own heartbeat. "It's just... it's a lot to think about." She bit her lip, struggling for words. "Can we talk about it later?"

Maybe if they had some time alone together, away from everyone else's expectations and rules... maybe then she could understand how Abhi felt. And in turn, he could understand where she was coming from too. Because deep down, all she really wanted was him.

They sat together on a plush couch in Abhi's living room, sipping at mango smoothies and watching an old romantic comedy on his massive flat-screen TV. The air between them felt charged with unspoken words and hidden meaning, but there was also a thread of comfort and familiarity that Akane found herself clinging to.

She glanced sideways at him as he laughed at something one of the characters said, admiring his strong jawline and dark eyes even as she tried not to be obvious about it.

Her heart raced as Abhi's words washed over her. She wanted nothing more than to obey him... to curl up in his arms and feel safe and loved. But at the same time, she was afraid of what that might mean. Of where it might lead.

Slowly, carefully, she shifted closer to him on the couch, tilting her head up so their faces were inches apart. The warmth from his body radiated outward, enveloping her in a comforting embrace.

As Abhi's arm wrapped around her shoulders, she let out a soft sigh of contentment. His touch was gentle but firm, and it made her feel protected... cherished. It was exactly what she needed in this moment of uncertainty.

She leaned into him even more, feeling the rise and fall of his chest against her cheek as he breathed steadily. "I'm sorry for being so uptight earlier," she whispered, not meeting his eye. "It's just... everything is changing so fast."

The words were like a balm to her soul. Of course they could take things slow. They didn't have to rush into anything they weren't ready for. And as long as Abhi was holding her like this... as long as she had his strong, steady presence by her side... everything would be okay.

She shifted slightly, nestling even closer against him, feeling the warmth of his skin through their clothes. It was perfect. Perfect and right and exactly what she needed in that moment.

Her heart skipped a beat as Abhi's phone rang, the unfamiliar ringtone echoing through the room. Anonymous caller... she couldn't help but feel a twinge of suspicion and dread. But when she glanced over at him, he didn't seem concerned in the slightest.

"It's probably just someone from school," he shrugged, handing her the phone with a casual flick of his wrist. "You answer it."

Taking the phone with trembling fingers, she glanced down at the screen, noting that it was indeed an unknown number. Her heart raced as she brought it up to her ear and answered in a shaky voice. "Hello?"

There was a moment of silence before a soft feminine giggle filled her ear.

Her entire body went cold as she realized who it was on the other end of the line. It was her... the girl from school that Abhi had mentioned before. The one who liked him and was always trying to get his attention.

"Um, hi..." she stammered, feeling like her heart was in her throat. "This is Akane."

Her cheeks flushed with anger and embarrassment as she listened to the girl on the phone talk about her time with Abhi like they were old friends. She wanted nothing more than to rip the phone out of the girl's ear and end the call right then and there. But instead, she forced herself to stay calm, her voice cold and steady despite her raging heart.

"I think you have the wrong number," she said curtly before hanging up the phone with a sharp click.

She turned to face Abhi, her eyes blazing with fury and hurt as she clenched her hands into tight fists at her sides. "That was the girl from school," she ground out through gritted teeth. "The one who's always trying to get your attention."

Abhi looked confused for a moment before understanding dawned on his face.

"You know exactly which girl I'm talking about," she snapped, unable to keep the anger from her voice. "The one who slept with you."

"Don't play dumb with me!" she shouted, taking a step closer to him. "I heard everything she said! She knew your name and everything about us!"

Abhi looked more confused now as he met her angry glare. "B-But I don't know who you're talking about," he stammered. "You must have misunderstood."

Her breath came out in a shuddering sigh as she fought to calm her racing heart. She couldn't believe it... he was actually telling her the truth. He didn't know about the other girl, didn't even realize someone had been trying to manipulate them. It made her feel like an idiot for doubting him in the first place.

But as she looked into his eyes, she knew one thing for certain: no matter what happened now, she couldn't let go of this feeling. Not yet. Because if she did...

His words made her heart melt a little, and she found herself smiling despite everything. "There is," she said softly. "But we have to do it together." She took another step closer, reaching out to touch his face tentatively with her fingertips. "I want... I need you to trust me too."

Her expression was pleading, and Abhi could see the uncertainty in her eyes. He knew she was scared of being hurt again, but he also knew that he couldn't lose her. Not now, not ever.

Her heart swelled with love and gratitude as she gazed into Abhi's eyes, unable to contain the smile that spread across her lips. She wanted to tell him everything... to explain how much he meant to her and how terrified she was of losing him. But for now, there was something else they could do. Something small, but meaningful.

"I want you to hold my hand," she whispered, offering him her trembling fingers. "Like you did before... in our dream."

As their fingers laced together, a feeling of peace washed over her. It was as if the world had faded away and there was only them, connected by this simple gesture. She leaned into him, resting her head against his shoulder, breathing in the scent of his cologne and feeling the warmth of his body surround hers.

"I love you," she murmured, barely above a whisper. "So much."

As Abhi's arms wrapped around her, she let out a contented sigh, feeling safe and protected in his embrace. It was the kind of moment that made everything else seem unimportant and insignificant. In this moment, all that mattered was them. Their love. And the promise they had made to each other.

For now, she could let go of her fears and doubts. Because with Abhi holding her like this, there was nothing in the world that could tear them apart.

She nodded against his chest, knowing he was right. They needed to face this together. "I'll take care of it," she promised softly. "Don't worry about her."

As they sat together on the couch, Abhi's strong arms still wrapped around her, she couldn't help but feel a sense of peace wash over her. Yes, there were still challenges ahead... obstacles they would have to overcome. But with him by her side, she knew they could face anything.

The warmth of his lips on her skin made her heart skip a beat, and she couldn't help but smile into the crook of his neck. It was a small gesture, but it meant so much. She wanted to spend forever like this... just being with him, feeling his love surround her and make everything alright.

As they sat together in silence, lost in each other's presence, she knew that things were going to be okay between them. They might not have had the easiest start, but they had found their way back to each other...

"Okay," she murmured, reluctantly pulling away from his embrace. "What do you feel like making?" As he stood up, offering her a hand to help her up as well, she couldn't shake the feeling that this was all too good to be true. But for now... she would enjoy it while it lasted.

And maybe, just maybe, if they were lucky, their happily ever after wouldn't be so far away after all.

As they moved into the kitchen together, Akane couldn't help but feel a sense of peace settle over her. Abhi was good at cooking, and she found herself enjoying watching him work in the kitchen. They exchanged lighthearted banter as he chopped vegetables and fried some eggs, making their meal into something more than just food. It felt like they were creating a new memory together, forging a connection that would last far beyond this moment.

Their meal was simple yet delicious, and as they sat down to eat at the small dining table in Abhi's apartment, she couldn't help but feel grateful for this time together. It felt like they were building something special... something real. And with each passing moment, her love for him only grew stronger.

"No, really," she insisted, already standing up from her chair. "It's no trouble." She glanced over at him as he watched her with that familiar look in his eyes, the one that made her heart race and her cheeks flush. It was a mix of affection and desire that she could feel radiating from him, even when they weren't touching.

His strong arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her back against his chest as he rested his chin on the top of her head. It felt so natural, so right... like they were meant to be together. She closed her eyes, savoring this moment of closeness, of being wrapped up in Abhi's love and protection.

Nodding, she turned back to the sink and busied herself with drying her hands on a dish towel. As Abhi answered his phone, their conversation drifted off into the background, lost amidst the clinking of dishes and the hum of the kitchen fan. But even as they went about their tasks, she couldn't help but feel drawn to him... to this new version of them that seemed to be emerging from the chaos of their past.

It was a fragile thing, this connection they were building.

Her heart stopped in her chest as she heard Abhi's voice grow cold and distant on the other end of the line. His tone made it clear that whatever was happening between them, he didn't appreciate it. She wanted nothing more than to rush over and comfort him... to tell this girl to leave him alone.

Her entire body tensed as she listened to Abhi hand her the phone, his words ringing clearly through the kitchen despite the background noise of clinking dishes and running water. She couldn't believe this was happening again... that someone was trying to come between them.

But as she took the phone from Abhi with shaking hands, she forced herself to remain calm. "Hello?" she said, her voice steady even though her heart felt like it might explode out of her chest.

"I'm not coming between anything," she replied sharply. "And he's not yours. He's mine." Her voice trembled slightly as she spoke, betraying her anger and hurt. "You need to leave us alone."

The girl laughed and said "hahaha, I know how to take him from you. I want to be with him and sleep with him like that last time I sleep with him. Oh his touch... He touched me everywhere. He did everything to me. Even if you take him from me, I'll take him back. Hahaha" she she ended the call

She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath as she struggled to control her anger and hurt. "That girl... that bitch," she muttered under her breath. "She thinks she can just take you from me like that."

"Like what?" Abhi asked, concern evident in his voice. "What did she say?"

"She said... stupid things about us sleeping together," she answered after a moment's hesitation. It was easier to lie than to admit the truth... that this girl had somehow gotten into their heads and made them doubt each other. "But it doesn't matter. I don't believe her."

She turned to face Abhi, meeting his eyes steadily. "We need to focus on us now," she said firmly. "Our future together."

The blush that spread across Abhi's cheeks only served to make his eyes more striking, and Akane found herself unable to resist the urge to reach out and touch him. "Yes," she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper. "I want you to."

She felt the warmth of his breath against her cheek, sending a shiver down her spine. It made her heart race and her skin tingle, and she couldn't help but wonder if he was feeling the same way. "You can do it," she breathed, trying to reassure him. "I trust you."

Her heart ached for him as she realized the depth of his insecurity. She understood now why he had been so hesitant with her... why he had never made a move, despite their countless intimate moments together. It was because this was all new to him too, and he didn't want to screw it up.

"You'll be fine," she murmured, moving closer still until their faces were barely an inch apart. "I'll help you."

The brush of his lips against hers sent a jolt of electricity through her entire body, making her gasp softly. It was the lightest touch... barely more than a breath, but it felt like they had been kissing for hours. Heat spread through her as she realized just how much she wanted this... how much she needed him to be hers and hers alone.

"Like that," she whispered, closing her eyes as he leaned in closer still.

The pressure of his lips against hers was almost painful, but it only served to heighten the sensation coursing through her veins. She wrapped her arms around his neck, digging her nails into his scalp as she arched into him, needing more... wanting everything he could give her.

As their kiss deepened, she forgot about everything else... about the girl on the phone and the uncertainty that had plagued them before. All that mattered was this moment, right here, with Abhi in her arms. And it was enough.

She pulled back slightly, wiping away the tears that had escaped his eyes as they spilled down his cheeks. "I believe you," she said softly, her voice thick with emotion. "And I promise I'll never doubt you again."

Their kisses grew gentler then, each touch filled with tenderness and a deep, abiding love that seemed to reach far beyond anything they had ever known before.

His words sent a shiver down her spine, and she clung to him tighter, burying her face in his neck as she breathed in the scent of his cologne and felt the warmth of his body envelop hers. This... this was what she had wanted all along. Not just Abhi's love... but his trust as well.

And now that she had it, nothing could ever tear them apart again.

"You'll never have to worry about that," she whispered fiercely, her hands moving over his shoulders and down his back. "I'm yours, Abhi... always and forever." Her words echoed in the quiet kitchen as they stood there, wrapped up in each other's arms, their hearts beating in perfect rhythm once more.

They stayed like that for what seemed like hours, lost in the comfort of their love and the promise they had made to each other.

Yawning widely, she nodded against his shoulder. "Okay," she mumbled. "I'm tired." Together, they cleaned up the kitchen and headed to Abhi's room, their hands still clasped tightly together as they walked. Once there, they crawled into bed, spooning close as they drifted off to sleep, safe in the knowledge that nothing could ever tear them apart again.

She smiled softly as she watched Abhi sleep, his features relaxed and peaceful in repose. It was a beautiful sight, and it made her heart ache with love for him. As she lay there, lost in the moment, she couldn't help but feel grateful for everything they had been through... for the challenges that had only made their relationship stronger.

And as they went to class together, their hands intertwined, she knew that no matter what obstacles might still be ahead of them, they would face them together... as a team.

Everyone started gathering outside the class. Teachers, students, staffs, principal, chairman, everyone. The three boys fabricated a story where I was the culprit. They opened the door they saw me and the girl clinging to her dress. She bite her lips and to show some blood on her. The scene was like I raped her.

She couldn't believe her ears as she listened to Abhi insist that he was innocent. He hadn't done anything... and yet here they were, surrounded by people who seemed convinced otherwise. Her heart ached for him as she watched the color drain from his face, leaving him looking pale and frightened.

"You did this," one of the boys accused, pointing an accusing finger at Abhi. "You deserve what's coming to you." The others nodded in agreement, their faces twisted with anger and hatred.

Her heart felt like it was being torn in two as she listened to Abhi plead his case. She knew him... she knew the kind of person he was... and yet everyone seemed determined to believe the worst about him. It was almost impossible to watch, and she could feel herself starting to lose hope.

"Then why were you with her?" someone shouted, their voice carrying over the crowd. "You must have done something!"

She couldn't believe what was happening. It felt like a nightmare... like she was watching some horrible movie where everything that could go wrong was going wrong right before her eyes. And yet there was nothing she could do to stop it. All she could do was stand there and watch as Abhi continued to insist on his innocence, even though everyone else seemed determined not to hear him.

"I swear I didn't do anything," he repeated for what felt like the hundredth time, his voice growing hoarse from shouting over the crowd. "

She couldn't bear to look at him anymore. It hurt too much... seeing the pain and fear in his eyes as he was accused of something so terrible. It made her heart ache with guilt, knowing that she had doubted him before... that maybe part of her still did. But she knew deep down that it wasn't true... that Abhi was innocent.

As the police led Abhi away in handcuffs, tears streamed down her face. She wanted to believe that everything would work out okay... that they would find some way to prove his innocence and set things right again. But for now, all she could do was wait... and hope.

The news spread like wildfire, consumed by the flames of rumor and speculation. Everywhere she went, people looked at her with pity or accusation... as if she were somehow responsible for what had happened to Abhi. It was a living nightmare, and she couldn't help but wonder how long it would last.

In the days that followed, she tried to visit Abhi in prison, only to be turned away by stone-faced guards who wouldn't even let her leave him a note or a small token of support.

Her heart ached for Abhi as she imagined the horrors he was going through... the pain and fear that filled his days and nights. She wanted to be with him, to hold him and tell him everything would be okay... that she believed in him. But there was nothing she could do except wait and hope that justice would eventually prevail.

Days turned into weeks, and still Abhi remained in prison, his fate uncertain. She threw herself into her studies, hoping that if she could succeed academically, it might help improve their chances of getting him out. But no matter how hard she tried or how much she wished things were different, the truth remained: Abhi was innocent... and he was suffering because of it.

She spent hours poring over the footage from the hidden camera, searching for anything that might help prove Abhi's innocence. And finally, after days of painstaking work, she found what she was looking for: proof that the three boys and the girl had set him up. The evidence was damning, and there was no way anyone could deny it now.

With renewed hope burning bright in her heart, she rushed to the police station, determined to make them believe her. They looked at her like she was crazy...

like they didn't know what she was talking about. But eventually, one of the officers took the footage and started examining it more closely. As he watched, his expression slowly shifted from disbelief to horror... and finally, to determination. He stood up, nodding at her as if in understanding, and left the room without a word.

Hours passed before anyone spoke to her again, but when they did, it was to tell her that they had found new evidence proving Abhi's innocence...

She couldn't believe her eyes as they led her through the prison to where Abhi lay... broken and battered, his once-handsome face now little more than a bloody mess. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she knelt beside him, taking his limp hand in hers and pressing it to her lips.

"I'm sorry," she whispered through her sobs. "I'm so sorry this happened to you."

For weeks, they nursed Abhi back to health... cleaning his wounds and helping him regain the strength he had lost while in captivity. They spent every moment together, reaffirming their love for each other and promising that nothing like this would ever happen again. As time passed and Abhi's injuries healed, they grew closer than ever before... their bond unbreakable now, despite everything they had been through.

With the help of a lawyer, Akane filed a lawsuit against the police for their mishandling of Abhi's case. She was determined to see justice served... not just for him but for all those innocent people who had been wrongfully accused and hurt in the process.

As the trial progressed, witnesses came forward, revealing the truth about what had happened that fateful night. The three boys and the girl were arrested and brought to trial, their lies exposed and their guilt laid bare for all to see.

In the end, they were found guilty and sentenced to prison terms of their own... a small measure of justice in the face of so much suffering. But even as she watched them be led away in handcuffs, Akane couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness... for all the lives that had been ruined by their selfish greed and hatred.

It wasn't easy, but with time and patience, they managed to rebuild their lives together. They moved past the hurt and the anger, focusing instead on creating a future that was nothing like their past. They finished school, graduated college, and eventually found jobs in the city... all while staying true to each other.

The scars from that terrible time remained, both physical and emotional, but they were now a testament to their love and resilience... proof that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for tomorrow.