THDK Chapter 18
by tenchaanChapter 18: Acknowledging Weakness (Part 3) (Final Chapter of the Childhood Arc)
As soon as I returned to my room, I thanked Zain and watched him leave before diving onto my bed and letting out a sigh.
“Are you asleep?”
“Nox!”
I was startled by Nox’s voice and jumped up. I rushed to him and hugged him tightly, and his strong arms wrapped around me.
“What’s wrong?”
“I want to tell you something, Nox.”
Talking about the past is scary, but I feel like I can tell Nox. Besides, I think he’s the only one who can encourage me.
“Tell me. Come here.”
Nox carried me in his arms and sat down on the bedside. I sat on his knees, and he wrapped his arms around me from behind. I felt safe and at ease.
“I’m going to tell you about my past. About my brother, and how my parents abused him. How I wanted to be loved, and how I wanted to spend more time with my brother.”
I told him about all the sad and painful things I had endured, and how I had to keep them all to myself.
“When I see children holding hands with their parents, I feel envious and jealous. But I tell myself it’s not okay to feel that way.”
“You don’t have to suppress those feelings. It’s natural to feel that way.”
“I’m actually very lonely. I’m scared of being alone. When I was in the forest, I was really anxious. But I couldn’t acknowledge my weakness.”
Nox’s hand brushed away my tears.
“I love you. Please stay by my side. I’m lonely.”
“Is there anything I can do for you?”
Nox’s words sparked a desire in me.
“Anything?”
“Tell me.”
I hesitated for a moment, but I wanted to be honest.
“Even if it’s a lie, I want you to tell me you like me. It doesn’t have to be romantic feelings, even sympathy is fine. I just want someone to tell me they like me. And if that someone is Nox, that would be great.”
I knew it was a lot to ask, but Nox’s response surprised me.
“I like you, Sol. My feelings for you may not be what you expect, but they’re genuine.”
I covered my face with my hands and cried. For the first time, I felt like someone truly understood me.
What I’ve been searching for has been right next to me all along, but it still feels far away. My desire for Nox grows stronger.
To be by his side, I need to become stronger. I don’t fully understand what Alain taught me, but I don’t want to give up.
“Nox, I’ll take my time to grow up.”
“Okay… that’s good.”
I’ll take things at my own pace. There’s no need to rush.
“Thanks for listening. Can I hear the rest of the fairy tale?”
“Let’s eat first, then take a bath, and I’ll tell you the rest of the story later.”
“Okay!”
I raised my hand enthusiastically. Nox smiled and looked at me with warm eyes.
If I could, I’d want him to show me some passion, but I won’t say that now. I’ll save it for when I’m older.
We’re finally gonna start the main arc!
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