The starry night was breathtaking as Nyren and I walked through the park, hands intertwined, his coat pocket keeping mine warm while I held a half-eaten ice cream in the other. The world felt quiet, almost ours alone.
"So, since he's already getting married, I guess I really need to stop," I said first, breaking the silence. Nyren's eyes flickered with unspoken questions, pupils wide, as if trying to read me entirely.
"Maybe now, I should try to open my heart and let someone else in," I continued, tilting my head to meet his gaze. "What do you think?"
"But, not you," I added gently, almost teasing. He froze for a brief second, excitement glinting in his eyes, but when he realized my tone, he smiled softly and nodded. "It's okay," he signed, his fingers moving with his usual grace. "No matter who you let in, I'll always be here, waiting for my turn to enter."
"You really have a way of speaking," I murmured awkwardly, shy and a little flustered. "So, weirdly poetic."
Nyren chuckled softly, the sound inaudible, his gaze drifting up to the stars above. I bit my lip, voice dropping low. "Would you, really wait?" He glanced down at me, eyes shimmering as he smiled. He signed slowly, deliberately, each movement carrying weight: "I can. And I will wait, as long as I am alive."
"And why? You could find someone else," I whispered, almost afraid of the answer.
"I can't," he signed, eyes never leaving mine. "I only want you. I can't imagine anyone else. I was meant to love you wholeheartedly, and I will, happily wait, loving you, always."
Every word he signed felt like it wrapped around my chest, pulling my heart tight. His eyes sparkled, reflecting mine back at me, carrying more depth than any spoken voice could.
They say words can make you feel loved, but even without them, Nyren always managed to make me feel every shade of emotion-desire, tenderness, devotion-that made my heart spin in ways I couldn't control.
My hand clutched my chest, staring down at the ground, words failing me. Nyren stepped closer, cupping my face gently in his hands. His eyes searched mine, soft and earnest, before he pressed a tender kiss against my closed eyelids.
"Are you feeling any less sad now?" he signed, fingers moving delicately with that quiet elegance of his.
I slowly nodded, exhaling a shaky sigh.
"Thank you," I whispered, my voice barely audible. It was our routine-talking, signing, sharing moods-but when words failed me, I relied on signs. He always understood. And now, he leaned closer, pressing his lips against mine.
I froze for a heartbeat, then melted into him, tasting the cold sweetness of my ice cream on his lips as our mouths tangled together. My fingers gripped the fabric of his coat instinctively, drawing him closer. As always, he poured himself into the kiss-every ounce of his longing, devotion, and emotion-melting me in ways I couldn't explain.
Every press of his lips, every careful motion, made my chest ache and my heart spin, leaving me breathless and craving more.
That night had been another whirlwind of passion, desire, and the kind of intimacy that blurred lines between love and longing. Yet morning brought clarity, and after breakfast, when I mentioned I was going to meet Jackson, Nyren's eyes-bright with hope just moments ago-dropped like a curtain. I didn't say anything. Instead, I pressed a soft kiss to his forehead, letting him feel my care, before leaving.
Today, I needed to truly stop-for myself, and for Nyren. Maybe it was finally time to let someone else into my heart.
Jackson's bedroom smelled faintly of cologne and old books. He sat awkwardly on the edge of his bed, hands clasped together, while I perched casually beside him.
"So, almost-married guy," I said lightly, my fingers brushing the photo frame on his dresser. It held a picture of the three of us as kids: Jackson grinning with his arm around me, while little Nyren clutched me, his wide, curious eyes fixed on me more than the camera.
Even as an adult, Jackson's smile held that same warmth-childish yet tender, full of quiet devotion. I exhaled, looking at him.
"You know I'm trying to end it, and before I do, I just wanted to make sure I thank you-for everything. From childhood to now, all our memories have been precious to me." Jackson blinked, a lump in his throat. He nodded slowly, eyes glimmering with unshed emotion.
"Of course, we were best buddies," he said softly, brushing at the corner of his eye as if wiping away invisible tears. I smiled softly, lowering my gaze. "Yeah, about that. Since you're getting married, you really need to stop sending me flowers on my birthdays," I said casually, though my heart fluttered remembering how perfectly they always arrived-midnight, just when I needed them.
A small gesture, yet it always made me feel cherished. Jackson's brow furrowed, confusion written across his face.
"Flowers, what flowers?" He asked.
I blinked. "The ones you send me on my birthday?" I replied, frowning at his obvious confusion. He shook his head slightly, still perplexed.
I frowned harder. "Don't act stupid, okay? I know it's you. You never said it out loud, so I never mentioned it either, thinking you were shy, awkward even. But I appreciate it, really." I smiled, my voice softening with memory. "And the timing, I know it was years ago, but it still means so much. Remember that night after grandma passed away? I was crying alone, and you spent the entire night sending me funny memes, reels, everything, just to lift my mood. And it worked. It actually made me happy." I swallowed hard, the memory vivid in my mind. I had been curled up on my bedroom floor, parents at the funeral, tears streaming. Then Jackson's messages began-first annoying, then gradually making me laugh, finally easing the ache in my chest. All through the night, till morning, he kept me company from afar. That was the instant I knew, I had fallen for him. But now, staring at his confused face, doubt crept in.
"That night, oh, I lost my phone that night. I couldn't contact you at all. So, how could I have done it?" he asked, rubbing his head, utterly puzzled.
My mind went blank for a second, then slowly snapped back to that night. How I had hugged Jackson, thanking him for the night's comfort. How awkward he had looked at first, then slowly returned the hug.
And Nyren, he had been standing behind, smiling quietly, a phone hidden behind his hands the entire time. The memory hit me like a sudden jolt. My hand flew to my mouth.
I finally realized.
I decided to confirm it, casually, to make it seem offhand. "Hey, remember Holy? My pet pup?" I asked. Jackson nodded with a smile. "Of course I do. Your first love. You used to dote on her so much... and cried when she got lost."
"Right. But she returned the next day, all safe," I added. Jackson chuckled softly. "Yes, so magical. Guess she missed you and came back." But that wasn't the case. Holy had been lost that entire day, and I had spent hours searching for her, frantic. She was everything to me, thought she isn't here with me anymore yet I still miss and love her, at that time I was crazy worried about her.
However, She returned the next day, safe and sound, because Nyren had brought her back. My heart had soared when I hugged her, tears streaming, never noticing Nyren behind me-hands dirty and bruised from the search, smiling quietly at my happiness.
"Did you, look for her?" I asked Jackson, casually, though my heart raced.
Jackson paused, thinking. He shook his head. "I, no, I didn't."
But I remembered that day, Nyren, standing quietly beside me, signed softly: "Brother Jackson did, but don't tell him. He'll get shy and awkward, and scold me for saying it." so he had lied.
I froze. The truth hit me like a punch. All these years, every small act, every thoughtful gesture, all quietly done by Nyren. And I had never noticed. I held my face in my hands, heart racing with a mixture of betrayal, guilt, and a fiery urge to explode.
"What happened?!" Jackson asked, concern in his voice.
"Nothing," I muttered quickly, pulling myself together. "I've got to go-business to handle. Anyway, congrats. And don't worry, we're cool."
Jackson smiled, wide and genuine, hugging me tightly. I returned the hug briefly, forcing a calm smile, before slipping away. My mind burned with thoughts of Nyren-the quiet, devoted idiot who had carried the weight of my happiness all these years, unseen and unacknowledged.
As I rushed to face the one person who had constantly annoyed me, every thought collided-every deception, every misunderstanding-all pointing back to Nyren. My heart ached in a way I couldn't yet name.
Reaching his home, I called for Nyren, but the living room was empty. The entire penthouse seemed deserted. I dialed him again; his PA answered. A sudden meeting had pulled him away.
I cut the call, irritation rising, and immediately headed to his office. I was not one to wait or waste time. I sank onto the couch, legs crossed, arms folded, letting the silence stretch. Just then, Nyren entered, accompanied by an employee discussing work. The moment he saw me, he froze. With a subtle gesture, he dismissed the employee and closed the door. Then he turned to me, signing carefully: "Lucien, why are you here?"
I raised an eyebrow, voice sharp. "Why, aren't you happy to see me?" He remained quiet, eyes tracking mine as I leaned forward. "I thought you said I was the one you'd never lie to," I pressed.
Nyren's expression shifted, sensing the storm in my mood. He stepped closer, tension radiating from his posture. "Yes, that is true. Why would you think otherwise?" he signed.
I fumed, letting the anger spill. I recounted everything I'd learned from Jackson today-the flowers, the messages, the lies Nyren had kept. Shock and nervousness flashed across his face. He looked awkward, unsettled, like a lost puppy.
"Why'd you lie?" I demanded, standing abruptly. My hands grabbed his collar before he could sign. "You idiot! If you'd just admitted it was you texting me that entire night, I'd have married you twice by now!" Nyren's eyes widened, lips parting slightly, unable to respond. I let go of his collar, turning away, too furious to care about his flustered state.
"You lied about it being Jackson, and I fell for him because of it!" I said, voice tight with anger. "I always thought it was him, caring for me since childhood. Why the hell did you lie?"
Nyren lowered his gaze, eyes brimming with emotion. "I'm sorry, I thought you'd be happier thinking it was him. I only wanted you to be happy," he signed, voice trembling inside his silence, eyes slightly red, looking small and defenseless under my scolding.
I clenched my fists, letting out a heavy sigh. "I was thinking of dating you," I muttered, letting the words hang. His eyes widened in hope. "But now, after learning all this, I'm taking it back."
Panic overtook him. "What? No Brother Lucien, you can't do that!" he signed rapidly, fingers flying like lightning.
"Yes, I can," I said, crossing my arms. "If you want me to take it back, then start working harder." I let a small, controlled smile slip. He blinked, ears reddening slightly, and signed softly: "I'll keep working hard, for you." His smile was pure, hopeless, whipped devotion-the kind that always made my heart ache.
"Stop smiling like an idiot," I muttered, though I softened slightly. "Anyway, I'm going. I'm hungry."
Before I could move, he held my wrist, quickly texting his assistant before guiding me out.
On the drive home, he loosened his tie, immediately starting to cook for me. I just sat behind him, unsure of what I felt-my heart a whirlwind of anger, guilt, and that undeniable pull toward him.
As soon as we entered Nyren's apartment, the warmth of the place hit me. He didn't waste a second-setting the groceries down, tossing his tie aside, sleeves rolled up. I leaned against the counter, watching him, heart beating faster than usual.
"You're staring..." he signed, voice low, almost shy. "Maybe I like watching you work for me," I replied, stepping closer. My hand grazed his arm, feeling the tension in his muscles. He shivered slightly but didn't pull away.
Nyren placed a dish down, then slowly turned to me, eyes soft but burning with emotion. Without a word, he reached out, cupping my face gently. His thumbs brushed over my jawline, and I felt my resolve crumble.
I leaned into his touch. "You're such an idiot," I murmured, pressing closer. "All this time, all this waiting for me." He signed quickly, almost desperately: "I can't help it. I love you, Lucien. Every moment, every breath, it's all you." The raw honesty in his eyes made me lose control. I pressed my lips to his, a deep, messy kiss that tasted of frustration, longing, and unspoken promises.
Nyren melted into me instantly, wrapping his arms around my waist, pulling me flush against him.
I tugged at his shirt, feeling the heat of his skin beneath my palms. His hands roamed my back, tracing my spine, sending shivers through me. The quiet apartment was filled with the sounds of our heavy breathing, the soft rustle of clothing, and the rapid thump of hearts.
"Nyren." I whispered against his lips, my hands threading into his hair. "Why do you make it so hard to think straight?"
He shook his head slightly, signing as he kissed the side of my neck: "Because I can't, I want you, all of you. Even if it hurts me." I groaned, letting the tension in me break as his lips found every sensitive spot along my neck and collarbone. His hands held me tight, almost possessively, yet tenderly, as if he was trying to memorize me with every touch.
I pressed back into him, my own hands exploring, tugging at his belt, at the hem of his shirt. Heat radiated between us, a storm of desire and affection. Every brush of his lips, every sigh against my skin, was Nyren's silent declaration: he was mine, in every way he could be.
Finally, I stepped back slightly, staring into his eyes, panting. "You're insane," I said, though the flush on my face betrayed me. Nyren only smiled, eyes glittering with devotion and mischief. "Insane, for loving you. Always."
"So dramatic." I whispered, though my heart was going crazy.
And in that moment, all the frustration, all the misunderstandings, all the heartbreak-it didn't matter. There was only us, tangled together, a fire that had been simmering for years finally roaring to life.
After that night, I still hadn't given Nyren a proper answer. And yet... he remained the same-patient, loving, devoted, silently waiting for me, anticipating every glance, every wordless cue.
When I finally thought I was ready to give him an answer, I was summoned to his father's office. Apparently, he had found out about us. I wasn't scared or nervous; I walked in, casual, and sank onto the couch, legs crossed.
"Uncle," I began, voice calm, eyes fixed on him. "I don't know what you want to say-whether you're against this or not-but you can't do anything. That idiot isn't going anywhere and neither am I. So you might as well give up on any wish to separate us."
His face softened, serious but gentle.
"Lucien, you know I've loved my son dearly. I know how deeply he loves, and I only want his happiness. But still i want to make sure, Are you sure... that's what he wants?" I met his gaze steadily, unflinching.
"Yes. And by now, neither of us want anything else." Just then, the office door swung open.
Nyren, breathless, rushed in. His eyes darted between us, panic written across his face. He signed rapidly, his hands moving like flames: "What are you talking about? Dad! don't say anything to him-"
I cut him off with a small, teasing smirk, rolling my eyes. "Stop acting like anyone could intimidate me."
I glanced at his father for a brief moment, then turned back to Nyren. My tone softened slightly, but my words were deliberate, unshakable: "Nyren, I'm ready. So, marry me."
Silence.
For a heartbeat, the room was silent.
Nyren froze completely, eyes wide, lips slightly parted, like he couldn't process it. "What are you waiting-" I started to scold, but froze mid-sentence.
Both my eyes and his father's widened in shock when Nyren suddenly began to nosebleed. His lips trembled, and a thin line of blood dripped down, his hands shaking slightly.
"The hell is wrong with you?" I exclaimed, leaping forward, cupping his face gently, wiping the blood with my sleeve. He immediately stopped me, guiding my hands away with a weak smile, signing frantically:
"Don't dirty yourself..." His eyes were red, brimming with emotion, almost tears, as he searched mine, desperately needing reassurance-was this real, or had he imagined it? I couldn't help but smile, brushing his hair back and lightly tapping his head.
"Yes, Nyren, what you heard is true. Now, give your answer. Your dad's waiting." I nodded toward his father. Nyren didn't look at his father. His gaze stayed locked on me, burning with intensity. Slowly, deliberately, he nodded, his expression soft yet unwavering, as if his soul had been poured into that single motion.
My chest tightened at the sight. His father chuckled, clearly pleased. "Good. Then you two have my blessings."
I leaned a little closer to Nyren, and we didn't move our eyes from each other, sharing an unspoken, electrifying connection. My lips curved into a smile, and I could see the same reflected in his trembling, teary eyes. The room felt like it had shrunk, leaving only the two of us, the weight of years of longing finally settling between us, warm and alive.
Reaching home, Nyren didn't let me breathe for a second. He pulled me into his arms, holding me like he was afraid I'd vanish, tight and firm, almost desperate. I couldn't help but smile, cupping his face, and kissed him deeply, nibbling on his lips teasingly.
"You seem way too happy," I murmured against his mouth. He nodded, signing quickly, his hands trembling slightly. "I am, you have no idea, this, I could only ever dream of it." His breath hitched as he stared into my eyes, the vulnerability and joy mixing in a way that made my heart ache. I let out a soft sigh, smiling, teasingly brushing my thumbs across his cheekbones.
"Well, I am just too fantastic. No wonder I've got you so whipped for me." I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him impossibly closer. "I just hope you're ready to stay tied up with me forever." He leaned in, brushing his forehead against mine, signing: "I've been ready for this, forever."
"Wow, so dramatic and childish," I chuckled softly, our noses touching, breaths mingling. Then, without breaking the connection, we leaned into a deep, almost hungry kiss.
Our steps became a chaotic dance as we stumbled toward the couch, neither of us wanting to let go. I sat down, pulling him on top of me, lips locked in a kiss that was messy with emotion, desire, and the weight of years spent waiting.
Finally, we broke apart just enough to rest our foreheads together, panting lightly, smiles soft and wide. His hands held me like he'd never let me go, and I let myself melt into him, heart full, finally knowing this was real-and ours.
A month later, Jackson and Emily's wedding banquet was in full swing-charming, lively, and buzzing with media, friends, and family.
"Happy married life," I said, patting Jackson firmly on the shoulder. He laughed dramatically.
"Thanks and don't be too smug-you'll be on that stage soon too." His eyes flicked toward Nyren, who lingered behind me like an innocent, shy puppy, quietly watching.
I shrugged and turned to Emily. "Girl, handling this guy can be a lot. All the best," I teased, giving her a thumbs up. "If he ever annoys you too much, you're totally allowed to kick him out."
Emily laughed, the sound light and carefree, making the atmosphere feel warm and easy. I realized how much I was enjoying myself. Just a month ago, I thought I'd be too upset to even attend Jackson's wedding, ready to cry my days away. But the reason for my previous heartache was no longer there-the one who made me ache all those days was here with me in a very different way, Nyren, my devoted, silent idiot, who now had me completely, both body and heart, in his own way. Not that I complained.
The wedding went smoothly, and I found myself sipping juice, watching Nyren and Jackson talk. Jackson joked and teased as always, while Nyren smiled shyly, stealing glances at me from time to time.
Soon, Nyren stepped toward me, hands reaching out to intertwine with mine. He signed softly, a small, shy smile on his face: "We shall go, shall we?"
I nodded, smirking. "I want ice cream on the way." His eyes lit up, the smile widening just for me. He nodded, squeezing my hand gently. And just like that, the world outside the wedding faded away-we only had each other, walking side by side into the night, hands intertwined, hearts quietly synchronized.
After bidding goodbye to everyone, Nyren and I walked side by side under the starry night. The surroundings were cold yet strangely comforting, the streets quiet except for our footsteps. I licked at my ice cream while Nyren walked silently beside me, hands locked, hearts quietly beating in sync.
But tonight, his silence felt different, heavy in a way I couldn't ignore. "What are you overthinking again?" I asked without filter. Nyren blinked, his eyes meeting mine with that same soft expression I had seen since childhood-the one that always made me feel seen, understood, and sometimes guilty for knowing him too well. "I just, remembered the time you made everyone around me learn sign language," he signed with a shy, almost guilty smile. I rolled my eyes, half amused, half nostalgic. "Yeah, well, it was interesting. And it's just another language for you-everyone else had to learn if they wanted to talk to you,"
I shrugged, glancing down at my melting ice cream. He stared at me then, eyes deep and endless, as if I were the entire galaxy. I awkwardly met his gaze, and he looked away shyly, lips curling into that gentle smile that always broke me.
"You know, I never hated my silence," he signed slowly, a shadow of pain flickering across his expression. "Not until it kept me from saying your name the way my heart screams it."
My chest tightened at his words, but I kept my voice soft, my tone calm to soothe him. Placing a hand against his cheek, I whispered, "Yes, that's true, but I'm also glad. Otherwise, who knows if you'd ever shut up saying my name all day and night." Nyren melted under my touch, eyes downcast, and signed, trembling slightly.
"I'm happy my dream has finally come true, but I still think it's not enough. Maybe, I'm not worthy of someone as amazing as you." I blinked, amused despite the ache in my chest.
"Stop being so damn emotional, okay? You're perfect the way you are, and you're more than worthy for me. And listen, all you should care about is me."
I cupped his face in both hands, leaning close, letting my lips brush softly against his ear as I whispered, almost inaudibly, "...I love you."
Nyren's eyes widened, and I leaned back slightly, signing as I spoke. "Did you get that, idiot? I love you. I love you. If you want me to say it out loud, I will. If you want me to sign it fast, I will. Just say the word, and I'll do everything to show you how much I love you, alright?" His eyes shimmered with tears, shoulders shaking as he sniffled.
I chuckled softly. "I didn't say for you to cry, dummy."
He held my palms to his lips, pressing them there gently, a quiet smile breaking through his tears. Then he signed, trembling with emotion:
"I, I love you, Lucien, I've loved you for so long, like crazy. I love you so much, If Only I could say it out loud..."
Before he could continue, I stopped him. "No need, signing is cooler anyway," I smiled. "If I ever see you thinking like that again, swear you won't, or I'll leave you."
His eyes went wide.
"Ah, no, sorry! I won't! I'm sorry, don't leave me!" he signed quickly, hugging me tight, refusing to let go. I stroked his back, smiling warmly.
Finally, he looked into my eyes, cupped my face, and kissed me deeply, as if sealing a promise we both felt in our bones. I kissed back with all the warmth, all the love I had for him, silently promising the same: I would never leave him.
This was our fate, our life. Somehow, I had been lucky enough to find this devoted idiot who loved me wholeheartedly.
And I finally loved him back just as fiercely. Together, forever, as it was meant to be.