That afternoon, Ayana had to leave for a faculty meeting. She hesitated at the door, keys in hand.
"You'll be okay here?" she asked.
Sky nodded from the couch, cradling a book she hadn't started. "Yeah. I might just nap or journal."
Ayana bent to kiss her. It wasn't quick—it was lingering, intentional. A promise sealed on soft lips. "Text me if you need anything."
Sky nodded again, this time with a small smile. "I will."
Once the door closed, silence swept over the apartment.
Sky looked around, taking in the stillness. It was strange being in Ayana's space without her. The walls felt fuller somehow, like Ayana's energy still moved through them.
She pulled her knees to her chest and rested her chin there.
The quiet made space for thoughts she'd pushed aside.
What does this mean? What happens if it ends? What if she realizes I'm too much or not enough or just… temporary?
She reached for her journal and opened to a blank page.
I want to believe this is safe. I want to believe I'm allowed to be loved without pretending. But some parts of me still brace for the goodbye. I don't want to ruin this before it blooms. But I'm scared I will.
She closed the notebook gently.
Then her phone buzzed again.
Another text from Kairo.
Still thinking about you. Coffee tomorrow? Only if you want. We can talk or sit in silence. Your choice.
Sky read the message twice.
She didn't know what she wanted, but the comfort in Kairo's words eased something sharp in her chest.
She typed a reply.
Thanks. Maybe. I'll let you know.
She didn't send it.
She deleted it instead.
Ayana returned just after sunset. The air smelled faintly of rain, and her scarf was damp from the walk back.
Sky met her at the door, barefoot, her hair pulled back, eyes wide like she'd been thinking too much.
"Hey," Ayana said, shrugging off her coat.
"Hi."
Ayana paused. "Everything okay?"
Sky nodded, then shook her head. "I don't know."
Ayana stepped closer. "Tell me."
"I spent the whole day trying not to spiral."
Ayana cupped her cheek. "Did it work?"
Sky exhaled. "Sort of. I wrote. I thought. I almost replied to Kairo."
"That's okay," Ayana said gently.
"I didn't," Sky added quickly. "I didn't want to."
Ayana studied her. "Sky, you don't owe me anything but honesty. If you need space or time or other people to help you figure things out, I'll still be here."
Sky's eyes welled. "But I want it to be you."
Ayana pulled her into a hug. "Then let's start there."
That night, they didn't make love.
They held each other on the couch, wrapped in a thick blanket, legs tangled.
Ayana read aloud from a book of poetry while Sky closed her eyes and listened. The words settled in her bones like lullabies.
No rush.
No pressure.
Just breath, presence, and warmth.