Tawan looked up as Aira's father entered the room, her heart tightening slightly. She hadn't expected a visit from him so soon. As he approached her bed, she straightened, wincing a little from the pain in her arm.
"You should be resting," Aira's father said softly, his gaze filled with concern. "You've done more than enough."
Tawan managed a small smile, trying to hide the discomfort. "I'm fine, sir. Just doing my job."
He sighed and pulled up a chair beside her bed. "You've done much more than your job, Tawan. You put your life on the line for Aira, and for that, I'm forever grateful."
Tawan's eyes flickered with emotion. "I only did what anyone in my position would do."
Aira's father shook his head slowly. "Not everyone would have gone to the lengths you did. You're more than just a bodyguard to Aira, aren't you?"
Tawan hesitated, her heart pounding. This was the moment she had been dreading but also the one she knew she needed to face. She took a deep breath, her voice steady but filled with emotion. "I care about her deeply, sir. More than I ever thought I would. That's why I wanted to speak with you."
He raised an eyebrow, his expression curious. "Speak with me about what?"
Tawan looked down, gathering her thoughts. "I... I wanted to ask for your blessing to be by Aira's side. Not as her bodyguard, but as someone who loves her. I don't want to rush things or make her feel pressured, but I need you to know that my intentions are serious. This isn't just a job for me anymore."
There was a long pause as Aira's father absorbed her words. Tawan held her breath, her heart racing. Finally, he smiled, a warm, genuine smile that made her feel like a weight had been lifted from her shoulders.
"I've always been protective of Aira," he said softly. "She's my only daughter, and her happiness means everything to me. But she can be... challenging, at times." He chuckled softly, a fond look in his eyes. "Aira is strong-willed, stubborn, and sometimes too passionate for her own good. She's always been a good daughter, but I know she can be overwhelming."
Tawan's lips twitched in a small smile. "I've noticed that. She has a way of pushing people to their limits."
He nodded, his gaze turning thoughtful. "It's because she cares so deeply. She puts her whole heart into everything she does, and sometimes that means she expects too much from herself and those around her. It's not always easy, but it's what makes her who she is."
Tawan listened intently, understanding the depth of what he was saying. "She's special," she said softly. "I've seen how much she tries to balance everythingâbeing a daughter, an idol, and just... Aira."
Aira's father's expression softened. "That's why I'm relieved to see someone like you by her side. I've watched how you care for her, not just protect her. You've made her smile more than I've seen in a long time, and I can see that she feels safe with you in ways she hasn't felt before."
Tawan felt a warmth spread through her chest at his words. "I want to keep making her feel that way. I want to be there for her, in whatever way she needs."
He reached out, placing a hand gently on her shoulder. "If you can make Aira happy and keep her safe, then you have my blessing. I trust you, Tawan. More than that, I'm grateful. Knowing she has someone like you in her life gives me a peace of mind I haven't had in years."
Tawan's voice wavered slightly as she replied, "Thank you, sir. I promise I'll always put her well-being first."
Aira's father's expression turned serious, his tone gentle but firm. "And you need to take care of yourself, too. I know Aira means the world to you, but you're important to her as well. Seeing you like thisâit affects her more than you might realize."
Tawan blinked, taken aback by his words. "I... I'll be careful."
He smiled warmly, his eyes softening. "Good. You're not just someone special to Aira. You've become important to me as well. You've shown incredible courage and dedication, and I see you as part of our family nowâas a second daughter." He paused, his eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief. "Oh, that doesn't feel quite right. Maybe future daughter-in-law? Hahaha. Whatever it is, you're family now."
Tawan's eyes widened, her face flushing slightly as she tried to find the right words. "Sir, Iâ"
He chuckled, waving a hand dismissively. "I'm just teasing. But seriously, you're a part of our family, Tawan. And that means we care about you, too."
Tawan nodded, still processing the unexpected warmth and acceptance in his words. "Thank you. That... that means a lot."
Aira's father stood, giving her a reassuring smile. "Take care of yourself, Tawan. We need you at your best. I'll let Aira know you're doing well."
After he left, Tawan leaned back against the pillows, her mind racing. The conversation had given her a deeper understanding of Aira, and of the trust her father was placing in her. Her heart swelled with a mixture of fear and hope as she thought of Aira, silently promising that she would be by her side, no matter what challenges lay ahead.
---
Aira sat in the quiet of her apartment, staring at the untouched cup of tea in front of her. It had been a few days since she last saw Tawan, and the silence felt oppressive. The space that once felt safe and comforting now seemed empty, almost foreign. Her mind kept drifting back to the little thingsâTawan's gentle smile, the way she fussed over her breakfast, even the firm but caring tone she used when insisting Aira take better care of herself.
She sighed, pushing the cup away. "I miss her," she whispered to herself, feeling a wave of loneliness wash over her. Her fingers traced the rim of the cup absently as memories of their time together played in her mind. From the teasing banter to the quiet moments when Tawan had cooked for her or insisted she rest after a long day, it was clear how much effort Tawan put into making sure she was okay.
A small, fond smile tugged at her lips. "She really does care," Aira murmured, her heart warming at the thought. It wasn't just about protecting herâTawan's actions went beyond her duty as a bodyguard. There was a sincerity, a deep sense of care, that Aira had rarely experienced from anyone outside her family.
The sound of the front door opening pulled Aira from her thoughts. She turned to see her father stepping inside, a familiar, reassuring presence. He smiled warmly as he approached her.
"There's my girl," he greeted, his tone gentle. "I thought I'd stop by and see how you're holding up."
Aira's smile widened at his presence. "Dad, you didn't have to come all this way."
He shrugged, settling into the chair opposite her. "I wanted to. You've been through a lot lately, and I figured you could use some company."
Aira's eyes softened as she looked at him. "I'm okay. Just... thinking."
"About Tawan, I imagine?" he asked, his voice light but perceptive.
Aira bit her lip, hesitating for a moment before nodding. "Yeah. It's strange not having her around. I didn't realize how much I relied on herâhow much I got used to her being here."
Her father's gaze was kind as he leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. "She's something special, that one. I had a long talk with her earlier."
Aira's heart skipped a beat. "You did? What did she say?"
He chuckled softly. "Oh, she was very serious. Asked for my blessing to be in your lifeânot as your bodyguard, but as someone who genuinely cares about you."
Aira's cheeks flushed, a mixture of embarrassment and excitement filling her. "She... she said that?"
He nodded, a teasing glint in his eyes. "She did. It's not often I see someone so determined and sincere. She's got it bad for you, Aira."
Aira's heart swelled with warmth, but a hint of uncertainty crept in. "I told her how I feel, Dad. I said 'I love you'... but things were so chaotic then. I don't know if she really understood what I meant, or if she felt pressured because of everything that was happening."
Her father's eyebrows rose in surprise. "You really do love her, don't you? Given the situation you were back then, I'm surprised you did that. It takes a lot of courage to say those words when everything around you is falling apart."
Aira looked down, her hands twisting nervously in her lap. "I couldn't help it. I just needed her to know how I felt. But now I'm worried that it might have been too much, too soon."
Her father's smile softened, his gaze thoughtful. "From what I've seen, she knows exactly how you feel. But it's not just about the words, Aira. It's about what comes after. You've both been through a lot, and sometimes, it takes time for feelings to settle."
Aira nodded slowly, her eyes downcast. "I just don't know what to do now. I don't want her to think I was just caught up in the moment or that I don't mean what I said."
He reached out, taking her hand gently. "Then show her. Let her see that your feelings are real and lasting. She's been through a lot, too, and I think she needs to see that this isn't just a fleeting emotion for you."
Aira's heart ached as she thought about Tawan, her mind racing with possibilities. "But how do I do that? She's so... guarded. It's like she's always holding something back."
Her father's gaze was kind, understanding. "That's because she's used to protecting herself as much as she's used to protecting you. It's a habit, and habits like that are hard to break. But you've already gotten through to her, Aira. I can see it in the way she looks at you. You just need to be patient, and more importantly, be honest."
Aira took a deep breath, feeling a surge of determination. "I love her, Dad. I don't want to rush her, but I want her to know that I'm serious. That I'm not going anywhere."
He squeezed her hand gently. "Then tell her that. And don't be afraid to show her. Actions speak louder than words, especially with someone like Tawan."
Aira felt a smile tug at her lips, a sense of clarity settling over her. "I will. I just... I want her to know that she's not alone in this. That whatever happens, I'm here for her, just like she's always been there for me."
Her father's smile widened, a twinkle of pride in his eyes. "That's my girl. You've got a good heart, Aira. And Tawan is lucky to have you."
Aira laughed softly, shaking her head. "I think I'm the lucky one."
He raised an eyebrow, his tone turning teasing. "Well, then, you'd better make sure she knows that. Who knows, you might even get a few more home-cooked meals out of it."
Aira's laugh was bright and genuine. "Yeah, she does make the best omelets."
"Well, what are you waiting for?" He winked at her playfully. "Go show her how much she means to you. I have a feeling she needs to hear it, too."
Aira's heart fluttered at the thought, the idea of a future with Tawan suddenly feeling more tangible, more real. She stood, determination shining in her eyes. "You're right, Dad. I'm not going to let fear hold me back."
Her father's smile widened as he watched her. "That's my girl. Go get her."
Aira nodded, her heart pounding with anticipation as she moved toward the door. The fear and uncertainty were still there, but they were overshadowed by something strongerâhope, excitement, and the realization that Tawan was more than just her protector. She was someone Aira wanted by her side, not just now, but always.
As she left the apartment, Aira felt a surge of confidence. Whatever happened next, she knew she had to be honest with herself, and with Tawan. Because this wasn't just about protection or duty. It was about love, and she was ready to embrace it.
---
Aira stood outside Tawan's apartment, her heart racing with anticipation and nerves. It had been a few days since Tawan was discharged from the hospital, and they hadn't seen each other since. Between Aira's packed schedule and Tawan needing rest, the time apart had felt strange and unsettling. But now, she was here, and she was determined to bridge the distance that had grown between them.
Taking a deep breath, she knocked on the door. A few moments later, it swung open to reveal Tawan, her expression a mix of surprise and something softer, something that made Aira's heart skip a beat.
"Aira," Tawan said, her voice gentle but cautious. "What are you doing here?"
Aira flashed her a bright smile, hoping to ease the tension. "Can't I visit my favorite bodyguard?"
Tawan's lips twitched, a hint of a smile forming. "I'm not your bodyguard anymore, remember?"
Aira's smile softened, a teasing glint in her eyes. "No, you're not. But you're still my favorite person to bother." She paused, her voice shifting to one of genuine concern. "But really, how are you? How's your arm?"
Tawan glanced at her arm, where a faint bandage was still visible under her sleeve. "It's healing," she replied, her tone measured. "The doctors say I just need to take it easy for a while."
Aira's eyes softened, a mixture of relief and lingering worry flashing in them. "That's good. I was worried about you, you know. I wanted to visit sooner, but things have been... hectic."
Tawan nodded, her expression understanding. "I know. You've had a lot going on."
Aira took a step closer, her voice earnest. "But that's not an excuse. I should have come earlier."
Tawan shook her head, a gentle smile forming. "You're here now. That's what matters."
Aira's heart warmed at the words, but she quickly shifted gears, her smile turning mischievous. "Well, maybe I also missed your cooking." She glanced around the apartment, noticing the simplicity and orderliness of the space. It felt very much like Tawanâstructured, calm, with a hint of warmth that was only visible to those who looked closely.
Tawan raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? I'm not sure I can live up to your high standards."
Aira laughed, shaking her head. "Oh, please. You know you make the best omelets I've ever had." She hesitated, then added softly, "I miss that, too."
Tawan's expression softened, and for a moment, the guarded look in her eyes faded. "I... I can make one for you now, if you'd like."
Aira's heart swelled at the offer, but she shook her head. "Not tonight. I didn't come here for food." She took a step closer, her voice dropping to a more serious tone. "I came here to see you. To talk."
Tawan's posture stiffened slightly, her eyes flickering with uncertainty. "About what?"
Aira took a deep breath, her gaze steady. "About us. About everything that happened... and about what I said."
Tawan's jaw tightened, and she glanced away, as if bracing herself. "Aira, you don't have toâ"
"I want to," Aira interrupted gently. "I meant every word, Tawan. I know it was chaotic, and maybe it wasn't the right time or place, but I don't regret saying it. I love you, and I need you to know that."
Tawan's eyes widened, the emotions flickering in them almost overwhelming. "Aira... it's not that simple."
"I know," Aira whispered, taking another step closer. "But I'm willing to figure it out. I want to, with you."
Tawan looked at her, the conflict clear in her gaze. "You don't understand. Iâ"
Aira raised a hand, gently placing it on Tawan's arm. "Then help me understand." She hesitated, then smiled softly, trying to lighten the mood. "Come on, Tawan. It's not like I'm asking you to marry me. I'm just asking you to let me in."
Tawan's lips parted, as if she wanted to say something, but no words came out. Aira could see the struggle, the fear of letting herself be vulnerable, and it made her heart ache.
She decided to take a different approach, her voice turning playful. "You know, my dad told me you asked for his blessing to be in my life." She watched as Tawan's cheeks turned a faint shade of pink, and she couldn't help but smile. "That's a pretty big step, don't you think?"
Tawan cleared her throat, clearly flustered. "I... I just wanted him to know that I'm serious about being there for you."
Aira's smile widened, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "So, you're serious about being in my life, but you can't admit that you like me back?"
Tawan's gaze snapped to hers, a flicker of something intense passing through her eyes. "Aira, it's not about liking you. It's about everything elseâyour safety, your career... I don't want to complicate things for you."
Aira stepped even closer, so close that she could feel the warmth radiating from Tawan. "But you already did," she said softly, her voice almost a whisper. "When you saved me, when you cared for me, when you let me see the real you."
Tawan's breath hitched, and for a moment, they stood there, the air between them charged with unspoken emotions. Aira's heart pounded as she watched Tawan struggle with her feelings, wanting so badly to reach out and pull her closer.
"Do you want to know what my dad said?" Aira continued, her tone light but sincere. "He said you're brave and strong, and that I'm lucky to have you in my life. And you know what? He's right."
Tawan's eyes softened, and she looked away, her voice barely audible. "Aira..."
"No, listen," Aira insisted gently. "You don't have to protect me from this. From us. I'm stronger than you think, and I want to be with you. So, stop worrying so much, okay?"
Tawan's gaze met hers again, and Aira saw something shift in those dark eyesâa crack in the wall she had built around herself. It wasn't much, but it was enough.
"I'm scared, Aira," Tawan admitted, her voice trembling slightly. "I'm scared of what this could mean. For you, for me... for everything."
Aira felt a surge of affection, her heart swelling as she reached up, gently cupping Tawan's cheek. "I'm scared too. But that's okay. We don't have to have it all figured out right now. We just have to try."
Tawan closed her eyes, leaning into Aira's touch for just a moment before pulling back, her expression conflicted. "I don't want to hurt you."
"You won't," Aira promised, her voice firm but tender. "I trust you, Tawan. More than I've trusted anyone in a long time. And I know you won't hurt me."
Tawan looked at her, the vulnerability in her eyes making Aira's heart ache. "You're so sure."
Aira nodded, her smile gentle. "Because I know you. I know how much you care, even if you're too stubborn to admit it."
Tawan let out a shaky breath, her gaze softening. "Aira... you make everything so complicated."
Aira laughed softly, stepping even closer until there was barely any space between them. "Maybe. But isn't that part of the fun?"
Tawan shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips despite herself. "You're impossible."
"And you love it," Aira teased, her voice light and filled with affection.
For a moment, Tawan just looked at her, the emotions in her eyes raw and unguarded. Then, slowly, she lifted her hand, brushing her fingers lightly against Aira's cheek.
"I do," she whispered, the words so soft Aira almost didn't hear them.
Aira's breath caught, her heart soaring at the quiet admission. She felt like she was floating, the warmth in Tawan's eyes making her feel more cherished than she ever had before.
They stood there, the world outside fading away as they lost themselves in each other's gaze. For the first time in what felt like forever, Aira felt truly at peace, knowing that no matter what came next, they would face it together.
Aira tilted her head slightly, a playful glint in her eyes. "So, what else did you and my dad talk about?"
Tawan blinked, clearly taken off guard. "What do you mean?"
Aira's grin widened as she leaned in, her tone teasing. "I mean, did you just ask for his blessing to stay in my life, or was there more? Did you perhaps, I don't know, ask for permission to take things to the next level?"
Tawan's eyes widened, her face flushing a deeper shade of pink. "Aira, I... No! I mean, it wasn't like that..."
Aira's laugh was light and teasing. "Oh? So you didn't ask if you could become my future wife or something?"
Tawan looked utterly flustered, and Aira found it both endearing and amusing. "I-I didn't! It was just about being there for you, I swear."
Aira chuckled, clearly enjoying Tawan's reaction. "Relax, I'm just teasing you. But if you ever do ask him, I'm sure he'd say yes."
Tawan's expression softened, a small, shy smile forming as she looked down. "You really are impossible."
Aira's smile turned tender, her voice dropping to a more serious tone. "Maybe. But I'm also serious about you, Tawan. So, if you ever decide to ask, you know where I'll be."
Tawan's eyes met hers, and Aira could see the mixture of emotions swirling in themâfear, hope, love, and something deeper, something she couldn't quite name but felt all the same.
"I'll keep that in mind," Tawan said softly, her voice almost a whisper.
Aira studied Tawan's expression for a moment longer, then a playful light danced in her eyes. "You know, sometimes I feel like you think I'm hard to handle."
Tawan raised an eyebrow, a flicker of amusement in her gaze. "Sometimes?"
Aira laughed, shaking her head. "Okay, maybe more than sometimes. But you've managed so far."
Tawan's smile widened, a teasing edge to her voice. "Barely."
Aira pouted, feigning offense. "Hey, I'm not that bad!"
Tawan tilted her head, pretending to consider. "Well, there was that time you insisted on sneaking out of a secure location to get ice cream at midnight."
Aira giggled, remembering the escapade. "I was craving it!"
"And then there was the concert incident where you disappeared for half an hour just to avoid an interview."
Aira shrugged, her grin cheeky. "They kept asking boring questions. I had to make things interesting."
Tawan shook her head, her eyes sparkling with affection. "See? Hard to handle."
Aira's playful smile softened, her gaze turning more serious. "But you chose to handle it. You chose to stay."
Tawan's expression grew tender, her voice quiet. "Yes, I did. And I would choose it again."
Aira's heart swelled at the sincerity in Tawan's words, her emotions bubbling over. She took a step closer, her voice gentle. "You know, my dad asked if I really love you... and I told him I do. That I'm serious about this, about us."
Tawan's eyes widened, her breath catching. "Aira..."
"I know it's complicated, and I know there's a lot to figure out," Aira continued, her voice trembling slightly. "But I don't want to hold back anymore. I love you, Tawan. And I want to be with you, no matter what."
Tawan's gaze softened, her heart in her eyes. "I love you too, Aira. More than I can put into words."
Aira smiled, the tears she had been holding back spilling over. She reached up, gently cupping Tawan's face, her thumb brushing away the tear that slipped down Tawan's cheek.
"I'm so glad you're here," Aira whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "And I'm not going anywhere."
Tawan's eyes shone with love and gratitude as she leaned in, her lips brushing against Aira's forehead in a soft, tender kiss. Aira's heart fluttered at the gentle contact, and she closed her eyes, savoring the moment.
Slowly, Tawan pulled back, her gaze lingering on Aira's face. For a moment, they stood there, the world around them fading away as they lost themselves in each other's eyes.
Then, with a soft, hesitant smile, Tawan leaned in again, her lips meeting Aira's in a kiss that was both gentle and full of promise. Aira's heart soared as she returned the kiss, her hands sliding up to rest on Tawan's shoulders, her fingers curling into the fabric of her shirt as if anchoring herself to this moment, to this feeling.
The kiss deepened, and Aira's heart swelled with love and longing, the warmth of Tawan's lips and the gentle press of her hands against her back filling her with a sense of completeness she had never known before.
When they finally pulled back, their foreheads rested against each other, their breaths mingling in the small space between them. Aira's eyes fluttered open, and she gazed up at Tawan, her heart so full it felt like it might burst.
"I love you," she whispered, her voice trembling with the intensity of her emotions.
"I love you too," Tawan murmured, her own voice shaky with emotion. "So much."
They stayed like that, wrapped in each other's arms, the world around them fading away as they lost themselves in the warmth and love they had found in each other.
For the first time in what felt like forever, Aira felt truly at peace, knowing that no matter what came next, they would face it together.
And as they stood there, their hearts beating in sync, Aira knew that this was only the beginning of their story.