Chapter 14: Pieces Falling Into Place

I had been patient. So patient with Amir. But even though I could tell he was starting to open up, there were moments—just moments—when I saw that doubt in his eyes. I could see him wondering if he was enough, wondering if I was just going to leave him like everyone else had.

It killed me.

But I couldn't rush him. I couldn't force him to believe that things could be different. I had to show him with my actions, not just my words.

We'd been hanging out more lately, just the two of us. We didn't need to do anything special. Sometimes we'd just sit in his room, playing video games or watching random movies. And sometimes, we wouldn't talk at all. Just exist in the same space, and that was enough for me. I liked it. Hell, I needed it.

I wasn't pushing him to be anything he wasn't. I wasn't asking him to be all over me or act like things were perfect. I just wanted him to know I was here for him. I wanted him to feel safe.

And sometimes, I could see that he was starting to let down his guard just a little. His laughter wasn't forced anymore. His smile wasn't just a mask. He was letting himself enjoy the little moments with me, even if it was hard for him to fully trust it.

I just had to be patient.

But today was different.

I was sitting on the couch, flipping through some old photos on my phone when Amir walked in, looking a little distant. He stopped at the doorway, his hands in his pockets, staring at me for a second before he spoke.

"You know, I've been thinking," he said quietly, like he was testing the waters.

"Yeah?" I looked up at him, a little confused, but I could tell this wasn't just small talk.

"I think... I think I'm starting to believe you," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

I froze for a second, my heart doing that thing where it skipped a beat. "What do you mean?"

He shrugged, his eyes flicking to the ground for a moment before meeting mine again. "I mean, I'm not saying everything's perfect, but... I think I can trust you. I think... maybe I'm starting to believe that I don't have to be afraid anymore."

My chest tightened, and I felt this rush of warmth flood through me. He wasn't there yet—not completely—but this was a step. A big one.

I smiled, standing up and closing the distance between us. "That means more to me than you know, Amir. You don't have to be perfect. Just... don't push me away."

"I won't," he said softly, his voice a little cracked. "I'm trying. I'm really trying."

And that was enough for me.