When They Beg, I Rise!

Orion couldn't face her without feeling the urge to bolt.

He was unable to give any response, scared even. His throat felt stuck, and it took him a while before he could mutter, "You're too young, you wouldn't understand."

"Orion, are you afraid of me getting close? Worried I might fall for you?"

She had almost believed he harbored some affection for her, but was taken aback and saddened to hear he was seeing someone else.

Orion's gaze was profound, "Don't throw around the words 'fall for' carelessly. You're still young, it's not good for you to hit the bars."

Listening his lecture, Lemira realized he had deftly changed the subject. Her curiosity was piqued, "Orion, there's something I've always wondered: why are you always so nice to me?"

Orion couldn't answer; he couldn't even meet her gaze. He was afraid that looking into her eyes would give him away.

Looking up, Lemira asked defiantly yet cautiously, "You've always been so nice to me, don't you like me even a little bit?"

"If you don't like me, why be so kind?" She thought, "So, Orion, do you like me as well?"

In that moment, Lemira felt she had mustered all her courage, able to voice her feelings only in the dim light.

She felt almost insane.

with her straightforward question. Her openness made his initial intentions

tell her

indescribable way, yet he could only say against his will, "Lemira, helping you

were calm, even somewhat tender. But he firmly

moment, Lemira

go

She hastily let

her head, "I-It

I need the restroom

the crowd, a picture of

closely, his gaze turning somber, as if years of weariness were

swnovel

a cigarette

the cigarette, white smoke veiling his suppressed

handing one over,