The Memory Keeper: The Sin In Our Name

Khai's POV

The laughter in the living room had settled, replaced by the occasional hum of conversation between Therese and Kroft. I was sprawled on the couch, my legs propped up on the coffee table. The smell from the kitchen was intoxicating, and my stomach grumbled in anticipation.

Rain's voice drifted over from the kitchen, soft and focused as she worked her magic. It amazed me how effortlessly she could command the space. She had this quiet determination about her, making even something as mundane as cooking feel like a grand gesture.

Therese nudged me with her elbow, grinning. "You've got it bad, don't you?"

I scoffed, but I couldn't hide the small smile creeping onto my face. "What are you talking about?"

"Oh, please," Kroft chimed in, leaning forward with a smirk. "You're practically a puppy. Look at you, all cozy and doe-eyed."

I rolled my eyes. "You two are insufferable."

Therese grinned wider. "We're just saying-if Rain doesn't see how smitten you are, she's either blind or in denial."

Before I could respond, Rain called out from the kitchen, "Dinner's ready!"

The three of us filed into the dining area, the table already set with dishes that looked like they belonged in a restaurant. Rain stood there, wiping her hands on a towel, her expression a mix of pride and nervousness.

"Wow," Therese said, taking in the spread. "Are we sure we deserve this? Khai, you better have done something extraordinary to warrant this level of effort."

Rain chuckled. "It's nothing fancy."

"Rain," I said, stepping closer and catching her gaze. "This is amazing. Thank you."

Her cheeks flushed a little, and she waved me off. "Just sit and eat before it gets cold."

We all sat down, and as we dug into the meal, the conversation flowed naturally. Kroft and Therese bantered back and forth, occasionally dragging Rain into their jokes.

At one point, Kroft raised his glass. "To Rain, for proving she's not just all work and no play. This meal is incredible."

Rain laughed softly, shaking her head. "I'll take that as a compliment."

But as the night went on, I couldn't help but steal glances at her. Watching her laugh and talk with the others, I realized just how much she'd unknowingly carved out a space for herself in my life.

And as she caught me staring, a small, knowing smile playing on her lips, I knew there was no turning back.

The sound of laughter from the dining room still echoed in my mind as we settled on the couch. The warmth in the air was something I hadn't realized I'd been craving until now. It felt good, being surrounded by these people, and for the first time in a while, I felt like I could just let go of the weight on my shoulders.

Rain leaned her head on my shoulder, her warmth soothing me in ways I didn't expect.

"Getting comfy?" I teased softly, my voice barely above a whisper.

She hummed contentedly, the sound calming. "It's comforting sometimes, to have these peaceful moments," she said, her voice full of quiet sincerity.

I looked down at her, noticing the way her eyes were half-closed in a relaxed, almost dreamlike state. And in that moment, I knew I had something important to say. My chest tightened as I gathered the courage to speak.

"I have something to tell you," I started, my voice shaky with a mix of excitement and fear.

She shifted slightly, turning to face me fully. "What is it, honey?" she teased, her lips curling into a playful smile.