Aira never believed in forever. She believed in ambition, independence, and protecting her heart until Kian happened.
In the dreamy town of Veloria, between late-night cafes and secret gardens, Aira finds herself caught in a love she never planned f...
The text from Kian blinked on her phone. "Dinner? Same place? :)"
She stared at it, her heart aching. But before she could even think about replying, another notification lit up her screen Dad.
"Family dinner. 7 PM. Dress properly."
No room to decline. No room to breathe.
She typed back to Kian quickly:
"Sorry, can't tonight."
And shoved her phone into her bag like it burned.
The restaurant was a hollow kind of fancy all shiny silverware and cold, echoing floors.
Her family sat at a long polished table. Each seat felt like a throne and a trial.
They started calling people up, one by one. Everyone had something to announce.
Her brother bragged about an award. Her cousin showed off her acceptance letter. Another uncle joked about "yet another promotion."
The table roared with applause each time. Pride filling every glass, spilling everywhere but not reaching Aira.
Finally, it was her turn.
Someone called her name. Aira stiffened.
She stood up, throat dry, hands frozen at her sides.
"So, Aira," her uncle said, smiling too wide, "what do you have to share?"
The table waited.
Aira opened her mouth.
Nothing came out.
She shook her head once a tiny, broken gesture.
Her father snorted under his breath. Her mother sighed. Someone murmured, "Well, what did you expect from her anyway?"
The words hit harder than any slap. Aira sat back down, cheeks burning. The air around her felt too thick, too loud.
She couldn't even swallow her food properly. The lump in her throat wouldn't go away.
When the waiter brought over dessert some fancy peanut-based pastry Aira hesitated.
"Uh... I have a peanut allergy," she said quietly, almost apologetically, turning to her mother.
Her mother barely glanced at her. "Don't be ridiculous," she said. "You're overreacting."
Her father laughed. "Allergies, stress... kids these days."
The waiter looked uncertain. Aira, feeling the table's heavy, expectant eyes on her, forced herself to take a bite.
Within minutes, her chest tightened. Her skin flushed hot.
Panic clawed up her throat.
She shoved her chair back so fast it screeched across the floor. No one really looked up.
Out in the car, hands shaking, Aira fumbled for the emergency medicine tucked in her bag. Popped it. Swallowed dry.
Alone.
Always alone.
The city lights outside blurred into smears, and Aira pressed her forehead against the steering wheel, trying to breathe.
The night stretched endlessly, heavy and sharp like a bad memory that wouldn't shut up.
Aira sat on her bed, staring at the little white pill in her hand. Maybe if she slept, it wouldn't hurt so much. Maybe if she slept, she'd forget how her father laughed when she said "peanut allergy," like she was making up stories to get attention.
She closed her eyes, breathing in slow, shaky lungfuls of air.
Ding.
Her phone lit up on the nightstand.
Aira blinked at it, not expecting anyone — and definitely not expecting him.
It was from Kian. A meme.
Some dumb reel about studying law So stupid. So ridiculous.
And somehow it made her lips twitch.
Just a little. Barely anything. But it was something.
She didn't reply. She didn't have the energy to.
But she didn't take the pill either.
Instead, Aira set it back down. Pulled her blanket over her head. And let herself exist, quietly, for once.
Kian Diary
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
I don't even know if she laughed. I just hope she smiled. Maybe even just a little
