The frame in her hand being held tightly, just over the open trash can.

The picture of a person she once loved.

She thought she get over them by now, but somehow she can't.

She can't bring herself to forget him.

Maybe that can't be avoided, being the one who giving so much in their toxic relationship.

The excited knock on her door tore her away from her thoughts, placing the frame facing downward on the table as she get herself to the door.

The familiar goofy smirk welcomed her sight, instantly washing away her negative thoughts. Before she even knew it, she always looking forward to meet him, waiting for him with his bad, cheesy line that flipped her insides.

"Sorry though for asking you to come help me unpacking my things." she said, inviting him inside.

"Nah, I'm glad. Just wondering why are you moving here so suddenly?" Blaze ask.

"Well..." she paused. "Because the house I live before have a lot of his memory there." a sigh escaped her lips as she leans at the wall beside him. "I owe you my life, couldn't thank you enough Blaze."

He stare at her, lips pursing as he figure to say something. Questions invading his mind wanting to know more about their past but he bite his lip back. Dare not to ask the situation.

Looking away from the male's face, she clapped her hands together. "Enough with the chit chats, let's get this job done~!"

"Aight, Let's do this!"

Throughout the cleaning process, it feels like a game of who did the job most and occasions of imitating each other's sneezing.

Sometimes she caught him smiling by himself while scrubbing the wooden floor, wondering what is so funny did he have in his mind.

Sometimes, he noticed her. Holding a frame or books while staring at it with a troubled expression. It had been weeks since the time he saved her. Her ex-boyfriend get arrested for violating women's right and dealing with drugs. Who had ever thought of that?

But still, they onced love each other and the pain remains greatly on her. If things hadn't turn out this way, will he even had a chance to talk to her?

"Hm, what is it?" she turn to him, head slightly tilting to her side trying to get a better look on him. Blaze shook his head, grinning. "Nah, I'm just appreciating your curves-"

"-pervert!"
"-I mean aesthetically! Let me finish first!"
"Still the same!"

It's already evening when they are done cleaning the whole house. Blaze fist pump to the air and flopped down the floor, lying. She laughed, joining by his side.

"I never think I get myself to actually finish cleaning everything. Usually I would run halfway and getting hunt down by my bros." Blaze laughed remembering Solar tracking him, Cyclone and Thorn down for running away and using his gloves to clean the toilet bowl.

"Let's get some treats then for our victory!"

"Let's roll!"

Actually they really did rolling on the floor to the other end of the living room, with series of crashing and bumping on few things, she get up and scanned the fridge, taking the chocolate bars. She twirl towards Blaze with the holy piece of sweetness held high in her hand. "I present to you, chocolate!"

"Hehehee, just come here already." Blaze patted the floor beside him as she sat crossed leg on the floor, tearing the wraps.

Blaze resting his chin on his arm, "do you know because of you some factory already ran out of business?" he said. She raised an eyebrow. "Not my fault but why was that?"

"Because you're too sweet, you make the chocolate shops out of business!"

"Then how about the Kokotiam? Oh nooo" she decided to join in.

"There's one way though," Blaze said, receiving the chocolate that enters his mouth. "-and that is?" she ask, wondering what silly lines he's going to say.

"..be with me."

Her eyes widen, slightly taken aback digesting the information. Blaze leans forward, his warm breathe chocolate scented. "I'll be better than he can."

She took his shoulder, gently pushing him back away from her. Blaze hold her wrist, gaining back her attention. "I'm here...If you're hurt, I'm here. If you want to cry, I'm here. Always... I don't want you to bear everything alone. Share them with me. I want to be the man that can support you too."

"B-Blaze.."

She whispered. Unable to face him longer, she rested her head on his shoulder. Why? Why he have to give so much when they are not even a thing? Why does he care so much when a few weeks before they're nothing but a mere stranger? He reminds her of herself, and it both welcomed and disgust her.

His arms hold her gently as ever, as if he press her harder, she'll break. Tears already find their way down, wetting his clothes. "Why..? You...pity me that much?"

"I don't." he breathe, whispering in her hair. "I love you, that's why."

Her grasp on him tightened as she finally let them all out. Silently crying into his embrace and he stroking her head, holding her from breaking into pieces.

I love you, that's why.

finally she knows why does she holding on for so long

-manyee
yesza~ one more chapter left 💫 stay tuned