Bleeding Summer

Severa's POV

The ride back to Consolacion was different. Not just because we were now officially together, but because something had changed between us—something I couldn't quite put into words yet.

Eugene kept stealing glances at me while driving, his fingers interlaced with mine, his thumb lazily brushing against my skin. It was a simple gesture, yet it sent warmth spreading through my chest.

I had spent years pretending that what happened in the past didn't affect me. That the summer we met was just a fleeting moment of my youth. But tonight, sitting in his car, watching him focus on the road with a soft smile on his face, I realized something.

I had never truly moved on.

Even after all the heartbreak, the distance, and the silence between us, the feelings had remained. Like a fire that refused to die out, no matter how many storms passed.

"You're quiet," Eugene commented, squeezing my hand.

I turned to him, offering a small smile. "Just thinking."

"About?"

I hesitated before replying. "You. Us. How things ended before… and how we're here now."

He exhaled, as if he'd been holding in a breath. "I get it. It still feels unreal, huh?"

I nodded. "Yeah. A little."

His grip on my hand tightened. "I meant it, Sev. When I said I've liked you since we first met." His voice was softer now, almost vulnerable. "I didn't know what I was doing back then, and I messed up. But one thing never changed—I never stopped wanting you."

A lump formed in my throat.

It wasn't just the words that got to me. It was the sincerity in his voice, the way he looked at me as if I had always been something precious to him.

I swallowed hard before whispering, "I never stopped either."

Eugene let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head. "God, we really wasted so much time, huh?"

"Yeah," I said, my lips curving into a small, bittersweet smile. "We did."

His expression turned serious again. "I don't want to waste another second, Sev. I want to do this right. With you."

I met his gaze, and in that moment, I knew.

This wasn't just a temporary thing. It wasn't just an old flame rekindling for the sake of nostalgia.

This was real.

And for once, I didn't feel the need to run away from it.

"I want that too," I murmured.

Eugene's face lit up, his grin so genuine it made my heart swell.

"So… I can officially call you my girlfriend now?" he teased.

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help the laugh that escaped my lips. "If you have to ask, then maybe I should reconsider."

"Hey!" he protested, feigning offense before chuckling. "No take-backs, Sev. You're mine now."

And for the first time in a long time, I felt like I truly belonged to someone.

Back at the Hotel in Consolacion

By the time we reached the hotel, it was late. The air was cooler, the streets quieter, with only the occasional distant sound of vehicles passing by.

Eugene parked the SUV and turned to me, a playful glint in his eyes. "I'm sleeping next to you tonight."

I blinked. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me," he said casually, as if it were the most normal thing in the world.

I scoffed, crossing my arms. "And what makes you think I'd agree to that?"

He leaned closer, smirking. "Because we're together now. And I like being close to you."

I narrowed my eyes, trying to suppress the warmth creeping up my neck. "That's not a valid argument."

"Fine," he said, pretending to think. "Then let's go with… I'll behave, I promise."

I raised a brow. "You? Behave?"

He laughed. "Okay, fair. But seriously, I just want to hold you. No funny business."

I hated how tempting that sounded.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Eugene…"

"Please?" he asked, his tone softer now. Not teasing. Not playful. Just… genuine.

I hesitated, then groaned in defeat. "Fine. But if you snore, I'm kicking you out."

Eugene grinned triumphantly. "Noted."

I rolled my eyes but stepped inside, already regretting my decision.

The First Night Together

The room was dimly lit, the only source of light coming from the bedside lamp. I changed into my usual sleepwear—an oversized shirt and shorts—while Eugene stripped down to just his sweatpants.

I climbed into bed first, lying on my side and keeping a safe distance. Or at least, I tried to.

The moment Eugene got under the covers, he wasted no time scooting closer, his arm lazily draping over my waist.

"Eugene," I warned.

He chuckled. "What? This is comfortable."

I sighed, rolling my eyes. "You're so annoying."

"Yeah, but you love it."

I didn't reply.

Mostly because he was right.

For a few moments, neither of us spoke. His breathing was steady behind me, his warmth radiating against my back.

Then, softly, he whispered, "Sev?"

"Hmm?"

"I meant what I said earlier," he murmured. "I'm really happy right now."

I felt my chest tighten.

There was something so raw in his voice, something that made me turn around to face him. His eyes searched mine, and before I could stop myself, I reached up and traced my fingers along his jawline.

"I'm happy too," I admitted.

His lips curled into a small smile before he leaned in, pressing a kiss to my forehead. Then my cheek. Then my nose.

I laughed softly. "What are you doing?"

"Showing you how much I adore you."

His arms tightened around me, pulling me closer until I was nestled against his chest.

I could hear the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, feel the way his fingers gently ran up and down my back.

This was different.

It wasn't just playful flirting or stolen moments of tension.

This was warmth. This was safety. This was… love.

I sighed, letting myself sink into his embrace.

"Eugene?"

"Yeah?"

I hesitated, then buried my face against his chest. "Don't break my heart again."

His arms tightened around me. "Never," he promised.

And for once, I allowed myself to believe it.