Worth your love
Ai woke to the soft golden light streaming through the window, filtering through the thin curtains and bathing the room in a gentle glow. Her eyes instinctively found their way to the beautiful woman sleeping peacefully beside her. For a moment, Ai lay still, her breath caught in her chest as she took in the sight before her. It was almost too perfect to be real—that May, her May, was here, so close, so tangible.
Her gaze lingered on May’s serene face, tracing the delicate lines of her features. The slow, steady rise and fall of May’s chest as she breathed, the way her lashes rested softly against her cheeks, the curve of her lips that looked as if they held a secret smile—every detail was a masterpiece, a living painting brought to life by the most gifted of artists. Ai marveled at the perfection of it all.
How had she managed to endure a year apart from this woman? The physical distance had been unbearable, yet there hadn’t been a single day when May wasn’t present in her thoughts, her heart. Ai had carried May with her, through every moment, in every heartbeat.
As if sensing Ai's thoughts, May began to stir, her eyelids fluttering open to reveal those familiar, loving eyes. A soft smile spread across May's face as she whispered, “Good morning, my love.”
Ai’s heart swelled at the sound of May’s voice, gentle and soothing like the morning breeze. She returned the smile, her voice tender as she replied, “Good morning, my princess.” Leaning in, Ai placed a soft, lingering kiss on May’s lips
May’s eyes sparkled as she gazed at Ai, her smile growing wider. She reached out, her fingers brushing lightly against the girl’s cheek. “I missed waking up like this,” she murmured, her voice soft yet filled with meaning. “Waking up next to you.”
Ai leaned into the touch, her own hand coming up to cover May’s, holding it there. “I missed it too,” she said. “Every single day without you felt incomplete.”
May nodded, her eyes never leaving Ai’s. “I’m glad we were able to find our way back to each other.”
They lay in silence for a while, savoring the simple joy of being together. The quiet hum of the world outside seemed distant, irrelevant compared to the universe they had built between them. Ai’s thumb brushed over May’s hand, her touch gentle, as if afraid to shatter the delicate beauty of the morning.
Finally, Ai broke the silence, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’m so sorry, May. For everything. For leaving you, for the pain I caused.”
May’s eyes softened, her fingers squeezing Ai’s hand reassuringly. “Are you here to stay this time?” she asked, her voice tinged with both hope and fear.
Ai's breath caught in her throat at May's question. She saw the vulnerability in May's eyes, the faint tremble in her voice, and she knew this moment was crucial. Ai had always been the one to leave, to run when things got complicated, but not this time. This time was different. She shifted closer, their foreheads touching, and she tightened her grip on May’s hand, anchoring herself in the promise she was about to make.
“I’m here to stay, May. No more running, no more leaving. I’ve learned that life without you is no life at all. I want to be with you, for every sunrise, for every challenge, for every moment.”
A single tear escaped down May's cheek, but her smile remained, more radiant than ever. “That’s all I’ve ever wanted,” she confessed, her voice breaking slightly. “To have you by my side.”
Ai’s heart raced as she held May close. It felt almost surreal, the way May’s presence anchored her, grounding her in a way that nothing else ever had. How had she allowed herself to drift so far? How had she let herself believe she could ever be whole without May?
Ai didn't regret the time she had spent caring for Oab-Oom, not for a second. Her sister had needed her, and Ai had been there, holding her hand through every storm. But what she did regret, what she wished with all her heart could have been different, was the price that care had demanded—a year apart from the love of her life.
Yet, here they were. This wasn’t a dream or a distant hope. This was real. Aioon could hardly believe it, even now, as she sat beside May, their hands gently clasped. Did she deserve this love, after all the hurt she had caused, the pain she had inflicted by leaving?
Right now, she wasn’t sure she did. The weight of her choices lingered heavily in her heart, making her doubt her worthiness of the happiness she had found. But as May’s fingers entwined with hers, a quiet strength passed between them, a silent promise. Ai knew one thing for certain—she would spend every day becoming the person May deserved.
###
Ai had been spending more and more time at May’s house, almost as if it had become her second home. Or maybe her first, if she was being honest with herself. Their days had started to blend together in the best way, with mornings spent chatting over coffee and evenings winding down on the couch. It was as if life had settled into a gentle rhythm, and neither of them seemed in a hurry to change that. Unlike before, this time there were no secrets, no pretense. Ai didn’t have to be anyone but herself, and that truth made all the difference.
May’s place was starting to feel more like their place. The house, once immaculate and perfectly arranged, now had traces of Ai in every corner. Her favorite notebook, filled with scribbles and half-formed ideas, lay open on the dining table, abandoned after a morning of writing. A soft sweater she had borrowed from May, now claimed as her own, was often draped over the back of the couch, ready for the next chilly evening.
In the entryway, Ai’s motorcycle helmet sat next to May’s neatly lined-up shoes, a quiet testament to their different routines blending into one. The kitchen counter held an eclectic mix of things: May’s perfectly stacked cookbooks next to Ai’s half-empty tea mugs, and a basket of fruit May always kept full, knowing Ai would grab an apple on her way out the door.
Ai let her gaze wander through the room, feeling the quiet warmth of familiarity in every corner. The small, unspoken signs of her presence had made May’s house feel different—less like just a house and more like a home. It was a place now filled with memories, where every inch seemed to echo with the comfort of being seen, accepted, and, most importantly, loved. It was where she felt at peace, where she truly belonged—because wherever May was, that was home.
###
One chilly winter afternoon, Ai sat in a cozy café, her laptop open in front of her, but her mind was far away. Thoughts of May kept slipping into her head, wondering how her day was going. Without thinking, she picked up her phone and quickly typed out a message: How’s your day going, my love?
The reply came almost instantly. Not great. I canceled a meeting. Feeling under the weather. I’m home.
Ai frowned, a knot of concern forming in her chest. She glanced at her laptop, but without a second thought, she shut it and grabbed her things. The book could wait—May needed her. Stepping out into the cold, Ai barely noticed the chill on her skin as her mind was focused on one thing: getting to her girlfriend.
The wind whipped through her jacket during the ride on her motorcycle, but she didn’t mind. She cursed herself for not dressing warmer, but the only thing that mattered was making sure May was alright.
When she arrived home, Ai parked her bike and quickly made her way to the door, her steps quick and determined. She knocked softly before letting herself in, her fingers already numb from the cold. The warmth of the house enveloped her as soon as she stepped inside, the contrast making her shiver.
“Babe?” Ai called softly, slipping off her boots and jacket, trying to shake off the cold. She found May curled up on the couch, a blanket wrapped around her. Her skin was pale, and her cheeks were flushed with fever.
May’s gaze flickered to Ai immediately, concern sweeping over her face as she saw how chilled Ai looked. “You’re freezing,” she murmured, her voice scratchy but still full of warmth. “Why didn’t you take a car? You’re going to get sick riding that bike in this weather.”
Ai sighed, walking over to sit beside her, her heart aching at the concern in May’s voice. She gently cupped May’s cheek, brushing her thumb over her flushed skin. She then glanced around the room, as if looking for something to do. Her gaze settled on the small table nearby, and she stood again, heading toward it. She grabbed a towel, wetting it with cold water, before gently pressing it to May’s forehead.
“I don’t have a car,” Ai said softly, her thumb brushing May’s temple as she adjusted the towel. The coolness seemed to help a little, but Ai could still feel the heat radiating from May’s fevered skin.
May’s brow furrowed, her expression turning more serious. “There are plenty of cars in the garage. You know that. What’s mine is yours.”
Ai smiled faintly, her heart warming at the offer. Despite the chill from her ride, there was a warmth blooming in her chest. She kept her tone light, teasing, "That sounds like something married people say."
May’s lips twitched upward despite her discomfort. “We’re practically married. You’ve got half your wardrobe here already.”
Ai’s chest fluttered at her words, the realization settling in like a soft glow. She reached over and tucked a lock of hair behind May’s ear, her eyes softening. "You must be delirious."
“Maybe,” May murmured, leaning into Ai’s touch. “But it doesn’t make it any less true.”
Ai’s heart skipped a beat, her pulse quickening. She leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to May’s forehead, feeling the feverish heat of her skin against the coolness of her own. "Let me make you some soup," Ai whispered, her voice soft and tender, her fingertips lingering on May's cheek. “You need to rest.”
May sighed, her eyes softening. “Thank you,” she whispered.
As Ai headed for the kitchen, she grabbed the towel once more and re-wet it, gently pressing it to May’s forehead again. Her eyes softened with concern as she watched May close her eyes in relief. Ai’s heart tightened. She wanted to make sure May felt as comfortable as possible.
“I’ll be quick, I promise,” Ai whispered, barely above a murmur as she took one last look at May.
As Ai chopped vegetables and stirred the soup, the thought of May's teasing about being practically married made her grin. She could picture it so clearly—coming home to May, their lives filled with little moments of joy and chaos. Honestly, she wanted it all with May. She wanted the family, two dogs, maybe even three kids, if they could handle the madness. Not that she planned it all out or anything… well, maybe she did. But who could blame her? The thought of a shared future with May made her heart twirl, like leaves caught in a playful autumn breeze.
The soup bubbled softly on the stove as Ai stirred it, lost in her thoughts. After a moment, she walked back into the living room, the smell of the warm soup filling the air. May was still lying on the couch, eyes closed, but her expression had softened. She looked so peaceful, despite the fever, and Ai couldn’t help but smile at the sight.
“I’ll be honest,” Ai said gently, sitting beside her and placing the bowl of soup on the table. “I don’t think I’ve ever made soup this well. But you’re lucky—I’m a quick learner.”
May opened her eyes slowly, the soft smile she gave Ai melting Ai’s heart. “I’m sure it’s perfect,” she whispered, her voice still faint from the fever. “You always take such good care of me.”
Ai's heart swelled at the words, but she tried to keep her tone light. “It’s what I’m here for,” she said softly, brushing a hand over May’s hair. “Now, eat this, and let me spoil you a bit.”
May chuckled weakly, her eyes closing again. "I think you already do that every day, in your own way."
Ai smiled, her heart full. She leaned in and kissed the top of May’s head, then grabbed the spoon and scooped up a small portion of the soup. “Come on. Just a little sip for now. Then you can rest.”
May gave a soft laugh. “I’m not a child.”
“No,” Ai replied, teasing gently, “but you are my favorite person in the world, and I’m going to treat you like the precious thing you are.”
May’s smile deepened, her eyes fluttering shut again as she relaxed into Ai’s care.
She stayed there for a while, feeding May spoonfuls of soup, the quiet hum of their peaceful world filling the room. It wasn’t the grand gestures or the big declarations that mattered most to Ai. It was these small moments—moments when they could just be together, when they could be vulnerable with each other, and take care of each other. That was the kind of love Ai had always wanted, and now she had it.
When the soup was finished, Ai set the empty bowl aside and helped May sit up a little more comfortably, making sure she was tucked in under the blanket. “You can sleep now,” Ai murmured, brushing a strand of hair from May’s face. “I’ll be right here.”
May’s eyes softened as she gazed at Ai, a slight smile tugging at her lips. Without a word, she pulled Ai closer, her lips finding Ai’s in a kiss. Ai was momentarily taken aback by the heat of May’s body and the intensity of the kiss, but she quickly melted into it, her hands gently cupping May’s face.
As the kiss deepened, Ai felt her own heartbeat quicken. The tenderness of the moment, the way May’s lips moved against hers, made Ai want to let the kiss go further. But then she pulled back, her forehead resting against May’s as she took a steadying breath.
“May,” Ai whispered, her voice soft but firm. “You’re sick. You need to rest.”
May groaned softly, clearly a little frustrated, but there was a glint of playfulness in her eyes. “What if I’m burning for you?” she teased, her voice hoarse from the fever.
Ai raised an eyebrow at May’s mischievous grin. “Burning for me, huh?” she teased, smirking. “I think the fever’s getting to your head.”
May pouted dramatically, her voice barely a whisper. “I’m serious, Ai. I’m literally on fire here…” She coughed lightly, still holding onto Ai’s hand as though it was her lifeline.
Ai tried to stifle a laugh, shaking her head. “You’re supposed to rest, not go all dramatic on me,” she said, but her eyes softened as she leaned in, pressing a quick kiss to May’s forehead. “There. All better.”
May blinked, her lips forming a small pout. “That’s it? One kiss?”
Ai smiled playfully. “You’ll get more when you’re feeling better.”
May huffed, but there was an undeniable twinkle in her eyes. “Fine. But you owe me a real kiss later.”
Ai’s laugh was light, her hand gently brushing through May’s hair. “We’ll see about that, Miss ‘burning for you.’ Now, close those eyes. You’re getting a full night of sleep whether you like it or not.”
May rolled her eyes dramatically, sinking deeper into the blankets. “You’re no fun.”
Ai smirked. “I’m just trying to save your energy for when you’re not a walking fever dream.”
May stuck out her tongue playfully. “You’re lucky you’re cute.”
Ai winked. “I know.”
The quiet, contented moment settled around them again, Ai’s gaze softening as May finally gave in to the warmth of sleep, a satisfied little smile still lingering on her lips.
###
Ai sat next to Oom on their grandma’s old couch, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of a cushion. The afternoon light filtered through the lace curtains, casting a soft, golden hue over the room. Ai took a deep breath, glancing at Oom, who was sipping her tea, seemingly lost in thought.
“So, how’s your heart doing these days?” Ai asked, her voice casual but laced with genuine curiosity.
Oom set down her teacup and smirked. “Why? Worried I might still be pining over May?”
Ai winced slightly. “I didn’t mean it like that. I just... I know things were complicated. And now that I’m, well, with her...”
Oom waved a hand, cutting Ai off gently. “Relax, Ai. I’m over it. My heart’s taken by someone else now.”
Ai’s eyes widened in surprise. “Really? Who?”
“Her name’s Phim. She’s a police officer.”
“Wait,” Ai leaned forward, intrigued. “Phim, as in Jan’s and Pang’s ex?”
Oom chuckled. “The very same. We’ve been seeing each other for a while now. She is amazing and I really like her.”
“That’s... unexpected,” Ai said, a smile creeping onto her face. “But I’m happy for you. You deserve someone amazing.”
Oom shrugged, but her expression was soft. “Thanks. And speaking of amazing... how are things with May?”
Ai’s fingers resumed their fidgeting, the corners of her mouth twitching upward at Oom’s question. Her mind flickered through moments of quiet mornings, the way May’s laugh could fill the whole room, lighting up even the darkest corners of her mind. She thought about how, when everything seemed to go wrong, May’s presence alone could calm the storm inside her, grounding her in a way no one else ever could. And there was the way May looked at her, as if she were the number one girl in the world… “Things with May are... good. Really good.”
Oom arched an eyebrow. “Good? Just good?”
“Okay, more than good. It’s amazing. She’s amazing. We’ve been so in sync lately… I think she is my soulmate.”
The word hung in the air, weighty but true. Ai hadn’t planned to say it, but it felt right. She glanced at Oom, half-expecting a tease, but instead, she saw understanding in her sister’s eyes.
Oom’s eyebrow lifted again, her expression softening. “Soulmate, huh? That’s a big word, Ai. But looking at you now, I believe it.”
Ai smiled, a gentle warmth spreading across her face. “It just feels right, you know? Like we fit together in ways I didn’t even know were possible.”
Oom leaned in, her tone sincere. “I can see it. I’ve never seen you like this before. You’re glowing, Ai, and May is a whole new person.”
“What do you mean?” Ai’s curiosity piqued.
“With me, May could be a bit... distant, sometimes cold. But with you, she’s warm, open. She’s in love, Ai. I’ve never seen her like this,” Oom said, her voice softening. “You’ve changed her for the better. May’s now her best version, not her old, indifferent self. And that’s because of your love.”
Ai’s breath hitched, her heart pounding at Oom’s words. She had always known how deeply May loved her, but hearing it like this made it all the more real.
Oom continued, her eyes kind. “If you love someone enough to become your better version for them... that’s something special. That’s love, Ai. Look at you—you became a writer. You never thought you could, but now you’re out there, sharing your words with the world.”
Ai’s chest swelled with a quiet pride. “I guess I did,” she murmured, a smile tugging at her lips. “I never imagined I’d write something like that, but May... she always believed in me. Even when I didn’t think I was good enough, she pushed me to keep going.”
Oom had a gentle smile. “May’s love made you believe in your dreams. And now look at you—making those dreams real.”
"There's one more dream I want to see come true," she said, her voice quieter, more introspective. "We’ve joked about being ‘practically married’—but I don't think May deserves that. She deserves it all. The real thing. Not just some half-measure."
She leaned back slightly, her eyes full of emotion. "I want to give her everything. Not just the 'practically' part. She deserves the whole deal. I want to marry her, Oom."
There was no surprise in her sister’s eyes. “Well, it’s about time you figured that out. I’m guessing you’re not just looking for permission, though, right?”
Ai chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of her neck. “I’m not looking for permission, but I’m definitely looking for some support. You think I’m crazy?”
“No,” Oom replied with a soft smile, “you’re just in love. And I’ve never seen you this sure about anything before.”
“I think it’s time,” Ai said softly, more to herself than to Oom.
“You know what to do.”
This was it. It was time to take the step she had been dreaming of. And soon, she would make sure the person she loved knew it.