I will always love you

He reached for her and she cringed. A reflex that she just couldn't control. A hot blush spread across her face when she realized what she'd done and she started to tremble. He'd think she was a freak now. He'd hate her now.

She felt a rush of air and suddenly she felt his arms around her, his long fingers cupping the back of her head and threading through her hair. His other hand settled in the small of her back then between her shoulder blades, caressing gentle circles on the exposed skin that her shirt left bare. Belatedly, she realized he was holding her. He didn't hate her.

She drew a breath and her hands crept up to his shoulders, his neck, the scent of him, warm and lightly musky pervaded her senses. He didn't hate her. He whispered something against her neck that she couldn't catch. She tried to ask him what he said but the words wouldn't come. She wet her lips and tried again.

"What did you say?"

"I said, 'I love you.'. I will always love you."

~Rei Shiori