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The New Fabricated Piece Of Israeli Atrocity Propaganda, That Hamas Baked A Baby In An Oven, Is Lifted

The new fabricated piece of Israeli atrocity propaganda, that Hamas baked a baby in an oven, is lifted directly from Palestinian survivor testimonies about what Zionist militants did during the Deir Yassin massacre of 1948.

[Warning, explicit descriptions of torture and violence.]

โ€œI saw the Zionist terrorist soldiers ordering the bakery man of the village to throw his son in the oven and burn him alive. The son is holding the clothes of his father tightly and crying from fear and pleading to his father not to do it. The father refuses and then the soldiers hit him in his gut so hard it caused him to fall on the floor. Other soldiers held his son, Abdel Rauf, and threw him in the oven and told his father to toast him well-done meat. Other soldiers took the baker himself , Hussain al-Shareef, and threw him, too, in the oven, telling him, โ€œfollow your son, he needs you thereโ€. - Testimonial from Othman Akel, recorded in Palestine Rising: How I survived the 1948 Deir Yasin Massacre (2010).

Like the saying goes, "every Zionist accusation is a confession."

It almost makes me wonder if it's part of a deliberate tactic to obfuscate search engine results. Because if you now search for something like say, 'Israeli solider put child in oven,' all the top results will be about Hamas, not Deir Yassin.

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More Posts from Txtxlz

1 year ago

๐’๐“๐‘๐ˆ๐‚๐“๐‹๐˜ ๐๐”๐’๐ˆ๐๐„๐’๐’ โ€“ ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ”

๐‚๐‡๐€๐๐“๐„๐‘ ๐’๐ˆ๐—๐“๐„๐„๐: (๐๐Ž๐“ ๐‹๐ˆ๐“๐„๐‘๐€๐‹๐‹๐˜)

โ†ฌ ๐ฉ๐š๐ข๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐ : ๐๐š๐ซ๐ค ๐‰๐จ๐ง๐ ๐ฌ๐ž๐จ๐ง๐  ๐ฑ ๐…๐ž๐ฆ๐š๐ฅ๐ž ๐‘๐ž๐š๐๐ž๐ซ

โ†ฌ ๐ ๐ž๐ง๐ซ๐ž: ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐š๐ง๐ ๐ž๐ซ๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ฅ๐จ๐ฏ๐ž๐ซ๐ฌ!๐€๐”, ๐‚๐„๐Ž!๐‰๐š๐ฒ, ๐ฌ๐ž๐œ๐ซ๐ž๐ญ๐š๐ซ๐ฒ!๐ซ๐ž๐š๐๐ž๐ซ

โ†ฌ ๐ฌ๐ฒ๐ง๐จ๐ฉ๐ฌ๐ข๐ฌ: ๐“๐ฐ๐จ ๐ฉ๐ž๐จ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐ž, ๐ญ๐ฐ๐จ ๐๐ข๐Ÿ๐Ÿ๐ž๐ซ๐ž๐ง๐ญ ๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ข๐ž๐ฌ, ๐ญ๐ฐ๐จ ๐๐ข๐Ÿ๐Ÿ๐ž๐ซ๐ž๐ง๐ญ ๐ก๐ž๐š๐ซ๐ญ๐ฌ, ๐จ๐ง๐ž ๐œ๐š๐ฉ๐ข๐ญ๐š๐ฅ ๐œ๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ. ๐€ ๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ฒ ๐ข๐ง ๐ฐ๐ก๐ข๐œ๐ก ๐š ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐  ๐ฌ๐ž๐œ๐ซ๐ž๐ญ๐š๐ซ๐ฒ ๐Ÿ๐ซ๐จ๐ฆ ๐š ๐ฌ๐ฆ๐š๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐ญ๐จ๐ฐ๐ง ๐ฆ๐š๐ง๐š๐ ๐ž๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ ๐›๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐  ๐š ๐ง๐ž๐ฐ ๐›๐ซ๐ž๐š๐ญ๐ก ๐จ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ๐ซ๐ž๐ฌ๐ก ๐š๐ข๐ซ ๐ข๐ง๐ญ๐จ ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐ฅ๐ข๐Ÿ๐ž ๐จ๐Ÿ ๐’๐ž๐จ๐ฎ๐ฅ'๐ฌ ๐ฆ๐จ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐Ÿ๐š๐ฆ๐จ๐ฎ๐ฌ ๐š๐ง๐ ๐ฎ๐ง๐ญ๐จ๐ฎ๐œ๐ก๐š๐›๐ฅ๐ž ๐‚๐„๐Ž.

โ† ๐ฉ๐ซ๐ž๐ฏ๐ข๐จ๐ฎ๐ฌ โ€” ๐ฆ๐š๐ฌ๐ญ๐ž๐ซ๐ฅ๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ โ€” ๐ง๐ž๐ฑ๐ญ โ†’

(A/N: i know the chapter ended super abruptly but i was getting SO sleepy so i'll leave the rest (the group discussion) to tomorrow! thank you sm for all the participation, love and feedback babies, i appreciate you all so much ๐Ÿฅบ๐Ÿค sending everyone love and kisses rn!๐Ÿงธ)

TAGLIST CLOSED: @soonigiri @xrr-s4sha @kwiwin @heelcvr @deobitifull @kpoprhia @doodlelibrary @abrazosolorcereza @certifiedmoa @sleeping-demons @heerinnie @ohmy-moonlightx @heeswif3y @hoonieluv @fakeuwus @jjaeyuns @cheybabey @ineedsomezzz @super-amberlynn @kshoshi @tinie03 @soiimo @mimikittysblog @primroselover @heebrry @jebetwo @donghyckl @07myonlylove @enhamysunshines @quemirasboboandapaya @lostwonderwall @seuomo @enhaz1 @teawithbucky @beomgyusonlywife @dammit-jjk @lhsvibez @azurez @boutyouwonu @finchyyy @ocyeanicc @jaylaxies @glitterssim @in-somnias-world @zerasari @spookyauthorspopmusictrash @capri-cuntz @fluerz @3amstarlight

1 year ago

first to know you, first to love you โžต eric sohn

First To Know You, First To Love You Eric Sohn

all you should care about is graduating with flying colors, so why are you starting to care about your seatmate?

requested by @mosviqu @sohnric for the song "valentine" by laufey

general genre/warnings โžต strangers to friends to lovers, fluff, slice of life, afab reader (they/them pronouns), reader is a psychology student who has so much aspirations (and also believes love and studies cannot be balanced), eric is your seatmate-turned-friend-turned-lover, library dates reading dates study dates you name it!, eric is the most supportive guy out here, he annotates a book for you..., references to books and poetry, he buys you stuff, and he reads a book for you!!, slight hurt/comfort, kissing, also unedited IM SORRY!!!

word count โžต 10k words

taglistย โžตย @deoboyznetย @kflixnetย @blankjournal @winterchimez @miusgirl @jenoscafe @sweet-unicorn-world @mosviqu @vernyangel

a/nย โžต okay i am WITHIN the word limit!! but i know i went over the limit of scenarios (this may be the last time this happens... i don't know yet... help?) but i hope you enjoy this bar!! i am not too happy about my writing style for this one :') and i know reader may not be very "black cat" as i know you but i hope you'll still enjoy it to the fullest </3 also i made sure to not mention anything related to height LMFAO for the other readers: if you enjoyed this, always make sure toย reblogย (even if itโ€™s on your tbr)!

want to be part of my taglist? send me an ask! want to request? check out my guidelines! masterlist

First To Know You, First To Love You Eric Sohn

The years spent in university may be defined differently by everyone. Some may live out these years to enjoy the supposed independence they craved in high school. Others may spend those years exploring their interests and hobbies as they figure out what their future may have in store for them.

You, however, were a different caseโ€”head in scientific journals and coursework with a plan to graduate summa cum laude. As you study in a quota course, youโ€™re determined to come out of university with flying colors. In a sea of students who are of similar (or even better) skill sets as you, the desire to be recognized as one of the top students is what you long for.

And for you, that means you were set on not entertaining ideas that may divide your attention from your studiesโ€”you were not going to allow yourself to fall in love in your years of university.

That is until a certain boy who goes by Eric Sohn came into your life.

CHAPTER ONE: LOVE LABORS LOST

The season of summer still lingers in the air; birds chipper as they sit on the tree branches; the sun glows yellow in the sea of blue; people point their fans at themselves as they are forced to bask in the heat.

But the new academic year has commenced, and you are determined to ace your classes once more. Youโ€™ve read the syllabi of all the classes you were going to take, even ones for your general subjects. Many people believe that general subjects are a waste of their time. You, however, thought differently, especially since one of the subjects youโ€™re taking this semester is English Literature.

Coming from a STEM-oriented course, you may not seem like the type to enjoy literature. But the reality is that you love to learn about poets and writersโ€”ones who seemed to craft worlds and dynamics that you could never translate into words. This misconception of those who enjoy science being unable to appreciate written bodies of art is one you face. But at least this course is a general subject, leaving you on equal footing with individuals from different courses.

You sit by the window as you wait for your professor to finish setting up his laptop. Itโ€™s syllabus week, so there wasnโ€™t much to be worried about. Once he clears his throat, he shows the class a smile.

โ€œGood morning, class. Iโ€™m Mr. Hwang Taejoon, and I am your professor for Introduction to English Literature.โ€ He takes a moment to look down at his clipboard which you can only assume holds a list of his studentsโ€™ names. โ€œIf this isnโ€™t your class, you may take this opportunity to leave.โ€ Some students get off their seats and make their way outside the classroom.

As soon as they left, your professor smiled before clapping his hands. โ€œIโ€™m excited to go through this semester with you. I know this is only an introductory course for you, so I will make sure to guide you all throughout. Now, willโ€“โ€

The door of the classroom slams open. Your eyes snap to where the sound comes from, showing a boy whose black hair is all tousled up as he pants. Heโ€™s all dressed up in a varsity jacket over his hoodie and a pair of sweatpants. You notice how his hand quickly reaches out to his head, fixing his hair.ย 

The boy then immediately bows down to the class (mostly to your professor) as he says, โ€œSorry about being late!โ€ Your eyes drift back to Mr. Hwang whose face now holds a frown in contrast to the smile he once showed to you. โ€œI promise, I wonโ€™t be late for any other session!โ€

Mr. Hwang grumbles before he takes another look back down to his clipboard. โ€œGo take a seat.โ€

The boy stands up straight before flashing your professor an apologetic smile. He quickly makes his way to find a seat. Despite the vacant seats that are located throughout the class, his eyes quickly skimmed through them. That is until his eyes land on you. You notice how his eyes flicker to the empty seat beside you. And the next thing you know, you find him situated to your right.

You try to keep your eyes on your laptop, looking at the text on the syllabus. You didnโ€™t want to stare at himโ€”the boy who took the vacant seat beside you out of all the ones situated around the classroom.

The noise he creates as he brings out his laptop is not loud enough to interrupt the discussion but can drown out your professorโ€™s words. But as soon as he settles down, you notice that he sets his hand down on the space between the two laptops. You cannot help but let your eyes flicker to it, and you notice his wrist is littered with beaded bracelets.

โ€œNow, Iโ€™ll be discussing the outputs you are expected to deliver within the semester.โ€ Your eyes snap up to where your professor is, standing right behind the table as he looks through his laptop.

You were ready to focus for todayโ€™s session until you felt someone tap your shoulder. As you look to your side, you are met with a boy who shows you a smileโ€”one that is enough to almost have you smiling back, just almost.

โ€œHi, can I ask if there was anything I missed?โ€ Itโ€™s a simple question, but you find yourself unable to formulate an answer. His voice is enough to send you into a lullaby; he could have his own podcast and youโ€™d listen only to hear him speak nonstop, whether it would be of logical discussions or nonsensical chatter.

Without any idea of how to voice your thoughts, you only shake your head. He nods and shoots you a wink before looking back to the professor.

You shouldโ€™ve been thrown off by his sudden action. If anything, you have every right to roll your eyes at him. But you do nothing of the sort, only looking back at your professor who demands your attention while your mind remains preoccupied with the boy beside you.

This could be due to all the years focused on your studies. You could care less about all the people who tried to earn your affection, from your classmates in your majors to even those part of the same club as you. But the boy emits an aura that has you only thinking of him. How can you ace this class if youโ€™re turning putty at the first meeting? You need to get a better grip on yourself.

โ€œNow, I want you to answer these,โ€ Mr. Hwang says as he flashes a question on the screen: What role does literature play in your life? โ€œAnd talk about it with your seatmates. Now would be a good time to get to know your classmates with the upcoming paired assessment around the corner.โ€

As you read out the words on the screen, you are not given enough time to think as the boy beside you clears his throat. You look back at him, met with the same smile he flashed at you then. Does he do this with every person he first meets?

โ€œI think I should introduce myself. Iโ€™m Eric Sohn, majoring in Hotel Culinary Arts,โ€ he says with his hand out toward you. You take a glance at his hand before letting yourself hold it, shaking it firmly.

โ€œIโ€™m Y/N, majoring in Psychology.โ€

You notice the way his eyes widen as you mention your course. โ€œDo you perhaps know someone named Kevin Moon?โ€

The mention of your friendโ€™s name has you smiling. โ€œYeah, I do. Weโ€™ve worked together since weโ€™re part of our home org. How do you know him?โ€ Your hand drifts away from his, crossing your arms as you listen intently to what he has to say.

โ€œMutual friends,โ€ he reveals as he lets one of his arms rest on the back of your chair. With one hand tucked under his chin, he rests his arm on the table. He takes a glance at the screen shown in the front to refresh his memory on the question. โ€œWould you like to go first? Or do you want me to start?โ€

You nod your head, signaling for him to start. He takes a deep breath as he looks up to the ceiling, gathering his thoughts. โ€œWell, Iโ€™ve read a few books then and there, but I think it was only when I entered uni that I started really reading more books if that makes sense.โ€

As his eyes meet yours, you nod as a way to show you understand him. โ€œYeah, I hate to admit this at first meeting but Iโ€™m a very romantic person.โ€ You cannot help but raise your eyebrows at his words, earning a chuckle from him.

โ€œI swear, I am! Thatโ€™s why I started reading because my sister got me hooked on some romance books, so Iโ€™d like to think that literature helps me imagine scenarios I would love to see play out.โ€ You notice the way he starts to scratch the back of his neck. โ€œIt doesnโ€™t have to be me as the protagonist, but Iโ€™d like it,โ€ he shyly admits, making you smile unconsciously.

God, you were not the type to just smile at some random boy. So why did Eric seem to have this effect on you?

Your thoughts snap you back into reality; the smile is now replaced by your calm demeanor. โ€œI guess I can start.โ€ As you see him signal for you to continue, you bite the inside of your cheek as you let your eyes drift to the screen.

โ€œWell, Iโ€™ve been reading my whole life, actually,โ€ you look back at Eric who seems to show genuine interest in what you have to say. Oddly enough, you feel as if you can tell him more than just the typical story you tell people.

โ€œI know people donโ€™t expect me to be this type because I major in Psychology, and I have this tendency to read a lot of scientific journals and textbooks for my classes but thatโ€™s because I enjoy learning about the human condition.โ€ You let your eyes drift off to nowhere as you reveal a part of you to a stranger. Maybe itโ€™s because heโ€™s a stranger that makes it easier for you to admit details you wouldnโ€™t normally admit to someone whom youโ€™ve met under a different circumstance.

โ€œBut Iโ€™ve always had an affinity for reading. Books can be a form of escapism through fictional stories, but they can also be a way to encapsulate memories of someone,โ€ you continue with a small sigh. โ€œI have been quite behind with my reading schedule though, so Iโ€™m hoping this class may propel me back to getting back to reading.โ€

He hums as he nods before saying, โ€œNo, I get it. I like that answer.โ€ You look back at the boy who only smiles at you. โ€œItโ€™s nice to know that you still want to go back to reading despite how much your other classes demand it. I know many people whoโ€™ve lost that love and donโ€™t see themselves going back to it, you know?โ€ You nod at his words.

You were no stranger to the love-hate relationship when it comes to reading. If anything, that is how youโ€™d describe your relationship when it comes to the hobby. But you were hoping that the upcoming years would treat you right and that your love for said hobby may not dissipate.ย 

โ€œYeah, I would hate to lose that form of escapism from my studies.โ€

He nods with a small chuckle following. โ€œI get it, I would hate to lose it, too.โ€

With no idea how to respond, you expect silence to follow. But Eric quickly fills it as he asks you a question. โ€œDo you know anyone in this class?โ€ As you shake your head, he lets out a sigh of relief. โ€œOkay, same.โ€

You cannot help but giggle. โ€œI mean, if I knew someone, then I would be sitting with them,โ€ you point out.

You want to ask him why he chose to take a seat beside you, but he beats you to it by asking you another question. โ€œDo you have a class before this?โ€

โ€œUh, no,โ€ you say as you quickly take a glance at your laptop, moving the windows away to show your schedule. Since the semester just started, you didnโ€™t memorize your schedule. โ€œItโ€™s my first class of the day, but my next class is around 3.โ€ You look back at the boy who cannot hide the way he reels at your schedule.

โ€œYou have such a long break. But me too,โ€ he says as he pulls out his phone. As he shows you his schedule, you notice how big of a gap he has for today, where his next class is happening around 6 p.m. โ€œBut at least the other days are back-to-back. I just didnโ€™t get lucky with my Mondays and Thursdays. I tried to change it but all the professors denied my request.โ€

You cannot help but sigh at the sight of his schedule as you remember yours. โ€œSame. Well, I guess weโ€™re stuck with our shitty schedules.โ€

Then, he asks, โ€œDo you want to exchange schedules and numbers, perhaps?โ€ Your eyebrows shoot up at his question. โ€œI mean, I just donโ€™t know anyone here, so Iโ€™d love to at least have a familiar face I can go to, especially for this class.โ€

You know youโ€™re about to enter dangerous territories. With the numerous books youโ€™ve read, you were sure this is what books typically started their stories withโ€”a meeting between the two protagonists whose relationship will only have room to blossom.

And you should have kept him at arm's length. You didnโ€™t want to risk getting friendly with someone like Eric because even at the first meeting, you couldnโ€™t help but feel yourself drawn to him. But heโ€™s nothing but kind and there should be no problem with allotting him space to take up in your life. All you need to do is stick to your planโ€”no idea of pursuing romance shall be entertained until you graduate. You can only hope that your interest in him is just a happy crush, one that will never flourish further.ย 

So you find yourself nodding to his request to which he grins. But before he can say anything, the light comes through the window. He squints as it hits his face, raising his hand to shield his eyes.

โ€œHere, you can put your number and social media then Iโ€™ll send you my schedule.โ€ The boyish grin on his face alongside the sunlight that makes him glow is a sight the universe has gifted to you.

Youโ€™ve read all about protagonists being bewitched by the presence of another, but works of literature have not prepared you to experience the same. For once, you wish you could find the right words to describe the sight but all you can think of is what a pleasure it is to be seeing this at the start of your dayโ€”you can only hope that your happy crush remains that way.

CHAPTER TWO: LITTLE WOMEN

The later hours of the day dawned upon you. The fluorescent overhead lights are dim as only the lamps situated at every table shine bright; you enjoy them for they never make the library bleak. The wooden interior found in every corner of this library reminds you of your own back in your childhood home. But the main act of the show is the books; the wide selection they offer has you always here at every possible hour, whether it may be to study or to possibly read for leisure.

You usually find yourself alone on most occasions spent here. If you found yourself working on a group project, you would usually opt to have such meetings at the study hall situated a few buildings away. It made sense to have those in a place where you could freely talk versus a library where it would be limited to occasional chatter or whispers. Today, however, is an exception, for you now sit across from your partner for your first paired work for Mr. Hwangโ€™s class.

โ€œI donโ€™t usually spend my time here, but itโ€™s nice,โ€ Eric voices out as he looks around, taking in the sight of his surroundings. There were barely any students in the library around these hours. Usually, it would be you and some familiar faces you recognized because of the numerous instances you stayed here.

Youโ€™re not sure why you didnโ€™t push for the study hall, but Ericโ€™s explanation for choosing this place made sense. If you were going to study literature, why not do it in a place that is filled to the brim with it? Itโ€™s convenient if you need to quickly pull out a book because youโ€™re already there. But the reality is that you liked this space as your ownโ€”somewhat like a part of the university that you believe to reflect the intimate parts of you.

You hum while you look down at your iPad where your notes are all scribbled down. โ€œIโ€™m always here. I spend most of my time studying or reading here.โ€ You look up to Eric whose gaze is trained on you. Oddly enough, it feels like his eyes sparkle despite how dim the environment may be.

With that, you break eye contact with him as you look over a few tables away where you notice students who you knew only by their faces. โ€œYeah, like I know some of the people there just because we always seem to stay in the library until the closing hours.โ€

He hums before asking, โ€œDo you know their names?โ€ You shake your head before looking back at him.

โ€œI only know the names of the librarians and staff. Iโ€™ve never been bothered to know the names of the other students, but we still say hi whenever we pass by each other.โ€

He can only nod at your words. โ€œSorry about interrupting the discussion, we can go back to it.โ€

โ€œItโ€™s fine.โ€ You cannot help but smile as you shake your head. โ€œIt was a break we needed to take.โ€

He shoots you that boyish grinโ€”one youโ€™ve grown fond of after seeing him every week for classโ€”before he continues, โ€œSo, we were talking about the confession scene of Laurie.โ€

โ€œAh, that one,โ€ you cut him off as you lean back in your chair.

He chuckles for a moment. โ€œSo, what are your thoughts on the scene?โ€

You let out a sigh before saying, โ€œWell, I am 100% on Joโ€™s side. I mean, she has every right to decline a manโ€™s confession, especially if she has all these aspirations she wants to achieve.โ€ You bite on the inside of your cheek as you recall the passages in your head. โ€œAnd the audacity for Laurie to be, I guess, โ€œjealousโ€ of Professor Bhaer is unreasonable. I mean, itโ€™s clear she doesnโ€™t have room for anything romantic in her life, and I think that should be respected.โ€

โ€œBut,โ€ Eric quickly scrolls through his notes found on his laptop. โ€œDonโ€™t we learn later on that Jo ends up longing for love in the end? Doesnโ€™t she end up wanting bothโ€”a chance to pursue her dreams while also longing to be in love?โ€

You cannot help but chuckle at his counterargument. โ€œYes, but I think that this book was written poorly. I mean, we learned in the earlier chapters that Jo did not want to marry, and didnโ€™t we also learn that Alcott only wrote Jo and Bhaer marrying each other because her publishers forced her?โ€

Eric hums for a moment. โ€œI mean, we do learn that. But I think another way to look at it is that Jo was not ready to let someone take up such an important space at that period of her life. And I think itโ€™s perfectly fine for her to realize later on that what she thought then is not what she wants after all.โ€ With pursed lips, he lets his gaze flicker away from the laptop and back to you. โ€œI know we put relevance to the context of the author, but I think itโ€™s fine to derive our own interpretations of the text despite what the author intended, you know? Thatโ€™s at least what I learned in my Art Appreciation class.โ€

Your partner for this assignment brought up valid points. Itโ€™s not like he was telling you to agree entirely with his interpretation of the later sequence of Little Women. Instead, he was engaging in discourse with you, sharing what he thought of the scene to provide a different perspective.

โ€œI just,โ€ you bite the inside of your cheek. โ€œI just think Joโ€™s character was so revolutionary in the field of classics. Iโ€™ve read so much about women being viewed as individuals who are only meant to marry, but authors never put importance into their aspirations. I think thatโ€™s why I loved Joโ€™s character.โ€ When you notice that Eric keeps his gaze on you without any sign that heโ€™ll interrupt, you decide to continue. โ€œShe clearly had her priorities and wasnโ€™t willing to let the idea of romance get in the way.โ€

Ericโ€™s expression slowly starts to shift into confusion. Despite your words speaking on Joโ€™s character, it was starting to make sense to both of you that these sentiments came from a personal standpoint.

โ€œIs this you speaking from experience?โ€

For a moment, you think of lying to the boy who sits across from you. You didnโ€™t want to hear whatever comments he would make of your own choice to keep your love life as lackluster as possible. Yet, his eyes speak thousands of wordsโ€”all revolving around curiosity. And you realize that maybe Eric wonโ€™t judge you. After all, when has he ever shown you that he would criticize you?

You sigh as you let your eyes look down at your notes. โ€œIโ€™m not looking for a relationship, or love, in general. I donโ€™t think I have the time to even sustain one, and I care too much about my studies to even consider it.โ€ You look back at Eric whose doe eyes still seem to shine.

He nods, letting silence take over. Your answer hangs in the air, almost as if you two needed it to marinate further. That is until Eric decides to break the silence.

โ€œDo you ever get jealous of what you read?โ€ You cannot help but tilt your head at his question. He shakes his head, trying to gather the right words to say. โ€œI mean, youโ€™ve read so many books, and Iโ€™m sure many of them have revolved around the theme of love and romance, especially the classics. Do you not want to experience that for yourself?โ€

Ericโ€™s question seemed to be rooted in genuine curiosity. And you cannot help but ponder over his words.

Itโ€™s true that you would find yourself longing to experience the wonders of love that writers seem to talk about. It would be untrue if you said you didnโ€™t give the idea a second thoughtโ€”what would it be like to allow yourself to enjoy romance all while you study for your degree? But then you remember that there wasnโ€™t anyone, really, to have you consider such. It was only an idea you would think about but never proceed withโ€”there was no one to take up that space in your life to begin with.

So you sigh, shaking your head as you look back down at your notes, and say, โ€œItโ€™s not like anyone has given me a reason to reconsider.โ€ You leave it at that, deciding not to indulge in the topic any further. And Eric only hums, looking back at his notes.

You take this opportunity to review your notes, recollecting every detail that is worth discussing with Eric for the upcoming presentation. Unbeknownst to you, however, your partner has his mind preoccupied with another matterโ€”what can he do to become the reason you consider?

CHAPTER THREE: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

The moon may be shining brightly tonight, but youโ€™ll never know. All huddled up in the library, the lamp on your table shines over your laptop and sprawled-out notes. You werenโ€™t sure how long youโ€™d been in this library. All you know is that you still have papers to accomplish and exams to study for.

But at least you were going through this in the comfort of your favorite spot in the university for they seemed to keep the library open all day during midterm season. And at least you had someone there to keep you company during this mess.

โ€œThis paper is impossible,โ€ Eric complains as he rubs his eyes from exhaustion. Youโ€™re sure itโ€™s past midnight. โ€œWhat did you write your paper on?โ€

You cannot help but yawn. โ€œUh, I wrote it on Still I Rise just because it answers the prompt pretty well.โ€ With droopy eyes, you look at your friend who now leans his head on his arm that is propped up on the table.

โ€œMan, thatโ€™s good.โ€ You cannot help but chuckle at his reaction. โ€œIโ€™m hesitant about using a poem just because Iโ€™m scared I wonโ€™t be able to share my thoughts well. Like, I know I talked about how we interpret the text as something that matters, but sometimes I cannot make sense of what these poets are saying.โ€ His tired expression shows how long heโ€™s been pondering on what to write.

With the paper due a few days from now, you were sure Eric was pressured to think of anything to write about. So you decide to lean back in your chair, brainstorming for anything to help him. Yet, you only draw a blank, clearly exhausted from all the studying and writing youโ€™ve been doing.

His cackle comes out of the blue. Your eyes snap to his face, seeing that his crinkled eyes are set on you. You donโ€™t miss how the students around your area shush him. Eric is suddenly aware of how loud he is as he cannot help but sink into his chair out of embarrassment.

โ€œSorry, the expression you had on your face made me laugh,โ€ he shyly admits.

You frown at him before saying, โ€œFine, youโ€™re on your own now.โ€ Your eyes dart back to your laptop.

โ€œOkay, wait!โ€ He quietly exclaims as he grabs onto your forearm. Your eyes drift to his hand that rests on your arm, slowly drifting away from exhaustion. Before you can comment, he retracts his hand. โ€œI would love your help.โ€

As your eyes settle on him, you notice the pout that rests on his lips. His doe eyes still manage to sparkle in the dimly lit room. The sight warms your heartโ€”you almost let your calm demeanor falter.

โ€œI wish I could help but for once, I canโ€™t think of anything.โ€ As you say those words, the cold air hits your skin. You cross your arms as a shiver runs down your spine.

Somehow, Eric is quick to catch on to your behavior. You watch how he pulls off his hoodie, hair ruffled from the action. And before you know it, he hands it to you.

โ€œHere,โ€ he says as he drops it right beside your laptop, covering your notes. Although you shake your head, he can only roll his eyes. โ€œYou clearly need it more than I do.โ€

With no sign that heโ€™ll back down, you cannot help but sigh. You grab onto the piece of clothing and slip it on you, getting a whiff of a fruity and spicy scent that clings onto it. With how big the hoodie is, it almost acts like a blanket. And when you look back at Eric, you notice the soft expression that takes over his faceโ€”a smile that is enough to warm your heart.

โ€œI think you should take a nap.โ€ His suggestion has you shaking your head. โ€œYouโ€™re clearly tired.โ€

You roll your eyes before going back to your laptop. โ€œI canโ€™t or else Iโ€™ll be behind on my tasks.โ€

โ€œOkay, but if you only take an hour to nap, Iโ€™m sure youโ€™ll feel well-rested enough to work better.โ€

Your friend made a valid point. At the rate you were going, you were barely absorbing anything. But you didnโ€™t want to slack off nor did you want to fall behind on your studies.

And as if he notices your worries, he says, โ€œIโ€™ll make sure to wake you up an hour from now.โ€

You cannot hold back the smile that appears on your face. Somehow, Eric knew all the right words to say in the short span of time he has gotten to know you. And before you know it, your arms settle on the table as you find your chin settling on them. Whether it would be from pure exhaustion or Ericโ€™s persuasion, you found yourself settling in a position good enough to allow yourself to nap.

The victory smile that takes over Ericโ€™s features is one you wish you could smack off his face for you know itโ€™s because you ended up listening to him, but itโ€™s also one you want to store in your memories. His grin is enough to have you smiling back, though you bury the bottom half of your face into the sleeves of his hoodie, getting another whiff of his perfume.

He then goes back to his laptop, scrolling away at what you can assume to be the instructions for the essay required by Mr. Hwang. As you watch him ponder, you cannot help but take in his features; from his strong jaw all the way to his eyes that manage to easily shift between a strong glare to a soft gaze. He is someone sculpted by the deitiesโ€”you werenโ€™t sure why the universe chose you to be graced by his presence.

In your time knowing him, you knew that he presented himself as a goofball to many. He became the life of the party, per se, for he managed to create a comfortable atmosphere for everyone.

And yet, you knew that itโ€™s only a mask he chooses to wear for the sake of others. In these moments, you learn that he is more than just a childish guy. Past all the layers, he is profoundโ€”you first learned that when he shared his interpretation of Joโ€™s character. You hope that he can find more moments where heโ€™ll expose that side to you.

You move your chin to rest on your arms. โ€œCan I ask whatโ€™s your favorite book?โ€ Your sudden question has his eyes snapping at you. โ€œI just realized that weโ€™ve known each other for half a semester because of an English Literature class, but I never bothered to ask about your favorite book.โ€

He cannot help but chuckle before saying, โ€œItโ€™s The Notebook.โ€ His answer has your face contorting into disappointment. โ€œHey, whatโ€™s wrong with that?โ€ The way he gets defensive has you erupting into a giggle.

โ€œItโ€™s just okay for me. I didnโ€™t enjoy it that much when I read it.โ€

He furrows his eyebrows not due to disapproval but genuine curiosity. โ€œOkay, so whatโ€™s your favorite book then?โ€

โ€œPride and Prejudice.โ€ The answer leaves your mouth quickly, almost like itโ€™s second nature to answer the question with that title.

He hums before admitting, โ€œIโ€™ve never read it.โ€

โ€œYeah, it shows.โ€ The remark leaves your mouth without letting a second thought come. You notice the way Ericโ€™s expression shifts into a scornful one, and you cannot help but giggle. โ€œI just think that you might reconsider what your favorite book is after reading Pride and Prejudice, you know?โ€ He only nods at your words.

You let out a sigh. โ€œI actually want to reread that book after midterms are done.โ€ Your blinks are slow, exhaustion taking over your body.

Eric is quick to notice how sleepy youโ€™re getting. โ€œGo to sleep. Iโ€™ll wake you up an hour from now.โ€ All you do is hum before snuggling the lower half of your face into the sleeves of his hoodie, eyes now closed.

A few minutes pass, and you hear a chair screech softly. You can only assume that Eric had to use the washroom. But when you heard the chair move once more only a few minutes later, you were sure that he only had to get something.

As you hear him clear his throat for a moment, you keep your eyes closed. You try your best to not show youโ€™re awake. And once more minutes have passed, you decide that the coast is clear.

Once you open one eye, you notice that Eric is leaning back in his chair with a book in his hand. He reads it intently, unaware of your gaze on him. You let your gaze drift to the cover of the book, and it takes everything in you to hold back a gasp. In his hands is a copy of Pride and Prejudice, the same one you found yourself revisiting just to read your favorite passages.

As you let your eyes close, a smile shows on your lips. Thankfully, it is hidden by the sleeves your face is snuggled into. With the sight replaying in your head accompanied by his perfume, your heart warms at the thought of him. You can only hope that heโ€™ll love that book as much as you doโ€”you can only hope that this infatuation will pass.

CHAPTER FOUR: EMMA

The season of fall has come; the sky is a patchwork of hues of orange; the leaves have turned to shades of brown; the wind has gotten cooler. Long gone was the heat that summer broughtโ€”you were dying to experience the joys of autumn.

Thankfully, you finished your last class for the day. As students piled out of the classroom, you were taking your time tidying your things. For once, you didnโ€™t have any tasks to accomplish within the day which meant tonight would be time for you to enjoy, all snuggled up in bed as you finally reread Pride and Prejudice.

You were satisfied with the grades you received from your midterm assessments. Somehow, your efforts spent studying reflected well in the feedback your professors provided. Now, you can reward yourself with reading your favorite book.

When you exit the classroom, you expect yourself to go straight back to your dorm. However, the sight of Eric Sohn standing outside with his back leaning on the wall is what disrupts your plans.

โ€œEric? How did you know I was here?โ€ Your shocked expression has him chuckling.

โ€œWe exchanged schedules, remember?โ€ He says as he stands up straight, walking closer to you. You two stood in the middle of the hallway with little to no students in sight. โ€œI kind of got lost, if Iโ€™m going to be honest.โ€

As he admits that information, you cannot help but giggle. โ€œI mean, this is where most of my major classes are. Thatโ€™s why Iโ€™m surprised to see a Hotel Culinary Arts student like you here.โ€ He shoots you that boyish grin which has you smiling back. โ€œSo, to what do I owe this pleasure? Do you perhaps need help with the upcoming assessment for Mr. Hwangโ€™s class?โ€ You attempt to joke as you remain unaware of the reason behind Ericโ€™s visit.

But when he pulls out a book from behind his back, your smile shifts into a shocked expression. In his hands is a new copy of Pride and Prejudice, one different from the one that he was reading in the library that one night. As your eyes zero on the book he holds, you do not pay attention to whatever expression Eric may have.

โ€œI finally got around to reading your favorite book, and I have to admit that youโ€™re right. I think this might be my new favorite book,โ€ he hands the book to you. Your hands trail over the cover, still shocked that he ended up finishing it. โ€œAnd I wanted to finish it before you reread it.โ€

You were expecting him to only read a few chapters, but for him to find enough time to finish it before you could pick it up? You realized you were screwed.

Your hands find themselves flipping through the pagesโ€”and holy shit, there are notes and scribbles all over the pages. โ€œI wanted to annotate it just so you can also read my reactions and interpretations as you reread it.โ€ Your mouth parts open at his words, clearly in awe of the action.

The pages are littered with underlines and circles, highlighting passages and quotes that seem to resonate with Eric. On the margins, you notice notes that are simple one-liners and others that are long enough to fill up the pagesโ€™ spaces.

โ€œIโ€“I donโ€™t,โ€ you look up to the boy in front of you. With his smile still plastered on his face, you do everything in you to find the right words to say. Yet, itโ€™s impossibleโ€”this is the first time someone has done this for you.

He chuckles at your lack of words and says, โ€œI would love to stay and hear how much you enjoy this, but I unfortunately have a class to get to all the way in the Culinary Arts building.โ€ He lets his hand rest on your shoulder, squeezing it as if itโ€™s his way to snap you out of your trance.

But the thing is you are not in any way out of touch with reality. Not only did he give you an annotated copy of your favorite book but he waited until your last class in a building that is all the way on the opposite side of where he needs to be. And at this moment you knew you were doomedโ€”that this budding infatuation is turning into something more.

โ€œIโ€™ll see you next week in class, okay?โ€ He says with a smile. You can only nod, still unable to speak. โ€œOr tomorrow, if youโ€™d like.โ€ And before you can question him, he quickly makes his way out of the building. You let your eyes watch his figure that continues to sprint away.

As soon as heโ€™s gone, you look back down at the book in your hands. You flip through the pages as you still remain in shock at what he gifted you. That is until you notice a post-it note stuck on the last page. When you open it to the page, you expect it to be an index of what his annotations mean. Instead, it is a message directed towards you, and you cannot help but feel your heartstrings tug at his words.

would you be interested in going on a reading date with me?

โ‘ yes โ‘ no </3

p.s. you can just text me your answer :) maybe we can plan something tomorrow (that is if you see it by the time i give this to you)

And you tell yourself that this is wrongโ€”that you should not be considering his offer no matter how friendly it may be. But with how heโ€™s been treating you, you almost hope that this isnโ€™t just him being friendly. You want to be on the receiving end of his affectionโ€”of his love.

It seems stupid to go back on your word of refusing to entertain love. Your plans are focused on graduating summa cum laude without ever allocating space for someone to take up your time. But is it wrong that someone has you reconsidering what you originally thought? Is it a sin for you to want to experience the joys of love despite your past reluctance?

So for once, you fully understand Joโ€™s characterโ€”you want to achieve in your endeavors all while experiencing the joys of love. And thereโ€™s nothing wrong with having that mindset after all.

The season of autumn is your favorite; the sight of leaves falling is a sight you cannot help but enjoy watching. In the same way leaves fall from the tree to the ground, you have fallen for Eric Sohn.

CHAPTER FIVE: SONNET 18

โ€œSo, whatโ€™s your favorite scene from Pride and Prejudice?โ€ You decide to ask Eric as you two pass through shelves filled to the brim with antique books.

He hums as he follows closely behind you. โ€œI think it was the first time Lizzie and Mr. Darcy danced together.โ€

You glance at the boy behind you, humming along with his answer. โ€œYeah, I really like Austenโ€™s use of the motif of dance.โ€ You come to a halt as you stand in front of a shelf full of classics. โ€œI mean, she uses dance to show attraction between Mr. Darcy and Lizzie without them even realizing it.โ€ Once you turn your head to face Eric, you notice a smile on his lips.

โ€œYeah, theyโ€™re remarkable,โ€ he mutters as his eyes remain on you.

Under his gaze, your knees start to get weak. You cannot help but gulp as you look back to the shelves with cheeks dusted red.

Today, you and Eric were in the middle of a dateโ€”not a reading one, but an actual date. At first, you were nervous about having lunch with him mainly because you werenโ€™t sure what to talk about. But he found a way to lead the conversation, making sure to build an environment where you two could talk about anything and everything.

Eric decided to bring you to an antique bookstore near campus considering that you two share an affinity for readingโ€”though you were more interested compared to him. The selection they have covers fictional classics all the way to nonfiction recipe books. Itโ€™s definitely smaller than what the library offers but bigger than another bookstore you tend to frequent.

As your eyes scan through the collection, your eyes catch onto a copy of Sense and Sensibility, another book by Jane Austen that youโ€™ve been meaning to pick up. โ€œAh! Iโ€™ve been meaning to read this,โ€ you exclaim as you pull it out. With your eyes still looking through the selection, you spot another book youโ€™ve wanted to read for a while. โ€œOh, they also have Wuthering Heights!โ€ As you grab onto the other book, you look down to admire the covers.ย 

While youโ€™re entranced by all the antique books standing in front of you, Eric cannot help but chuckle at your reaction. You whip your head only to see that god-forbidden boyish grin on his faceโ€”the same one that got you hooked onto him at the first meeting. He leans his side on the bookshelf all while he stares at you.

With that, you frown as you tilt your head. โ€œWhy are you laughing?โ€ The question that leaves your mouth is out of genuine curiosity.

โ€œNo reason,โ€ he starts off. โ€œYouโ€™re pretty, especially when you talk about books.โ€

Your eyebrows raise in shock, thrown off by the sudden compliment. Eric has never been the type to tell you such during your time knowing him but hearing him say it now has your knees weak. Suddenly, all resolve was gone and you had no idea how to respond.ย 

And before you know it, you say, โ€œYouโ€™re pretty, too.โ€

The words come out quickly without a second thought, and only when they leave your mouth do you realize how weird you are for saying such. But you notice the way his smile gets bigger, and you cannot help but feel your cheeks warm up once more out of flusters and embarrassment.

โ€œAre you done picking out the books you want?โ€

โ€œUh, yeah,โ€ you start off as you glance at your books. โ€œWhat are you going to get?โ€

He hums as he stands up straight, looking at the shelf in front of you two. โ€œDo you have another book recommendation for me?โ€ He looks back at you.

You bite the inside of your cheek as you hum, thinking of a book. โ€œMaybe Jane Eyre? By Charlotte Brontรซ?โ€ Youโ€™re ready to tell him the synopsis of the book, but he doesnโ€™t spare you another second for he grabs the book.

โ€œOkay,โ€ he smiles as he raises the book up. โ€œIโ€™ll pay for your books while Iโ€™m at it.โ€

You immediately shake your head at his words. โ€œHuh? No, you donโ€™t need to.โ€ You hold the books close to your chest. โ€œYou paid for lunch already.โ€

He rolls his eyes before extending his free hand out to you. โ€œItโ€™s fine. I want to buy these books for you.โ€ Your eyes are wide as you slowly feel yourself moving the stack of books away from your chest. โ€œSo long as we get to have that reading date, Iโ€™m happy to buy them for you.โ€

You would deny his offer, but you hate to admit that the idea of having someone you like buy the books youโ€™ve been wanting to read has your heart warming. Buying you books, reading your recommendations, and annotating a book just for youโ€”theyโ€™re the easiest ways to your heart, and he figured them out.

With that, you find yourself handing the two books to him. He smiles as he glances at the three books in his hands. And before you know it, he quickly links his arm with you as he drags you to the cashier. You donโ€™t know how you got lucky to know a guy like him.ย 

CHAPTER SIX: SO TIRED BLUES

Usually, the hours of the night are the ones you find most comfort in. Itโ€™s the illusion of being away from the hours that demanded you to interact with others. You love spending your time alone doing whatever, whether it may be your own hobbies or the coursework you need to accomplish. This time of day had you in a state of tranquility, at most, for you were comforted with the idea that nothing can disturb you.

But for once, you werenโ€™t calm during these hours. As you stare at your shared document that barely had any input from your groupmates, you feel your sanity slipping away. This assessment is due two days from nowโ€”what can your groupmates offer during this time crunch?

You lean your head in your hands as your eyes rest on your keyboard. As you let out a groan, you cannot help but grip your hair out of frustration.ย 

โ€œWhatโ€™s wrong?โ€

As you look at your friend who sits beside you, you cannot help but pout. โ€œEric, I canโ€™t do this.โ€

Despite these hours being reserved for your alone time, you chose to spend these with him. The date was a successโ€”you two were practically inseparable at this point. But you two were still going on dates without any expectation, still exploring whatever you two truly felt towards each other.

To be fair, you were still hesitant about jumping into a relationship with him. You still werenโ€™t sure how possible it was for you to handle your studies along with being in a relationship. And you hate to admit it but youโ€™re terrifiedโ€”what if the love you read about is nothing like what youโ€™ll experience with Eric?

So for now, youโ€™ll only allow yourself to enjoy what you have now. It is only when the universe forces you to confront these sentiments that youโ€™ll figure out the answer.

He crosses his arm as he leans back in the booth you two sat on. โ€œYou want to tell me about it?โ€ And for a moment, you consider not doing such. You didnโ€™t want to waste both yours and Ericโ€™s time complaining about shitty and unresponsive groupmates.

But he doesnโ€™t give you a moment to indulge any further in those worries, for he says, โ€œWe have enough time for you to talk about it.โ€ He shows you a smile, one that is enough to bring you comfort. โ€œLet me become someone you can lean on.โ€

And with that, you find yourself spilling out your frustrations. โ€œIโ€™ve just been so stressed, you know? My group mates are so shit, Iโ€™m not sure how good of an output weโ€™ll be able to submit on time,โ€ you start off. โ€œIโ€™ve been reminding them nonstop to do their work, and they just keep ignoring me. And it doesnโ€™t help that my professor doesnโ€™t give a fuck.โ€

Eric cannot help but let out a hiss of annoyance at your situation. โ€œThatโ€™s terrible.โ€

โ€œI know, right? And this assessment is at least 30% of my grade. How am I going to get an A in this class if my groupmates refuse to help?โ€ You cannot help but groan as you lean back.

As you stare up at the ceiling, you tongue the inside of your cheek as you ponder over the situation youโ€™re in. And youโ€™re not sure what takes over you when you share your next set of thoughts. โ€œI justโ€“I want to achieve so many things, but itโ€™s so hard when youโ€™re not supported.โ€

Despite your eyes staring up at the ceiling, you can feel Ericโ€™s gaze on you as you reveal a part youโ€™ve never shared with him. So you let out a sigh before saying, โ€œI know I talk so much about wanting to ace all my subjects and graduate with flying colors, but some days itโ€™s hard to keep up with that type of mentality.โ€ You let your eyes close for a moment. โ€œItโ€™s hard to aspire for so many things when you donโ€™t have someone to fall back on.โ€

Although you have the passion to achieve the different goals you set for yourself, it becomes impossible to keep that fire going on most days. Sure, you had friends from your course and extracurriculars, but they were never ones you could find yourself going to easily. In most instances, you would be by yourself as you were scared to insert yourself into peopleโ€™s circles.

With that lack of a support system, it became difficult to attain your goal. Although you try your hardest to keep your mind set on the prize, you cannot deny that you find yourself slipping into burnout in most instances.

โ€œI feel like Iโ€™m teetering on the edge of burnout, you know? And I know most people would say to take a break or to indulge in a hobby, but,โ€ you look at the boy beside you whose face is full of concern. โ€œIโ€™m exhausted from reading.โ€

Itโ€™s something you didnโ€™t like to admit out loud. Eric knew you as the person who would read at any hour if they couldโ€”the one who wishes they could consume books even while asleep. So it hurts to say that you were growing tired of the hobbyโ€”the one thing that provided you escapism.

You let out a bitter chuckle as your tired eyes drifted away from him, staring off into the distance. โ€œIt gets hard to read when all you do in a course is read. It requires so much energy, and most days I just donโ€™t have that.โ€ As you say those words, you let out a sigh. โ€œAnd even when I forced myself to read, whether it would be for my own pleasure or a requirement for school, I could never digest the passages.โ€

Eric hums at your reveal. And when he reaches out for your hand, it feels as if all your worries are lifted off your shoulders. โ€œIs there any way that I can help?โ€

You cannot help but chuckle as your eyes rest back on him. With his worried expression, you only show him a small smile. โ€œNo,โ€ you shake your head. โ€œBut itโ€™s fine. Iโ€™m glad that someone listened to me.โ€

Itโ€™s not like you were aiming to have your problems solved by him. If anything, you realize how much weight was lifted off of you after admitting these to a friend.

โ€œYeah,โ€ he sighs. โ€œIโ€™m sorry I canโ€™t do much to help you, especially with your group work.โ€

You can only hum as you take a deep breath. โ€œYeah. I just need to take over their parts and remove their names, I guess.โ€ As you say that, Eric cannot help but nod along with a chuckle leaving his mouth.

Youโ€™re about to get back to the work you were dreading until he asks you something. โ€œHey, I donโ€™t know how much this would help, but maybe I can read you some passages of where I am in The Awakening if youโ€™d like.โ€ Your eyes widen at his suggestion. โ€œIโ€™m sure youโ€™re way ahead of me but this could be a refresher, you know? While you take a break, I can be your audiobook.โ€

And you cannot hold back the smile that shows on your lips. Somehow, Eric is always looking out for you, whether it be through keeping your love for literature going or making sure you are well-rested on most occasions.

With that, you find yourself leaning your head on his shoulder. As you let your eyes close, you mutter, โ€œYes, please.โ€

He chuckles at the way you seem to melt on his shoulder. And just like that, he starts to recite the words of Chopin.

As his voice fills your ears, youโ€™re reminded of the first time you first met Eric. Something about his voice is enough to ease your worriesโ€”to bring you into a state of tranquility. And somehow, he became the late hours of the day for youโ€”youโ€™ve managed to find peace through his presence for all he did is support you.ย 

CHAPTER SEVEN: HOW DO I LOVE THEE? LET ME COUNT THE WAYS

It seems like the season of fall is about to end. Itโ€™s getting colder than usual and you cannot help but wear more layers than you typically would during autumn. Although winter is about to come, however, you were seated on a picnic blanket with your back leaning against a tree trunk. And on your lap is where Ericโ€™s head lays as he continues to read Jane Eyre.

While you were trying to read your copy of Wuthering Heights, you couldnโ€™t help but glance at Eric every once in a while. After going on multiple dates with him throughout the semester, you werenโ€™t sure exactly where you two were in your relationship. And you know you should take the initiative to ask, but you didnโ€™t want to say the wrong words.

โ€œEric,โ€ you call out his name as your voice quivers. He looks away from his book to stare right back at you. As he hums in curiosity, you cannot help but bite the inside of your cheek. โ€œI have a question.โ€

โ€œShoot.โ€

โ€œWhy did you sit beside me?โ€ You notice his eyebrows furrowed in confusion. โ€œDuring the first meeting, I mean. Why did you choose to sit beside me when there were other vacant spots?โ€ As you say those words, you spot how his mouth parts open in realization. However, it shifts into a smug grin.

โ€œCause I thought you were cute.โ€ His reply has your eyes widening in shock. You knew Eric tends to be straightforward, but you werenโ€™t expecting that to be his answer. You were sure that your cheeks were warm at his reasoning.

He then sits up, now face-to-face with you. โ€œWell, thatโ€™s what I thought at first. But I got to know you more through the times we studied together, you know?โ€ With his eyes staring intently back at yours, you can hear your heartbeat in your ears.

โ€œI mean, the first time I got to know you, you were talking about how you wouldnโ€™t entertain the idea of romance, so I couldnโ€™t help but become interested in you.โ€ His hand reaches out for yours that rests on your lap. โ€œAnd throughout our time together, I learned about all your hopes and dreams and your love for literature.โ€

You notice the way he takes a deep breath in as his eyes close momentarily. โ€œI couldnโ€™t help but like you,โ€ he admits. As soon as he opens his eyes, he is met by yours that are wide as they stare back at him.

โ€œIโ€™m sure it wasnโ€™t a secret with how we were going on dates, but I thought I should vocalize it now,โ€ he starts off as he looks down at your interlocked hands. โ€œI was starting to wish that these dates would give you enough of a reason to reconsider what you first thoughtโ€”that maybe I could become a reason for you to reconsider after all.โ€

But as soon as he looks back at you, you feel your heartstrings tug as he draws circles on the back of your hand with his thumb. And the next thing he says is enough to warm your heart. โ€œBut I would never push you into a relationship with me. I know you care about your studies, and you worry too much about your grades. Sometimes, I wish I could tell you to take it easy.โ€ He cannot help but giggle as he says those words, causing you to laugh along with him.

โ€œBut I hope you know that Iโ€™ll be here to support you, whether as a friend or as your boyfriend if youโ€™ll have me.โ€

And you realize that youโ€™ve been wrong all this time. Youโ€™ve fallen under this idea that the road to success means to get rid of all distractionsโ€”that love is nothing but a hindrance to the path you want to take. But itโ€™s not that you can only have one or the otherโ€”you could choose to have both if you made the effort to do so.

In your time knowing Eric Sohn, you learned the joys of love even if you werenโ€™t signing up for such joys came in the form of him. To you, he is what the poets describe as love embodied. From the first time you two worked together all the way to midterm season until your breakdown, you realize that he is the support you were seeking out all this time. And so you wonder to yourself how lucky you can be to receive something you werenโ€™t seeking but still desperately craved.

So you let yourself lean forward, your face inching closer to his. His breath hitches at your action. As your eyes flicker down to his lips for a second, you cannot help but hear your heartbeat in your ears. Your eyes meet his, and you notice the way he holds his breath. So you cannot help but let yourself smile for a moment.

And before he knows it, your lips crash into his. Your hand reaches out to the side of his face while your arm wraps around the back of his neck, holding him close. His hand holds onto your waist, drawing shapes on it with his thumb.

As your noses bump against each other, Eric cannot help but giggle in the middle of the kiss. You two part away as you continue to look at each other. โ€œSo, will you let me be yours?โ€ And his question is enough to pull on your heartstrings.

Itโ€™s the phrasing that gets to youโ€”his choice of words to let him be yours versus you being his is what has you realizing just how much he likes you. Itโ€™s this whole idea that you didnโ€™t have to surrender anything to him for he is willing to build around you.

But the reality is you would do the same for himโ€”youโ€™re willing to make space for him to take up in your life the same way he already has done for you.

And so you say, โ€œYou can be mine if you let me be yours.โ€

The boyish grin you first found yourself falling in love with appears on his face. โ€œI wouldnโ€™t have it any other way.โ€

You wish you could tell your past self that nothing goes according to plan. What you may have first thought is not what may push through in the end. While you were never signing up to find love in your years in university, the universe decided to give you a reason to reconsider. And now you know that you can have bothโ€”that you can achieve your aspirations while still being in love. All it took was time, effort, support, and a boy named Eric Sohn to have you believe that.

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Tags :
1 year ago
Israeli soldiers started a kidnapping challenge in which Palestinians in the West Bank are kidnapped and blindfolded. TikTok is filled with videos of Israeli soldiers and civilians participating. pic.twitter.com/5MrBMRVxX0

โ€” Achmat X (@AchmatX) October 31, 2023
7\ Israeli soldiers made it into a tiktok challenge to kidnap & blindfold Palestinians along with the tunes of the ืžื ื™ ืžืžื˜ืจื” song! pic.twitter.com/5qG5qlXmJl

โ€” Muhammad Shehada (@muhammadshehad2) October 31, 2023

here is the first one uploaded so yall can view it on here

1 year ago

๐’๐“๐‘๐ˆ๐‚๐“๐‹๐˜ ๐๐”๐’๐ˆ๐๐„๐’๐’ โ€“ ๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ

๐‚๐‡๐€๐๐“๐„๐‘ ๐“๐„๐: ๐Ÿ๐š๐ฏ๐จ๐ซ๐ข๐ญ๐ž

โ†ฌ ๐ฉ๐š๐ข๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐ : ๐๐š๐ซ๐ค ๐‰๐จ๐ง๐ ๐ฌ๐ž๐จ๐ง๐  ๐ฑ ๐…๐ž๐ฆ๐š๐ฅ๐ž ๐‘๐ž๐š๐๐ž๐ซ

โ†ฌ ๐ ๐ž๐ง๐ซ๐ž: ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐š๐ง๐ ๐ž๐ซ๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ฅ๐จ๐ฏ๐ž๐ซ๐ฌ!๐€๐”, ๐‚๐„๐Ž!๐‰๐š๐ฒ, ๐ฌ๐ž๐œ๐ซ๐ž๐ญ๐š๐ซ๐ฒ!๐ซ๐ž๐š๐๐ž๐ซ

โ†ฌ ๐ฌ๐ฒ๐ง๐จ๐ฉ๐ฌ๐ข๐ฌ: ๐“๐ฐ๐จ ๐ฉ๐ž๐จ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐ž, ๐ญ๐ฐ๐จ ๐๐ข๐Ÿ๐Ÿ๐ž๐ซ๐ž๐ง๐ญ ๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ข๐ž๐ฌ, ๐ญ๐ฐ๐จ ๐๐ข๐Ÿ๐Ÿ๐ž๐ซ๐ž๐ง๐ญ ๐ก๐ž๐š๐ซ๐ญ๐ฌ, ๐จ๐ง๐ž ๐œ๐š๐ฉ๐ข๐ญ๐š๐ฅ ๐œ๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ. ๐€ ๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ฒ ๐ข๐ง ๐ฐ๐ก๐ข๐œ๐ก ๐š ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐  ๐ฌ๐ž๐œ๐ซ๐ž๐ญ๐š๐ซ๐ฒ ๐Ÿ๐ซ๐จ๐ฆ ๐š ๐ฌ๐ฆ๐š๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐ญ๐จ๐ฐ๐ง ๐ฆ๐š๐ง๐š๐ ๐ž๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ ๐›๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐  ๐š ๐ง๐ž๐ฐ ๐›๐ซ๐ž๐š๐ญ๐ก ๐จ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ๐ซ๐ž๐ฌ๐ก ๐š๐ข๐ซ ๐ข๐ง๐ญ๐จ ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐ฅ๐ข๐Ÿ๐ž ๐จ๐Ÿ ๐’๐ž๐จ๐ฎ๐ฅ'๐ฌ ๐ฆ๐จ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐Ÿ๐š๐ฆ๐จ๐ฎ๐ฌ ๐š๐ง๐ ๐ฎ๐ง๐ญ๐จ๐ฎ๐œ๐ก๐š๐›๐ฅ๐ž ๐‚๐„๐Ž.

โ† ๐ฉ๐ซ๐ž๐ฏ๐ข๐จ๐ฎ๐ฌ โ€” ๐ฆ๐š๐ฌ๐ญ๐ž๐ซ๐ฅ๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ โ€” ๐ง๐ž๐ฑ๐ญ โ†’

(A/N: the first round of angst has started so lets fucking go ๐Ÿคญ im gonna try and upload a chap on friday but i won't promise anything and as far as i know i won't be able to post next week until friday bc im gonna be on a girls trip! but im gonna try and at least premake two and schedule them for next week! thank you so much for all the love babies ๐Ÿฅบ feedback and reblogs are always appreciated!!!!๐Ÿฅบ๐Ÿ’ž๐Ÿงธ)

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