Tilli’s Second Chance – Chapter 16

Kaito leads me to his apartment, a place I have not seen yet. My curiosity wars with nervousness at crossing this threshold for the first time, into a space entirely his.

He opens the door with a flourish, gesturing for me to enter. “Welcome to my humble abode. Make yourself at home while I find us something to toast with.”

As I step into Kaito’s apartment, I’m not surprised by how neat and organized everything is. The living room is minimalistic, with a modern, low-profile couch in a soft gray color that faces a sleek wall-mounted flat screen monitor. Despite the muted tones, the couch looks comfy and cozy, lived in. A glass coffee table sits in front of the couch, with a few neatly arranged books on top. My gaze snags on framed prints of space-themed artwork and some of his own spaceship designs, giving the room a personal touch. There are a few photos too of people who look like his parents and another of his sister who works in fashion design in the capital.

Max approaches his bed on the far side of the living room, gets in, turns around three times, and lies down with a sigh. He’s such a quiet thing, unlike mouthy and grumpy Ivan. I approach him and squat down to scratch his head. He leans into it for a moment and gives me one solitary lick before closing his eyes and setting his head back down.

To the right of the living room is an open-concept kitchen, separated from the living area by a polished wooden breakfast bar. The kitchen itself is compact but well-equipped, with state-of-the-art appliances and organized countertops. He placed a few potted plants on the windowsill, adding a splatter of green and life to the otherwise monochromatic space. I like it. His place exudes a sense of calm and order with all the meticulous details I would associate with him.

I set my bag on his couch and stare out the window at the campus of apartment buildings for I.A. employees. It’s nighttime and only a few people walk the grounds between buildings. Lights are on in other apartments, and the smells of cooking waft through the open window. I may be able to live here someday soon.

Kaito returns, a bottle of champagne in hand and two glasses hooked on his fingers. “I’ve been saving this for a special occasion. I believe exoneration and public vindication counts, don’t you?” He grins, popping the cork to pour bubbling golden liquid.

I accept a glass, returning his smile. “I’ll drink to that.” We lift our glasses in a toast, eyes locked. “To justice, truth, and new beginnings.”

“To chasing horizons side by side once more.” He clinks his glass to mine, warmth and affection written in every line of his face.

We each take a drink, relieved laughter spilling out to mingle with the champagne bubbles. The sorrow of recent days fades into shadow, and I consider for a long moment how far I want to go with Kaito. I have long been without friends or a romantic partner. Do I dare try again?

I think I should.

I lean into Kaito’s side as one coming home at last, finding again the place where I always longed to be. His arm slips around me, pulling me close to his chest, and his heartbeat pounds a steady rhythm against my cheek. I rest my head on him, feeling the warmth of his body seep into mine, and let out a contented sigh.

Yes, let’s definitely do this.

Kaito looks down at me, and I smile up at him. “I know how we can end this day on a high note,” I say, lifting one eyebrow.

I almost laugh at myself because this is so out of character. I haven’t slept with anyone in years.

Kaito’s hand moves to my hair, fingers tangling in the strands as he tilts my face up to his.

“I watched us on that video while you looked at the floor. We were hot. We should continue that scene.”

His lips brush against mine, tentative at first, before deepening into a hungry kiss. I respond in kind, my hands moving to his shoulders as I pull him closer, tangling my free fingers in his hair.

We break apart, gasping for air and stare at each other, the heat of passion burning in our eyes. We both know where we want to take this, and I am far from afraid. I’m excited to finally have someone by my side who understands me and accepts me for who I am.

“I don’t want you to think I’m some great lover or anything,” I confess, looking away. “I know I’m not. My siblings think I’m sweet, but it’s because I’m loyal until I get burned. Everyone else has abandoned me.” I press my forehead to his chest for a moment. “But you… I have faith in you.”

He squeezes me. “Where is all this coming from?” His tone is comforting, not at all offended.

“I want to be honest with you, like I’ve never been honest with a… a partner before.” I tip my face up. “I want you to know all the flaws before we go any further.”

He shakes his head. “I don’t see flaws. I see an amazing human being. A person I want to spend my days and nights with.” His smile is soft. “No more of this. We’re celebrating, yes?” I nod. “Leave these here,” he says, taking the glasses from our hands and putting them on the breakfast bar.

He holds my hand and leads me towards the bedroom, and I follow willingly. The room is just as minimalistic as the living room, with a large bed in the center of one wall and a few more prints of space-themed artwork hung around it. But it’s not the decor that catches my attention; it’s Kaito.

He stands before me, his eyes dark with desire. Moving his thumbs in small circles over my palms, he sends a flurry of sparks up my arms and into my chest. My heart skips a beat as he looks into my eyes, holding my gaze with an intensity I’ve never felt from someone else before.

Without breaking eye contact, Kaito steps closer and slides one hand around to the small of my back. His other hand moves up my arm until it rests against the side of my neck. He begins to hum softly as his fingers trace delicate patterns on my skin. In the darkness of the room, we are completely alone, no one else sharing this moment with us but the stars above through the window. It’s been a long time since I’ve last done something so slow and simple with a man. Kaito’s attention is addictive. I want more, more, more.

Slowly, he unbuttons my blouse, his fingers tracing the outline of my bra beneath the fabric. I let out a soft moan as he leans in to kiss my neck, his hands sliding down to my waist, pulling me closer to him. His arousal presses against me, and I move against him.

He is so fine, so very mine.

This is better than I imagined, and I imagined quite a bit.

Afterward, we collapse next to each other, both of us panting and sweaty. We stay there for a few moments, savoring the afterglow, before Kaito straightens the sheets and throws them over us. He wraps his arm around me and pulls me closer.

“We should definitely do this again,” he murmurs, and I can only nod in agreement.

Yes, definitely.

“How about now?” I murmur against his chest, my fingers tracing circles on his skin.

He chuckles, his chest vibrating against mine. “So soon? Aren’t you hungry? We didn’t eat dinner.”

I prop myself up on my elbow and look into his eyes.

“I’m hungry for my life to start, my real life that’s been on hold for eight years.”

My second chance is here. Right here.

He rolls over and presses his body to mine, looking at me with a satisfied expression before leaning in for a passionate kiss. He traces the outline of my face with his hand, and my heart aches at his gentle touch.

“Then let’s get started on phase two.”

When his lips meet mine, my life starts over — a new life, one I can truly look forward to. A life doing what I love with Kaito by my side.

Sounds perfect to me.