To the Moon & Back

Chapter 32- Linh

Trigger warning: Linh has low self-esteem. I mean, I think you already knew that... But it's voiced in this chapter, so...

After Ash went off to bed, I lingered for a moment. I was excited to start fighting tomorrow, that'd be cool... But there was something else that was on my mind too...

Ash had touched my cheeks earlier... & surprisingly... I didn't mind it... In fact, I think... I liked it? Something about that gesture... Felt warm & inviting &... The way he called me partner...

God, he was so cute... & nice to me &...

Fuck. Did I like him? Do I like him? It'd been so long since I'd had a crush... & that's all this could be, right? There's no possible way... That someone like him... Could like someone like me...

But... maybe? No. I shouldn't get my hopes up. Things like this never happened in real life. Especially to people like me.

& with that, I went off to bed, trying to leave my hopes behind, & failing... rather miserably.

I know this pt's so sad :(. Linh has no confidence in himself & that's terrible... He doesn't think anyone could ever love him... Which, I've felt the same, but when someone else feels that way, you're like "No, baby, that's not true :(((". Anyways... Time skip :I (this is my I'm-super-awkward-&-should-just-stop-talking-now face, lol :D)

Over the next 2 weeks, Ash taught me how to fight. It was slow progress at 1st, of course, given my lack of experience in, well- anything physical... But he was very patient... & kind &-

-He taught me a lot. It was great. He taught me how to defend myself using only my body, because in some situations, you might not have pepper spray, or any of that on you. He taught me how to disarm someone, & he equipped me with pepper spray in my bag just in case.

He was so nice about it all... I mean, it took a while for me to get the hang of it... But now I could at least hold my own if I ever needed to, hopefully.

&, of course, it didn't hurt that I got to spend all that time with him. See him show how great he was at something. Something he was passionate about. See him in- workout clothes. Touch him sometimes. Only indirectly. When we were fighting. But- God. I was in deep.

I tried to get over myself. It was just a crush, I'd say to myself. But it didn't help that he was just so patient. & kind. & cute. &... he cared. About me, for some reason... At least... I think he does...

"Linh?" Ash glances my way, & I snap out of my thoughts. "What- were ya thinkin' about?"

I laugh nervously, scratching at my neck. "Oh, nothing... Just spacing out..."

"Worried about your class starting tomorrow?" He smiled, but he seemed a little... Sad?

"Yeah... It's gonna be different, that's for sure... & it's been nice... Spending all this time with you- guys..."

He smiles warmly & I blush. "Yeah... Though I'll kinda miss it, after you start school & all..." He looks away.

I sigh. "Yeah... But I'll still be here..."

He grins, tone lightening slightly. "Yeah."

We stare at each other for a moment, grinning like idiots. I look away 1st. "We should probably- work on our form again..."

He smiles nervously. "Y-yeah. Let's do the last one 1 more time..."

Was this chapter ok :D? I got another POV change coming up, so no super long chapter this time, lol. See ya guys later! Bye :]