Knots of Desire

mosphere was filled with merriment. Leo couldn't stop sharing memories of

one person by your side? It's not easy relying on just one person. What if that person isn't always there when

It's surprising-we never fought or argued over anything. It was like we were in sync, understanding each other's boundaries with

some tough times, and we didn't see each other as much. His father..." Leo's voice trailed off, and he gla

off any mention of them. But before she could ask, Leo chuckled faintly and waved the topic away. "I don't th

with determination. "Nobody's perfect. Surely, there were times th

e were times I tested his patience. I'd tease him abo

too much. His tone was firm yet calm. "Let's not dig up silly moments from the past. Those were

agreed wit

ed big brother," he joked, nudging Julian playfully. "Let's hea

I've been lucky to have people who love me and want to see me succeed-especially my mom and dad. They've always given me

asy for them, they always made sure my life was comfortable. They sacrificed so

ort. Leo watched her intently, moved by her vulnerability. The air around

r drinks. Breaking the quiet, Sophia spoke up with a playful tone. "What's with all the emotions? We're

her enthusiasm contagious. Leo and Julian fol

do?" Leo asked

's been great, but..." she hesitated for a moment before continuing, "a part of

admission. "I'm not trying to sound ungrateful for

rnestly. "And I'm sure you'll achieve greatn

is support, her co

?" Leo asked, leaning forward with gen

h, I wouldn't want to bore you with my work." She paused,

you've created? You're already a perfect work of art yourself-

t try to pour my heart into my work, letting my eyes and hands take over. It's like

y of understanding who I am-an extension of my personality. Most of my pieces reflect mood, emotion, and que

That sounds incredible. I'd love to experienc

down, she wished it were Julian who showed this interest in her passion. So much had changed about him. He was no longer the sweet, attentive man who o

uldn't help questioning it now. Did he still love h

e too focused on her own feelings and failing to consider his? These thoughts swirled in her mind as she silently reflected, her face betrayi

le nudge on the shoulder. "What are you broo

o figure out what might be wrong, but he keeps telling me everything's fine. Yet, I don't feel that closeness with him anymore-not like I used to. I only

are perfect. We've all had our dark days-moments we'd rather leave behind. Julian has alway

every word, her expression urging him to continue. Seeing Julian moment

m it. There's a lot of darkness in his past-things I can barely explain. But somehow, he's grown into the man he is today. I

face clouded with confusion. "Wh

t that big of a deal," he said dismissively. "Just forget I mentioned i

ad stirred up a thousand questions in her mind, but she

o listen, I'm here." He could see the desperation in her eyes, the silent plea for

r, they made their way back to Julian, ready to focus on enjoying the rest of