Eliza and Tyler
The sun cast a warm golden hue across the small room of the rented accommodation Eliza and Tyler were sharing as they partook in a trip to represent their nation in France; it was a Saturday, and the world outside was abuzz with life, but inside, within their little sanctuary it was filled with a mix of soft laughter and light-hearted banter.
Both Eliza and Tyler were well trained athletes in the Korean martial art; Tae-Kwon Do, they had to be, they represented their home country, and they were accustom to the rigor of competition, yet today felt like a day to play, to unwind and bask within each other’s presence.
Eliza, with raven dark hair pulled back into a messy bun, wore what had become one of her favourite over-sized hoodies – originally, it had belonged to Tyler, until it was ‘borrowed’ something that was common when it came to hoodies or jumpers that Tyler knew meant he no longer owned that particular piece of clothing.
The playful nature that had drawn Tyler t her was on full display as she teased him from the kitchen where she was preparing their post-workout snacks “Hey gentle giant” she called out, a mischievous glint in her eye “Do you think you can handle a little challenge?”
Tyler, who was sat cross-legged on the floor looked up from his phone, a smile already creeping onto his face “Oh I think I am up for it; but only if involves you losing” he replied, raising an eyebrow playfully
She laughed, a melodic sound that always made Tyler’s heart race “You’re on!” she smiled “But let’s make it interesting; the loser has to do the dishes tonight”
“Deal!” he said, setting his phone aside and rising to his feet, his demeanour shifting to one of focused anticipation
They faced each other, the atmosphere crackled with excitement; Eliza bounced lightly on her feet, adopting a fighting stance that made Tyler chuckle “What are you doing; you look like a kangaroo”
“And you look like a lumbering bear” she shot back, her voice dripping with humour
With a swift motion, Eliza lunged forwards, catching Tyler off guard; their playful fight unfolded with all of the usual intensity of a Tae-Kwon Do match, but filled with laughter instead of competitiveness; they exchanged feints and playful strikes, their bodies danced around the room, the world outside forgotten
“You’ll never catch me!” Eliza teased, darting past him with a grace that always amazed Tyler
“Oh, just you wait until I get my hands on you” he called, feigning an exaggerated attempt to catch her
For every block he attempted, Eliza was quicker, using her agility to evade him with a giggle; but after a few moments of light-hearted tussling, Tyler seized an opportunity and managed to sweep her off her feet before quickly catching her in his arms.
“Got you!” he proclaimed triumphantly, holding her close, his breath warm against her cheek
Eliza’s laughter filled the room; bright and joyful “Okay, okay; you win, but only because I let you”
Tyler lowered her gently to the ground, but instead of stepping back, he found himself drawn in; their faces inches apart.
Their teasing faded, replaced by a softness that enveloped them like a gentle embrace, their playful fighting had kindled something deeper, a connection that both athletes cherished
“Why do I always feel like I could take on the world when I am with you” Eliza whispered, her playful nature momentarily giving way to sincerity
Tyler smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her face “Maybe it’s because we’re better together; I mean, we do make quite the team don’t we?”
She nodded, her expression shifted to a thoughtful one “What do you think our future looks like; after all the competitions and everything”
Tyler’s gaze softened, a look of determination setting in “I see us travelling, exploring new places, no matter where we go though, I want to build a life with you”
Eliza felt her heart flutter at his words “You mean a real life; a home, maybe a dog and kids?”
Tyler chuckled softly “Okay, we might need to take it one step at a time; but yes, I can definitely picture that” he smiled “And you know what, I would want them to be just like you; strong, playful and filled with life”
Emboldened by their shared dreams; Eliza put her arms around his neck, pulling him in towards her “You have a way of making the future seem so bright” she said smiling
Moving his right arm, he wrapped it around her waist; their bodies fitting together as if they were made for each other; the warmth of the moment enveloped them and the world outside faded away completely “Whatever comes next, we’ll face it together” he murmured, brushing his lips against her forehead
As they embraced on the floor, the afternoon sun filtering through the curtains, they knew their playful fight had blossomed into something profound – a promise of love, adventure and a shared future awaited them both.
Written By: Westley H.
Coming From the Shadows Series
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