Chapter 6

Maya was still unsure about everything. The moment she logged into SoulLink, the usual sense of excitement she'd felt before was gone, replaced by a sense of hesitation. She stared at her phone screen, at the familiar message from Ash.

Ash: How's your day so far?

Maya bit her lip, fingers hovering over the keyboard. They'd texted a bit earlier, but today felt different. Maybe because after the last date, something had shifted. Maya wasn't sure if it was the fact that they spent a day together in person or the lingering feeling of his touch when their hands brushed. She couldn't stop thinking about it.

But she wasn't ready to jump into anything yet.

Maya: Okay lang. Busy at work. You?

It was short, almost dismissive, but it wasn't like she was trying to push him away. She just wasn't sure what she was supposed to say to someone like him. The guy who seemed so... perfect. But was he real? Was he the same person he portrayed himself to be on SoulLink?

She sighed, feeling that familiar knot in her stomach. She was used to questioning things. But this? This felt different. She liked him-maybe too much for comfort-but how could she let herself fall when she was scared of getting hurt again.

Ash's reply came quickly.

Ash: Same here. Just a quick break from work. Been thinking about what you said last time.

Her heart skipped a beat. She frowned at the phone screen, trying to remember what she'd said. Was it something too personal? Did she say something that made him uncomfortable?

Her fingers quickly typed her reply.

Maya: What do you mean?

There was a pause, the three dots on the screen making her more anxious with every passing second. Finally, Ash replied.

Ash: About how you're cautious. I get it. I mean, we've only known each other for a little while, but I'm not just here to play games, Maya. I don't want to rush anything. I think we can take our time. Just... wanted to say that.

Her breath caught in her throat. She stared at his words, trying to process them. It was unexpected. He was being serious. And it made her feel like maybe, just maybe, there was more to him than just his persona.

Maya stared at her phone, tapping her nails nervously on the screen. The words felt like a weight in her chest. She wasn't sure if she was ready to give him more of herself. But there was something in his message that made her feel safe. Maybe it was the sincerity behind it. Or maybe it was the fact that, for the first time, she didn't feel like she had to guard herself so much.

She swallowed hard and typed back.

Maya: I appreciate that. And I don't mean to be distant... I just... need time, you know? It's not easy for me to just trust someone completely.

The little bubbles on the screen appeared again, and Maya stared at them, waiting for his reply.

Ash: I understand. Take all the time you need. I'm not going anywhere, Maya. Just... wanted to let you know that.

She smiled softly at her phone. It felt good to know he wasn't rushing her. It felt like he actually cared. It wasn't like the other guys she'd met, who would press her for more, who would demand more of her time and attention. Ash didn't ask for anything. He gave her space.

Maybe she could give this a chance. But still, she wasn't ready to fully let her guard down. Not yet. Not with her history.

That night, Maya found herself tossing and turning in bed. Her mind kept drifting back to the last time they'd met -how easy it had been to talk to Ash, how she'd felt more like herself around him than with anyone else in a long time. But then there was always the doubt, the worry in the back of her mind that maybe she was just setting herself up for another heartbreak.

But was it really heartbreak she was afraid of? Or was it the idea of letting someone in again? Of trusting that someone would hurt her like Alex did? Maya didn't know.

Ash's Voice: Maya, I know you're probably overthinking everything, but I just want to remind you-this doesn't have to be complicated. Whatever this is between us, let's just enjoy it. No pressure. I promise.

His voice was soft, calming even. Maya felt a little pang in her chest. She hadn't realized how much she needed to hear that. For a moment, the walls she'd carefully built around herself felt like they were crumbling. But just a little. Just enough to let his words in.

She closed her eyes, letting out a long breath. She had been scared to let anyone in for so long, but maybe-just maybe-Ash was the exception.

But what if she was wrong? What if she was just falling for another version of someone who wasn't real? Someone who just wanted to take something from her?

Maya shook her head, trying to shake off the negative thoughts. She didn't want to go down that road. Not tonight.

After a few more moments of silence, she typed back short message.

Maya: Thanks, Ash. I needed to hear that.

She hit send and stared at her screen for a few more seconds, feeling both relieved and anxious at the same time.

She didn't know where this was going, but maybe, just maybe, she was willing to find out.

The little bubbles appeared again, and Maya couldn't help but smile when she saw his reply.

Ash: Anytime. Always here.

The next morning, Maya couldn't help but think about their conversation from last night. The more she thought about it, the more she realized something. She was still unsure, still scared. But maybe, just maybe, it was okay to let herself feel something for Ash. To let herself enjoy the little moments without worrying too much about the future.

As she got ready for work, Maya found herself checking her phone again, wondering if Ashwould message her. Would he? Would she let herself fall for him?

But one thing was clear— she wasn't ready to make any decisions just yet. And she wasn't in a rush. For now, she would take it one step at a time.