Chapter 84: A Choice of Love
1152words
During this quiet evening, a doorbell ringing occurred. Eki, standing near the door, opened it with her heart beating fast. On the front side, there was Ayo - her eyes showing a mix of worry and hope.
The meeting had many arguments, speeches, apologies and requests for forgiveness. The memories of past events were very strong because they kept reminding everyone about their mistakes.
But as night went on, their anger began to disappear. They discussed the city and shared dreams and plans. In this shared vulnerability from talking, a connection is forming once more.
The decision to cooperate comes from the same dream. Both wanted to create charity groups to help young artists in their development. This place was believed to be a space for finding new things, where ideas could grow without being stopped by goals only about making money.
Starting an organization was not an easy task. There were many problems, such as difficulties with paperwork, shortage of funds, and threats from leftover members of the secret group. But every problem they faced only made their resolve stronger.
Eki and Dapo start to feel new joy in their art. It feels like there is some plan behind it, how their artistic ways begin to blend. They often stay in the studio, working on many tasks with hands moving so smoothly like water flowing.
Their art started to become famous. Exhibitions were set up, articles were written, and these names turned into signs of hope and strength. Their work was not only beautiful but also a form of expression, demonstrating triumph over life's difficulties.
As their power grew more powerful, the risks also became bigger. The remaining members of the hidden group, noticing a new increase in the forces they once ruled over, began to act again. A series of attacks targeting artists acted as a frightening reminder that the war was still not over.
Eki and Dapo were on a dangerous chase, trying to keep themselves and their friends safe while still finishing the mission. It was not easy work, but they had very strong determination.
One night, when they stayed at the studio working very late, it seemed like something unusual was happening. The air felt heavy with tension and there was a sense that danger might be close by. They looked at each other with worry on their faces, many thoughts quickly going through their minds.
Inside the building, there was a loud noise. They picked up an item and moved cautiously toward the source of the noise. When they looked back, their hearts felt heavy. The studio was in chaos, with canvases cut and equipment damaged.
Amid all the chaos and mess, a shadowy figure stood. This person watched them with a cold smile like many plans were being made behind it. It is someone they recognized from earlier times - an image that reminds them of the bad things they thought were finished.
Eki and Dapo felt both frightened and bothered. They had experienced troubles earlier as well, but this time it appeared to be different for them. It felt like an attack on what they have done, a threat to everything they have made until now.
The studio, usually a place for making things, turned into something like a battlefield. The leftovers of their creations scattered on the ground showed clearly how quickly everything they made could be ruined. Eki and Dapo stood looking at the mess in the room, their minds working fast.
The one who entered, an old ghost from the past, brought a message telling them they were not safe. The secret group - if we can call it that - or whatever remains of it gave hints they are still around and active. The battle hasn't ended yet.
A silence, like a heavy cloak, fell. It was intense. They must come together again, think about plans and protect their safety along with the people they care for. The city they were building is in danger once more.
When they start sorting, their talk turns to the importance of this attack. It reminds them strongly about the danger in their work and the hard truth that many things are still not complete yet.
In the middle of all this confusion, I think in my mind: what will become of our relationship? Our shared commitment to work brought us closer but also created some distance. They looked very focused on their job tasks, with not a lot of room for personal growth.
Eki shared her concerns. "We are paying too much attention to the city and making new things." "We do not pay enough attention to our relationship." Her voice was soft, with a gentle fragility that surprised even her.
Dapo's eyes made clear he understood, and his expression showed he got the message. "Yes," he said, feeling both sorry and sad together. "We have been putting our dreams before our hearts."
A quiet moment came, and they knew very well their relationship was at an important stage. Their jobs might take everything away, or they could choose to keep it alive intentionally.
Ayo's thoughts kept repeating in their mind. She made them ponder on the significance of their relationship and how to balance work life with private life simultaneously. Now, it is time for them to heed her advice.
They decide to take a rest, focusing only on their relationship. They choose and rent a small house near the sea, which they can use as a hiding place from busy city life. It was time for them to become close once more and find the love that brought them together in the beginning.
Time went ahead, and they spent many weeks together. These weeks were very special to them because they filled it with chatting, laughing, arguing, and loving each other. It felt like they were improving, finding themselves once more during this recovery journey.
When they began to mend their bond, a new understanding emerged. Love for one another became the foundation of their relationship and motivated them to achieve goals together as a team.
They believed they could be successful artists and also keep loving each other, balancing their jobs and personal lives together. It would not be easy but they thought they were ready for it.
When they returned to the city, new confidence grew inside them. These two were not just partners in crime but also life partners; love was their most powerful tool against sadness.
The way forward was not without problems, but they kept going with more strength, ready to meet anything that came - together.
