Us? Forever.

Chapter Seven: A Different Kind Of Truth

Chapter Seven: A Different Kind of Truth

Sakura: Thanks 😊

Sakura: Wow… that’s interesting.

Sakura: Wait, so you’ve never dated guys?

Motoko: I have, but it never worked out. I just wasn’t… well, good at being with guys.

For the first time, thinking about it didn’t make me feel sad.

Maybe it was because I had finally accepted myself.

Sakura: Okay… interesting.

I laughed softly.

That was a weird answer.

Motoko: Oh really?

Motoko: And you… what’s your SO?

I paused.

Wait—

I just abbreviated.

That’s something I only do with my friends.

I was about to send another message to explain when hers came in.

Sakura: Do you mean s****l orientation? Or something else?

I froze.

Did she really just get that?

People rarely did.

A wide smile spread across my face.

Motoko: Yeah… you got it.

Sakura: Honestly, I have no idea. I’ve just never felt any attraction toward guys. I’ve dated a lot—I mean, a lot—but I never felt anything.

Sakura: So I thought maybe I should try girls… maybe I was a lesbian instead. But it was the same result. I dated a few, and still… nothing.

Sakura: I just know I’m aromantic.

I felt a strange sadness settle in my chest as I read her messages.

It was… relatable.

But at the same time, it wasn’t.

I knew who I was.

She didn’t.

And somehow, that made it worse.

Not knowing something so important about yourself…

That had to hurt.

Motoko: I’m really sorry about that. I hope… someday, you find the right person for you.

My throat tightened slightly.

But why?

I didn’t understand it.

Maybe I just felt bad for her.

But she was a stranger.

So why did it hurt this much?

Everything was starting to feel… strange.

The way she spoke so openly.

The way I responded so easily.

It was all happening too naturally.

My thoughts started spiraling again.