Chapter 32_ Similar Experiences

As the workday drew to a close, Kane and Arya began their journey home. Curiosity prompted Arya to turn to Kane and inquire, "So, how did your car get fixed?"

Kane nonchalantly shrugged and replied, "I made a few modifications to it."

"I see...you have knowledge of car repairs as well?" Arya asked, impressed.

"Not entirely. I had someone help me. I've been tinkering with cars since I was a child. My first toy was a carburetor," Kane explained.

"Ah, I see. With a father like yours, it's not surprising," Arya commented, nodding in understanding.

Kane shook his head, a hint of sadness in his voice as he said, "Actually, my father is a businessman, not a mechanic. And he was hardly ever around. My mother was the one who did all the work on me."

Arya's curiosity about Kane's mother was piqued, but she pushed it aside, sensing that it was not the right time to ask.

Instead, she gazed out the car window, watching the city lights and feeling the car's engine roar as they drove by other cars. The speed and noise made her tense, and she gripped onto the seat tightly, her face turning pale. She grabbed onto the dashboard, staring at the road ahead as if it was about to swallow her.

Noticing Arya's tense posture and silence, Kane cast a concerned look her way. He then proceeded to change lanes and slow down, asking, "Are you okay? I'm sorry, I didn't realize I was going so fast."

After taking a few deep breaths to calm herself, Arya spoke, "You weren't. It's just that when there are cars coming from the opposite direction, it feels like we're going twice as fast."

Kane gave her a gentle smile and focused on the road ahead. After a few moments of silence, he spoke up, "You know, I used to be afraid of driving fast too."

Arya's eyes widened, and she chuckled, "You? The King of Racers? If you're trying to make me feel better, you don't have to. I already feel better."

"I speak the truth, Arya. My words hold no deception. Like you, I too have faced the terror of a car crash." Kane spoke, his gray eyes distant and pensive.

Arya's thoughts raced, ‘Oh my God.... Is he being serious?’ She looked up at Kane, who continued, "It was a dire situation. My arm shattered, my ribs splintered, and my lung punctured.... My mother did not survive."

"I....I'm deeply sorry, I had no knowledge of this--"

"Do not blame yourself, there was no way for you to know. After the incident, I avoided cars for years but the fear consumed me. Merely crossing the street became a daunting task, so I took action. I taught myself to drive and eventually became a street racer." Kane revealed, and Arya gazed at him with bittersweet nostalgia.

"You make it sound so effortless...."

"And it was. All I had to do was enter a car, start the engine, and struggle in a parking lot for a few days. It may sound simple, but it was far from easy. One must find the courage within to conquer their fears, Arya." Kane declared, and Arya sank into the passenger seat.

"I wish I possessed your fortitude, Kane."

"But you do." Kane responded, speaking with conviction and causing Arya to turn her head towards him.

"Ah, I fear you may be overestimating me." Arya quipped with a smile.

"And I fear you are greatly underestimating yourself. But I trust you will realize your strength in due time." Kane stated, focusing on the road ahead.

Arya was left in silence, overwhelmed and grateful. It was a rare sensation, feeling someone truly believe in her and stand by her side. Not since Kane had entered her life had she experienced such warmth from a man's presence. Could it be fate? Arya pondered, feeling her heart race uncontrollably in her chest.

"It appears this is not our usual abode." Arya observed as Kane parked the car in a secluded area along the city promenade.

"This spot holds a special significance to me. Come, let us disembark." Kane unfastened his seatbelt, moved out of the car, and went around to open Arya's door. He then unfastened her seatbelt and extended his hand to help her out. She flashed him a sweet smile and accepted his hand.

Kane led her to the boardwalk that ran along the rocks overlooking the shoreline. The view of the harbour was breathtaking, with the city lights glimmering in rhythm with the waves. "This is truly beautiful." Arya gasped, taking in the stunning scenery and the tangy scent of salt and adventure in the air.

"My mother used to bring me here when I was a child." Kane shared as they sat on a sturdy rock, admiring the starry sky. He took out a thermos and poured himself a cup of a warm beverage, infused with spices and wine. He closed his eyes and savored the taste as he took a large sip.

When he opened his eyes, he saw Arya looking at him with a vulnerable yet peaceful expression. "Would you like some?" Kane offered, gesturing to the container in his hands.

"Aren't you drinking and driving?" Arya questioned, causing Kane to chuckle.

"Loosen up, Arya. This is a non-alcoholic mulled wine crafted from my mother's secret recipe of cherry juice," Kane elucidated, as Arya's lips curled into a sheepish smile upon accepting the cup and taking a sip of the beverage.

"Mm, it's truly divine," she praised, her eyes glistening with delight. Kane couldn't help but gaze affectionately at her as he reached out to caress her cheeks with his hands.

"I am delighted that you appreciate it. It holds a special place in my heart as a drink through my memory lane," Kane shared, his gaze quivering with fondness.

"I am glad as well. And thank you for opening up to me. I understand it must not have been easy for you," Arya expressed, causing Kane to chuckle.

"Being vulnerable and open is not something that comes easy to me, Arya. But with you, it feels different. I find myself wanting to confide in you and share everything, knowing that you will truly listen. No one has truly paid attention to me since my mother left," Kane admitted with a sigh, wanting to pull his hands away from Arya's face, but she held onto them.

"Why do you think that is? Is it possible that we feel drawn to each other because we share similar experiences, and that is the reason why we find solace in each other's company?" Arya questioned, her hands gently resting over Kane's as they stayed on her cheek.

"I am not sure about that, Arya. But what I am certain of is that I want to be near you always, and feel your warmth in my life. You remind me so much of my mother," Kane confessed, pulling Arya closer to him and wrapping her in a long and heartfelt hug. Arya embraced him back, resting her head upon his shoulder and inhaling his alluring scent.

When they pulled away and gazed into each other's eyes, they both smiled, Kane's eyes radiating with profound sweetness as he leaned forward to capture Arya's lips, kissing her deeply for some time before finally pulling away, leaving Arya breathless and longing for more.