NATHANIEL
I stayed on the floor longer than I should have. Aurora… her eyes were wide, full of something I couldn’t name, and I couldn’t look away.
It was like they held the whole world in them, and I wanted to memorize every detail. Her lips, her hands, the way she tilted her head slightly—it all made my chest tighten.
I shouldn’t have felt like this. I shouldn’t have let her have this effect on me, but I couldn’t stop.
I finally shook my head, forcing myself to stand. I ran my hand through my hair, trying to act normal, though my heart was still racing. “You first,” I said, holding out my hand. My voice sounded steadier than I felt, but inside, my thoughts were chaotic. I needed her to speak. I needed to hear what she had to say.
She hesitated at first, pressing her lips together
