We stand outside my bedroom door for a few seconds longer, neither of us saying anything. The silence isn't uncomfortable exactly, just charged. Like something is hanging between us that neither of us is willing to acknowledge.
I clear my throat first.
"Goodnight, Ronan."
His fingers tighten around mine for the briefest moment.
I watch something flicker across his face. Hesitation. Regret. Maybe both.
Then he slowly releases my hand and straightens the front of his shirt as if reminding himself who he is.
"Right. Goodnight, Nova."
For a second neither of us moves.
Then I force myself to turn away and push open my bedroom door. Before stepping inside, I glance back over my shoulder one last time.
Ronan is still standing there.
Watching me.
My stomach does an annoying little flip
