They walked back slowly, neither of them speaking. The cabin came into view, and with it, the truth they’d been avoiding all morning.
Aqua’s stomach twisted. Kieran’s shoulders were tense, his steps heavy, like each one dragged him closer to something he didn’t want to face.
Inside, the silence followed them.
Kieran set the fishing rods by the door. “We should… cook the fish.”
Aqua let out a soft, watery laugh. “Our one sad fish?”
He managed a small smile. “Our heroic fish.”
They moved around the kitchen together, brushing shoulders, passing utensils, pretending this was just another day. Kieran cleaned the fish while Aqua heated a pan, the sizzle of butter filling the quiet.
He glanced at her. “You’re staring.”
“You’re imagining that,” she said, though she absolutely was.
He smir
