The silence between us stretched.
Heavy.
Unavoidable.
“Are you still pretending?”
Adrian’s question echoed in my mind, louder than anything else.
I opened my mouth to answer.
Then, it closed it.
Because I didn't know what to say.
“I asked you something,” he said quietly.
I swallowed.
“I heard you.”
“And?”
I looked away.
“I don't know.”
The honesty surprised both of us.
Adrian didn't move.
Didn't react immediately.
Then—
“That's not an answer.”
“It's the only one I have.”
I turned back to him.
“This wasn't supposed to happen.”
“What wasn't?”
“This,” I gestured between us.
“The confusion. The feeling.”
Adrian’s gaze didn't waver.
“Feelings complicate things.”
“I know.”
“Theb don't let them.”
I let out a small, breathless laugh.
“You make it sound
