Nevio's POV
"Nevio," Ayla called, running after me; I slowed my steps, turning and walking backward to meet her pace, a small smile tugging at the corner of my lips.
“You know,” I said, watching her catch her breath, “you don’t have to run, Ayla. Just say my name and I’ll always come back to you.”
She rolled her eyes but smiled anyway, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Yeah, well, sometimes you walk too fast. Makes me think you’re trying to get away from me.”
“Never,” I replied without hesitation. “I don’t run from the people I care about and not especially someone like you,” I said, watching her smile falter for just a second as my words caught her off guard, but she quickly masked it with a laugh. “You’re getting better at that—saying sweet things without flinching.”
I smir
