Orifiel stood still under the dim streetlight, the glow casting long shadows on the pavement. The air felt heavier than usual, thick with words that had already been said and words that hadn’t yet found courage. Erelah stood a few steps away, arms crossed loosely, eyes watching him carefully.
He ran a hand through his hair, exhaling slowly. “Erelah… can you give me time to think about us?” he asked, his voice low, uncertain. The words tasted strange coming out of his mouth, like he was afraid they would hurt her even if they were honest.
Erelah blinked, then nodded slowly. “Yeah,” she said softly. “Sure. Take your time.” Her voice didn’t accuse him. It didn’t beg. That somehow made it harder.
Orifiel watched her turn slightly away, pretending to look at her phone. His chest tightened. I
