Essel’s Pov
It felt as though my mind finally sprang into action the moment Charlie's lips approached mine, mere millimeters apart. I summoned every ounce of strength within me to push him away. As I propped myself up, I observed him recline on the grass beside me. A deep sadness clouded his features, and it pierced my heart to witness his distress.
With a heavy sigh, I spoke, "I— we can’t, Charlie."
A perplexed expression crossed his face, the adorable look of confusion making him resemble a lost puppy.
"Why not?" he inquired, his voice tinged with hope.
"Because you are my friend, and I cherish you deeply. The thought of losing you is something I could never bear."
He rose and gazed into my eyes, searching for a glimmer of possibility that our relationship could take a different
