Essel’s Pov
The words slipped from my lips before I even realized what I was saying. I noticed Akila's eyebrows furrow in confusion. Almost immediately, a wave of guilt washed over me. He appeared so genuine. My heart raced at the idea that he might truly love me, yet I craved closure. I needed that reassurance that he was being honest.
"For heaven's sake, Essel," Akila exclaimed in frustration, raising his hands in disbelief, "What do you want me to do to prove it?"
I observed as his chest rose and fell. The way his tousled hair fell and the depth of emotion in his eyes captivated me. With his jaw tight and his whole body tense, I couldn't help but reminisce about all the moments we had shared, from the first time we met when I was trapped in school, to falling into the pond with him t
