I stand there, stunned by Jay's confession. The air in the room feels charged with tension, and my heart races as I search for words to respond.
"Jay," I finally manage to say, my voice shaky, "this is... unexpected."
He nods, his gaze still fixed on me, his eyes reflecting a mix of hope and anxiety. "I know, Emma, and I am sorry if this comes out of nowhere. I just couldn't keep it to myself any longer."
I take a deep breath, trying to collect my thoughts. "It's just that... Jay, our friendship means so much to me. It always has, and I don't want to jeopardize it."
Jay's expression softens, and he takes a step closer. "Emma, I understand that. I value our friendship too, more than I can express. But I also couldn't ignore these feelings anymore. I needed to be honest with you."
I can
