*My cheeks flush hot with embarrassment. "The kiss," I mumble, avoiding eye contact with Raan. "When you came home yesterday. You didn't remember it, and I panicked. I thought maybe it could all go back to being how it was before..."

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. "But now, I realize that that's not what I want. What happened between us was real, and it changed everything.

I nod, letting out a slow exhale as the weight of this conversation begins to lift. Nestling closer to him, I lean my head on his shoulder, grateful for the comfort he provides. Together in this moment, it feels like we can weather any storm.