She shakes her head quickly. “Forget I said anything. I’m tired.”
This is the moment I could push. I feel it. The truth is right there, trembling behind her eyes. I could reach out and drag it into the open.
Instead, I step forward slowly.
“Liora.”
She lifts her chin. A challenge. A shield.
I lower my voice. “I’m not going anywhere.”
Her eyes flutter shut. A breath escapes her like she’s been holding it for days.
“Don’t say that unless you mean it,” she says.
“I mean everything I say to you.”
Silence stretches between us. Warm. Heavy. Charged.
She steps closer, her hand brushing my forearm. Her skin is warm—warmer than usual. Her scent spikes with nerves and longing, both tangled tight.
“Gyon…” she whispers.
I lean in, but not all the way. I don’t kiss her. I don’t pull her close.
I wait.
Her hand curls, gripping my shirt lightly. “I don’t deserve how patient you’re being.”
“That’s not your decision to make.”
She opens her eyes. Beautiful, scared, hopeful eyes.
I let her search my face. Let her see everything I’m not saying. Let her know, without a single spoken word, that she is not alone in any of this—not anymore.
After a long breath, she steps back just enough to put space between us. She tugs her sweater around her.
“We should… get some sleep,” she says quietly.
“If you sleep better knowing I’m near,” I murmur, “I will stay.”
Her breath stutters. “I do sleep better.”
I nod once. “Then I’ll stay.”
Her lips tremble into something like a smile before she turns away.
I return to Pepper’s bedside, sitting quietly, keeping vigil.
Liora disappears down the hall. Her soft footsteps fade into nighttime quiet. The apartment fills with warm air, hums, Pepper’s quiet breathing. I listen. I breathe with her.
I lower my hand to rest on the edge of her blanket.
One day soon, Liora will tell me. She’ll break open that last piece of herself and put Pepper’s truth in my hands. I’ll take it gently. Carefully.
Because love isn’t just claiming.
Love is waiting.
