eded

lence and my mother's heavy sighs. Daniel wanted to s

ed out int

silence. I walked without thinking, my mind replaying Andrea

I saw

y

end of the street, hands tucked in his pockets,

art s

I whi

ar smile that made everything

"How did

avy, you always run to the night.

Everything. My father... Andrea..." My voice crac

ightened.

u d

ed." He looked at me deeply. "But you do

ck me, warm an

hat if I don't have

overwhelming me. "You always have a choice

rea's threats none of it mattered. Only Ayo's eyes, steady and

ed. "You know our families

irmly. "I don't care about thei

if Andrea finds out? He's not

o said, his voice steady. "

dn't a

ing. "I don't want to force you. But I wan

ween us like a secret o

came. My heart was loud, too

y voic

touching mine. "You don't have to sa

ness, but from the ache of wanting

down my cheek. "Shh. It's o

ut in that moment, with Ayo's hand

ime that night,