Zoe's POV
The hallway was colder than I expected.
Maybe it was the late hour. Maybe it was nerves. Or maybe it was just the guilt that had been pressing into my ribs ever since Brandon walked out of my room earlier.
My fingers curled into a fist before I even realized it. I stood in front of his closed door — only inches but a universe away — debating whether knocking was a brilliant idea or the stupidest mistake of the night.
I exhaled softly, letting my lungs empty fully and steadying myself.
Just knock. A voice inside urged.
My knuckles brushed the wooden surface and tapped — faint, barely audible. The sound echoed into the quiet hallway and was swallowed almost immediately.
I winced.
Too soft. Too careful — like I was afraid of being caught doing something wrong.
Maybe I was.
