Ethan's pov
The night air was cool against my skin, but all I could feel was the heat rising in my chest as I looked at Lena. She stood there, quiet and a little guarded, and I knew there was so much she wasn't saying. So much she was holding back.
I took a slow step closer, careful not to rush, but wanting to close the gap between us.
Her breath hitched, and I saw the flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. Maybe she was scared. Maybe she wasn't ready. But I couldn't let that stop me.
"Lena," I whispered, my voice low enough for just her to hear. "You don't have to do this alone."
I reached out gently, brushing my fingers along her arm, feeling the slight tremble beneath my touch.
She didn't pull away.
That small, silent permission gave me the courage I needed.
Slowly, I closed the final inches between us, until I could see every detail in her eyes—the way they shimmered with something fragile, something real.
And then, I leaned in, just enough to brush my forehead against hers.
No words. Just the quiet closeness of two people caught somewhere between truth and pretense.
For a moment, I hoped she would let me in.
Because I was ready to be more than just her fake boyfriend.