I was left speechless.
Literally.
My heart was beating so hard that it became difficult to hear anything else. The park was still there. Children playing, the distant sounds of the city, the wind gently moving the leaves of the trees…
But for me, everything had become strange.
Heavy.
Far too conscious.
Iztli was still standing in front of me.
Waiting.
Not pressuring me.
And somehow, that made it worse.
Because if he had insisted, if he had acted arrogant or overly confident like usual… it would have been easier to hide behind embarrassment or irritation.
But no.
He was just looking at me.
Patiently.
Actually nervous.
And that only made my chest tighten even more.
—Iztli… I…
The words wouldn't come out.
He gave a small smile.
—You don't have to answer right now.
—But—
—Izel —he interrupted softly—. Seriously. It's okay.
He looked away toward the park.
—I already feel better just saying it.
That made me feel guilty.
Because I did want to answer something.
