We didn't talk about the train.
Theo didn't ask questions. I didn't offer answers. We walked instead, side by side, letting the city stretch around us like a shared breath.
The night was cool, the kind that settled into your skin without warning. I hugged my coat closer, aware of every inch of space between us.
"Are you cold?" Theo asked.
"A little."
He shrugged out of his jacket and held it out to me. "Here."
I hesitated. "You don't have to."
"I know," he said. "I want to."
I took it.
His warmth lingered in the fabric, unfamiliar and comforting all at once. I wrapped it around myself, inhaling before I could stop it.
Theo noticed.
He didn't comment.
We stopped near the river, the water reflecting the city lights in broken patterns. The world felt quieter here, like it was giving us room.
"Thank you," I said softly. "For earlier."
He leaned against the railing. "You don't owe me thanks."
"I know. Still."
Silence settled between us—not heavy, not tense. Just full.
Theo turned toward me, his gaze searching my face like he was asking a question without words.
"Mira," he said quietly.
My heart stuttered.
"Yes?"
He stepped closer. Slowly. Giving me time to move away.
I didn't.
His hand lifted, hovering near my cheek, never touching. The space between us felt charged, fragile.
I could feel his breath. The warmth of him. The moment bending toward something I wasn't ready to name.
This was the line.
The one I had sworn I wouldn't cross.
My chest tightened. My mind filled with echoes—promises broken, love turning sharp, the aftermath of trusting too much.
I took a step back.
"I can't," I said quickly. "I'm sorry."
Theo froze, pain flickering across his face before he masked it.
"Hey," he said softly. "It's okay."
But it wasn't.
I handed him back his jacket, my fingers brushing his for half a second longer than necessary.
"I warned you," I added, the words tasting bitter. "I don't do this."
He took the jacket, nodding once. "I know."
The acceptance hurt more than rejection would have.
We stood there for a moment longer, something unfinished hanging in the air.
Then Theo stepped back. "Goodnight, Mira."
"Goodnight."
I walked away without looking back.
Because I knew if I did—
I wouldn't stop myself.