KEAL'S POV
IF I THINK OF HER, SHE IS PRETTY.
No. No. Not again.
Why are these thoughts coming to me… again and again?
I try to focus on the mission, on keeping her safe… but every time she laughs, every time she frowns, every time she looks at me with those curious eyes… I can't. I can't stop thinking about her.
I catch myself watching her sometimes, when she doesn't notice. She has this way of moving—careless, but deliberate. Like she belongs here, but somehow doesn't. It's infuriating.
I know better. I know I should stay away. I've seen what happens when people get close. I've seen what happens when emotions get in the way. But still… she lingers in my mind.
And it's worse when she smiles. Something inside me… shifts. My heartbeat stutters. My hands tighten around whatever I'm holding, pretending I'm not aware of it. Pretending I'm in control.
Control. That's all I've ever had. Until now.
I don't want to feel this. I don't want to care.
But then she looks at me—like she knows something. And I feel… exposed.
No one can know. No one can ever know.
Not her. Not anyone.
And yet… I can't help but wonder if maybe, just maybe… she's already inside my heart.