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Then—

“Because it’s not. I love you, too.”

No.

It’s not.

Not even close.

My free hand lifts—

Slow.

Careful.

My fingers brush lightly along her jaw.

Tilt her face up just enough—

So she has to look at me.

So I can see it.

Everything she’s not saying out loud.

Everything she doesn’t have to.

“You sure about this?” I ask.

One more time.

Because I need to know.

Because once this line is crossed—

There’s no going back.

Her answer doesn’t take long.

“Yes.”

No hesitation.

No fear.

Just truth.

That’s all I need.

I close the distance.

Slow at first.

Giving her time.

Letting her feel it coming.

Letting myself feel it too.