He paused, letting the words settle before going on, softer now.
“I get it. You’re being careful. But if you say you’re taking the risk—then you have to really take it. You can’t halfway love someone and call it brave. That’s not risking anything. That’s staying safe.”
His gaze didn’t waver.
“He took the leap with you. Dropped every shield he’s ever had. I just hope… you’ll meet him halfway. Only then will you know if it’s love—or just fear holding you back.”
Maya just sat there, heart pounding. Guilt tightening like a vise around her ribs.
She hadn’t meant to hurt him. But she had.
His words hovered like a quiet verdict—honest, unforgiving.
A mirror held to her fear.
Then Harper’s voice cut through the stillness—quiet, but steady.
“Well… I guess that was their first official love
