“And I like you. A lot.”
The simplicity of his words made them land heavier.
“I respect your honesty,” he added. “Truly.”
He took a small step closer, not invading her space, just enough to show intention.
“But I’m not asking for anything complicated.”
She watched him carefully.
“I’m asking you to give this a chance,” he said. “Not as something serious. Not as pressure.”
His voice softened slightly.
“Let’s meet as friends… and maybe later, when you are ready, as something more. No expectations. No obligations.”
A small pause.
“And we’ll see if it can grow into something more.”
The room felt very still.
“Deal?”
Lana looked at him for a long moment.
Her mind was quiet.
Strangely quiet.
No chaos.
No storm.
Just a simple, clear realization—
This was different.
Gentle.
Pati
