“Nathan!” I called after his fading form.
I dashed after him, my shoes pounding loudly on the cobblestones. “Wait!” Tears blurred my vision, but the draw of his retreating figure guided me forward.
He turned into a narrow alley, and seizing my chance, I cornered him. “Nathan!” I choked out, voice thick with emotion. “Don’t just walk away from me like that.”
He spun around, the intensity of his gaze locking onto mine. The color of golden hour gave his face a warm glow like honey, but his eyes looked distance and full of angst.
“Do you know what it’s like?” I said, a tear rolling down my cheek. “One minute you’re distant, and the next you’re stepping in to protect me. It’s like emotional whiplash, and I can’t handle it anymore.”
He looked taken aback, perhaps not expectin
