Kouta took a step toward her, reaching out to gently take the thermos from her trembling hands and setting it on a nearby desk. Then, he took her hands in his. They were warm, steady, and grounding.
"I've spent so much time trying to be what I thought you needed," Meika said, her gaze locked onto his. "I tried to keep my distance. I tried to be professional. I tried to convince myself that my feelings didn't matter as long as I could stay by your side." Kouta took a step toward her, reaching out
Meika blinked, tears blurring her vision. "You... you knew?" "I've spent so much time trying to be
Meika took a deep breath, feeling the familiar, frantic thumping of her heart against her ribs. She looked at him—really looked at him—and felt the wave of affection that she had tried so hard to suppress for months. It was overwhelming, terrifying, and absolutely beautiful. ⚡ I tried to convince myself that my feelings
Kouta’s eyes widened as the realization of where this conversation was going began to dawn on him. "Meika..."
Today was the day she had promised herself she would finally be honest. No more playing the perfect, composed maid. No more hiding behind polite smiles and deflected glances.
The confession hung in the air, vibrating with raw, unfiltered emotion. Meika felt as if a massive weight had been lifted from her shoulders, replaced by a terrifying, exhilarating vulnerability. She looked at Kouta, bracing herself for rejection, for confusion, for anything. Instead, she saw a slow, soft smile spread across his face.