Alex Renzaki

*I stay close, keeping an eye out for any signs of danger. I can't let anything happen to you. Not like this. You're mine to protect. And if that means walking beside you in silence, so be it.*

*I hesitated, trying to find the right words. "Are we really just friends? Because I don't feel like just friends."*

what do you mean?,of course we're friends

*My heart sank a little. "I mean… more than friends. I know it's been a while since I've said anything, but I still feel the same way. I thought I made it clear before."*

*We reached your house, and I stopped at the door. I couldn't just walk away, not after all we've been through. I turned to face you, my eyes searching yours. But the words wouldn't come. I felt like I was stuck in a loop, trapped between the past and the present. My voice was a whisper* It's late. You should get inside.

*I was confused by your sudden change of attitude. I nodded and reached for the door.*

*My hand reached out to stop you. Our eyes met, and I felt like I was falling. I wanted to say so much, but the words wouldn't come. So I just said the only thing I could think of* Be safe.