Keith closed his eyes for a moment.


    So she had seen through him atst she had discovered his feelings for her.


    In that instant, he felt a wave of nervousness, but also a kind of relief and joy, as if a secret he''d tried so hard to hide had finally been revealed to the one he cared for most.


    He took Amara''s hand, looking at her earnestly. "Amara, I like you. I''ve liked you for months now."


    "I don''t know when my feelings for you changed, but I know what I feel is real. I really want to be with you."


    "Amara, would you give us a try? I promise I''ll treat you well."


    The more Keith spoke, the more animated he became, his palm almost burning against Amara''s, but Amara only felt sorrow.


    Keith was being so sincere she knew he truly liked her, but she couldn''t respond in kind. To her, he was just a friend...


    She bit her lip, her eyes growing damp.


    Noticing Amara''s expression, Keith frowned. This wasn''t the reaction he''d hoped for.


    He was about to say something more when a voice suddenly called out nearby, "Hey, isn''t that Keith and Amara?"


    "Over there! I think that''s them!"


    They turned to see a group of people-young men and women, all dressed fashionably and brimming with excitement—rushing toward them, faces alight with enthusiasm. The sight startled both Keith and Amara.


    They exchanged a nce and, acting in perfect sync, grabbed each other''s hands and dashed away.


    Amara could tell these people weren''t reporters just a group of friends out


    together, probably huge fans who happened to spot them and couldn''t resist running


    over.


    She couldn''t help but worry—had someone snapped their photo during themotion? If those pictures ended up online, the whole thing would blow up again...


    Soon they found a quiet spot, safely hidden behind a massive stone monument. Amara leaned against a pir, breathing hard, one hand pressed protectively to her stomach.


    A shiver ran through her-why had she started running like that? She was pregnant, after all.


    She paused to check herself, relieved to feel no difort in her belly. Only then did she truly rx.


    Keith, remembering her condition, asked, "Are you okay? Is your stomach alright?"


    Amara shook her head. "I''m fine."


    Once they''d caught their breath, they nced around. The stone


    monument shielded them from view; the onlypany, was a few


    withered trees, making the ce feet especially lonely.


    As the world around them quieted, the words they''d shared moments before seemed to echo between them.


    Keith watched Amara nervously, as if waiting for her to say something.


    After thinking for a moment, Amara said, "Keith, after all these years as friends can''t believe you''ve had a crush on me. But as for dating-1 think it''s best we don''t I''m just not not looking for a rtionship right now."


    Her tone wasn''t harsh, but it was clear she wasn''t joking either.


    Keith caught her wrist, his mood darkening a little. "You really don''t want to be with me?"


    Amara shook her head. "No, I don''t."


    As she spoke, she dug her nails into her palm, feeling a pang of guilt.


    She really did treasure Keith as a friend, and she hated to hurt him, but sometimes things just had to be said.


    Keith closed his eyes briefly. "Don''t turn me down so quickly. Can''t you at least give me a chance to try? After all, we''ve been friends for so many years-if anyone deserves a shot, shouldn''t it be me?"