rned in

ssages, unexpected coffee deliveries, late-night conversations that sli

ified me more

ce, polished smiles, perfectly rehearsed answers. But Adrian?

was no d

on the water's surface. The cool breeze tangled throu

said, his voice low, hand

ng at the waves.

wit

dark eyes studied me - not judg

nerable," I admitted be

y. "But sometimes... vulnerabi

ime I'd been real, I was shattered - left wit

, yet grounding. "I'm not him," he whispere

eath

ee so much w

me," I whispere

ser, his warmth wrapping around m

lls tr

hould've stayed hidden behin

first time

is fingers inter

the most honest thi