Mika's heart soared—but he couldn't show it. Not yet. He needed to play this carefully, to draw her in without scaring her away.
So, his expression changed. A flicker of hesitation crossed his face—regret perhaps or second thoughts. He looked away.
"You know what? Forget it, Nadia."
She blinked. "What?"
"I think I went a little too far. Overshared." He chuckled, but it was strained, self-conscious. "We're talking about random, weird stuff, and my mood just...went in a completely different direction. I started saying things I shouldn't say."
He shook his head, as if clearing it.
"Let's just forget it. Leave it alone. Pretend I never mentioned it."
Nadia's response was immediate. She turned fully on his lap, facing him, her hands gripping his shoulders.
"No, Mika. It's all right. Just...go on. Please."
He frowned, still playing reluctant.
