~Aria's POV
I opened my eyes slowly, forcing myself to speak, my voice shaking despite my best efforts. "I… I brought you something," I said softly, holding out the box, trying to focus on the food rather than the way my stomach fluttered at the sight of him. "It's… um… just food for celebrating my housewarming. For you. I thought…maybe…you'd like it."
He blinked at me, expression unreadable for a moment, grey eyes steady and intense. Then, he shifted slightly, the muscles in his chest moving under his skin, and for a moment, all I could do was stand there, frozen, waiting for what would happen next.
I could feel my hands trembling, gripping the box tighter. I almost wanted to turn and run, but something in the way he looked at me, the faint shadow of curiosity, the quiet weight of his attention, kept me rooted to the spot.
"Aria…" His voice softened slightly, almost unconsciously. "You shouldn't… just come here."
