The waves crashed again, as if the world itself held its breath for his answer.
Gray's throat felt dry.
Lyra's hands were still clutching his coat, trembling like a fragile bird that refused to let go of the storm.
He could hear her heartbeat.
And yet... he still couldn't say it.
Gray's fingers twitched once, then lifted slowly, brushing away the tear rolling down her cheek.
Lyra froze slighly as her breath hitched, her golden eyes widening slightly as his cold fingertips touched her skin.
"…You're cruel," she whispered.
"Yeah. I know."
For a brief moment, the two of them just stood there. motionless beneath the silver moonlight, the air thick with everything unsaid.
Then, almost against his own will, Gray lowered his forehead against hers.
Lyra's eyes fluttered shut, her tears still falling.
He could feel her breath mix with his own.
"Gray…" she whispered softly.
"Don't say anything," he murmured back.
"Just… stay like this for a second."
