Celina sat down beside Gabriel. He was the first to speak.

“I know you’ll say you’re fine… but you’re not, are you?” His voice was soft, steady, filled with a gentleness that made it impossible to hide behind façades.

Celina gave a faint smile, her eyes fixed on the floor.

“I’m not crying over him. This isn’t about him. It’s just… it’s too much.”

Gabriel nodded with quiet understanding.

“I never said it was about him. But you can’t pretend he doesn’t still stir something in you, Celi.