Claude's words lingered in the air like a soft melody refusing to fade. He stood there, tall and unwavering, his eyes locked on me with a warmth that felt almost dangerous. Dangerous, because I could feel my walls cracking, one by one.
"You can glare at me all you want, Mio. You can tell me a thousand times that you don't believe me. But even if the world laughs at me, even if my friends call me a fool for taking back my words, I'll still say it—I love you. You've stolen my heart, and you're not giving it back."
I scoffed, crossing my arms tightly. My nails dug into my sleeves as I tilted my head, pretending his words didn't rattle my soul. "Big words, Claude Lockheart. You're saying you're ready for everyone to laugh at you? For Key and Len to tease you mercilessly? For people to bring up how you used to hate me?"
