"But—"
"No buts." He tightened the hug. "You don't have to fight every time something goes wrong. You're still growing. Hell, I'm still growing. What matters is that you're safe."
Her breath hitched, and he felt her nod slowly against him.
For a long moment, neither of them spoke.
The room was quiet, save for the occasional creak of wood and the faint wind outside the window.
Then, her voice came again — small and full of uncertainty.
"Do you think… everything's going to be okay?"
Zayn stiffened for half a second.
Because that — that — was the first time she'd ever asked something like that.
Seren was many things.
Mischievous. Snarky. Tough. But not scared. Never scared.
This was the first time he'd seen her voice tremble.
The first time she'd asked for reassurance instead of giving it.
He pulled back slightly, cupping her cheek.
Her eyes were glossy, like she was trying not to cry.
His thumb brushed her cheek, and she blinked.
