Kaelith froze.
He hadn't expected that answer, not from Hale, not in that tone.
His arms slowly loosened from Hale's waist as if burned by the weight of the words. He stepped back slightly, trying to see Hale's face more clearly.
"…What did you say?" Kaelith asked, voice low, almost fragile.
Hale turns around. His hands were busy fixing the pillow, but his shoulders were stiff.
"I said yes," Hale replied quietly, his voice flat but trembling. "Maybe I am tired, Kaelith. I'm tired of pretending like none of this affects me."
Kaelith reached out again but stopped himself midair. His chest tightened.
"Hale, we talked about this. You said you understood."
"I did." Hale finally turned to him, eyes glistening. "I said I understood, but that doesn't mean it doesn't hurt. That doesn't mean I can stand there while you talk about marrying someone else as if I don't exist."
A long silence stretched between them.
Then Kaelith stepped forward and cupped Hale's face gently.
