Neither of them had moved.
The teasing energy from minutes ago had completely vanished.
Now the silence was heavy. Breathing loud. Hearts louder.
He leaned closer.
Slowly.
Not sudden. Not careless.
Just enough to close the distance that had been shrinking on its own.
Her pulse went wild.
This wasn't playful anymore.
This wasn't singing in wrong lyrics.
This felt real.
He stopped just inches away.
Close enough to feel her breath.
Close enough to see the nervous flicker in her eyes.
"Aakrati…" he said softly.
Not dramatic.
Not demanding.
Just her name.
She swallowed. "Hmm?"
He didn't move closer.
He waited.
His eyes searched hers — not assuming, not taking.
Asking.
Silent question.
Is this okay?
The moment stretched.
Her fingers tightened slightly in his.
Her breath trembled.
She could feel the warmth of him. The nearness. The possibility.
And she wanted it.
That was what scared her.
She wanted it.
If this happens… everything changes.
Office.
Friendship.
The easy laughter.
What if we ruin this?
He whispered again, softer this time.
"Aakrati…"
A pause.
"If I—"
He didn't finish the sentence.
He didn't need to.
She understood.
He was asking.
Giving her space.
Giving her choice.
And for one heartbeat —
She almost said yes.
Her eyes flickered to his lips.
Back to his eyes.
Butterflies. Fear. Want.
All crashing together.
But panic won.
"I—" her voice shook.
He froze immediately.
"Hm?"
"I should go."
The words came out too fast.
Too defensive.
She gently pulled her hand from his.
This time when she pressed the seatbelt latch, it clicked open.
She grabbed her bag quickly.
"Aakrati, wait— did I—"
"I'll see you tomorrow."
She stepped out before he could finish.
The door shut.
And she walked away.
Fast.
He stayed there.
Stunned.
He had stopped.
He had asked.
He hadn't touched her again.
So why did she run?
Did she not want it?
Or did she get scared?
He replayed it in his head.
She didn't look uncomfortable.
She didn't say no.
She just—
Panicked.
Across town, she shut her door and leaned against it.
Her breathing uneven.
Why did I run?
He didn't force anything.
He asked.
He waited.
He gave me a choice.
And I ran.
She covered her face with her hands.
Because if I stayed…
I would've said yes.
And that terrified her more than anything.
We were fine.
We were just friends.
Laughing. Singing. Being stupid.
If we cross that line…
There's no going back.
Maybe nothing happened.
Maybe tomorrow we can pretend it didn't almost happen.
Maybe we can still be normal.
Across town, he lay on his bed staring at the ceiling.
I didn't do anything wrong.
I asked.
I waited.
I would've stopped.
He exhaled slowly.
But she ran like it was a mistake.
And that hurt.
Two different houses.
Two racing minds.
One almost confession.
And neither of them sleeping.