Eleanor gazed at Robert quietly, her voice soft and hesitant.
"Bob... I’m not sure if I’m mistaken, but lately, you’ve been especially kind to me. So kind, that I feel... like you truly like me." She paused, her lips curving into an apologetic smile.
"So, I wanted to ask..." her eyes softened, revealing a flicker of vulnerability. "You don’t have to answer right away, after all, this question... is a little embarrassing."
"But when you’ve figured it out, you must tell me. Otherwise..."
Just then—
"I already know the answer." Robert’s lips curved into a rare, light smile, one that softened his cool, jade-like features.
In that moment, he was breathtaking, like a star lighting up the night sky.
Eleanor blinked, momentarily taken aback.
"But..." His voice dropped to a gentle murmur, "...I can’t tell you yet."
There was a warmth to his face, despite the pale hue of his skin. His gaze lingered on her, steady and bright, like the first blush of peach blossoms in spring.