Chapter 26 – The Almost Confession

They were standing outside her apartment again, under the usual flickering streetlamp that buzzed like a nervous friend. The city behind them was soft with quiet sounds distant engines, murmuring voices, and the occasional bark from a restless dog. But between them, it was still. Not tense. Not awkward. Just still.

He had walked her home again, as usual, after their spontaneous dinner. Nayla had ordered something she'd never tried before and laughed when it ended up too spicy. He had never seen her look so alive.

Now, here they were. Her keys dangled from her fingers, but she hadn't unlocked the door yet. And Raka wasn't leaving.

She looked up at him.

"I had a nice time," she said softly.

He smiled. "Me too."

The streetlamp flickered. She blinked. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other. His heart beat hard in his chest, like something important was about to happen.

He wanted to say it.

Not a full-blown declaration. Not the dramatic movie-style confession. Just something real. Honest. Vulnerable.

"I like you."

But the words stuck in his throat.

Nayla looked down at her keys.

"You should get some rest," he said instead.

She looked at him again, longer this time. Not disappointed, but curious. Expectant, maybe. "You too."

They didn't move right away. The air between them stretched.

Then she smiled softly and genuinely. She opened the door slowly, like she was giving him one more chance.

He didn't take it.

"Goodnight, Nayla."

"Goodnight, Raka."

She stepped inside. Closed the door.

He stood there for a moment, staring at the spot where she'd just been.

The words were still on his tongue. Waiting. Hesitating.

But he wasn't brave enough tonight.

Love, he was learning, sometimes needed more time. And sometimes, that time took everything you had.