28 - Labels

(Raya’s POV)

“...I have no one else to save me…from you.”

Kaan seems to consider my words and says nothing for a while. And then he sighs. “There you are again, assuming I would hurt you.” There’s a little bit of hurt in his voice and I close my eyes, swallowing painfully.

“Oh, Kaan…it’s not—”

“I will say this for the last time. I care about you…and I will never willingly hurt you. And if I ever do unwittingly, I will make amends… or die trying.”

I scoff, even though I’m melting inside quicker than butter in a heated pan. “Oh, don't be so melodramatic. I am no one—”

Kaan reaches out to hold my chin, gently compelling me to face him. “Open your eyes, Hiraya. Look at me.”

I do what he says, almost sobbing at what I see.

Vulnerability. And something even more dangerous and thrilling.

It can’t be. It’s too soon. What reason does he have to feel the same way I do?

I close my eyes again. “Don’t look at me like that.”

“Why not? Last time I checked, honesty is still a virtue.” He