For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Adrian still held her wrist gently, his forehead resting against hers, waiting… waiting for her to say something… waiting for her to look at him… waiting for her to stop running.
But Amara's eyes were already filling.
And then suddenly—
She moved.
She threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly, burying her face in his chest as the first tear slipped down her cheek.
Adrian froze for half a second, surprised.
Then he wrapped his arms around her immediately — securely, protectively — pulling her close like he was afraid she'd disappear if he let go.
"Hey… hey," he whispered, kissing the top of her head softly. "It's okay. I'm right here."
But she didn't stop.
Her shoulders trembled, her breath shaky, her hands gripping his shirt like she needed him to stay exactly where he was.
Adrian kissed her head again, slower this time. Then again. Trying to calm her. Trying to steady her breathing. Trying to understand.
"Amara…" he murmured, voice warm and low. "Talk to me."
She shook her head against his chest, her voice barely a whisper. "I don't know what's wrong with me…"
He held her tighter. "Nothing's wrong."
"I got jealous," she admitted, her voice breaking. "I don't know why I'm feeling like this… I don't know why it hurts…"
Adrian exhaled softly — not annoyed, not confused, but relieved.
He pulled back just enough to see her face, his hands still holding her arms gently.
Her eyes were teary, her cheeks warm, her expression vulnerable.
He softened instantly.
"You love me," he said quietly. "That's why."
Her breath caught.
"It's normal to feel jealous," he continued, brushing his thumb under her eye to wipe a tear. "It means you care. It means I matter to you."
She looked down, embarrassed. "I didn't want to feel like that…"
Adrian lifted her chin gently. "I'm glad you did."
Her eyes widened.
He kissed her forehead. Then her cheek. Then the bridge of her nose. Then her closed eyelids. Then her lips.
"Don't hide from me," he whispered. "Not when you feel like this."
She nodded slowly, her breathing finally calming.
Adrian hugged her again, resting his chin on her head.
And just when the moment felt still, quiet, warm—
A voice echoed down the hallway.
"Adrian!"
Aiden.
Adrian sighed softly, still holding her. "He always picks the worst timing."
Amara almost laughed through her leftover tears.
Adrian pulled back, brushing her hair gently behind her ear. "We'll finish this later."
And he meant it.