The doors closed behind them.
Silence.
Finally.
Amara turned to him immediately.
"You didn't have to do that."
"Yes, I did."
"No, you didn't."
"Yes," he said firmly, stepping closer, "I did."
She blinked.
Caught off guard by the intensity in his voice.
"They were attacking you," he added.
"I can handle myself."
"I know you can."
"Then why—"
"Because I don't want you to have to."
That stopped her.
Completely.
Silence filled the room again.
But it wasn't awkward.
It was… emotional.
"You always do that," she said softly.
"Do what?"
"Step in."
He tilted his head slightly.
"And you hate it?"
She hesitated.
And that hesitation—
Was all the answer he needed.
"No," she admitted quietly.
His expression softened.
"Good."
A small smile formed on her lips.
Unintentional.
Real.
"You're impossible," she said.
"And yet," he replied, stepping even closer, "you're still here."
Her heart raced.
Because he wasn't wrong.
She was still here.
Still choosing this.
Still choosing him.