[ K A R A ]

"I love you. I fucking love you."

Ryder’s words were ringing in my ears. And everything else around me fell silent, like it was on mute. I couldn't hear anything, except the sound of his heavy breaths and the three words that were on repeat in my head. And I didn't know what to say, or how to react to this. I was a deer caught in headlights.

"I've known it for a long time now. I just don't think I'd ever say it out loud," he continued saying.

Words. ...