~HAZEL~

"Ashton?" I try once more, softer this time, almost pleading.

The silence that follows feels thick enough to choke on.

I should let it go. I know I should. Whatever happened last night, whatever made him flinch away from me like I'd burned him, maybe it's better to both of us if it stays buried.

I need to pretend I don't notice his weird behavior . Pretend everything's normal.

But when I see him, I can't. I can't pretend. It's bothering me.

Because the way he's ...