- a few days later
you blink in surprise as you turn around, caught off guard by his sudden appearance behind you. your mind races, trying to come up with a response, but his demeanor leaves you momentarily speechless.
"uh..." you manage to stammer out, unsure of how to explain yourself.
he chuckles softly, a playful glint in his eyes. "caught you," he says.
you blink, trying to process how he managed to sneak up on you. "how did you... i didn't hear you at all," you manage to say, feeling a mix of surprise and amusement.
"no one can beat me in my own forte." he teases, taking a step closer.
you feel a flush of embarrassment creeping up your neck as you realize he's figured out your secret. "i... i just..." you stumble over your words, unable to meet his gaze.
he tilts his head, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "it's okay," he says softly, his tone surprisingly gentle. "i actually find it cute." he says.
you glance up, unsure if you heard him right. "cute?" you say.
"yeah," he nods, his eyes holding yours. "i've noticed you around, too. didn't know you were into... this," he gestures vaguely.
you let out a nervous laugh, feeling a mix of relief and nervousness. "i guess i got caught," you admit, finally meeting his gaze fully.
he chuckles again, stepping closer until you can feel his warmth. "well, now that we're both out in the open," he says, his voice low and teasing, "what do you say we make this less of a secret?" he says.
you swallow hard, your heart racing at his suggestion. "what do you mean?" you ask, your voice barely above a whisper.
he reaches out, gently tucking a loose strand of hair behind your ear. "i mean," he murmurs, his eyes intense and sincere, "maybe you don't have to hide how you feel anymore." he says.
"i've wanted to talk to you for so long," he continues, his thumb tracing a gentle path along your cheek. "but i wasn't sure if you felt the same way." he says.