LOVE SPEAKS[I'm attracted to you]

Vince took a step back, his hands slipping into his pockets, his face once again unreadable. But the weight of his words still lingered in the air.

Sienna wasn't sure how to feel. He had finally opened up, finally admitted something real, but it still felt like he was keeping her at arm's length.

Jason sighed dramatically, running a hand through his hair. "So what now? You just keep acting like a block of ice and expect her to be fine with it?"

Vince shot him a look. "It's not that simple."

Jason scoffed. "It is. You like her, she likes you. What's the problem?"

Vince glanced at Sienna. She was still looking at him, searching for answers. He exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. "I don't know how to do this."

Sienna's heart softened. "You don't have to figure it out alone."

His eyes flickered—just for a second. Then, in his usual quiet way, he said, "Go rest. You've been crying."

Jason rolled his eyes. "Smooth."

Sienna gave a small smile, wiping the last of her tears. "Will you at least try?"

Vince hesitated. "I don't make promises."

Jason groaned. "Unbelievable."

But Sienna just nodded. "That's okay. Just don't run away."

Vince held her gaze for a moment longer before finally giving the smallest nod.

Jason clapped a hand on his shoulder. "That's progress, I guess."

Sienna smiled to herself. It wasn't a confession. It wasn't everything she wanted to hear.

But it was enough—for now.

The night had settled in by the time they reached home. Dinner was quiet, filled with unspoken thoughts and stolen glances. Sienna barely spoke, still processing everything that had happened earlier. Vince, as usual, said little, though his presence alone was enough to keep her mind occupied.

After dinner, she excused herself to take a bath. The day had been overwhelming, and she needed a moment alone.

Meanwhile, Jason leaned back in his chair, stretching lazily. Then, as if it had just occurred to him, he smirked at Vince.

"You're sleeping with Sienna tonight."

Vince, who had been reaching for his glass of water, froze. "…What?"

Jason shrugged. "She watched a horror movie with us, remember? She won't be able to sleep alone."

Vince narrowed his eyes. "Then you sleep with her."

Jason grinned. "Nah. She kicks in her sleep." Then, before Vince could argue, he stood and stretched. "Goodnight, bro."

And just like that, he was gone.

Vince stared after him, unamused.

A few moments later, Sienna returned, dressed in a loose, oversized shirt, her damp hair cascading over her shoulders. She rubbed her arms, looking slightly embarrassed. "Jason's not coming, is he?"

Vince sighed. "No."

She bit her lip, her gaze shifting slightly. "…So, you're staying?"

He didn't answer right away. His throat moved as he swallowed, his Adam's apple bobbing slightly. He hadn't expected this.

Sleeping in the same room with her?

This was dangerous.

Still, he exhaled and nodded, stepping inside. "I'll stay."

Sienna's lips curved into a soft smile. "Okay."

As she climbed into bed, Vince hesitated. Then, reluctantly, he took a seat on the edge, his body stiff, his mind filled with warnings.

This was going to be a long night.

Vince sat at the edge of the bed, his back straight, hands resting on his lap. He didn't move, didn't relax.

Sienna lay under the covers, watching him. "You look uncomfortable," she said.

"I'm fine," he replied shortly.

She sighed, rolling onto her side. "You can lie down, you know."

Vince didn't answer.

Sienna pouted. "It's just sleeping. You act like I'll bite you."

His jaw tightened. "You talk too much."

She giggled. "And you talk too little."

Silence.

The room was dimly lit by the small bedside lamp. The air felt warm, heavy with something neither of them wanted to name.

After a while, Sienna yawned and closed her eyes. "Good night, Vince."

He glanced at her. Her face was peaceful, soft.

"…Good night."

He leaned back slightly, resting on his elbow, still keeping a distance.

But then, in the quiet of the night, a soft whisper came.

"Vince…"

He tensed. "What?"

A pause. Then—

"…Thank you for staying."

His chest tightened. He turned his head away.

"…Go to sleep."

She smiled, her eyes still closed.

And finally, for the first time in a long while, Vince let himself rest.