บท 109: Confession

Ava turned around and saw Alex standing there; she wasn't surprised. Since the party began, she had felt his gaze on her intermittently, suggesting he likely had something he wanted to discuss with her.

"Hey, is there something you want to talk to me about?" she asked.

The lively atmosphere had faded, and the chill outside seemed to sharpen Alex's senses. Seeing Ava's face, he felt a moment of hesitation—if he were to speak his mind now...

Ava, puzzled by Alex's erratic demeanor, caught his attention with a wave of her hand. Alex snapped out of his daze and offered a hesitant smile.

"I felt it was a bit stuffy inside, so I thought I'd come out for some fresh air," he explained.

"It is pretty stuffy in there," Ava agreed, her eyes flicking toward Alex as she wondered when he would finally speak up.

Alex, internally conflicted, wasn't sure how to begin.