Kafka let her words hang in the air for a moment. His expression unreadable.
Then, with deliberate slowness. He reached out and gently tilted her chin upward. Forcing her to meet his gaze. His touch was soft. His eyes warm but intense. As though he were looking straight into her soul.
"Nina..." He said. His voice steady but filled with a quiet strength that made her heart ache. "Listen to me when I say you could never let me down."
Her breath caught. Her watery eyes widening as she stared at him. "But—"
"No buts." He interrupted. His tone firm but kind. "You're not perfect, Nina. No one is. You make mistakes. That's human...But don't you dare think for a second that you're not wanted." He paused. His eyes softening as he continued. "You're wanted, Nina. You're wanted by me."
Her lips parted slightly. Her chest tightening at his words. "Kafka…" She whispered. Her voice barely audible.
