Samuel paused, still holding the edge of Zinnia's coat. He swallowed, feeling the weight of her words. "Different how?" he asked quietly, though it seemed like he already knew what she meant but needed to hear it from her.
"You've been... more open, I guess," Zinnia replied, her eyes searching his face. "Like you're letting your guard down. I don't really know how else to say it."
Samuel looked at her for a long moment, his expression softening. "Maybe I am," he said at last, his voice low but sincere. "Maybe I've been holding back for too long."
Zinnia blinked, surprised by his honesty. This was a side of him she wasn't used to—vulnerable, even a little unsure. "I've noticed," she said gently, her voice warm. "It's... nice."
Samuel let out a small breath, his lips curving into a faint smile. "I'm trying," he confessed, his tone softening. "It's not easy for me, but I'm trying."
