"I've spent so much time trying to be what I thought you needed," Meika said, her gaze locked onto his. "I tried to keep my distance. I tried to be professional. I tried to convince myself that my feelings didn't matter as long as I could stay by your side."
Today was the day she had promised herself she would finally be honest. No more playing the perfect, composed maid. No more hiding behind polite smiles and deflected glances. "I've spent so much time trying to be
The confession hung in the air, vibrating with raw, unfiltered emotion. Meika felt as if a massive weight had been lifted from her shoulders, replaced by a terrifying, exhilarating vulnerability. She looked at Kouta, bracing herself for rejection, for confusion, for anything. Instead, she saw a slow, soft smile spread across his face. I tried to convince myself that my feelings