ROSALINE

I sat there, stunned, as Harry's confession hung in the air between us like a heavy fog. My mind raced, trying to process his words and find the right response, but all I could manage was a bewildered silence.

It felt like the alcohol was immediately washed from my system, and I was utterly stunned, tongue tongue-tied, suddenly nauseous. What do I even say to this?

Why would he even tell me this? The toes tingled with anxiety, and the seat grew more discomforting with each passing second. Finally, Harry broke the tension, his voice gentle but firm. "I'm not trying to pressure you into anything, Rosaline. I just...