The kiss had ended, but the silence it left behind was louder than thunder.

Leah stood frozen in the lab as the power blinked back to life. The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, too harsh, too real. Ethan’s breath was still close, his eyes heavy with regret.

Ethan: “Leah… I’m sorry. That was wrong. I shouldn’t have done that.”

Leah: “Stop. Please. Don’t say it like it was just you. I didn’t push you away. I let it happen.”

Ethan: “But you didn’t mean to…”

Leah: “Don’t. I wanted it in that moment. That’s worse. I’m…” She broke off, pressing a hand to her mouth. “God, what have I done?”

The...