When Ethan heard her voice, his first instinct was to choke back his tears. Yet, the moment the sound washed over him, keeping the heavy sobs at bay became an impossible battle.
The dam broke. The harder he fought to suppress his weeping, the more a sharp ache bloomed in his chest, forcing more tears to spill. He felt incredibly childish, a pathetic burden to Viona.
"It's okay. Don't cry."
Viona didn't fully understand the root of his despair. She assumed it stemmed from her earlier rejection, knowing all too well how deeply sensitive Ethan was to rejection and how easily his mind could spiral into overthinking.
Before asking any questions, she pulled him into a warm, protective embrace. Feeling his fragile shoulders hitch with hiccups as he desperately clung back to her broke her heart. He sounded entirely pitiful, small, and utterly devastated.
Why? Did I hurt you? I'm so sorry.
