Augustine's breath hitched for a moment, his gaze locked onto Charles with stunned silence.
His heart thudded, loud and erratic beneath his chest, but his lips slowly curved into a fragile smile.
"You… you love me?" he whispered, as if trying to confirm he'd heard correctly, his voice still hoarse but laced with emotion.
Charles nodded, his eyes glistening. "Yes. I've been too proud to say it before, but almost losing you made me realise—I never want to go another day without telling you how I feel. I love you, and I don't care who knows it."
"Gush!" Augustine exclaimed, his voice laced with disbelief. "This literally feels like a dream," he purred, a soft smile tugging at his lips despite the dull throb in his head.
Charles's heart fluttered.
Watching Augustine's stunned expression, he broke into a quiet, amused smile—one that trembled with emotion. It felt surreal… almost too good to be true.
