Kaelis was feeling too many things at once.
Too many emotions that he honestly didn't know how to explain properly anymore.
Ezra finally knew the truth.
After all these years—
After all the lies, misunderstandings, silence, and bitterness—
Ezra knew.
And somehow, Kaelis hadn't even needed to force it.
Didn't need to manipulate the situation.
Didn't need to beg.
Didn't need to defend himself desperately the way he always imagined he would if this day ever came.
But despite wanting this for years—
Kaelis hadn't actually been prepared.
Not for the questions.
Not for the way Ezra looked at him now.
Not for the fact that Ezra actually listened.
And definitely not for Ezra thanking him.
That part alone still didn't feel real.
'I think I would've been happy even if today ended right there,' Kaelis thought quietly, still feeling strangely lightheaded from it all.
Because somehow—
Somehow, there was finally progress between them.
Real progress.
Not forced tolerance.
