But at the same time, it felt like—for the first time—someone actually saw me—for who I am underneath it all.

Her eyes widened, not in surprise, but in realization. “Kai… did you ever tell Ray how you felt?” she asked gently, her voice threading through the hush, careful not to press too hard. Kai looked down, voice faltering. I was with Eddie… and it just felt wrong.” She hesitated, her fingers tightening around the mug. “But at the same time, it felt like—for the first time—someone actually saw me—for who I am underneath it all. Not just on the outside.