Unreal

Chp 58 Closer than Before

Didn't tease.

Just kept looking at me — quiet and fierce and Fred.

And suddenly, I didn't feel like joking anymore.

We were still sitting on the stone ledge, just the two of us. The stars above, the cold air biting my cheeks, the scent of Firewhisky clinging to his robes like trouble.

I tried to lighten it again.

"Told you I'll be fine, Fred," I said, nudging his side. "You don't have to go full tragic hero on me."

He didn't laugh.

Didn't even smirk.

He just looked at me.

"Doesn't mean I won't worry," he said, voice lower now. "Doesn't mean I won't want to do something about it."

My throat tightened.

Before I could come up with something stupid to say, he shifted. Turned toward me, fully — and suddenly I was very aware of just how close we were sitting.

And then—

Fred leaned in.

Slowly.

Deliberately.

His hand brushed my cheek, thumb hovering like he was waiting to see if I'd flinch. His eyes were locked on mine, unreadable.

My heart? Fully doing a gymnastic floor routine.

His face was inches from mine. Closer.

Closer.

Was he actually—

Oh my god.

My breath caught.

"Fred," I blurted, voice cracking. "You're drunk."

A beat.

He didn't move away.

Just stared at me — lips nearly brushing mine, his voice barely above a whisper.

"I'm not."

The silence after that?

Lethal.

My brain? Gone.

My soul? Ascended.

Fred didn't move. Still dangerously close — lips just inches from mine, breath warm against my cheek like he was about to—

No. No way.

I froze.

Heart hammering. Face on fire.

He leaned in even closer.

My breath hitched.

And then—

"You're waiting for a kiss?" he murmured, voice low and amused. "Bit eager, aren't you, Hart?"

I nearly choked.

"I—what—excuse me?!" I stammered, wide-eyed, absolutely flustered beyond repair.

Fred smirked.

The audacity.

Fred didn't move.

Didn't lean back.

Didn't laugh.

Just looked at me.

Like he was trying to memorize something.

Like he was waiting.

And I don't know what came over me — maybe I was tired of thinking, maybe I was tired of waiting —
But I leaned in.