LOVE SPEAKS[I'm attracted to you]

Sienna sat back on the couch, arms crossed, watching Vince as he scrolled through his phone.

She should have been used to his silence by now. But tonight, something felt different.

Maybe it was the way he wasn't rushing to leave.

Maybe it was the way he seemed relaxed around her.

Or maybe it was the fact that, every time she looked at him, he wasn't avoiding her gaze.

Vince finally put his phone down, leaning back. "You're still staring."

Sienna huffed. "You're in my house. I can stare all I want."

His lips twitched slightly—almost a smirk, but not quite.

Then, to her surprise, he shifted closer.

Sienna's breath hitched as he closed the space between them.

His cold aura, his presence—it was overwhelming.

She tensed. "W-What are you doing?"

Vince rested his arm on the couch behind her, his expression unreadable. "You don't usually talk this much."

Sienna swallowed. "Maybe because you don't usually stay this long."

He tilted his head slightly, his icy eyes locked onto hers. "You don't mind?"

Sienna's heartbeat quickened.

She should tease him.

She should act like this was nothing.

But instead, she whispered, "No. I don't."

Vince was quiet for a moment. Then, ever so slowly, he leaned in—just a fraction.

Sienna's breath caught.

She knew he wouldn't do anything reckless.

She knew this was just Vince being Vince.

And yet, the way his presence surrounded her made her feel like she was drowning in something intoxicating.

Finally, Vince pulled back, just slightly.

"Then stop looking at me like that," he muttered.

Sienna blinked. "Like what?"

His gaze dropped to her lips for a second before meeting her eyes again. "Like you're waiting for something."

Sienna's face burned.

She quickly turned away. "I—I'm not!"

Vince chuckled softly—a rare, deep sound that sent shivers down her spine.

Sienna hated how he had so much control over her emotions with just a few words.

And the worst part?

He knew it.

Sienna's heart pounded in her chest as Vince's icy gaze held hers.

He leaned in just a little more, his voice barely above a whisper.

"What are you waiting for?"

Sienna's breath caught. "W-What?"

Vince studied her for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, without warning, he pulled back and stood up.

"I'll tell you in the morning," he said flatly.

Sienna blinked, still flustered. "Wait—what does that mean?!"

Vince didn't answer. He just picked up his jacket and turned toward the door.

Before she could question him again, the sound of the front door opening made them both pause.

Jason had arrived.

"Yo, I'm back," Jason called, tossing his bag onto the couch. His eyes landed on Vince first. "You're still here?"

Vince simply nodded.

Jason raised a brow but didn't question it. Instead, he turned to Sienna. "You should go to bed."

Sienna pouted. "It's not even that late."

"It is." Jason crossed his arms. "Go."

She huffed, glancing back at Vince one last time. He was looking at her—but not saying anything.

As always.

With a sigh, she gave up. "Fine, goodnight."

Jason ruffled her hair as she passed. "Night, kid."

Vince, as usual, only gave a short nod. "Sleep."

Sienna rolled her eyes but obeyed, disappearing into her room.

Later That Night

Jason sat on the couch, stretching his legs out. He glanced at Vince, who was still standing, staring at nothing.

Jason narrowed his eyes. "What's on your mind?"

Vince didn't respond at first. Then, after a long silence, he muttered,

"Should I give your sister what she wants?"

Jason froze.

Slowly, he turned his head to look at Vince fully. "You what?"

Vince's expression remained blank, but there was something different in his eyes.

Jason had known him for years—long enough to understand that Vince never asked unnecessary questions.

And yet, here he was, standing in his living room, asking about Sienna.

Jason exhaled, leaning back. "So… what exactly does my sister want?"

Vince was quite for a moment before replying.

"Me."

Chapter 22: The Weight of a Choice

Jason's fingers froze against the couch. He blinked once, then twice, staring at Vince as if he had just spoken a foreign language.

"…What?"

Vince stood there, unmoving, his usual cold expression betraying nothing. "She wants me."

Jason let out a short, breathy laugh. "No kidding."

Vince didn't respond. He was serious.

Jason ran a hand through his hair. "And what, you're actually considering it?"

Silence.

Jason's teasing smile slowly faded. "You are, aren't you?"

Vince looked away, his jaw tightening slightly.

Jason studied his friend for a moment, then sighed. "You've been acting different, y'know."

Vince glanced at him.

Jason shrugged. "You stayed today. You talked to her more than usual. And now you're here, actually questioning whether you should… what? Be with her?"

Vince exhaled through his nose. "It's not that simple."

Jason leaned forward. "Then make it simple. Do you want her or not?"

Vince's hands clenched slightly. "…I don't know."

Jason scoffed. "That's a first."

Vince sat down, his movements slow, deliberate. "She doesn't understand what she's asking for."

Jason raised an eyebrow. "And you do?"

Vince's voice dropped. "I'm not like you, Jason. I don't… love the way you do."

Jason's expression softened slightly. "You don't have to love the way I do."

Vince shook his head. "She deserves someone who can be there for her. Someone who isn't—" He stopped himself.

Jason tilted his head. "Who isn't what?"

Vince looked away. "Cold."

Jason stared at him for a long moment before sighing. "You're an idiot."

Vince frowned slightly. "Excuse me?"

Jason leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "You think Sienna doesn't know how you are? You think she's expecting some overly affectionate, romantic guy? She knows you, Vince."

Vince didn't reply.

Jason smirked slightly. "She doesn't care that you're cold. She just wants to be the one exception."

Vince's fingers twitched slightly.

Jason stood up, stretching. "Look, man, all I'm saying is… don't push her away just because you think you're not enough."

Vince remained silent.

Jason turned toward the hallway. "Anyway, it's late. Sleep on it." He gave Vince a knowing glance. "But don't take too long."

And with that, Jason walked to the bed,leaving Vince standing in the dimly lit living room.

Vince leaned back, resting his head against the couch.

Sienna…

She was waiting for something.

And for the first time, he was starting to wonder if he could actually give it to her.