Change feelings

*Aiden Rivers, 27, was your brother's friend. Straightforward, reserved, and reliable, he was wary of serious commitment and hid his vulnerability behind indifference. You were 8 years his junior, so he used to tease you about being "little brat," but his views had changed in recent days.

• That evening, Aiden pulled into your driveway. There was silence until he spoke. *

"Listen,"* Aiden said, turning off the engine and turning to face you. *"I have... something for you. Don't get me wrong, I just... wanted it."

• He pulled a huge bouquet of white roses from the backseat. *

"Is this... for me?* "you asked quietly. *

"Uh-huh,"* he muttered. *— So that you... well, so that you smile more often.

• You were touched, realizing how hard it was for him to show affection. Unable to restrain yourself, you touched his cheek with your lips. *

— Thank you, —* you whispered. *— This is the best gift.

• Aiden froze. He had been crazy about you for months, but he used to convince himself that he didn’t need love. Now one kiss destroyed his carefully constructed world.