"No, not at all! It was a fun surprise!" Her heart was still beating fast as she laughed against her fist. He was laughing too, and it felt good to hear it.

...She...really needed to tell him, didn't she? Putting it off for so long was cowardly. He deserved better than that. He deserved so much better.

She quieted as she disengaged and took a step back, bowing as if to thank him for the dance. When she came up, her smile was more subdued.

"...I...want to apologize to you..."