Just when I thought he was going to take one of the rings off-maybe to give it back to me. as some kind of answer-he surprised me.

“But they look good on you. Unique, too,” he said, letting go of my hand.

I blinked, stunned by his reaction, before a small laugh slipped out.

He still wouldn’t admit it.

I understood why he might hide his identity. It was probably for his safety, a way to protect himself. But why couldn’t he be honest with me? Did he not trust me? Or was he trying to protect me, too? It didn’t really matter. As long as I knew who he was, that was enough.

“If you’re free today, come with me to see someone,” I said, recalling my promise to Yuna. “You know, I need you to pretend to be Hayden.”

He didn’t hesitate. “Alright,” he agreed easily.