The simplicity of his answer—the absolute certainty in it—made something crack in Kaya's carefully maintained walls.
She looked away, her jaw tight. "You say that now. You don't know what you're talking about."
"Maybe I don't," Cutie said softly. "But I know I wouldn't abandon you. Curse or no curse."
The words hung in the air between them, heavy with meaning Kaya wasn't ready to unpack.
Her stomach growled again, breaking the tension.
Cutie's expression shifted immediately, a small smile tugging at his lips despite the serious conversation. "Come on," he said gently. "Let's get you some food. You can tell me I'm stupid while you eat."
Kaya wanted to argue. Wanted to tell him to leave her alone, that she didn't need anyone hovering over her, that this whole situation was insane and he should run while he still could.
But she was tired. Hungry. And maybe—just maybe—having someone who stubbornly refused to leave didn't feel as terrible as she wanted it to.
