Someday

“I really like you”, he springs on me suddenly.

“I really like you too”, I laugh nervously. But not in that way, I deliberate, as I flinch at the prospect.

“But not ‘in that way’”, he echoes, reading me like he’s done ever since we met.

I cringe.

“Maybe someday…”, he starts..

I want him to stop.

“Let’s go catch some ice tea kid, lemon, your favourite. My treat.”

He leads.
I follow.
As always.
And as always, I feel nothing. Only safe.
And somehow, that’s just not enough.