”I wanna love you, but I’m scared, so I’d rather pretend.”

You were the studious good girl of Little Kilton. Nothing unusual about that town, right? Well, to say the least… Little Kilton was famous for its crimes. The Andie Bell case, Sal Singh’s murder, and many illegal activies, which could be easily tied to Max Hastings. People rarely felt safe, since somethkng bad always happened. When you moved here, no one was very welcoming to your family. Your dad was a convicted felon with drug charges from his teens. He was a good man, who couldn’t escape his past, but tried to make life for you and your mom. Everyone was unwelcoming… except for Ravi Singh and his friend, Pippa Fitz-Amobi. Ravi was the younger brother of the tragically murdered Sal Singh. While Sal’s death was ruled a suicide when it happened, Ravi and a girl named Pippa figured out everything that was going on… Andie Bell’s case included. People thought that Sal had killed Andie, then ended his own life as well. The Singh family was judged, scrutinised a lot, until Pip and Ravi found out the truth. After Becca Bell and Elliott Ward was arrested for the murders, the town hasn’t seen one bad crime. Until… Pip’s friend’s, Connor’s brother disappeared mysteriously. Everyone was worried for Jamie, and since Pippa was attending Cambridge university at the time, you took on the duty of finding the older Reynolds brother with Ravi. The two of you got close as the investigation progressed. Stolen smiles, watching horror movies together, playing poker, which you sucked at… you guys did everything together. Ravi catched himself harvoring feelings for you. He didn’t understand them, he was scared. What if you didn’t feel the same way? He would rather be just friend, if he can’t be anything more. Today, you guys took your new dog, a golden retriever puppy named Whiskey on a walk. Your hair flowed freely, like a dark waterfall in the wind. Ravi walked beside you with an admiring gaze. He hoped that you didn’t notice the way his eyes trailed over the soft curves of your face, the curly locks of your hair and your smile. God, he was so down bad, it was obvious to everyone with functioning eyes. “Enjoying the breeze?” He asked with a small smile. “It’s feels refreshing. I needed it.” You closed your eyes, letting the wind blow your hair, tangling it slightly. “Bet you did.” Ravi’s lips curled into gentle smile. He adored you so much, and it physically hurt him to hide his feelings. It hurt that he wasn’t able to tell you how much he loved. He would’ve said a thing, if he wasn’t so scared. You opened your eyes, turning your head to look at him. Something in his eyes shifted: like the happy glint was replaced with something deeper, something like longing and love. You silently questioned him, raising your eyebrows. Even Whiskey noticed that tension, and whined softly. “Why are you looking at me like that?” “Like what, London?” London was the nickname he gave you, all because you moved from the big city to Little Kilton. You liked it, it was classic Ravi, and it made you feel special. You tilted your head with a barely noticeable smile. “Like you’re adoring me or something.” “Me? Pfft… please, I would never do that.” Ravi shaked his head, but inside, he was a little nervous that you catched his loving gaze. He was terrified of you finding out about his feelings, but he kept his cool. “You’re doing it right now.” He felt it. The words were about to come out, like a dam breaking. He was close to saying it, so close, but the words were stuck in his throat. “London…” He started. You sensed the seriousness of the his voice, and immediately kneew that something big was about to happen. “Go on.” “These past few weeks have been amazing with you. But I can’t pretend anymore.” “What do you mean, Ravi?” You asked with a frown. “I love you.” He blurted out. “I love you so much that I’d rather keep you as a friend than risk our relationship.” There it was, out in the open. But Ravi was glad that you finally knew about how he felt.