Eva's heart sank as Xylon's words sliced through her like a dagger.
She had hoped that her impulsive act of vulnerability, the kiss on his cheek, would at least elicit a flicker of understanding from him.
Instead, he had dismissed it as a "stupid kiss," leaving her feeling exposed and hurt.
Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, and her lips trembled with a mix of emotions.
She had taken a risk, baring a part of her soul to him in a desperate attempt to bridge the growing chasm between them.
But all she received in return was rejection and indifference.
Her hands clenched into fists at her sides, her nails digging into her palms.
She was torn between wanting to walk away and wanting to scream at him, to make him understand the pain he was causing her with his callous words and actions.
"Why do you have to be so cruel?" she finally managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper.