"Hey, Caroline." Stefan popped his head in Caroline's room. "Will you come take a walk with me?" he asked nervously.
"Yeah, of course." Stefan had been distancing himself from everyone lately, so she was happy to get some time with him.
They walked side by side in silence for what felt like miles, then Stefan finally spoke.
"I need to leave this place."
Caroline stopped. Her worst fear was happening. She was losing him too. She turned to face him, but her words escaped her. "Please…" she finally whispered.
He looked down, not wanting to look in her eyes. "What's here for me?" he asked looking back at her.
"Me, Stefan." she said angrily. "God, you don't see it. You're not just my best friend, okay? I'm in love with you, Stefan. I've been falling in love with you since I met you. You know that. Sure, at first it was for superficial reasons, but then I got to know you. You saved me. It's impossible not to fall for you." She let a sad sigh fall from her lips.
"Caroline…" he breathed out.
"I gave you a reason to stay. Take it or leave it." Her eyes were sad, and Stefan couldn't take it.
"Close your eyes."
When she did a single tear let loose. Stefan came closer and touched his thumb to her tear wiping it away. He gently rubbed her cheek as he leaned into her. He put his lips to her forehead so softly she thought she was imagining it. Suddenly his touch was gone, and when she opened her eyes so was he.