ivy studies his features, attempting to decipher every emotion that has flickered across his face. if his feelings were truly absent, she wouldn't want to impose upon him by eliciting a response. it was one of the reasons why she initially hesitated, fearing the potential damage it could inflict on their friendship. his question renders her speechless for a few moments, until she musters the courage to respond. "when you asked me, i wasn't in a good headspace to say yes," she admits frankly, even though the vulnerability on display unnerves her. "it wouldn't have been fair to you."