"I was being sarcastic," I said.
"AndI'mnot," he said. "Look, I know you don't believe this, but you're important to me. And I don't want to fuck this up. Luna, you're too good for all this. You know it. I know it."
"Oh," I said, my tone growing snotty, "so it's not me, it's you? Isthatwhat you're saying?"
"Luna," he said, "listen."
"No," I said. "What is this? A pre-emptive strike? Like you're breaking up with me in advance?"
"Luna," he repeated.
"What?"
"I love you."