[ he hadn't been waiting on tighnari! he'd just, you know, been waiting in general. sitting on his feelings for so long. it had been so difficult, even for cyno, who has no lack of self-discipline. ]

I.. I couldn't.

[ he says, honestly, dropping his gaze. ]

Being friends with you already puts you in danger. Being more than that - it would mean painting a target on your back. [ and cyno wasn't that selfish. ] And I'll admit I was.. afraid, too.