"You're not okay."
Le An went silent for a moment, as if someone had just spoken an undeniable truth right to his face. Usually, after telling people around him that he was fine, he didn't have to convince them, or if he did, it was always easy.
But no one had ever said to his face, "You're not okay."
So now, when that truth was presented to him in a way he couldn't easily deflect, and when the one saying it was Taras, he found he couldn't deny it.
Le An simply nodded, as if saying alright.
Because saying I'm fine would've been a lie.
Taras slowly withdrew the hand he had pushed against Le An's shoulder, and a hint of satisfaction appeared on his face, likely born from Le An's acceptance.
Le An, with his head bowed, swallowed hard as Taras's fingers entered his field of view. He lifted his head, parting his lips.
"You said you wanted guiding."
Taras nodded while looking into Le An's eyes.
He finally moved, and the shadow cast by his figure lifted off Le An.
