The soft echo of footsteps down the hospital corridor mirrors the quiet weight in Elias's chest.
He stands at the reception counter, arms crossed, gaze fixed on the discharge papers Kai is signing beside him. The nurse hands over a folder with a polite smile, but Elias barely acknowledges it.
"She's good to go now," Kai says, flipping the folder closed and glancing sideways at him. "You sure you're okay with this?"
Elias doesn't respond immediately.
Behind them, the sterile hum of machines and soft rustle of nurse shoes feels oddly louder than usual. He shifts his jaw slightly, brows furrowed. "I don't feel right… leaving her alone at that dorm. Not like this."
Kai hums, thoughtful. "Sofia's still out of town for another couple of days, right?"
Elias nods.
"Then why not take her with you?" Kai suggests, folding his arms. "Your parents are back at the villa. Your mother loves doting on fragile things, and Leila won't feel awkward around her. It's better than her collapsing again in an empty room."
Elias shoots him a sideways look. "She's not fragile."
Kai smirks. "Didn't say she was. But even you saw what pushing herself too hard did to her."
There's a beat of silence.
"I just think she'd heal faster in a place that feels safe." Kai's voice softens meaningfully. "And whether you admit it or not… you want to keep her close."
Elias doesn't deny it.
Because it's true.
He's never been one to hover—but with Leila, every instinct inside him has been shifting without warning. He keeps telling himself it's about responsibility. But somewhere between the worry and the silence, he knows it's something else.
He turns and begins walking toward her room.
"Let's ask her."
Elias knocks lightly on the hospital door before pushing it open.
Leila is sitting upright on the bed now, her scarf loosely draped around her shoulders, complexion still pale but eyes more alert than yesterday. She places her phone face-down on the blanket as he enters.
He notices the faint signs of fatigue lingering under her eyes—the kind that doesn't just come from lack of sleep, but from carrying too much for too long.
"You're being discharged," he says softly, voice measured, not wanting to overwhelm her. "We've sorted the paperwork."
She nods slowly. "Thank you... for everything."
Elias remains by the door for a moment longer than necessary, then walks closer, careful not to enter her space without invitation. "Sofia's still out of town."
"I know," she says quietly, fingers tracing the hem of the hospital blanket. "She called earlier. She's worried."
"So am I," he says bluntly.
Leila's gaze lifts in surprise.
"I don't think you should go back to the dorm right now. You're still recovering, and I doubt you'll take it easy if left alone."
"I'll manage," she replies, polite but firm. Her pride is intact—even after collapsing, even in a hospital gown.
"I'm sure you would," Elias says. "But… my mother's home. And she would love the chance to fuss over someone. You'd have company. And rest."
Leila blinks.
"Come to the villa. Just until Sofia returns," he adds gently. "You'll have your own space. My mother will make you feel at home."
Leila hesitates.
The thought of staying with Elias—of being in his world, even temporarily—sparks something uneasy in her chest. She's not used to accepting help. Especially not from someone like him.
But then she remembers her mother's voice on the phone earlier, brittle with unspoken worry. And Sofia's absence. And her own stubborn weakness that landed her here.
"Just for a couple of days?" she asks, her voice barely above a whisper.
Elias nods. "You leave when you feel ready."
After a long pause, Leila looks up again—this time with a small, cautious smile.
"Okay."
Elias releases a breath he didn't realize he was holding.
"I'll wait outside while you get ready."
As he leaves the room, something unfamiliar flickers across his face—something not quite relief, not quite triumph.
Kai is waiting near the elevator, arms folded, smirking.
"She said yes?"
Elias gives a single nod.
Kai chuckles. "If your mother starts making wedding plans after one dinner, I'm not stopping her."
Elias rolls his eyes. "Shut up."