I studied him for a moment before asking quietly, "Rion… what do you really look like in your real world?"
The teasing smile vanished.
He fell silent, his gaze dropping to the table.
Why did his smile disappear so suddenly?
I stare at Rion without blinking, studying the silence that has fallen between us.
Maybe I shouldn't have asked that question.
I lower my gaze, cutting a small piece of pancake without looking at him. My voice comes out softer than I expect.
"No need to answer."
I take a bite, chewing slowly—then—
He spoke suddenly.
"My hair was white… like snow."
I froze and looked up at him.
Rion's gaze meets mine, steady yet distant.
"My eyes were silver-white too."
Something twists painfully in my chest.
His eyes looked sad—lonely.
Why do his eyes look like that?
So quiet.
Is he thinking about his home?
His parents?
The world he lost?
I swallow the bite, my throat tight, and gently place the fork back on the plate. My voice lowers, careful, almost afraid.
