Gen enters the room, his presence calm but perceptive. "Did you find it?"
I flinch, grabbing only the small tube of ointment, quickly closing the drawer. My heart races, my thoughts spinning. Keep control, Arem. Just keep control.
"Yes," I say, my voice strangely tight. "I found it."
Gen keeps staring at me.
"Are you okay?" he asks softly.
My face heats up. I look away too fast.
"Y-yeah… I'm fine," I say, forcing the words out.
He doesn't look convinced. His gaze stays on me, searching, gentle—and that makes it worse.
"Let's sit," I say quickly. "I'll apply the ointment."
He nods and sits on the bed.
My fingers tighten around the tube as I step closer. I sit beside him—but I leave a clear distance between us. Too clear.
Gen notices.
He shifts closer.
I move away.
He moves again.
"Gen—" I start.
He cuts me off smoothly, not angry, just calm. "Arem… why are you trying to keep distance between us?"
I freeze.
What am I supposed to say?
