KAYLA'S POV (Continuing):
Atasha was sitting beside his bed, arms crossed and expression full of irritation, while Trip stood nearby leaning against the wall.
The second Atasha noticed me standing in the doorway, her face twisted into a scoff.
"Why are you here?" she snapped. "After everything your friend did to him?"
I looked at her.
Then I looked away.
I really wasn't in the mood.
Normally, I would've shut her up in two seconds flat.
But I didn't want another scene.
Not today.
Not here.
So I ignored her completely and stepped inside.
That seemed to annoy her even more.
"Did you not hear me?" she said sharply, rising to her feet. "Your precious Theo nearly killed him, and now you're here acting concerned? That's rich."
Before I could respond, Hari's voice cut through the room.
"Atasha."
It wasn't loud.
But it was firm enough to make her stop.
She turned toward him, frowning.
"Leave us."
Her eyes widened in disbelief.
"What?"
"With this girl?" she asked, pointing at me like I was contagious. "The one whose friend almost beat you unconscious?"
Hari lifted his gaze to hers.
He didn't raise his voice.
He didn't argue.
He just looked at her.
And whatever she saw in his expression made her fall silent.
There was something in his eyes, something steady, unshakable, that made even Atasha hesitate.
"Now," he said quietly.
She clenched her jaw, clearly offended.
For a second, I thought she'd refuse.
But then Trip straightened from the wall and stepped in before she could start another argument.
"Okay, bro," he said lightly, though his eyes flicked between me and Hari with clear curiosity. "We'll see you later."
He grabbed Atasha gently by the arm before she could protest again.
"Call if you need anything."
Hari gave him a small nod.
Trip offered him a quick, reassuring smile before guiding a very irritated Atasha toward the door.
As she passed me, Atasha shot me one last glare full of accusation.
I didn't react.
A second later, the door clicked shut behind them.
And suddenly, the room felt much quieter.
Too quiet.
For a moment, neither of us said anything.
I stood there awkwardly near the foot of his bed, my hands at my sides, unsure what to do now that I'd actually come here.
This was ridiculous.
Why was I suddenly nervous?
I was Kayla.
I didn't do awkward.
I didn't hesitate.
And yet…
Standing there under Hari's calm gaze, seeing the bruises on his face, the bandage, the split lip,
I felt a strange heaviness settle in my chest.
I took a small step closer.
Then another.
Until I was standing beside the bed.
My eyes lowered.
For the first time in a long while… I hesitated.
"S-sorry."
The word came out quieter than I expected.
Almost uncertain.
Hari blinked.
Then his expression softened slightly.
"It's not your fault," he said. "Why are you apologizing?"