/ Hospital Scene /
Zure took a slow breath, forcing his anger down.
In just a second, his expression changed—
from cold… to worried.
He stepped closer, offering a polite smile.
"You must be the one who saved my childhood friend. Thank you."
He bowed slightly, then extended his hand for a handshake.
...
Sana didn't respond immediately.
Instead, he glanced at Alice.
Just one look—
and he understood.
Her hand was trembling.
Even though her face stayed calm.
...
[This won't take long.]
Sana let out a weak breath, pretending to struggle.
Alice noticed instantly. She tightened her grip on his hand.
"He's still injured," she said coldly.
...
Zure's smile stiffened for a moment—
but quickly returned.
"I see… I'm sorry, my hero."
Alice didn't even look at him.
...
Zure turned to her, voice softer now.
"Alice, you shouldn't be here. You need to go home."
"Your father is worried. He hasn't even eaten… he looks like he's falling apart."
He paused, then added gently—
"This hero has his own family to take care of him… right?"
His eyes shifted to Sana.
Waiting.
Testing.
...
Before Sana could answer—
his body suddenly gave in.
He collapsed slightly.
Alice quickly caught him, wrapping her arms around him.
"I'll take care of him," she said firmly.
"I'll go home later."
...
For a brief second—
Zure's expression cracked.
But only for a second.
Then he smiled again.
"I understand… I'm just worried about Uncle Leto."
He turned and walked away slowly—
but his gaze lingered on Sana.
Cold.
Warning.
...
Sana exhaled heavily.
[That guy… he's dangerous.]
[I don't know how to deal with someone like him…]
[But if I do nothing—Alice will keep suffering.]
...
He gently held her closer.
"Sorry… I was just acting."
But Alice didn't let go.
...
Sana froze slightly.
Her warmth…
was too close.
...
Only then did Alice realize what she was doing.
She quickly stepped back, her face turning red.
"I—I'm sorry…"
...
Sana shook his head.
"Your childhood friend… he's dangerous."
"I want to help you… but I don't know how."
...
Alice looked at him—
then slowly held his hand.
"No… just being with you is enough."
"You make me feel safe."
She smiled.
...
For a moment—
Sana couldn't look away.
That smile…
felt like light in a world that didn't feel real.
...
[Even if something is wrong with this world…]
[Even if none of this makes sense…]
[This feeling…]
[is real.]
...
"Sana…?"
He blinked.
"I… there's something I forgot to tell you, Alice."