Mike met Ren's gaze, searching for any hint of social posturing or the superficial politeness of a new acquaintance. He found none.
There was a startling, unvarnished weight to Ren's words; he wasn't performing gratitude, nor was he using it as a strategic way to build rapport. He was simply a man stating a fact, delivering a sincere truth with the directness of a heartbeat.
"She's easy to talk to," Mike said.
It was a simple statement, but as he said it, he felt the truth of it settle in the air between them. It wasn't just that she spoke; it was that she allowed herself to be understood.
Behind Ren, Haruka shifted. Mike caught the subtle change in her posture, the way her eyes widened just a fraction, a silent, reflexive reaction to being seen so clearly.
It was that specific expression she wore when someone bypassed her defenses and struck a note of absolute accuracy.
