The weight of the inquiring glances, the silent and sharp accusation in Jake's violet eyes, and the rain of Venka's mocking comments ended up overwhelming Aibek's emotional defenses. The suffocating atmosphere of the open living room stuck to his skin like a warm, sticky, unbearable mass. He needed fresh air immediately, physical distance from the tension, and a safe corner where guilt wouldn't squeeze his chest until he was left completely breathless; he needed to get out of there.
Taking advantage of Taishi holding Venka back near the kitchen frame to review the stretching charts, and Jake standing with his back turned, serving himself a glass of water in absolute and sepulchral silence, Aibek glided with feline steps toward the spacious inner courtyard. He gently left Mr. Bear on his plush little bed in the hallway and cautiously crossed the large glass window separating the house from the garden.
