As pleased as Mika was with how things were progressing, he couldn't show it. Not yet.
Instead, his expression changed to one of embarrassment—genuine-looking, boyish, almost ashamed. He snatched the phone from her hands, his movements quick and flustered.
"I-I'm so sorry, Nadia!" He tucked the phone away, not meeting her eyes. "I never meant to show you something like that. Please...just forget it!"
Nadia blinked, momentarily startled by his reaction.
Then her hand shot out, firmly grabbing his wrist before he could pocket the phone.
"No, wait!" She said, her voice soft but insistent. "I-I want to know more. I want to know about that photo...and about what it means."
"It's all right, Nadia." Mika said, still maintaining his embarrassed act. "It's nothing at all. Just a small thing from my past. Nothing for you to worry about."
But Nadia shook her head, refusing to let go. She held his hand tighter, leaning in closer until her forehead nearly touched his.
