*Runze's POV*
The bright lights of the lobby are blinding after the dim elevator.
The transition is too fast. One second, my heart is hammering against my ribs under Bael's intense gaze, the next, we are stepping out into a sea of clinic staff and patients.
Bael lets out a slow, quiet breath. When he drops his hand from his face, his expression is already locking back into his usual, cold mask. But he can't hide the deep pink still staining the tips of his ears.
I quickly clear my throat and smooth down my shirt, keeping my eyes fixed on the floor.
His hand slides down my arm, lacing his fingers through mine. His grip is tighter than usual, almost tense, as he guides me through the lobby and out the glass doors into the warm afternoon air.
He is walking slightly stiffly.
I sneak a glance at him as we head toward the driveway.
His jaw is clenched, his eyes fixed straight ahead, and his right hand is shoved deep into his trouser pocket.
