His voice grew steadier, filled with quiet conviction.
"Not many people would do something like that. Most would only think about profit. Even if they discovered an antidote, they would never test it freely on people like us."
He lifted his head slightly, looking at her with deep respect. "But you're different."
A faint, almost reverent expression appeared on his face. "You're kind… truly kind."
He hesitated for a brief second before adding honestly, "And… I want to follow you."
There was a pause.
"…There's also a selfish reason," he admitted. "From everything I've heard, you are someone worth trusting. If I stay under your protection, my family will never have to worry again."
Ivy frowned slightly, her gaze sharpening.
"First of all," she said, her tone firm, "stand up. Otherwise, I'll feel like you're trying to make me uncomfortable."
Mika immediately stood up. Seeing that, Ivy let out a faint sigh of relief.
