"Repaying a debt?" Ezekiel asked.
"Is this because of what happened five years ago? I already told you, you don't have to. What you did for us was already enough. And yes… I can't deny that you saved me from death. But this is enough. I shouldn't drag you into this—"
"No, please, let me do this!" she interrupted. "I promise I'll never betray you. I'll do my best to help you prove your innocence."
The desperation in her voice surprised even herself. Her hands clenched slightly as if afraid he would stand up and walk away if she didn't say everything right now.
I can't just leave him alone. What if something happens to him again while I'm not around?
The memory of him lying motionless in the dungeon flashed across her mind, his body covered in blood, his breathing barely there.
Her chest tightened.
Please… I don't want him to face all of that alone again, Viola added silently in her mind.
Ezekiel looked at the girl standing before him and saw the determination in her eyes. It wasn't pity, nor obligation. It was something far more stubborn, something that refused to back down.
Something inside him stirred, a quiet instinct telling him she wasn't lying.
Silence settled between them for a moment, heavy yet strangely calm.
Viola was the first to break it, clearing her throat as the weight of his gaze suddenly made her self-conscious.
"Um… I think you should eat first. I'll make you some porridge. It's good for a light meal," she said, awkwardly brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
When he didn't answer immediately, she added almost shyly, "I'll go prepare it now, and we can continue this conversation over the meal. You can stay here and keep resting."
"I'll go with you. I'm feeling much better now," Ezekiel replied.
She blinked. "Already?"
"Yes," he answered calmly.
Viola coughed lightly and looked away. "Y-Yeah… about that…"
After hesitating for a second, she nodded.
"Okay. The dining table is downstairs. I'll lead the way."
They reached the kitchen, and Viola guided him to a chair at the dining table before quickly moving to prepare the meal.
From where he sat, the table faced the kitchen, allowing him to watch everything while Viola cooked.
She moved around comfortably, clearly familiar with the space. Opening cabinets, washing rice, cutting small ingredients, adjusting the stove. Everything flowed naturally, without hesitation.
He didn't take his eyes off her, quietly observing her movements. Perhaps he was watching too closely, because he began noticing small details most people would miss.
Like how long her eyelashes were when she blinked while checking the pot.
Or the small mole on her left hand that usually went unnoticed whenever she absentmindedly tucked her hair behind her ear.
Even the slight crease between her brows whenever she concentrated.
It felt… strangely peaceful.
He didn't realize how long he had been staring until Viola suddenly turned around to grab a bowl.
Their eyes met.
For a brief second, neither of them spoke.
"…Is something wrong?" Viola asked, slightly confused.
Ezekiel blinked, as if snapped back to reality, then looked away.
"Nothing. I was just… watching."
A faint warmth crept up Viola's neck, and she quickly turned back to the stove, pretending to focus intensely on the porridge.
Her hand stirred automatically, but inside, her thoughts exploded.
Kyaaa… what should I do now?! Ezekiel… the conscious Ezekiel is staring at me!
Her heart hammered wildly.
Calm down, Viola. Act normal. You are normal. Totally normal.
The spoon nearly slipped from her hand.
If anyone could see inside her mind right now, they would witness pure fangirl chaos unfolding, completely opposite to the composed image she was trying so hard to maintain.
Minutes later, the porridge was finally ready.
She carefully poured it into a bowl and placed it in front of Ezekiel, along with a spoon.
But he simply stared at it without touching it.
Seconds passed.
Viola's anxiety returned instantly.
Does he… not trust me yet? Does he think I put something in it?
Panic rose.
"Ah! if you're thinking I spiked your food, I would never do that!" Viola hurriedly said, waving her hands defensively.
"Maybe I should just eat some first—wait, let me get another bowl—"
"No, it's not like that," Ezekiel interrupted.
He looked at the porridge before speaking again.
"I watched you prepare it carefully. I know you didn't put anything in it."
She blinked, still frozen.
"I'm sorry if I seemed rude," he added. "I'll eat it right away."
Ezekiel couldn't say it, but the reason he had stared at the food earlier was because it felt strange to receive a home-cooked meal from someone. He was used to buying food or cooking for himself, so this situation felt entirely new to him.
He picked up the spoon and slowly tasted the porridge.
The warmth spread through his mouth, simple yet comforting.
After a few bites, he realized it was good. The seasoning was balanced, light yet flavorful, just right for someone recovering from injuries.
Seeing him finally eat, Viola quietly released the breath she had been holding. Her shoulders relaxed as relief washed over her.
She pulled a chair and sat beside him.
"We can continue our conversation from earlier," she said gently.
Ezekiel continued eating for a moment before replying.
"…You really don't have to involve yourself in this, Viola."
She frowned slightly. "I already told you. This isn't just about five years ago."
He glanced at her. "Then what is it?"
Viola hesitated. The real reasons tangled inside her chest, too heavy and complicated to explain.
She couldn't exactly tell him she had memories of a future where he died alone.
"…Because it's unfair," she finally said. "Everyone already decided you're guilty without even listening to you."
Ezekiel gave a faint, humorless smile.
"That's how things usually work."
"But it doesn't mean we should just accept it," Viola insisted. "If we find proof, if we show what really happened in that dungeon, they'll have to listen."
Silence followed as Ezekiel stirred the porridge slowly, watching the steam rise from the bowl.
His expression darkened slightly as memories surfaced.
The dungeon.The chaos. And the betrayal.
"In the dungeon…" he began quietly.
Viola turned to him, listening.
"From what I see, I know you're a healer. And your rank…"
He lifted his eyes to meet hers.
"…it's the same as mine."
The words struck her like lightning.
Viola froze, her heart nearly stopping.
"What?"
Her eyes widened in shock as she stared at him.
"H-How did you know?"
For a moment, panic crawled up her spine.
Had he seen and know everything?