[Renji's POV—Kurosawa Group Headquarters—Afternoon]
I stepped back first.
Not abruptly. Not enough to draw attention. Just a half-step—polite, professional, and controlled.
Enough to break the moment.
"Sir," I said softly, lowering my gaze, "you should attend the Astraeon meeting. They'll be waiting."
The silence between us thickened.
Hayato didn't move.
Didn't lower his hand right away.
For a second longer than necessary, his fingers hovered where my tears had been—then slowly dropped back to his side.
"…Alright," he said.
His voice was steady.
Too steady.
I turned and walked ahead, tablet clasped tightly against my chest. Each step felt heavier than the last, but I didn't slow down.
I couldn't. Because if I stayed—if I let him keep looking at me like that—I would break. The meeting room buzzed with low conversation as Astraeon's representatives took their seats. Polished smiles. Crisp suits. Carefully chosen words.
Business as usual.
