It gradually became late. Looking at the time, Eli decided he should go. Roman was sad to see him leave and looked at him pitifully.
Even if an overly cold person turned up the heater, his heart would still remain cold.
It hadn't been easy for this boy to come here, and he really didn't want to let him go.
He thought this way, but still got up and said, "Then I'll see you off."
He didn't want to force Eli.
Eli hummed and followed him to the door to change his footwear.
The disappointment on Roman's face was immediate and undisguised. His shoulders sank slightly, eyes dimming in a way that felt almost deliberate. If a person who was used to being cold tried to warm himself with a heater, the warmth might reach his skin but his heart would still lag behind.
It hadn't been easy for Eli to come here. Roman knew that. And knowing it made him want to keep him even more.
But he stood up anyway.
"Then I'll walk you out," Roman said quietly.
