/ Hospital Scene /
Zure took a slow breath, forcing his anger down. In just a second, his expression changed dramatically, like he became an entirely different person. From cold… to worried. He stepped closer, offering a polite smile.
"You must be the one who saved my childhood friend. Thank you." He bowed slightly, then extended his hand for a handshake.
Sana didn't respond immediately. Instead, he glanced at Alice, asking her with his eyes what he should do in this situation.
Just one look was enough for Sana to feel how scared Alice was of her childhood friend, and he understood. Her hand was trembling, even though her face stayed calm. Sana really wanted to hold her hand, but he stopped himself.
[This won't take long, I'll solve this issue so easily with a simple trick of psychological manipulation.]
Sana let out a weak breath, pretending to struggle. Alice noticed instantly. She tightened her grip on his hand. "He's still injured," she said coldly.
Zure's smile stiffened for a moment, but quickly returned. "I see… I'm sorry, my hero."
Alice didn't even look at him. Zure felt irritated by her behavior, but he didn't let her leave. A softer voice came out. "Alice, you shouldn't be here. You need to go home."
"Your father is worried. He hasn't even eaten… he looks like he's falling apart." His face frowned, showing worry.
He paused, then added gently while looking at Sana with an unreadable expression, "This hero has his own family to take care of him… right?" He waited, wanting to test him.
Before Sana could answer, his body suddenly gave in. He collapsed slightly. "Arrr..." He pretended to be in agony while lying on the ground.
[What a pathetic act from myself, why am I so shameless acting like this?]
Alice quickly caught him, wrapping her arms around him. "I'll take care of him," she said firmly. "I'll go home later."
For a brief second, Zure's expression cracked. But only for a second. Then he smiled again. "I understand… I'm just worried about Uncle Leto."
He turned and walked away slowly, but his gaze lingered on Sana. Cold. Warning.
Sana exhaled heavily in deep thought.
[That guy… he's dangerous. I don't know how to deal with someone like him... But if I do nothing—Alice will keep suffering.]
He gently moved back from her embrace. "Sorry… I was just acting." Instead, she hugged him even tighter.
But Alice didn't let go. Sana froze slightly. "Her warmth… was too close."
Only then did Alice realize what she was doing when she heard his shy voice. She quickly stepped back, her face turning red. "I—I'm sorry…"
Sana shook his head, trying to avoid the awkward atmosphere. "Your childhood friend… he's dangerous. I want to help you… but I don't know how."
Alice looked at him, then slowly held his hand. "No… just being with you is enough."
She looked into his eyes more closely. "You make me feel safe." She smiled.
For a moment, Sana couldn't look away. That smile… felt like light in a world that didn't feel real.
[Even if something is wrong with this world… Even if none of this makes sense… This feeling… is real, right???]
"Sana…?"
He blinked. "I… there's something I forgot to tell you, Alice." His voice trembled.