After the visitors had left Henry's room, leaving only him and Livia, the atmosphere shifted into a quieter, more intimate space. Despite the growing bond between them, an unexpected shyness hung in the air. They avoided each other’s gaze at first, both uncertain of how to bridge the gap between the overwhelming events of the day and the moment they now found themselves in.
Livia finally broke the silence with a hesitant smile, her voice soft but steady. “I need to go for a few hours,” she said, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “I have classes.”
Henry nodded, his expression calm though his eyes betrayed a flicker of disappointment. “I hope all is going well,” he said sincerely, “and that everyone is treating you right.”
The question took her by surprise, and for a moment,
