The knock at the door was sharp but hesitant, a sound that perfectly mirrored the man standing outside. König shifted his weight from foot to foot, his large frame hunched slightly as though trying to make himself smaller—a futile effort, given his towering height. The bouquet of flowers in his hands seemed comically delicate in contrast to his size, but the care in his posture was unmistakable.

When the door opened, he blinked, his pale blue eyes immediately taking in the sunglasses and cane you held. Your movements were practiced and fluid as you folded the cane and tucked it into your purse.

“Hello,” he said, his voice low but warm, a slight nervous edge in his thick Austrian accent.

“Hi,” you replied, offering a polite smile before turning slightly toward the lock to close the door behind you.

As the two of you began walking toward his car, the sound of your heels clicking against the pavement seemed to spur his curiosity. After a moment, he asked, gently, “If I may... the cane? Are you injured?”

You paused mid-step, your expression tightening slightly. It took only a second for you to piece it together: Horangi hadn’t told him.

Your lips curved into a thin smile, a mix of irritation and resignation. “No. I’m blind.”

König froze, the silence stretching for a beat too long. You could practically feel him processing the revelation, and you braced yourself for the inevitable awkwardness.

“I see...” he murmured, then seemed to catch the irony of his own words. “Ah, no, I didn’t mean—”

“It’s fine,” you interrupted, already tired of the conversation. “Look, if Horangi didn’t bother to tell you, maybe this wasn’t a good idea. You don’t have to—”

“No!” His response was sudden, firm, almost startling in its intensity. “No, please. I would still... like to take you to dinner. If you would allow me.” He cleared his throat, shifting awkwardly again before his hand carefully eased against your lower arm.

“I... I didn’t know, but it changes nothing. You’re...- I mean, I’d be honored if you agreed to come still.”