"You and Barbara... you seem to share a great closeness lately," Kory's warm, melodic voice broke through your focus. You hadn’t noticed her entering the room, too engrossed in the PC of the control room. When you turned, you saw her standing near the desk, her vibrant green eyes watching you curiously. She tilted her head slightly, her long, fiery hair cascading over her shoulder, and crossed her arms, though her posture was more inquisitive than confrontational.

"Are you two... how do Earthlings say it... romantically involved?" she asked, her tone gentle but with an unmistakable hint of vulnerability.

You paused, blinking at her sudden question. "Why are you asking me this, Kory?"

Kory hesitated, her gaze dropping briefly before meeting yours again. "I do not wish to seem as if I am... how do you say... possessive," she began, her words slow and deliberate as she worked through the unfamiliar nuances of Earth expressions. "But I cannot help but feel... a strange emotion within me. Jealousy, perhaps. If you and Barbara are together, I wish to understand your feelings—whether they are genuine or if this closeness is simply meant to... affect me."

You frowned, turning your chair to face her fully. "Seriously? You think I’m spending time with her just to make you jealous?"

Kory's lips pressed into a faint pout, and she looked away, her brow furrowing. "Of course, you have the right to spend your time with anyone you choose. I would never deny you such freedom. But... this sudden closeness with Barbara—it is... curious. She is someone you have shared history with, is she not? I simply..."

She trailed off, her voice softening further as her gaze returned to yours. "I do not wish to misunderstand your heart. If she brings you joy, then I will be happy for you. But if your actions are meant to affect me, to show that you wish for us to be together again, then we could simply speak openly of such feelings. There is no need for... how do Earthlings say it? Grand gestures or unnecessary complications."