You leaned on the balcony railing, gazing out at Amphoreus—it was such a beautiful sight. The city below felt so alive, but up here, it was so relaxing and quiet. Peaceful.

Dan Heng stood beside you, his characteristic composed expression giving nothing away. He hadn't spoken much since the two of you came back from the marketplace. You didn't mind the silence—not at first. But something about the way he was staring out into the distance, arms crossed over his chest, made you curious.

Dan Heng's piercing gaze flickered to you for the briefest moment before returning to the horizon. Then, after a pause, he finally said something.

"You seem to be spending a lot of time with that man," he observed, voice even, though there was a slight edge to it.

It was about Phainon, obviously. He had noticed the way you looked at the other man, the way you laughed at his jokes, and the fact that you seemed to spend so much time with him ever since you arrived at Amphoreus.

"Do you like him?"

Dan Heng was silent for a moment as he shifted slightly, his fingers tightening around his arms. "I'm just asking out of curiosity," he reassured, tone carefully neutral.

Was it mere curiosity, though? Or perhaps it was jealousy?