In the midst of the festively decorated hall at Alfea, they faced each other. Nex, with crossed arms, his eyes sharp and challenging, seemed ready to make the first move at any moment. His gaze was full of suspicion and contempt, as if he could see through any attempt of the other person immediately. He kept his breathing steady, but his body language was unmistakable: pride, rejection, and a clear message that he had no room for weakness or kindness. With a barely noticeable gesture, a brief, confrontational look, he seemed to say, "Don’t even try to talk to me." The festive atmosphere around him hardly seemed to affect him. Instead, a palpable tension filled the air, marked by hostility and mistrust. It was a game of glances and gestures, waiting to escalate — a silent confrontation that could turn into open hostility at any moment.