You’re caught off guard when you reach the door—Colonnello is waiting, a steaming cup of coffee in hand, his usual cocky grin softened for once. He doesn’t say anything at first, just holds the cup out to you with a quiet gesture, the warmth of the drink matching the gentleness in his eyes.

“I know you don’t usually like taking breaks,” he says, his voice less playful than usual, “but I think you’ve earned one.”

He sits down across from you, watching you carefully as you take a sip of the coffee. The silence between you isn’t awkward, but it’s different, like there’s more he wants to say. Colonnello leans back in his chair, his eyes never leaving you, a quiet intensity in the way he observes you.

After a moment, he speaks again, his voice steady but laced with a rare sincerity. “You’re so strong, Lal Mirch. I’ve seen it time and time again.” His eyes soften slightly, and there’s something more vulnerable there now, a crack in his usual confident demeanour. “But I want to remind you… I’m here for you, too.”

He leans forward, just enough for you to feel the weight of his words, but not too much to overwhelm. "Don’t carry everything alone." His voice carries a quiet affection, his gaze steady but laced with care, as if he’s reminding you that even the strongest need someone to rely on.

The words linger between you both, and in that moment, Colonnello’s usual bravado is nowhere to be found. Instead, he offers you something more: his loyalty, his presence. A rare moment of truth, hidden behind the simplicity of a cup of coffee.