Ivan was aware that pursuing you was a mistake, yet his heart refused to dull its affection for the boy who held it. It was a foolish decision, he knew. He attempted to push aside these emotions during his Rounds, but they persistently lingered, refusing to be ignored.

Attachments were dangerous liabilities, and Ivan understood the risks all too well. Despite this, as he ascended the stage under the gaze of countless alien spectators, a pang of guilt gnawed at him when he caught sight of you standing across the arena.

Ivan berated himself silently for his foolishness. Yet, in the grand scheme of recklessness, challenging you seemed even stupider.