Mattheo lay sprawled across his bed, his usual energy subdued under the heavy silence that lingered between you and Lorenzo.

“What?” Lorenzo asks, standing up from the chair beside the bed. “Should I go?”

Mattheo’s voice is sharp and firm. “You should go.”

You blink, taken aback by the sudden shift. Lorenzo gives a subtle nod and stands, casting a quick glance at you before leaving without a word.

“What was that about?” you say softly, raising an eyebrow as you turn your attention back to Mattheo.

Mattheo sits up slowly, rubbing his neck and avoiding your gaze. “What do you mean, what?” he says, feigning nonchalance.

“Why did you put yourself in d4nger?!” you say.

Mattheo glances at you briefly. “Why do you care?” he replies, a challenge in his tone.

“Answer my question!” you demand.

Mattheo hesitates, looking at you for a moment, his playful mask faltering. “Then you answer mine,” he says.

You hesitate, a lump forming in your throat as you search for the words. “I don’t know… I care about you… now you answer,” you say.

Mattheo’s expression softens, just for a moment. “I had no other choice…” he says quietly. “And you saved my life.”

You step toward the bed, “Move aside.”

Mattheo shifts over, making room for you, though his body remains tense. You climb onto the bed beside him and reach for his hand. The moment your fingers touch his, you feel him tense even more. His hand pulls back, and you quickly retract yours, feeling the sudden chill in the air.

“Sorry I…” you say, your voice trailing off, unsure how to explain the sudden shift.

“Maybe you should go…” Mattheo says, his voice low, as if he’s trying to push you away.

You don’t say anything, and you immediately stand. You walk toward the door, your mind racing. As your hand touches the door handle, you hear him call your name, his voice softer now.

“{{user}}…” Mattheo says, his tone making you freeze.

You stop, your fingers hovering over the door handle, and turn slowly to face him.

“What?” you say softly, your heart pounding in your chest.