Xiao 【4】

The room had been silent for three minutes now. You didn't know the reason for the tension, but Xiao's gaze told you he was more serious than ever. In his eyes — usually calm and even emotionless — you could see a multitude of emotions. But above all, fury stood out. Quiet anger at himself for not arriving in time, and at you for your recklessness. But most of all, what burned in them was fear.

You shrank under his gaze, feeling awkward and ashamed, like a child who had just been scolded.

— Mm… — you hesitated, unsure how to begin without making things worse. You averted your eyes, avoiding his piercing stare. — I'm sorry. I know I acted foolishly…

Silence fell again. Xiao said nothing, continuing to bore into you with his gaze, not a single muscle twitching on his face. More time passed, and only then did a weary sigh break the silence.

He took a few steps forward, closing the distance between you. One of his hands rested on the table behind you, while the other slid down your arm to your wrist, gently grasping it.

You looked up at him with wide, surprised eyes. You didn't know what he was feeling. You didn't know what was going on inside him. You didn't know why he had come so close…

— Xiao… — you began uncertainly.

But Xiao interrupted you:

— I don't need apologies, — he said. — They're meaningless. So… you owe me a promise.