"I think, since you've followed me here, it might be time for us to have a proper talk," Pannis sighed after a moment of silence, sensing the stifling atmosphere in the conference room. However, no one answered; the five girls all sat quietly in their chairs, looking at him with a special kind of sorrowful gaze, as if they hadn't heard him at all. Tension lingered for tens of seconds, until finally Pannis could no longer withstand those gazes. He made a gesture of surrender, lowering his head and murmuring, "Alright, alright, I understand. I apologize. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have left you behind without saying goodbye in person before running off here by myself. I admit I was wrong, that I hurt you, and I am very sorry. I hope you can forgive me."
"That's it?" Catherine asked with an expressionless face, her voice seemingly devoid of emotion. "Just an apology? I thought you were going to explain."
