Kai and I walked through the corridor toward the reception room, the soft patter of our footsteps echoing gently through the polished halls. As we neared, Enora stepped out from the side with an empty tray in her hands. She offered me a warm smile, bowing lightly.
I returned the gesture with a nod and a faint smile of my own.
Just then, Kai hesitated.
"Um..." he began softly, his voice barely above a murmur.
I paused, turning slightly to face him. "What is it?"
He fidgeted with the hem of his sleeve, eyes flicking up to mine.
"Do I also have to be with you?"
I offered him a small, reassuring smile. "Do you want to be there with me?"
Kai bit his lip, clearly caught in thought, before finally nodding. "I'll go."
I reached over and patted his head twice, gently ruffling his hair. "Good."
With that, I turned and pushed the doors open.
