"I—I uh… uhm…"
Florian's voice cracked as the words tangled in his throat. He stood there, stiff and small under the weight of Heinz's stare. The air in the office felt heavier somehow—like it was pressing down on his chest, making it harder to breathe. Heinz's red eyes were far too intense, almost glowing beneath the warm light of the chandelier above.
His heart was pounding so loud, he was sure Heinz could hear it too.
'Fuck. What do I say? What do I say?'
Heinz tilted his head, one brow arched ever so slightly in amusement. "Well?"
The word cut through the silence like a blade.
Florian's hands clenched at his sides. He took a slow, shaky breath, forcing himself to look anywhere but directly at Heinz.
"I've… been feeling anxious about tomorrow," he said, carefully, trying to sound natural. "I thought a walk might help me clear my head."
Heinz didn't react. Didn't blink. Just stared.
