Ariz let out a short chuckle, his lips curving into something that wasn't quite a smile. "Are you apologizing… or are you threatening me?"
The question cut through the room, making Darren falter. He looked up at Ariz, guilt and stubbornness battling in his eyes.
"I'm apologizing," Darren said finally, his tone quieter, more strained. "I just… don't know how to say it right. I wasn't fair to you. I acted like you were the problem when it wasn't your fault. I'm… sorry."
Ariz tilted his head, his sharp eyes narrowing as if he were trying to peel back Darren's words and see the truth behind them.
"This is a warning and also an apology," Darren said finally, his voice tight but steady. "I like to spend time with my friend alone. I don't like it when people interrupt."
Ariz scoffed, his arms folding across his chest. "Darren, enough of your childishness. If you won't apologize properly, then you shouldn't have come at all." His tone cut like glass, sharp and unyielding.
