When they entered the room and the door closed softly behind them, Ivan stood still, his back straight, his eyes fixed on Axel. He didn't move right away, didn't speak, only watched him in silence as if weighing every breath Axel took.
Axel shifted under the heavy gaze, his tone caught between defiance and something softer when he finally asked, "What?"
The word trembled slightly, though he tried to steady it. Ivan didn't answer. Instead, he moved toward him.. one step, then another, closing the space between them.
At first Axel stayed rooted, chin lifted in quiet resistance, but as Ivan drew closer, even closer than was comfortable, that steady front faltered.
Axel's feet carried him backwards, retreating step by step until his back collided with the wall. The soft thud of impact echoed between them, leaving no space for escape.
