Inside the bathroom, Kai gripped the sink so tightly his knuckles whitened, his reflection glaring back at him like an accusation. His jaw locked hard.
What's wrong with me? Why am I reacting this way?
He bent forward, splashing cold water onto his face, hoping to douse the fire burning beneath his skin. But it clung to him stubbornly, hotter with every breath. Kangsoo's words echoed in his mind, each one striking deeper than he wanted to admit, peeling away excuses he had built for years.
Dragging the towel across his face, he paused, heart thundering, a reckless thought seizing him. He let the towel fall from his hands. His feet moved before reason could stop him, carrying him back into the bedroom.
Hana was there—bent over the bed, smoothing out the sheets, her hair slipping forward in loose strands.
For a moment, he just stood in the doorway, staring, the sight winding around his chest like a vice.
"What are you doing?" His voice came out lower, rougher, than he intended.
She glanced up, strands of hair framing her flushed cheeks. "Laying the bed."
Kai's lips curved, though the tension in his chest didn't ease. "Since when did Bambi panda get this hardworking?"