The engine hummed steadily as the car cut through the streets. From the back seat, Hikaru sat between Ivan and Yuki, her back pressed against the smooth leather seat. Her hands rested on her lap, fingers unconsciously intertwined—a small habit that surfaced whenever her thoughts grew restless.
Yuki then held on to Hikaru's hands when she noticed the girl starting to pick at her fingers.
"Ars said he regrets scaring you that day, Hikaru."
Hikaru turned to look at Yuki and nodded gently. Spending several days at Dmitri's house had washed away Hikaru's fears. Knowing Ars's character, she knew that if she hadn't let her own fears get the better of her and had been honest with Ars from the start, the outburst might never have happened.
