My voice turns soft—carefully soft.
"Why are you chasing me, Gen? I already told you… that night, I was drunk."
Fake kindness wraps around every word.
He looks at me. "But you said you loved me."
"—And I love you too."
I lower my gaze.
He doesn't know who I meant when I said that word.
Before I can speak, he grabs my hand again.
"Arem… please. Just give me a chance. I'll do anything."
I go quiet.
Rion Vale's face flashes through my mind. His smile. His possession. His certainty.
I want to destroy him.
And Gen—innocent, loyal Gen—is the sharpest weapon I could ever use.
A slow, dangerous smile curves inside me. I blink, letting innocence replace calculation.
"Do you really love me?" I ask gently. "How can I believe you?"
His grip tightens, gentle but firm. "I'll do anything. Anything you want. Please believe me."
I nod.
Slow. Deliberate.
"…Okay," I whisper. "I'll give you a chance."
His face lights up instantly, happiness bursting through him.
"Thank you, Arem—"
