The hallway was silent, except for the faint hum of the lights. Alice stayed where he was, leaning against the wall, staring at the space where Elara had just stood. The memory of her trembling voice, the way her hands clutched the water bottle like it was the only thing keeping her grounded, lingered in his mind like an ache that wouldn't fade.
She carried all of that… alone.
All these years, he had believed she had changed because she wanted to be distant. Because she didn't care anymore. But now he saw the truth, and it struck him harder than he expected. She hadn't hardened herself to keep people away—she had hardened herself to survive. To survive a world that demanded perfection, to survive the ghosts of a past she couldn't forget.
Alice closed his eyes, letting a slow breath escape. She blamed herself for everything… for things that were never her fault.
He could feel the weight of it in his chest, a heaviness that wasn't entirely his own, yet somehow he carried it like a stone lodged inside him. And I… I've laughed. I've joked. I've teased her, pushed her, treated everything like a game.
He swallowed hard, thinking of the nights he had spent flirting, the careless words he had thrown around, the way he had always run from responsibility. And yet, she had faced her pain head-on, alone, silently, without a single complaint.
She's not weak… I'm the one who's been weak all this time.
Alice's hand trembled slightly as he touched the wall behind him, as if grounding himself in reality. I've always believed strength is loud. That it's shown in arrogance, in bravado, in power over others. But she had shown him a different kind of strength—the quiet, painful, unspoken kind. The kind that carried the weight of loss and guilt without asking for pity.
His jaw tightened, and for the first time, he felt shame—not the fleeting embarrassment he usually laughed off, but deep, raw, the kind that made his chest ache. I teased her, I mocked the world, I flirted with danger and carelessness… and she suffered in silence because of life's cruel truths.
He exhaled, eyes closing again. She's not the same girl I knew as a child. And yet, in that moment, he realized that he didn't want her to be. Because the person she had become—the strong, careful, guarded, brilliant person—deserved someone who would stay. Someone who wouldn't run away like he had so many times before.
A faint, determined smile tugged at his lips. I don't need to fix her. I don't need to change her. I just… need to be here. To be steady. To be someone she can trust, even if she won't admit she needs it.
He thought of her tears, of her words, of the fragile vulnerability she had shown him in the quietest way possible. He thought of the years she had carried this alone, and his chest tightened again. If she can survive that, then I can at least try to stand beside her without making it harder.
Alice ran a hand over his face, closing his eyes. For once, I want to be more than a joke. More than a playboy. More than a fleeting distraction. I want to be someone she can lean on, someone she can believe in.
He straightened slowly, letting the silence wrap around him. I don't know if she'll ever forgive herself, or even let herself lean on me. But I won't let her face this alone anymore. Not now. Not ever.
And for the first time in a long while, Alice didn't feel like running away. He didn't feel the usual restlessness that had haunted him for years. He just stayed there, silent, resolute, letting her pain carve a permanent place in his heart—because staying meant everything.
And maybe… just maybe, staying is what courage really feels like.
Morning broke, and everyone was up. Victor and Lucien were already busy with their work, while Noah was helping wherever she could. Alice, however, was still fast asleep.
Lucien nudged him.
"Oh, look who finally woke up! Alice, get up and brush your teeth. Breakfast is ready—Noah made it, and trust me, she's actually good at cooking."
Noah rolled her eyes playfully.
"Hey! I can cook, okay? And Elara helped me a lot too."
Victor laughed, waving his hand.
"Alright, alright, enough praise. Alice, go eat!"
Alice stretched lazily and yawned.
"Thanks, Noah."
Noah smirked.
"You're welcome. Don't forget who made it."
Alice walked over and sat at the breakfast table. Victor, Lucien, and Noah were already there, chatting quietly.
After a moment, Alice looked around, puzzled.
"Elara… where is she?"
Noah shrugged.
"Since morning, no idea. She didn't tell me either. She just left after helping me with breakfast."
Lucien tilted his head.
"Maybe she's busy with the project?"
Victor nodded.
"Yeah, that could be it."
Alice took a small bite of the breakfast Noah had prepared and frowned slightly.
"Maybe she didn't eat yet…?"
Noah waved it off.
"Don't worry about it. I made enough for everyone."
Alice nodded, ate slowly, and finished his breakfast in silence. Then, without another word, he got up, ready to face the day, still thinking about where Elara might be.
Alice stepped outside, carrying a small bag. He stopped at a nearby shop and picked up a packet of bread, some milk, and a few biscuits. Bag in hand, he strolled toward the park, enjoying the quiet morning.
As he entered, he noticed someone sitting alone on a bench, engrossed in her laptop. Of course—it was Elara.
He smiled softly.
"I knew you'd be here."
Elara looked up, slightly surprised.
"Hmm… How did you know?"
Alice leaned against the nearby tree, arms crossed, smiling warmly.
"Childhood memories don't lie. Whenever you were upset, angry, happy, or just… lost in thought, you'd always come to this park to clear your mind."
Elara's lips curved into a small smile.
"You remember that?"
Alice nodded.
"Of course I do."
Elara returned to her laptop, a little flustered, but Alice crouched slightly so he could set down the groceries.
"You always say, 'Health comes first,' but you skipped breakfast. Here, take this."
Elara glanced at the bread, milk, and biscuits, raising an eyebrow.
"Seriously, how can you eat all this?"
Alice chuckled.
"And did you even eat anything?"
Elara shook her head slightly.
"Just a little…"
Alice grinned, extending the bag toward her.
"Then let's eat together. Come on, I'll make sure you actually eat this time."
Elara hesitated for a moment, then closed her laptop.
"Alright… but only because you insist."
Alice smiled softly, feeling a quiet sense of familiarity and warmth as they sat together on the bench, sharing the simple breakfast under the soft morning light.