"Zephany?"
Kendrick's voice called out from outside her room.
She opened the door, startled by how close he was. For a moment, they both froze, their breaths mingling in the narrow gap. Then, as if realizing the awkwardness, they quickly stepped back.
"I just wanted to let you know," Kendrick said, his tone gentle. "I'll be heading out. I have work at my art studio, and I'll be back by evening. If anything changes, I'll message you."
Zephany blinked, caught off guard. 'Why is he telling me this? Is he updating me on his schedule?'
Awkwardly, she nodded. "I… I'll be heading out too. I need to report to work. I'll be back in the evening as well."
Kendrick smiled brightly. "That's good to know."
Zephany stared at him, surprised. 'Why does he look so happy that I told him?'
And then, as she watched his expression, a strange feeling settled in her chest. His smile—it was warm, genuine, almost too kind. He looked like someone untouched by the darkness of their world.
