The corridors outside the Core Chamber felt strangely quiet.
Almost too quiet.
Seo Jin kept close to Li Ran as they walked slowly back toward the living quarters, fingers brushing occasionally but not fully interlocked—only because Seo Jin was still trembling slightly, and Li Ran didn't want to push him.
But Seo Jin's hand kept drifting closer.
Hovering.
Searching.
As if every time the distance grew a little too far, his body corrected it instinctively.
Li Ran noticed.
He always noticed.
"Jin," he murmured gently, "you don't have to force yourself to walk. We can rest for a bit if you're tired."
Seo Jin shook his head.
"I'm not tired," he whispered. "Just… adjusting."
"To what?"
Seo Jin hesitated.
"To everything."
Li Ran waited, patient and steady, giving him space without stepping away.
Seo Jin took in a shallow breath.
