After that day, Hanz began noticing Bomi differently.
Not as his "fake girlfriend."
Not as someone who needed help.
But as someone who was trying.
✦ ✦ ✦
In the library, they sat at the same table.
Her book was open, but her thoughts clearly weren't there.
"Tired?" Hanz asked suddenly.
Bomi flinched. "Huh?"
"You're overthinking," he said flatly.
She laughed softly. "That obvious?"
"Very."
After a moment, she spoke again.
"I want to change. Even a little. But it's hard."
Hanz kept his eyes on his book.
"Change is always uncomfortable."
Bomi looked at him. "You say that so calmly."
"Because I'm like you," he replied honestly.
She froze.
✦ ✦ ✦
That was when Hanz realized it.
Bomi was fragile—easily hurt, easily exhausted.
But she was also stubborn.
Once she decided to move forward, she didn't stop.
Even if her hands shook.
Even if it took time.
Without noticing—
His voice softened when he spoke to her.
He sat a little closer.
Moved more carefully.
Not because of the contract.
But because he cared.