The drive back to Sasaki Mansion was painfully quiet.
Aqua kept her eyes on the road. Kieran kept his eyes on the passing trees. Neither spoke about the moment that almost happened — the one that still buzzed under Aqua’s skin like static.
When they reached the mansion, Aqua parked quickly and jumped out, grateful for the excuse to move.
“The regeneration cycle should be done by now,” she said, forcing her voice steady.
“Let’s check,” Kieran replied, equally stiff.
They walked inside together, side by side but miles apart.
Aqua stepped into the regeneration room first, grateful for the cool, sterile air. Her pulse hadn’t settled from the sushi restaurant. From the moment she and Kieran had leaned in too close, breathed the same air, hovered on the edge of something they both knew the
