Dave stammered, his words tangled and awkward. "I’m really sorry about this," he managed to say, his voice strained as he struggled to regain his composure. He realized, with sudden embarrassment, that he was still shirtless. The realization hit him hard as Cassidy’s neutral expression remained unchanged.
“It’s okay,” Cassidy replied, her voice calm, though there was no warmth in it. She looked him up and down and asked, “But why are you shirtless?”
Dave blinked, his face flushing red. He hit his hand against the wall, frustrated with himself for letting this happen. Just as he was about to respond, Paul entered the room, holding the fresh shirt and jacket Dave had requested earlier. Without thinking, Dave grabbed the clothes from Paul’s hands, barely registering Paul’s apology for the d
