*Runze's POV*
The city outside the window seems to crawl.
Every red light feels longer than it should, every intersection feels unnecessary. Even though the car is moving at a slightly faster speed than usual, it still isn't fast enough.
My eyes remain fixed outside, following the blur of buildings and passing traffic as though staring hard enough might somehow force the road to disappear and bring our destination closer.
Warm fingers slip gently between mine.
I don't look down, I already know whose hand it is. Bael's thumb slowly rubs over the back of my palm before his other hand reaches over, smoothing softly through my hair in a slow, grounding gesture that pulls me back from my spiraling thoughts.
"The car won't move any faster just because you're staring at the road, Runze."
"...I know."
"You've looked out that window for the last twenty minutes."
"..."
"You've also checked the GPS six times."
I finally turn my head to glance sideways at him. "...You were counting?"
