*Bael's POV*
"...Okay."
His fingers close gently around Runze's hand as they climb the staircase together.
Runze's touch is soft, warm, and familiar. Yet despite the physical closeness, something about the grip feels faint. Bael's shoulders loosen slightly, but the subtle, persistent knot in his gut refuses to settle.
The second-floor hallway is quiet. Only the low glow of the wall sconces accompanies their steps as they head toward the master bedroom.
Normally... Runze would have said something by now.
Perhaps he would ask how work went at the office. Perhaps he would tease Bael for putting too much food on his plate during dinner. Sometimes, he would even complain that Mrs. Wen had secretly conspired with Bael to make him eat more than he wanted.
Tonight... there is only silence.
Even silence with Runze has never felt empty.
