The ballroom was still buzzing in confused murmurs when Hellen reached the exit or rather, almost reached it, because Keigh was already there.
He'd moved fast after stepping off the stage, threading through guests with the same rigid calm he'd held during his public refusal. He wasn't angry or shaken either, he was just determined, and for a brief moment, he and Nara stood facing each other, half-hidden by a tall decorative pillar near the exit, close enough that Hellen slowed her steps instinctively.
She didn't stop but she noticed the way he leaned slightly toward Nara, voice low.
The way Nara lifted her chin, trying to look composed even though she seemed rattled.
The way the tension between them hummed with something unspoken.
Hellen wasn't the type to interfere, but she wasn't blind either. She cleared her throat softly as she approached.
"Nara? We're leaving."
Nara stepped back almost too quickly.
"Yes, coming."
Keigh's eyes softened at Nara, something quiet and unreadable crossing his face.
"Nara," he said gently, "I'll handle things here. Go."
Hellen raised an eyebrow internally, not outwardly because something about the way he said her name felt familiar, intentional and protective.
Nara nodded once, eyes flicking away from him.
"Goodnight, Keigh."
Her voice was calm, but Hellen caught the slight tremor.
Keigh looked like he wanted to say more but didn't. He only gave a small nod, restrained, painfully controlled before turning and walking back toward the center of the chaos to join his parents.
Hellen watched him go for exactly one second too long, then she exhaled.
"Okay," she said lightly, nudging Nara toward the exit, "if I ever behave like that in public, please drag me home immediately."
Nara blinked at her.
"What?"
"Nothing," Hellen replied quickly, masking her curiosity with humor.
"Long night. Let's get out of here."
She didn't push or interrogate her but she wasn't stupid. Something was off, not dramatic or obvious, just… off.
Like a spark she wasn't supposed to see.
The cool night air greeted them as they stepped outside. The city felt calmer than the ballroom, which was still drowning in whispers.
Inside the car, Hellen started the engine and gave Nara a sidelong glance.
"You okay?"
Nara nodded, staring ahead.
"I'm fine."
"You sure?"
"Yes."
Hellen hummed, unconvinced but choosing not to dig.
"That man looked like he was about to escort you out himself."
Nara stiffened.
"It wasn't like that."
"Relax, I'm not judging," Hellen said with a shrug.
"Just… interesting."
Nara didn't respond.
Hellen didn't push further, she simply drove, and in the soft glow of passing streetlights, Hellen thought quietly to herself, there is something happening here. I don't know what it is yet but I will eventually. But out loud, she said nothing.
And beside her, Nara sat in silence, holding onto truths she wasn't ready to share.
Behind them, Keigh was walking into the storm of his family's fury.
Ahead of them, the night stretched long and still, but the shift had begun, and everyone, even Hellen could feel it.