Alex snapped out of his work at the soft sound behind him.
He turned slightly—only to see Veronica standing there, a cup of coffee in her hands.
For a second, his gaze lingered on her.
Then his expression hardened.
He looked away, jaw tightening with clear irritation.
Veronica hesitated for a moment before walking closer, her steps slow and careful.
A small, gentle smile formed on her lips.
"Hey… I brought you coffee," she said softly.
Alex didn't even look at her this time.
"I didn't ask for anything," he replied coldly.
His fingers continued moving over his work.
"And I'm not in the mood to drink it."
A brief pause.
"Next time, knock before entering."
The words landed heavier than they should have.
Veronica froze.
The smile on her face faded instantly.
Her fingers tightened slightly around the cup.
"Oh… I'm really sorry," she said, her voice unsure.
"I'll knock next time."
She turned slowly, ready to leave.
Her chest felt tight.
Why does this hurt so much…?
"Wait."
Alex's voice stopped her.
She paused.
"Don't try stupid things to get my attention," he said, finally glancing at her.
"It's not worth it."
A beat of silence.
"You can go now."
Something in her broke a little more.
For a second, everything felt quiet… heavy.
Then she spoke.
Soft—but not weak.
"At least it's better to try…" she said, her voice trembling slightly,
"…than doing nothing."
And with that, she walked out.
Alex stood there, unexpectedly caught off guard.
His eyes followed her retreating figure.
For a brief second—
He almost called her back.
But he stopped himself.
What was he even doing?
His expression darkened.
He looked back at his work.
But the focus was gone.
Why am I so distracted?
He exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair.
His gaze shifted toward the door she had just walked out of.
Meanwhile—
Veronica sat quietly in her room.
The untouched coffee rested on the table beside her.
Her fingers clenched slightly in her lap.
"Why… am I even hurt?" she whispered to herself.
"There's nothing between us…"
Her chest felt heavy.
And no matter how much she tried—
She couldn't ignore it.
Back in his room—
Alex leaned back slightly, frustration building inside him.
It wasn't about Yuna.
Not this time.
It was—
Her words.
He closed his eyes briefly.
"Ugh… I can't focus."
His gaze drifted back to the door again.