Leonel patted Roz's shoulder. "Don't worry about it. Let's concentrate on the mission at hand."
Roz looked up, unsure if Leonel meant it or was just trying to ease the tension. Leonel grinned, giving him a thumbs-up, though sweat rolled down the side of his cheek inside his helmet.
Truth was, the mention of that girl twisted his gut. Lira used to be his idol—his number one streamer, the one Leonel defended in forums, followed across every platform, and donated to more times than he'd like to admit. Until that day in the restaurant.
Ever since then, his admiration had curdled into guilt. He hadn't done anything wrong, but because he'd once supported her, he felt complicit in Roz's misery. Still, he hid it all behind a big smile. The last thing Roz needed was pity.
Leonel turned toward the tall woman standing nearby. "Oh right! This is Isolde," he said, motioning between them. "Isolde, meet Roz. Roz, this is Isolde."
