"It's like there's this constant pressure to perform, like every single thing we do has to look perfect to the outside world. That pressure makes me second guess everything. Even something as simple as holding your hand."
Her honesty softened something in his expression, though a thread of frustration still lingered in his tone. "I get that it started as a deal between strangers. But that's not what it is anymore, not completely.
We've been through too much, worked too closely, to still be acting like two people forced to share a stage. By now… shouldn't we be a little more comfortable with each other?"
Olaedo nodded slowly, a stubborn mix of honesty and reluctance in her eyes. "I know, but it's not that simple for me. You have always been calm… confident… steady, even with this fake marriage setup. Meanwhile, I'm busy overthinking everything. I don't want to look awkward or ruin the moment, but somehow I still end up doing exactly that."
