Even though Hikaru was clearly uncomfortable with the way Dmitri had suddenly appeared and approached her, his grip on her wrist did not loosen.
"We meet again."
Despite his words, Dmitri didn't pull her any closer. He kept just enough distance so he wouldn't appear threatening, yet not far enough for Hikaru to ignore him and walk away.
"It's quite a surprising coincidence," he continued calmly. "Are you here alone?"
Dmitri looked exactly as Hikaru remembered him. His voice was gentle, while his demeanor was polite and kind. There was no malice in his eyes or any obvious ill intent. If anything, he seemed genuinely pleased to have run into her by chance.
Unfortunately, Hikaru did not share that feeling.
Despite Dmitri's friendly words, Hikaru swallowed hard and shook her hand, trying to free herself from his grasp. When that failed, she bit her lower lip in frustration while forcing herself not to panic.
