Six hours felt longer than a lifetime.
We sat across from each other, the air between us heavy with unspoken tension. I could feel his gaze on me even when I looked away, sharp and probing, as if he were trying to peel me apart layer by layer.
19:43:21
The countdown hovered quietly at the corner of my vision, no longer screaming—just watching.
"You're unusually quiet," he said at last.
I forced a smile. "Maybe I'm tired."
"You don't look tired," he replied. "You look terrified."
My fingers curled around the coffee cup. The heat burned my skin, grounding me.
"I almost lost you once," he continued casually. "I don't remember you being this afraid of me."
Almost.
If only he knew.
The system's voice cut in softly.
[Observation:]
Subject A-01 exhibits increased curiosity.
My stomach tightened.
"What happens if he gets suspicious?" I asked silently.
[Response:]
Suspicion does not equal threat.
I didn't believe it.
He leaned forward, elbows resting on the table. "Tell me," he said, lowering his voice, "why today?"
I opened my mouth—
And pain exploded behind my eyes.
I gasped, my vision fracturing into shards of white.
[Warning.]
Unauthorized disclosure detected.
My grip slipped. The cup shattered against the floor.
He was on his feet instantly.
"Hey—are you okay?"
His hand closed around my wrist.
The pain vanished.
I froze.
[Physical contact acknowledged.]
Proximity requirement stabilized.
He stared down at me, concern etched deep into his features. "You're burning up," he said. "We're leaving."
"No—" The word slipped out too fast.
His eyes narrowed. "You don't want to be here anymore?"
I swallowed.
"I don't want to be alone."
The truth—just not the whole truth.
Something unreadable flickered in his eyes.
"Then come with me," he said quietly.
The system chimed.
[Mission Progress: 70%]
But another line appeared beneath it.
[Warning:]
Extended proximity will trigger secondary evaluation.
My heart sank.
Nothing was ever free.