Maybe it was the way everyone seemed a little busier, or the way Aria's own heart felt lighter despite yesterday's chaos.

She needed coffee. Badly.

Aria slipped into the small break room tucked away near the rehearsal studios. The machines whirred and buzzed as she poured herself a cup, the rich aroma filling the air. She sighed, taking a quiet moment for herself.

"Hey, Aria—"

The voice came from behind her.

Startled, Aria flinched, her elbow jerking, and the hot coffee splashed onto her hand.

"Ah!" she gasped, dropping the cup with a loud clatter.

Before she could even register the pain, she felt someone grab her hand gently.

"I'm sorry! I'm so sorry, it's my fault!" Leo Hart said in a rush, his eyes wide with panic. He held her hand carefully, inspecting the angry red mark blooming on her skin.

"Let's get you to the hospital room, right now. Please—I'm really, really sorry," he said, his voice urgent.

Aria just stared at him.

Not at her stinging hand, but at him — the worried look on his face, the way he spoke with so much sincerity.

"How is he like this?" she thought, heart pounding. "Someone with fame, money, everything... and still so kind?"

Leo gently tugged her along, still mumbling apologies under his breath.

Across the hall, through the glass walls, Riven Cross stood frozen.

He had seen everything — had moved instinctively to help — but Leo had gotten there first.

Now, all Riven could do was watch.

Watch how Leo held Aria's hand.

Watch how she looked at Leo with something soft, something trusting in her eyes.

A bitter taste rose in Riven’s throat, but he crushed it down, shoving his hands deep into his pockets.

It shouldn't matter.

It didn’t matter.

At least, that's what he kept telling himself