The atmosphere at the dining table was thick with tension, a palpable awkwardness settling between Elena and Yuchen. They picked at their dinner, each lost in their own thoughts.
Elena struggled to find her voice, trying to formulate questions that could dispel her doubts about Yuchen. Across from her, Yuchen ate quietly, stealing glances at Elena. The fact that she hadn't pushed him away was a small victory, considering the morning's events.
Yet, Yuchen's curiosity got the better of him. He reached for his glass, taking a slow sip of water before tentatively speaking, a warm smile gracing his lips, attempting to dissolve the tension hanging in the air.
"So, do you want to talk about what happened?" Yuchen's voice was soft, careful, as if he was walking on fragile ice.
Elena didn't reply immediately. Her lips remained sealed, quivering slightly as if trying to articulate something but hesitating.
