A brief pause hung between them, laden with vulnerability. Their eyes met, silently acknowledging what had transpired.
Nicolaus, struggling to suppress a grin, let out a mirthful chuckle. "Well, it's only a natural physical response, isn't it?"
Mikael, flustered and clearly self-conscious, stammered, "I, I am done with my bath. I think I should go now."
As he began trying to stand up, his legs turned into wobbly jelly, betraying him at every step. He couldn't help but bite his lower lip in frustration, realizing that his own body seemed to fail him.
Nicolaus remarked, "And what's your plan with that?" He nodded toward Mikael's particular issue, offering a mischievous smile. "Leaving it unattended will give you a hard time, you know."
Mikael shot a sidelong glance at Nicolaus, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I, It won't. I, um, I've got it under control," he stammered, trying to sound confident despite the rising heat in his face.
