[Pinnacle Academy, Aetherium Nexus: Corridor]
Realizing he might be too close for comfort, Rel quickly moved back, crouching down to meet her eye level.
"Well?" he asked, his voice a low murmur.
"Are you going to tell me what you're really doing here?"
Alice's cheeks burned even hotter.
She couldn't meet his eyes, her gaze darting nervously around the empty hallway.
"I-I..." she stammered, her voice barely a whisper.
Rel tilted his head, a playful smirk on his lips. "Cat got your tongue?"
Alice swallowed, mustering all her courage.
"I... I wanted to apologize," she finally managed to say.
"Apologize?" Rel echoed, genuinely surprised. "For what?"
"For... for not thanking you properly," Alice said, her voice gaining a bit of strength.
"For the notes, and for helping me with my studies. You didn't have to do that, and I... I really appreciate it."
