They walked in silence, the rhythmic crunch of gravel beneath their boots the only sound breaking the tension. Alex cast a furtive glance around, the once-familiar sights of the Zuberk Kingdom failing to spark any sense of comfort within him. The vibrant marketplace, the bustling crowds – it all seemed distant, a world apart from the secret churning in his gut.
"Alex," Yoon-seo finally spoke, his voice low and hesitant. Alex stopped walking, turning to face him. "Is everything alright? You seem… different somehow."
Alex flinched, caught off guard by Yoon-seo's directness. He forced a smile, but it felt hollow even to himself. "Just… tired," he mumbled, avoiding his friend's gaze. It was a weak excuse.
"I see... Seems you've been busy lately, huh?"
"Yeah, I guess so," Alex mumbled, kicking at a loose pebble with his boot. The weight of his secret purpose pressed down on him, a heavy burden he couldn't share.
