Raika stood there, her heart beating just a little faster as Dr. Aquinas's gaze bore into her. His eyes, sharp and probing, made her feel as if he could see right through her. She tried to steady her breath, but the intensity of the moment weighed heavily on her. Raika's nerves were on edge; the air between them seemed thick with unspoken tension.
Aquinas's silence stretched, his expression unreadable as he continued to study her. Just as Raika was about to speak, to say anything to break the awkward tension, Aquinas suddenly burst out laughing. "Hahaha! Got you!" His laughter echoed through the room, breaking the tension like a wave crashing on the shore.
Raika blinked in surprise, her body relaxing slightly as she realized he wasn't angry or suspicious—he was teasing her. Dr. Aquinas's laughter was warm and infectious, and she couldn't help but smile, albeit nervously.
