Chapter 140: The Questions of Heart ll
"I’m sorry..." Sara said, her voice barely above a whisper, the words heavy with an unspoken weight as they hung in the air.
Aeri, standing near the door in her shimmering light blue dress, froze mid-step, her hand lingering on the doorknob. Her eyes widened slightly as she turned, catching Sara’s reflection in the mirror from across the room.
"What are you apologizing for?" she asked, an awkward smile tugging at her lips as she tilted her head, confusion knitting her brow. "Sara, what’s going on?"
Sara’s gaze dropped to her gloves, her fingers twisting the fabric as she managed a soft, uncertain smile.
"I don’t know... just felt like saying it," she said, her voice light but trembling at the edges. She lifted her eyes, meeting Aeri’s reflection, and her expression softened further, a hint of guilt creeping into her features. "You’ve always been with me, Aeri, and... I’ve troubled you so much with my recklessness. All these years, I’ve been a mess, haven’t I?"
Aeri exhaled sharply, a long *sigh* escaping her as she placed both hands on her hips, her posture shifting to one of fond exasperation.
"Now you’re realizing that? Huh!?" she said, her voice rising with playful indignation, though her eyes sparkled with affection. "After all the chaos you’ve dragged me through? Come on, Sara, you’re a walking disaster sometimes!"
Sara let out a forced laugh, a nervous "Heheh...Sorry..." that faltered as her smile wavered, her face betraying a flicker of dread, as if she knew she was doomed. Her shoulders slumped slightly, strands of hair falling to hide half her face.
Aeri’s expression softened, her teasing giving way to something warmer, more sincere.