"Insomnia," Ariana replied briefly. An awkward silence settled between them.

Attempting to break the silence, Ariana asked, “And you?"

"Insomnia," Holden echoed. Then, without hesitation, he added, “Hey, I want to show you something. Can you do video?"

Ariana murmured yes. Holden switched to video mode, revealing a starry night sky before panning to a cityscape at night.

Ariana recognized Holden was in the tallest Ferris wheel in Eleymond.

Though both were aware of each other's intentions by now, Holden kept his face hidden, preserving the delicate pretense that still hung between them. Ariana chose not to say anything about it.

In that quiet moment, they both silently appreciated the night view together.

After a prolonged moment of silence, Ariana gently asked, “Are you feeling down?"

Holden responded with a soft, affirmative sound before opening up.

"I've been experiencing a sense of disorientation lately. It's as if I'm navigating a vast maze with my eyes blindfolded. I used to think I had it all figured out, but now I realize I know nothing at all.

I can't even distinguish between what's real and what's fake."

"Sometimes, the line between reality and illusion blurs," Ariana offered.

The two continued their candid conversation late into the night, sharing their thoughts and experiences from both the past and the present.

As Ariana gradually grew drowsy while talking to Holden, she succumbed to sleep, comforted by the soothing sound of his voice.

Listening to her steady breathing over the phone, Holden chuckled softly but chose not to end the call. He kept it connected as he returned home and placed his phone on the table. Then, he went to take a shower.

Meanwhile, Sadie sneaked into the bedroom wearing provocative lingerie. To her delight, she found Holden in the shower and decided to enhance the mood by pouring some wine.

While fetching the glasses, Sadie noticed Holden's phone still engaged in a call.

Who could Holden be talking to at this hour?

Sadie's eyebrows knit together, curiosity piqued. She reached for Holden's phone, but before her fingers could graze it, she felt a sharp tug on her collar, yanking her backward.

Startled, she spun around to meet Holden's frosty stare. He quickly ended the call and slipped his phone into his pocket.