However, that hadn't happened yet. He was still in the picture as Sarah's boyfriend.

Aziel tried to reassure himself.

He exhaled a deep, silent sigh. Recognizing that Sarah was not in the mood for conversation, he refrained from pressuring her into speaking. With gentleness in his voice, he proposed, "How about we go home first, okay?"

Sarah nodded, her response barely above a whisper.

Instinctively, Aziel extended his hand to clasp Sarah's.