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.

But as he reached out, Sarah's heart skipped a beat. She deftly sidestepped his approaching hand, taking an involuntary step back.

Aziel froze.

The spot on his skin that had almost touched Sarah's hand felt like it was singed, leaving a metaphorical scar on his heart.

Aziel stood there, his mind swirling in confusion. He attempted to meet Sarah's gaze, but she avoided his eyes, leaving him unsettled.

Sarah walked over to his car, finding the doors unlocked. She opened the door and uttered softly, "Let's go back."

She didn't even look at him. Overwhelmed by emotions, she simply yearned to escape and find solace at home. A sense of upset permeated her being.

Aziel felt a knot of unease tighten within him.

Sarah took her place in the backseat—a departure from her usual spot in the passenger seat.

Aziel hesitated for a few moments before joining her, each step heavy with apprehension.

The silence inside the car only intensified his unease. He longed to speak, but as he tured to address Sarah, he found her leaning against the seatback, seemingly asleep.

He mulled over his words, contemplating whether to disturb her or not. Ultimately, he decided against it, mindful of her peace.

He knew the way to her home all too well. He focused his energy on driving, suppressing the rising restlessness within. Thankfully, the sparse traffic along the route allowed him to concentrate on the road.

He had intended to talk with Sarah once they arrived at her place. However, much to his surprise, as soon as the car came to a stop, she unfastened her seat belt, opened the door, and swiftly exited the vehicle.

It all happened in a seamless motion, leaving him with no opportunity to speak to her. stunned, Aziel could only stand there, processing the situation.

Clearly, Sarah hadn't been asleep during the journey. She had purposefully avoided talking with him, unable to feign otherwise.