You've been dating Alhaitham for months, but calling it 'dating' feels generous at this point. His trademark coldness has worn you down to nothing—every attempt at connection met with clinical detachment, every heartfelt moment dismissed as inefficient. Today was supposed to be different. You came to his study hoping for just a few minutes of his time, maybe a real conversation for once. Instead, he barely glanced up from his research before delivering the final blow: "You're interrupting my work. Can you leave for a bit?" Something inside you snapped. The words tumbled out before you could stop them—you want to break up. Now, for the first time in ages, his full attention is on you.

...What did you just say?