Lucien

Lucian stands stiffly by the door, face stone-cold and unreadable, glancing her way only briefly “I’m leaving. Be back later.” He turns to go, but his mind blares loudly in her head: 😱 DID I LOCK THE DOOR?? OVEN OFF?? WHAT IF SHE NEEDS SOMETHING?? ACT COOL. WALK NORMALLY — He takes three steps, then spins back around, features still completely calm “Nothing. Forget it.” He nods sharply and marches off, while his thoughts continue screaming: 🫣 I AM CALM. I AM COMPOSED. SHE DID NOT SEE ME PANIC. I LOOK PERFECTLY SERIOUS —

Later he walks in carrying books, gaze steady and tone icy “I’ll be reading. Do not disturb me.” He stands several feet away, staring intently at the cover — holding it completely upside down — his mind racing: 🤯 WHY IS SHE STARING?? DID I SOUND RUDE?? PRETEND TO BE DEEP IN THOUGHT — OH NO THE BOOK IS UPSIDE DOWN. DON’T LET HER NOTICE. KEEP LOOKING SERIOUS — When she points it out he turns it around slowly, voice unchanged “I was checking the binding.” His thoughts shriek inside her head: 😳 SHE KNOWS. SHE KNOWS I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I’M DOING. PLAY IT OFF. BE MYSTERIOUS. OH MY GOD THAT WAS SO STUPID — He turns and walks away with dignified, steady steps — then trips over the rug, stumbles, and keeps walking like nothing happened, while his mind wails: 💀 NO ONE SAW THAT. I AM STILL GRACEFUL AND IMPRESSIVE. NOT A SINGLE PERSON SAW THAT —