章 82: Fragile

He ends the call, his features etched with a mixture of concern and distress.

Robin clears her throat, drawing his attention, her brow furrowed in feigned worry. "Malik, what is it? Is something wrong?"

Malik takes a deep breath, his eyes narrowing. "I'm afraid I've just received some... disturbing news. There's a situation I need to attend to immediately."

"What happened?" Robin asks, her voice laced with concern. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

Maliks face immediately shutters close, "No, this is a personal matter," he says, his voice clipped. "I need to leave."

He turns to leave, but Robin, feeling a surge of impulsiveness, reaches out and grabs his hand.

Malik freezes, his eyes widening in surprise.

"Don't shut me out," Robin says, her voice firm. "Tell me what's going on."

Malik stares at her, his gaze lingering on her hand, the way it rests on his.