Forbidden

Chapter Two

Lyra was walking down the hospital corridor, lost in thought, when a voice called out to her—too loud and too familiar.

"Hey, Lyra!"

She stopped mid-step, suppressing a sigh as she turned to find Michael jogging toward her, a grin stretched across his face. She mustered a polite smile. "Michael. Hi."

His eyes crinkled with warmth, but there was something uncertain in the way he stood—shoulders a little too tight, voice a little too eager. "How've you been? I, uh... heard about Andrew. I'm really sorry."

Lyra gave a short shrug, her expression unreadable. "I'm okay, really. He was... not exactly a loss."

Michael chuckled, sensing her attempt at lightness. "Yeah, I always thought he was kind of a tool."

"Well, your instincts were spot on."

There was a pause, and then Michael scratched the back of his neck. "So... I was thinking—Tuesday night? Drinks?"

Lyra hesitated. The idea of a drink wasn't terrible. The company, on the other hand...

"Sure," she said after a beat, forcing a brightness into her voice. "Why not?"

Michael lit up. "Awesome. I'll call you later to figure it out?"

"Sounds good," she said, her smile just a shade too practiced.

They started walking side by side.

"Where are you headed?" he asked.

"Mr. Kai. He's supposed to be discharged today. Just a final check-up."

Michael raised a brow. "Already? Guy's like a machine."

Lyra nodded. "Apparently. He's bounced back faster than anyone expected."

"That's his seventh visit this month," Michael muttered, half in awe. "Seriously, what's he made of?"

Lyra's eyes widened. "Seven?"

"Dead serious. He might have secret adamantium bones."

She laughed, easing into the moment despite herself.

"Mind if I walk with you?" Michael asked, giving her a sideways glance.

"To Mr. Kai?" she teased.

"I promise I'm not that bad of company."

Lyra sighed, amused. "Sure. Just don't annoy my patient."

As they moved down the corridor, Michael added with a grin, "You know, you're beautiful when you smile."

Lyra's cheeks flushed. She looked away quickly. "Thanks."

The silence that followed was thick, until she cleared her throat. "How's Dianna doing?"

Michael's smile dimmed into something softer. "She's good. Got a job recently."

"That's great," Lyra said, genuinely.

Another pause.

"When did Andrew end things?" Michael asked suddenly, voice quieter.

Lyra's lips twitched wryly. "Last month. Day before my birthday, actually."

Michael winced. "Oof. Called it."

"You called it?"

"He had that look, you know? Like he thought being decent was optional."

Lyra barked a laugh. "Why was I the last one to figure that out?"

"Because you're not cynical enough. It's a flaw and a virtue."