Ste arrived back at the hospital only to find Matthew in the ward.


    As she entered, Clint greeted her with a smile.


    Ste, Matthew has been here for some time, keeping mepany.


    Clint continued to sing Matthews praises, hoping to smooth over any lingering tension between them.


    Ste nodded slightly, not saying anything.


    As she went to pour herself a ss of water, she noticed a cut on her hand.


    It was Likely from the ss shards earlier.


    Just as she was about to pull her hand back, Matthew caught it.


    Matthews concern was evident as he asked loudly, How did you get hurt? Clint turned when he heard this, also looking worried. Ste blurted out hastily, I think I identally scratched it.


    As she attempted to retract her hand, Matthew held on firmly, his gazeden with worry and affection.


    Ste tried to downy it, insisting, Honestly, its just a minor scratch, nothing to fuss over.


    Clint, witnessing the exchange, firmly suggested, Matthew, do take Ste to have that cut attended to.


    Nights falling, and Im all set to call it a day.


    Theres no need for either of you to camp out at the hospital.


    Head home and get some rest.


    Ste, eager to stay by Clints side, interjected with a hopeful tone, Grandpa, I really want to stay here with you tonight.


    But Clint had already reclined in his bed, effectively ignoring her offer. Matthew nced at Ste with a gentle firmness and advised, We should let him rest peacefully.


    He then ushered her into an adjacent room, almost a mirror image of Clints but noticeably less furnished.


    With a quick sweep of the room, Ste moved to go, muttering, This really is just a tiny scratch.


    Ill just clean it up and p on a band -aid.


    Lets not upy this space unnecessarily-someone else might need it.


    Contrary to her suggestion, Matthew said, Ive actually booked this roomst night.


    If youre not keen on going home, you can stay and rest here.


    Ill watch the door.


    At that moment, Fernando gave a gentle knock on the door and peeked in. He quietly handed Matthew the medical kit and some band-aids, offered a quick smile, and slipped out, softly shutting the door behind him.


    Ste perched uneasily on the sofa, her eyes darting around the room.


    Opposite her, Matthew imed a spot on the low table, his legs spread slightly-a posture that seemed to encircle her.


    He cradled her hand tenderly, treating her wound with a deftness that allowed their eyes to meet asionally.


    In the stillness of the room, a palpable intimacy began to weave its way between them.


    Matthews attention never wavered from the task at hand; he tended to Stes wound as if it were the worlds sole focus.


    His gaze softened, radiating warmth and care, which coaxed a blush from Ste and made direct eye contact a challenge for her.


    Seeking to puncture the growing closeness, Ste turned her head away and queried, Is it done? Her voice trembled slightly, revealing a trace of underlying tension.