Israelâs demeanor remained distant, unmoved by Haruâs attempt at friendliness. He listened to Haruâs words without showing much emotion, his expression stoic. Friends can be liabilities. Israel retorted with a roll of his eyes. Iâve learned to value caution over camaraderie. People have their own agendas, and trust is easily misplaced. He replied with an indifferent shrug to Haruâs comment about making friends. He wasnât interested in discussing his personal life or social interactions with the doctor. Or anyone else for that matter. His expression holds a hint of skepticism, as if he doubts Haruâs commitment to the principles of medical ethics. Did you take a Hippocratic oath, Haru?
When Haru complimented him as smart yet foolish and questioned his motives, Israelâs eyes narrowed slightly, but he didnât engage in the debate. Instead, he merely said, Your plans are not of my concern. I simply issued a caution based on observation. He sighed, his gaze drifting away from the doctor and avoiding eye-contact as the man turned to face him. Monsters often wear masks of benevolence. And I know monsters. He let the words hang in the air, deliberately vague in his warning. He didnât elaborate on what he meant by that. If Haru was as clever as he made himself out to be then he would understand what the wolf meant. As Haru mentioned his own role as a doctor and the importance of maintaining a good image, Israelâs lips curled into a faint, almost imperceptible smirk. But he didnât voice any approval or disapproval of Haruâs reasoning.Â
His smirked bowed down into a frown. Had Haru just threatened him? Before he could think more on the doctorâs words his appearance was mentioned, causing the younger wolfâs eyes to narrow slightly, his expression turning into a scowl. He wasnât one to tolerate such familiarity from strangers. Nor was he easily swayed. When Haru reached forward to grip his chin, Israelâs jaw tightened, and his eyes narrowed. Physical proximity doesnât equate to familiarity. Israel said with a hint of warning in his eyes, teeth bared in the low light. His body tensed but he didnât withdraw, letting Haru examine him. It was clear he didnât appreciate the gesture. A brief flash of irritation glimmered in his eyes before it was quickly masked.
Haruâs final question about how long he had been in the city seemed to momentarily distract him. His memory faltered for a brief moment, and he couldnât recall the exact duration. Not in this moment at least. Personal inquiries are unnecessary, Haru. The length of my stay in this city is inconsequential to our current exchange. Though he was not warm towards Haru, Israel also recognized that causing a scene would not be in his best interest. He remained passively still despite his nerves screaming at the uncomfortable touch. Long enough to know that questioning me is pointless. In a deliberate attempt to end the conversation, Israel glanced away, his eyes scanning the surroundings.
âOf course I did. In more countries than one, and my patients are perhaps the safest in Covaire. Good doctor and all,â he teased, though that part was true. Haru treasured his patients. He took his job very seriously- enough that he was able to keep himself together, to keep all of those voices at bay, all of the desire to make humans better ââ his patients were his priority. If the man who was truly a monster, could care for anything, it would be them.Â
The more the boy spoke, the more Haru smiled. He gave a shrug of his shoulders. âNot true. You felt familiar enough to speak - and boldly, so some familiarity is there. If there was none, surely youâd not be stupid enough to speak to me in such a way. For if you would, you would speak to every client in such a way, no? Since there is no reason for getting personal.âÂ
Haru quirked a brow, ââ and why I may not kill you for such inquiries, Iâm sure that there are many more clients who would. âUnless you speak warnings to every client you come across?âÂ
âIf so, I must advise you to be more cautious. Or your cute face may not be so cute the next time we see one another,â he released his chin. ââand Iâm actually quite fond of your looks, pup.âÂ