Markus decides that he probably needs a minuite, and heads the other way, searching for something that will help him look a little less conspicuous. Every few moments he glances behind him, looking for Simon.Â
For a minute he actually manages to focus on the task at hand before looking over his shoulder again. Unable to see him, Markus tries to quell his worry for another minute before calling (although maybe not loud enough for Simon to hear) âAre you okay over there?â
Simon barely hears Markus. âYeah, Iâm fine,â he responds. But he is clearly not fine. Since he left Markusâs view, heâs let emotions get the better of him, and a few tears have begun to fall without Simon even noticing. He stops for a moment, bracing himself against a shelf, letting himself rest.
He clearly wanted to be alone, Markus tries to reason. But he doesnât exactly sound fine, does he? And Markus is beginning to feel like he doesnât want to be alone, the way his thoughts wonât turn from Simon. So he goes to find him, and when he sees how heâs actually foing, he puts an arm around him.Â
Simon flinches at the initial contact, but eases into the touch. He turns to look at Markus. "I said I'm fine," he insists. He knows he isn't, but he would rather not even bother right now. It's mostly the sudden change in, well.. everything, that has him feeling like this. He doesn't adapt very well to things in general, much less... this.
