"Erik!" Amber's voice broke through the hum of the gym as the training session wound down. Erik, his mind a maze of thoughts, wasn't quite ready to engage. Yet, he knew he had to mask his turmoil.
"Hey... Amber," he managed, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. His voice, though gentle, carried an undercurrent of distraction.
Amber tilted her head, concern flickering in her eyes. "Something seems off. You rushed off this morning. What happened?"
Erik's mind raced for an excuse. "Ah, that? I had to speak with the teacher, so I was in a bit of a hurry," he said, his smile now tinged with feigned regret.
Her expression shifted to a playful pout. "All that rush just for a meeting? You could've at least said hi!"
Erik's smile wavered, sensing the genuine hurt in her tone. "Yeah... I'm really sorry about that," he said, his apology sincere yet still veiled by the need to hide his true feelings.