Request

Vonn observed. That's what he always did.

As the Malik entered the tavern, all eyes locked onto him. The rumors weren't a bust after all. But Jonah—the Malik—didn't seem to be hiding his identity. If anything, he just preferred covering himself.

Then, with a calm motion, he pulled down his hood.

Gasps filled the room.

For many, it was their first time seeing real, pointed ears.

Excitement spread through the tavern. Chairs scraped against the floor as people stood up, eager to get a closer look. But the moment someone reached out to touch Jonah's ears—

BAM!

Jonah lashed out instinctively, kicking the man away.

A stunned silence followed.

"Hey! Not cool, man. Why'd you kick him?" someone called out.

Jonah blinked, his own reaction surprising even himself. He quickly stepped forward, offering the man a hand.

"I… I'm sorry. I don't know why I did that. It was just—instinct."