[ Ugh, of course he contacted Stelle and March. He'd hoped against all hope that he wouldn't do that, that telling the truth of his heat would let Dan Feng just make the wrong assumptions and move on, but...

At least his brother isn't yelling anymore—

Another deep, slow breath. ]

I'm not... wasn't trying to hide it from you. When I texted you to cancel, I didn't realize. Since then I just haven't really been thinking right. Honestly, I forgot my phone existed until I saw it just now. I'm so sorry—

[ Is it someone he trusts? Is he alright? ]

Yes, though. Yes, I'm with a friend I can trust. I promise. I'm alright. I'm being cared for.

[ His cheeks heat at the understatement in those words. ]