Melody has just run off, leaving behind an aura of mystery and embarrassment. I would have liked to prolong that moment, to admire her silhouette in that adorable pajama, but I'm quickly brought back to reality. What am I thinking? I really need to understand what's been happening to me since her arrival... Why this agitation, this discomfort I feel in her presence?

I avert my gaze from the stairs where she disappeared and meet Husker's eyes, who wears a perplexed expression with arms crossed.

Me: "What's troubling you, my dear friend?"

I ask, feeling his scrutinizing gaze upon me.

He sighs, as if amused and bewildered at the same time.

Husker: "Cute? Pretty? Seriously?"

He raises an eyebrow incredulously.

I feel my heart beat a little faster. Why does this simple remark make me so uneasy?

Me: "So what?"

I retort, trying to conceal my embarrassment.

Husker shakes his head slightly, a smirk betraying his amusement.

Husker: "You've never found anything 'cute'... and come to think of it, since when do you address her informally?"

His words hang in the air, leaving a question I haven't dared to ask myself yet.

Me: "Since last night, my dear Hus..."

Husker: "Al, don't play dumb with me! In this hotel, it's only me you address informally and in hell, there are only two of us, me and Mimzy... You don't even address Charlie informally! And now you calmly tell me with a smile that a girl you barely know has that honor!"

Touched... He's right... Why? I take a sip of coffee, seeking comfort in the warmth of the cup, while Husker scrutinizes me with his piercing gaze. Why this obsession with her? Since her arrival, my mind has been unable to stop searching for her, soaking in her presence... Strange emotions assail me, leaving me in a state of constant confusion.

Husker: "What's gotten into you, old man?"

Me: "I don't know, Husker... I... She... She's... different..."

Husker: "Different? Wait... No, dude, don't tell me... No, it can't be!"

Uncontrollable laughter escapes Husker's lips, echoing in the hall and drawing curious glances from other guests. I stare at him, bewildered by his amusement.

Me: "What!? What can't be!?"

He tries to compose himself, his smile transforming into a mixture of disbelief and amusement.

Husker: "I can't believe it... you're in love with Melody..."

I nearly choke on my coffee, coughing uncontrollably. Is he serious? Me, in love with Melody? The thought seems absurd.

Me: "Husker, you seem to forget who I am... Me! In love? No, come on, that's ridiculous... Melody is just... interesting, entertaining, but nothing more, Husker."

Husker: "Yeah... yeah, if you say so, but..."

I interrupt him with a wave of my hand, trying to silence his embarrassing insinuations. I don't want to hear any more of this... Me, in love? It's simply unthinkable.

This conversation deeply displeases me. I decide to end it by getting up from my stool, a firm resolution in my mind. I prefer to distance myself from this charged atmosphere and retreat to my office. That's where I can focus on far more important things than ridiculous speculations about my feelings.