It pained him and Ferran felt foolish for his actions. The moment felt ruined... whatever the moment was. Perhaps that was a good thing. He simultaneously wanted to stay and flee the room. Ferran turned his head to look at Nikolai. The expression on his face made Ferran's heart twinge.
Okay, he smiled. It was better than the one before, more confident. He didn't want to see the look of concern on Nikolai's face and fought the urge to apologize again. Ferran felt guilty and had to fight back several chastising and berating thoughts. He sheepishly held his arm out to Nikolai.