Awkward.
Painfully awkward.
Jane inhaled softly before taking a hesitant step forward. Instinctively, almost emotionally, she started leaning in slightly for a hug.
At the exact same time, Lukas extended his hand for a handshake.
Both of them immediately realized it.
Jane froze midway.
Lukas noticed too late that she had gone for a hug and instinctively shifted slightly, trying to adjust so she wouldn't feel embarrassed—
but by then Jane had already pulled herself back awkwardly after seeing the offered hand.
So Lukas immediately switched back too.
And in the end—
they both settled on the handshake.
An awkward, clumsy correction from both sides.
Their hands met.
Softly.
Jane's hand trembled slightly.
"I'm Lukas Brandt," Lukas said politely, almost too formally.
Jane opened her mouth.
Nothing came out at first.
Then quietly—
"…Jane."
That was all she managed.
Not "your mother."
Not anything emotional.
Just—
Jane.
