Rina looked at the man before her, whose tender gaze was almost desperately raw, and the helplessness and rejection in her heart were about to spill over.
This woman’s gaze was too direct and burning, sticking to her without moving away, so blatant it made her skin crawl.
At least Hisaki usually knew how to restrain herself, putting on a gentle and considerate facade, but this silver-haired girl in front of her didn’t even bother with the slightest pretense,
The naked favoritism in her eyes was practically written all over her face.
Strange.
Far too strange.
Rina steeled herself, lifted her right foot, and without hesitation pressed it lightly against the other’s cheek, cutting off that overly scorching line of sight.
Qiansui let out a short, startled gasp.
There was no discomfort at all, only a flustered and uneasy surprise.
Rina’s sole pressed steadily against her cheek, pushing down gently through the soft fabric, just enough to block her from turning her head.
Qiansui’s cheek was pressed lightly, her body swaying a little, yet she instinctively raised a hand to brace against the floor, holding her position steadily, as if afraid that the slightest movement might displease the girl before her.
Rina looked down at her from above, her heart filled with nothing but irritation.
She wanted nothing more than to stand up and step back, to completely cut off this sudden, bizarre stranger.
To drive away this woman who had climbed through the window for no reason and stared at her without looking away, sending her back where she came from.
But she quickly calmed down.
She could clearly sense that there was no malice in the other’s eyes, only pure closeness and cherishing.
That realization only made Rina feel even more uneasy and annoyed.
Rina’s body stiffened slightly.
She could clearly feel the other’s nervous tension beneath her palm; this person’s reaction was far more flustered and restrained than she had expected.
Rina tried to pull her foot back, but Qiansui had somehow gently grasped her ankle.
The force was featherlight, nowhere near enough to hurt her, yet it firmly stopped her from pulling away.
Warm breath slowly seeped through the thin fabric, carrying a direct yet clumsy closeness that made Rina’s whole body squirm with discomfort.
No.
She couldn’t let this person keep staring so brazenly.
She had to warn her properly and make her behave.
Rina took a deep breath.
Qiansui suddenly noticed the pressure on her cheek ease, and then a cold, petulant voice rang out.
No longer soft and gentle in tone, it was filled with disdain and pride, looking down from above, each word crisp and clear.
“Ha…… How strange.
“We’ve only met once and you’re already this worked up? Don’t you have any sense of propriety?”
Qiansui’s body trembled violently.
Such blatant disdain, such condescending scrutiny, and that mocking tone made her instantly at a loss, her whole body tensing up.
Rina pressed her toes a little harder, lightly rubbing against the other’s cheek.
The force was extremely light, with no intent to harm, yet it carried a full measure of distance and intimidation.
“Don’t touch me carelessly! Who allowed you to get so bold? It’s really unpleasant.
Qiansui’s throat moved slightly, letting out a faint breathy sound.
Her hands still gently held Rina’s ankle, but she no longer dared to make any unnecessary move.
Not that she didn’t dare to resist; it was instinctive submission, wanting only to obey and hold on to this rare moment together.
Rina looked at this person, who, despite being treated coldly, still wore such a docile and restrained expression, and the odd sense of control mixed with irritation slowly rose within her.
“I only let you take a single look. Who gave you permission to be this rude?”
“Is this how lacking in restraint you are?
“You don’t understand any rules at all. Far too reckless.”
With every word she spoke, Qiansui’s body trembled lightly, becoming even more obedient and well-behaved.
Rina looked up, her light blue eyes coldly gazing down at the person below.
Silver bangs hung messily across her cheeks, her loose home camisole had slipped slightly off her shoulder, and faint marks from last night still lingered on her skin.
Her expression was cold and petulant, her stance of pressing her foot against the other carrying an undeniable authority.
“Stay still and behave! If you dare overstep or break the rules again, I’ll throw you out completely!”
Qiansui kept her head tilted up, both hands gently holding the girl’s ankle, her emerald eyes quietly gazing at that cold, tsundere little face above.
All the frantic intensity in her eyes had faded, leaving only a gentle, soft smile, her brows curving warmly, full of obedience and submission.
She looked at Rina, her voice soft and thin, carrying complete deference.
Rina looked at this person, who, despite being warned and scolded coldly again and again, showed no displeasure but only grew more docile and well-behaved, and the helplessness in her heart finally completely flooded over.