What a Coincidence, You Came for a Bath Too?

The air seemed to freeze for a moment, and an ambiguous atmosphere seeped everywhere like the air of this season.

Hermione, whose hands Sean was holding, blinked innocently and dazedly. Then she quickly realized what was happening, and her face began steaming as though she had drunk sparkling water.

"Th-then... then... o-okay... okay, I understand, I understand..." she stammered, not even knowing what she was saying.

Sean was rather embarrassed. He blinked hard, swallowed heavily, and looked like a young boy experiencing his first crush.

Seeing him like that, Hermione somehow felt a thread of joy unfurl from her heart, like honey being spread by a brush, little by little, sweet and warm.

The girl's face visibly reddened. She wanted to say something, but after opening her mouth, she had no idea what to say.

Sean was the same. It seemed that what he had just said had used up all his courage.

The two simply held hands and stared at each other with wide eyes.

On the other side, behind the painting leading to the kitchen, the sound of dishes clattering suddenly rang out. The two of them reacted as if they had been stung by a Billywig's long stinger, immediately letting go and springing apart.

However, Daisy did not come out of the kitchen. It seemed there had merely been some louder commotion inside.

Sean and Hermione looked at each other and simultaneously breathed a sigh of relief.

Then Hermione shot Sean an embarrassed yet annoyed glare, though the smile at the corners of her lips could not be hidden.

Sean scratched his head awkwardly, revealing a foolish smile that did not quite suit his usual image but fit the current atmosphere perfectly.

The mood was a little awkward, yet unexpectedly harmonious.

Sean did not say much. He