"Xi." Qianyi called to the shy blue Dragon Girl hiding behind Shu.
"Eek!!" As though struck by an electric current, Xi let out an extremely soft cry and lightning-fast pulled back the head she had poked out to observe the situation. She hid entirely behind Shu, like a painting abruptly rolled up.
For some reason, even though Qianyi had merely called her name, she felt a warm, powerful touch seep in through her ear and surge through all four limbs like a tide.
An indescribable heat and tingling rose from her tailbone and shot straight to the top of her head. Even her heart, which had long been tempered into stillness by countless partings, endless years, and intricate paintings, skipped a beat without warning. Her limbs went weak, her mind blank, and she could barely remain standing.
W-what was going on?
Why was it hard to breathe just because someone called my name?
No, Xi, calm down. You're an Emanator of Immortality, one of the strongest beings in the galaxy. How could you be such a wimp?!
After continuously comforting herself inwardly, Xi quickly calmed down. Then she poked out half her head and answered Qianyi's question. "W-what is it? You suddenly called my name..."
"Why are you reacting so strongly to me merely calling your name?" Qianyi looked at the Dragon Girl who seemed ready to shrink into Shu's shadow. He felt that after being away for so long, she had somehow become even more timid.
"Who told you to... suddenly call someone's name..." Xi avoided his gaze, her voice so soft it was almost a mutter. "Calling me without permission... is too embarrassing..."
Especially when she had been imagining how, after returning to rest that evening, she would use today's Qianyi as drawing material and make some forbidden