Lanchi and Talia's Heart-Pounding Moment

The two of them left Platinum Forest Palace as noon approached.

"Could you let go of my hand for a moment?"

Talia felt that Flower Capital Pariel was a little too warm.

Perhaps it was because it was still noon just after summer had ended. Perhaps it was because she had been walking for a while. Or perhaps it was because she was standing too close to Lanchi.

Lanchi, who had only just regained his composure, hesitated slightly.

Then a smile bloomed across his face.

"What's wrong? We've only been holding hands for a little while."

There was a hint of pity in Lanchi's eyes.

He hadn't expected Talia to surrender after merely making it through the morning.

"No, it's just gotten warmer, and I want to take off my gloves."

Talia's rebellious spirit rose at once.

"Or are you afraid to hold my hand directly?"

She asked with a hint of slyness in her eyes.

Talia knew that Lanchi disliked touching other people.

To some extent, he was a little like a principal. Not only would he never casually let students touch him, he also wouldn't touch female students, lest it be considered harassment.

"I don't mind."

Lanchi released Talia's gloved right hand and spread his hands.

He waited for her reaction with a smile, as though he wanted to see whether she truly intended to do that or was merely looking for an excuse.

Talia decisively removed her glove and put it in her little shoulder bag.

"There. Hold it."

Talia raised her hand and began testing him.

Her gamble was that Lanchi wouldn't dare hold her hand directly.

"..."

After waiting a while, Lanchi indeed didn't reach out.

"I knew it, Lanchi."

Talia narrowed her eyes slightly as she sized him up, as though asking him—

*Do