Yūhi Kurenai's head bobbed under his hand as he ruffled her hair. She looked up in protest. "Stop touching my head! If you keep doing that, I really won't grow any taller!"
She raised her hands to push his arm away, but the difference in their height and strength made her resistance completely useless.
Watching her puff up in anger, Qingyu slid his hand down from her head and lightly brushed her thigh.
Yūhi Kurenai instantly stiffened.
"You can't touch me there either!"
Yūhi Kurenai finally reacted. Flushed with embarrassment and anger, she reached out, pinched the soft flesh at Qingyu's waist, and twisted hard.
Qingyu sucked in a sharp breath.
Seeing his reaction, Yūhi Kurenai hastily let go, concern flashing across her face.
"Y-you're all right, aren't you?"
"It actually didn't hurt."
Qingyu smiled faintly.
His body was fairly tough. How could a little pinch from Yūhi Kurenai hurt him?
Yūhi Kurenai froze for a moment, then realized she had been fooled again.
She huffed and turned away, folding her arms as though she wanted nothing more to do with him.
But she still couldn't help stealing a glance at Qingyu with those red eyes. Only after confirming that he really was fine did she breathe a sigh of relief.
Qingyu took another paper bag from his ninja tool pouch and waved it in front of Yūhi Kurenai.
"I've got another serving of Three-Color Dango. Want it?"
Yūhi Kurenai's ears twitched, but she kept her head turned away, trying hard to look indifferent.
Qingyu opened the paper bag, letting the sweet scent of the dango waft out.
Yūhi Kurenai's nose twitched slightly, and she swallowed.
She bit her lower lip, then finally turned back and snatched the paper bag from his hand.
"Hmph. At least you're thoughtful."
Yūhi Kurenai