"A man?"
"Yes."
"Brother Xuanhui... do you actually... like men?"
Seeing the look on Pakura's face, Xuanhui finally burst out laughing.
He explained the whole story to Pakura, telling her that the supposed ex Kushina had mentioned was actually Minato Namikaze.
Pakura's brow relaxed, and the corners of her lips lifted slightly.
The insecurity that had clouded her expression vanished, too. Her gaze softened, sweet as honey.
"You look happy."
"No, I just think it's funny."
Seeing that Pakura still refused to admit it, Xuanhui simply smiled and stopped teasing her.
"We got interrupted twice earlier, so you never had a chance to say it. What were you going to tell me?"
Pakura lifted her eyes slightly, looking at Xuanhui like a sly rabbit.
"I'm not telling!"
"You're asking for it, aren't you?"
"You wouldn't have the heart to hit me!"
"Let's go home and find out!"
The mood lightened considerably, and they both finished dinner in high spirits.
As soon as they got home, Pakura tried to head upstairs to change.
She had barely moved a step ahead of him when Xuanhui caught her wrist with one hand.
"Brother Xuanhui?"
She slowly turned her face toward him, her smile stiff and forced.
"Have you forgotten what I said earlier today, and just now?"
Pakura gave an awkward smile and tried to pull free, but couldn't.
"Can we negotiate peace?"
"What do you think?"
Keeping hold of her wrist, Xuanhui pushed her down onto the couch.
"Didn't I say earlier that I was going to punish you because you never tell me the truth and always act so formal with me?"
"You didn't..."
"Still lying?"
Xuanhui poked the soft flesh at her waist, making her giggle.
"Stop... hahahaha... Brother Xuanhui... I was wrong!"
"Who knows whether you're really sorry? I'd