Ark Simulator, Don't I Lack a Physical Body?

Mostima gave a knowing smirk, glancing towards the villa entrance. "The rules are simple~ When Little Su comes out... we'll give him a... 'surprise welcome ceremony'!" She deliberately dragged out her words, her eyes gleaming with mischievous excitement.

"Huh? A sneak attack on Su Rui?!" Fiammetta was startled and waved her hands repeatedly. "No, no! He'll be angry!" She hadn't forgotten Su Rui's terrifying fighting power and cold eyes.

"Oh, it's just a game, not a real fight," Mostima waved her hand dismissively. "Look at how awkward he was just now, it's good for him to stretch his muscles and vent his frustration. Besides, with Lemuen around, he won't dare to do anything." She winked at Lemuen, seeking an ally.

Lemuen looked at Mostima's mischievous grin, then at Fiammetta's mixture of fear and excitement, and smiled helplessly. She knew Mostima was just being silly, but... seeing Su Rui occasionally let his guard down and play around like a normal teenager, it seemed... not so bad? She softly told Fiammetta, "Be careful, don't go too far." This was tacit approval.

With Lemuen's endorsement, Fiammetta grew bolder. She gripped the water gun tightly, a nervous yet excited expression on her face. "Okay... okay then! I'll play for a little while!"

The two acted quickly, hiding behind palm trees and lounge chairs by the pool, filling their water tanks, and standing ready like two excited children preparing to ambush their prey.

Not long after, the glass door of the villa opened, and Su Rui came out carrying two large takeout bags. The blush on his face had faded, and he had returned to his usual indifferent expression, though a trace of weariness, barely perceptible from just being relieved of "girls' topics," lingered between his brows. He was about to invite Lemuen and the others over for dinner...

"Attack!!"

With Mostima's cheerful "command," two rapid jets of water, like white arrows, shot precisely from the left and right towards the unsuspecting Su Rui!

"Pfft!"

"Splash--!"

The icy water splashed unexpectedly all over Su Rui! From his cheeks and chest to his trouser legs, he was instantly soaked!

Su Rui: "!!!"

He froze, as if struck by a spell! He almost dropped the takeout bag from his hand! After a few seconds of stunned silence, a surge of anger, a mixture of shock, bewilderment, and feeling mocked, rushed to his head! His dark eyes sharpened instantly, turning sharply towards the direction from which the water jet had come!

"Mostima!!!" He practically spat out the name through gritted teeth, his voice so cold it could freeze a person to death! He saw Mostima hiding behind the palm tree, laughing so hard she was doubled over, and on the other side, Fiammetta, both nervous and excited!

"Hahaha! Target hit!" Mostima wasn't afraid of him at all. She proudly raised her water gun and jumped out from behind the tree. "Little Su! Too slow! Come and receive the baptism of justice!" With that, she pulled the trigger again, and a jet of water shot towards Su Rui's face!

Fiammetta also mustered his courage, poked his head out from behind cover, and fired a shot in Su Rui's direction. Although his aim was a bit off, his momentum was strong!

Su Rui jerked to the side to avoid Mostima's jet of water, but his shoulder still got splashed. The icy touch and the blatant provocation completely ignited his anger! Calmness! Image! To hell with all that! All he wanted now was to shove those two reckless women into the pool!

Volume 17, Chapter 1082: You're courting death.

"You... you're courting death!!" he roared, ignoring the takeout in his hand and tossing the bag onto a dry recliner beside him. His eyes sharpened, and a fierce aura instantly erupted from his body! His gaze was like lightning as he quickly scanned the battlefield, then he darted towards the nearest toy basket containing another spare water gun!

"Oh no! He's serious! Run!" Mostima screamed when she saw the situation was bad, and turned to jump into the pool!

But Su Rui was incredibly fast! He grabbed the water gun almost instantly, without even looking, and with a flick of his wrist, a fast and rapid jet of water, like a precise bullet, struck Mostima directly in the back!

"Ah!" Mostima screamed as she was drenched and plunged into the pool, splashing a huge spray of water!

One taken care of! Without pausing, Su Rui's icy gaze instantly locked onto Fiammetta, who was preparing to launch a sneak attack on the other side!

Fiammetta was terrified by his murderous gaze, almost dropping the water gun in her hand. "Suri... Su Rui! I was wrong! Don't hit me!" she begged, instinctively hiding behind Lemuen's wheelchair.

"Now you know you're wrong? Too late!" Su Rui snorted coldly, not buying it at all. He turned his gun around and shot a jet of water towards the direction where Fiammetta was hiding!

"Ah!" Fiammetta cried out in surprise, hurriedly dodging as water splashed across her arm, sending a cool sensation through her.

"Su Rui! Go easy on him!" Lemuen, seeing the chaotic scene, was both amused and worried, and quickly tried to stop them. But her voice was soon drowned out by the even louder noise.

Mostima had already climbed out of the pool, soaking wet, her short, SilverAsh hair plastered to her cheeks, but her laughter was even more rampant. "Little Su! Take this!" She pulled out another water gun from somewhere (heaven knows how many spare weapons she had hidden!) and started shooting wildly at Su Rui from the water!

Su Rui nimbly dodged left and right, while his water gun seemed to come alive, launching precise counterattacks! The water jets crisscrossed in the air, making a hissing sound. Although he was fighting on land, his excellent reaction speed and accurate shooting allowed him to hold his own for a while! He even occasionally forced Mostima and Fiammetta into a panic!

A chaotic and intense water gun battle erupted in the backyard! Water splashed everywhere, and screams, laughter, and the spray of water guns filled the air! The usually cold and taciturn Su Rui seemed to have been ignited by a hidden competitive spirit and playful nature characteristic of youth. Although he still maintained a stern expression, a rare and vibrant light shone in his dark eyes! Like an enraged yet delighted snow leopard, he nimbly darted and counterattacked on the "battlefield"!

Lemuen sat in her wheelchair, watching the scene before her, so lively and vibrant, like children playing, a gentle and gratified smile on her face. This side of Su Rui was rare, yet... exceptionally real, exceptionally moving. She didn't participate, but quietly stood by, acting as Su Rui's most loyal spectator and... safe haven.

The battle lasted nearly twenty minutes. Although Su Rui possessed exceptional "combat skills," he was ultimately fighting two opponents. Moreover, Fiammetta Mostima managed to get lucky. Combined with the natural advantage of the swimming pool as cover, he inevitably ended up soaked to the bone. His silver hair was completely drenched, clinging limply to his forehead and cheeks, constantly dripping water. His white T-shirt and beach shorts clung tightly to his body, outlining his lean and powerful muscles. Water droplets slid down his smooth jawline and collarbone, gleaming under the lights.

Mostima and Fiammetta weren't much better off; both looked like they'd been pulled out of the water, their hair and clothes completely soaked, but their faces beamed with carefree, happy smiles.

"Ceasefire! Ceasefire! I surrender!" Mostima was the first to give in, collapsing by the pool, panting, raising her hands in surrender, but her face beaming with joy. "Little Su, you're amazing! I can't beat you!"

Fiammetta was also exhausted, panting as she leaned on Lemuen's wheelchair. "I can't... I have no strength left... Su Rui, you're a monster..."

Su Rui stood by the pool, his chest rising and falling slightly, his breathing a little rapid. He wiped the water droplets from his face, looked at the disheveled appearance of his two "defeated opponents," and snorted coldly. Although he didn't speak, the corners of his tightly pressed lips curved upwards almost imperceptibly, as if... he was in a good mood? This chaotic scuffle unexpectedly allowed him to vent his pent-up frustration and embarrassment, making him feel much more relaxed.

However, after the strenuous exercise, a strong sense of fatigue followed. Especially after relaxing, the physical exertion from last night's "intense exercise" and today's day of activity (including the water gun fight just now) surged up like a tide. He couldn't help but let out a big yawn, a layer of physiological mist welled up in his dark eyes, and his gaze became somewhat unfocused.

"Ah..." He rubbed his slightly sore eyes, feeling his eyelids getting heavier and heavier.

"Tired?" Lemuen's gentle voice sounded beside him. She pushed the wheelchair to Su Rui, took out a dry towel that she had prepared beforehand, and gently wiped his still dripping hair and cheeks. "Have you had enough fun? Go take a hot shower, change into dry clothes, and then it's time to eat." Her movements were gentle, and her tone was full of concern.

The warm, dry towel touched his skin, bringing a comforting warmth. Lemuen's familiar fragrance, combined with her gentle voice, acted like the most effective tranquilizer. Su Rui's tense nerves completely relaxed, and a strong sense of drowsiness swept over him. Like a cat that had been stroked comfortably, he slightly closed his eyes, letting out a muffled, weary murmur. He didn't even have the energy to dwell on the "humiliation" of being ambushed earlier.

"Hmm..." he mumbled in response, but his body involuntarily leaned towards Lemuen. He was so tired that he didn't even want to move.

Lemuen looked at him, so sleepy he could barely keep his eyes open, and felt both heartache and amusement. She opened her arms, and Su Rui, as if finding a support, very naturally and somewhat dependently rested his wet head on her shoulder, almost half-lying down in her wheelchair. He closed his eyes, his long, wet, silver eyelashes drooping, his breathing gradually becoming even and long, and... he actually... fell asleep right next to Lemuen?!

Volume 17, Chapter 1083: Looks exhausted.

Mostima and Fiammetta climbed out of the pool to find this scene: Su Rui, like a large, soaking wet, exhausted dog, was nestled defenselessly in Lemuen, fast asleep. Lemuen gently held him, lightly wiping his hair with a towel, a tender smile on her face.

"Wow... she fell asleep instantly..." Mostima exclaimed, lowering her voice to Fiammetta, "She must be exhausted~"

Fiammetta nodded, looking at Su Rui's unguarded sleeping face, a strange feeling welled up in her heart. This boy, who was usually as cold as ice and as strong as a monster, also had such a vulnerable and dependent side.

"Let's go take a shower and change first," Lemuen whispered to Mostima and Fiammetta. "Let him sleep a little longer. We'll wake him up once the takeout is warmed up a bit."

Mostima and Fiammetta nodded, quietly picked up dry towels, wrapped themselves in them, and went back to their room to take a shower.

The backyard returned to tranquility, save for the gentle lapping of the pool and Su Rui's steady breathing. Lemuen looked down at the peaceful sleeping face of the boy in her arms, her heart overflowing with tenderness. This evening, though it began chaotically and proceeded in a whirlwind of activity, ended... in such peace and warmth. To him, being able to lean on her so unguarded was the greatest happiness.

Su Rui slowly awoke from her deep sleep, enveloped in an incredibly warm, soft, and reassuring feeling. Her consciousness returned like the tide, the first sensation being a comfortable blend of slight ache and utter relaxation. Next, the familiar, delicate fragrance of Lemuen lingered around her nose, followed by... two other distinct yet familiar feminine scents—the sun-kissed soapy aroma of Fiammetta, and Mostima's unique, slightly aggressive aroma, a blend of worldly dust and exotic spices.

He shifted slightly, finding himself curled up in an extremely dependent and relaxed posture... a soft and warm "encirclement" formed by the bodies of three women. His head rested on Lemuen's soft thighs, his cheeks able to clearly feel the soft touch of her loungewear fabric. One of Lemuen's hands was gently, absently, combing through the slightly damp silver hair on his forehead. And his back was pressed against the warm sides of Fiammetta and Mostima's bodies, who seemed to be asleep as well, their even breathing bringing a reassuring undulation.

This feeling of being completely enveloped and surrounded by gentle warmth was something he had never experienced before. There was no wariness, no alienation, only an almost instinctive sense of acceptance and protection. He closed his eyes, greedily enjoying this rare tranquility and warmth, and for a moment he was reluctant to wake up.

However, his biological clock and gradually clearing consciousness still made him slowly open his eyes. The first thing that came into view was Lemuen's lowered, gentle, smiling lake-blue eyes.

"Awake?" Lemuen's voice was as soft as a feather brushing against his heart. Her fingertips paused, gently tracing his brow bone. "Did you sleep well?"

Su Rui blinked, still a little sleepy. He subconsciously rubbed his cheek against Lemuen's leg like a lazy feline, letting out a muffled and hoarse sound from deep in his throat, "... Mmm." His voice was thick with nasal tone and sleepiness, sounding almost like a spoiled child.

This unconscious gesture of affection instantly melted Lemuen's heart, and her smile deepened.

Just then, Su Rui felt the side of Mostima's body that was pressed against his back move slightly. He subconsciously turned his head and his eyes met a pair of lake-blue eyes that were close to his, with a playful smile.

Mostima had woken up sometime earlier and was lying on her side, propping her head up with one hand, watching him with a leisurely air. Her short SilverAsh hair was a little messy, with a few strands playfully falling across her forehead, and her face wore a sly and knowing expression, as if she had discovered some interesting secret. Her gaze lingered on Su Rui's cheek, which had just brushed against Lemuen's leg, and on his sleepy, unguarded face, the curve of her lips holding a meaningful smile.

Their eyes met.

The air seemed to freeze for a moment.

Normally, if Mostima stared at him like that, Su Rui would immediately turn cold, kill her with his gaze, or simply get up and leave, radiating a "keep away" aura. But at this moment, perhaps the languid feeling of just waking up hadn't completely faded, perhaps the overwhelming sense of security in Lemuen's arms was too overwhelming, or perhaps... the various "exceptions" from last night to today had given him a certain tolerance for this level of "intimate contact"? Su Rui's reaction was unexpectedly calm.

He didn't immediately look away, nor did he show any displeasure or wariness. He simply watched Mostima quietly, the lingering sleepiness in his dark eyes gradually fading, returning to their usual clarity, but the usual coldness and aloofness seemed to have faded considerably. His gaze was calm and unwavering, even carrying a hint of... the bewilderment of just waking up and... an almost tacit indifference?

He stared at Mostima without speaking or moving, as if they were communicating silently.

Mostima's eyes deepened with amusement; she seemed to understand the message conveyed in Su Rui's gaze—a tacit approval tinged with indulgence. "I know you're watching, but I don't care, as long as you don't go too far." Her smile broadened, radiating a triumphant pleasure.

Then, she made a movement that made Su Rui's body stiffen almost imperceptibly—she reached out her free hand, her fingertips slightly cool, and very naturally and gently brushed aside a strand of damp hair that had fallen across Su Rui's forehead. The movement was gentle, carrying a kind of... almost indulgent intimacy?

Su Rui's body tensed for a split second! It was an almost instinctive, wary reaction to sudden contact. His dark eyes narrowed slightly, his pupils contracted, and his gaze was fixed firmly on Mostima's fingers.

However, the expected push or scolding did not occur. After a brief stiffness, Su Rui's tense body slowly relaxed. He did not dodge, nor did he speak to stop her. He even... just as Mostima's fingertips were about to leave his forehead, he extremely lightly, almost imperceptibly... rubbed his forehead against her fingertips?!

Volume 17, page 1084 is at least acceptable.

The movement was so subtle it was almost an illusion, so fast it vanished in an instant! But Mostima's fingers clearly felt that extremely brief, warm, soft touch! Her eyes lit up instantly! As if she had discovered a new continent!

After making that movement, Su Rui immediately seemed somewhat annoyed, quickly turning his face away and burying his cheek between Lemuen's legs again, leaving only his faintly pink earlobe exposed, revealing his inner turmoil. He seemed... to feel a trace of... shame about his subconscious, almost "response" to that intimate gesture just now?

But this subtle interaction was like a silent contract, quietly reached between the two.

Mostima withdrew her hand, her smile softening considerably, losing some of its playfulness and gaining a genuine warmth. She understood. Su Rui was expressing himself in his own way: as long as she behaved herself and didn't engage in any outrageous pranks or dangerous tests, then, for Lemuen's sake, he was willing to accept her as a "companion," and even... tacitly approve of this level of harmless intimacy.

This was an unprecedented and enormous concession for Su Rui.

All of this was observed by Lemuen was standing nearby. Watching Su Rui's subtle, indulgent nuzzling motion towards Mostima, she felt a surge of indescribable warmth and relief. She knew that Su Rui was clumsily and slowly trying to open his heart, trying to accept trustworthy companions other than her. What a difficult step this was for him!

She didn't point it out, but instead stroked Su Rui's hair even more gently, offering him silent support and encouragement through her actions.

At this moment, Fiammetta, on the other side, also woke up groggily. She rubbed her eyes and, seeing the heartwarming scene of the three of them sleeping in each other's arms (although Su Rui was the one in the center), was first stunned, then a silly smile appeared on her face, "Ah... everyone's awake? What time is it? Is dinner cold?"

Her honest words broke the delicate silence in the air and gave Su Rui an excuse to escape the awkward situation.

As if reminded, Su Rui abruptly lifted his head from Lemuen's lap, his movements somewhat hurried. His face still carried lingering sleepiness and a barely perceptible blush. His tone returned to its usual indifference, but without some sharpness. "... I'm hungry. Go heat up some food." As he spoke, he tried to break free from the "encirclement" of the three women.

Lemuen laughed and released her hand. Mostima also chuckled and moved aside, casually patting Su Rui's back (a gesture that made Su Rui stiffen slightly, but she didn't pull away): "Go on, go on~ I'm starving~"

Fiammetta quickly got up and moved her slightly numb arms.

Su Rui stood up and straightened his slightly wrinkled clothes. He glanced at the now-cold pizza box on the table, then at the three smiling women beside him. That unfamiliar feeling of being relied upon and needed resurfaced in his heart. He pursed his lips, said nothing, turned and walked to the kitchen, where he skillfully began to heat the food in the microwave.

His back remained upright and aloof, but the aura that kept strangers at bay seemed to have softened slightly.

Lemuen, Mostima, and Fiammetta exchanged smiles and got up to help set the table, fetch cutlery, and pour drinks. The atmosphere was harmonious and warm.

When the steaming hot pizza was served again, its aroma filling the air, the four of them sat down together. Su Rui remained silent, focused on eating her savory pizza, but she no longer responded to Mostima's occasional teasing but harmless jokes with the coldness she once felt. Occasionally, she would even let out a very soft, ambiguous hum in response. She merely glanced at Fiammetta's clumsy attempt to nearly spill her juice, offering no sarcastic remark.

This subtle change was perhaps not even fully realized by Su Rui herself. But Lemuen, Mostima, and Fiammetta clearly felt it. This night was extraordinary because of a thrilling water gun fight, an unexpected embrace and falling asleep together, and a silent pact of "rubbing" together. Su Rui's cold and hardened heart seemed to be quietly pried open by this noisy yet warm companionship. And the future, it seemed, was filled with the glimmer of more possibilities because of this crack.

After dinner, night had fallen. The spacious and tranquil open-air balcony on the second floor of the villa was bathed in the cool, salty sea breeze that dispelled the last traces of daytime heat. The deep blue sky was dotted with stars, their light reflecting off the fishing boats on the distant horizon. A comfortable rattan sofa and coffee table were placed in one corner of the balcony, creating a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.

Su Rui, holding a steaming cup of black coffee (he insisted on having one after meals, even though it was late), walked alone to the balcony railing. Leaning against the cool metal railing, he tilted his head slightly, gazing at the deep night sky, his silver hair gently swaying in the night breeze. He had changed into clean, dark gray loungewear, his daytime sharpness gone, appearing somewhat thin and... quiet under the starlight. His usually half-closed black eyes, now reflecting the starlight, held less coldness and more an unfathomable distance, as if pondering something, or perhaps simply lost in thought.

In the living room, Lemuen and Fiammetta were still sitting on the sofa, with some documents spread out on the coffee table and the faint light emanating from the screens of their laptops. They seemed to be discussing the follow-up details of today's negotiations, or dealing with some official business from Laterano. Lemuen's voice was gentle and clear, while Fiammetta occasionally raised questions or added comments, the atmosphere serious and focused.

The balcony and living room are connected by open floor-to-ceiling windows. The sounds of conversation from the other side can be faintly heard, but they don't disturb the tranquility on this side. Su Rui enjoys this feeling of being detached yet not completely isolated. He doesn't need to participate in those tedious discussions; knowing that Lemuen is nearby is enough.

However, this tranquility of solitude did not last long.

A light, humming footstep approached from afar. Mostima, carrying a plate with several slices of still-steaming pizza (clearly leftovers from dinner, which she had reheated), strolled onto the balcony with a grin.

"Hey~ Little Su, pretending to be deep in thought all by yourself?" She spoke in a light tone, unceremoniously moving closer to Su Rui, mimicking his posture, leaning against the railing, and handing him the plate in her hand. "Here, it's freshly heated, the cheese is still stretchy~ Want to try some? I don't think you ate much tonight."

Volume 17, Chapter 1085: Mysterious

Su Rui turned his head, glanced at Mostima indifferently, then looked at the tempting pizza on the plate. It was indeed the savory kind, without any unpleasant fruits or sweet sauces. He hadn't eaten much that evening because he was a bit tired. After hesitating for a moment, he reached out and picked up a small slice, whispering, "... Thank you."

"You're welcome~" Mostima smiled, her eyes crinkling, and picked up a piece for herself, taking a small bite. As she ate, she nudged Su Rui's arm with her elbow, lowering her voice and asking with a hint of gossip, "Hey, what were Lemuen and Fiammetta talking about just now? They were being so secretive."

Su Rui paused in his chewing, then replied expressionlessly, "... I don't know. I didn't hear it." He had never been interested in other people's official business.

"Tch~ Boring~" Mostima pouted, but there was no disappointment on her face. Instead, she moved a little closer to Su Rui. Their shoulders were almost touching. Su Rui's body stiffened almost imperceptibly for a moment, but he didn't immediately pull away. After the "baptism" of the afternoon's water gun battle and the evening's embrace, he seemed to have developed a certain "resistance" to Mostima's level of closeness.

Mostima seemed quite satisfied with his "acquiescence." She stopped pressing about official business and changed the subject, starting to chat about all sorts of things. From which night market in Siesta had the best grilled fish, to the latest embarrassing incident of an Executor companion, to the strange creatures she had encountered during her wilderness travels... Her thoughts jumped around wildly, and her language was vivid and interesting. Although she was mostly talking to herself, Su Rui didn't show any impatience. He just listened quietly, occasionally making a muffled "hmm" sound in response because he had food in his mouth.

The atmosphere was surprisingly... fairly harmonious.

After finishing her pizza, Su Rui picked up her coffee and took a sip. Mostima also finished her meal, licked the grease off her fingers, and then... did something that caught Su Rui completely off guard.

She suddenly turned around, facing Su Rui, with her usual sly and mischievous smile on her face. Before Su Rui could react, she quickly and gently rubbed her cheek against Su Rui's cheek!

It's warm and soft to the touch, with the aroma of pizza and the unique spices of Mostima, and it separates at the slightest touch!

Su Rui: "!!!"

He froze, as if struck by lightning! His hand holding the coffee cup hung suspended in mid-air, his pupils contracted sharply! His mind went completely Blank from the sudden, overly intimate contact! Where his cheek had been touched, a tingling, itchy sensation ran through him, accompanied by... intense shame!

That crazy woman! What is she trying to do now?!

He almost reflexively stepped back, yelled, or wiped away the strange sensation! But just as his muscles tensed and anger surged, his gaze met Mostima's eyes, which were inches away.

There was no provocation or teasing in those lake-blue eyes; instead, there was a kind of... pure smile, like a small animal expressing affection, and... a hint of barely perceptible, tentative expectation? As if to say, "See, we're 'friends' now, aren't we?"

Moreover... she immediately stepped back after rubbing against him, without making any further moves, just smiling at him and waiting for his reaction.

The anger surging in Su Rui's chest deflated instantly, like a punctured balloon. He recalled the silent "rubbing" agreement from that afternoon, and his tacit consent to this "closeness." If he were to fly into a rage now over a mere touch of the cheek, it seemed... a bit... overreacting? And wouldn't it make him seem... childish?... too reserved?

More importantly... out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of Lemuen in the living room, looking up towards the balcony. Lemuen had a gentle smile on her face, seemingly pleased with the "harmonious" scene on the balcony.

Su Rui's Adam's apple bobbed with difficulty. He forcibly suppressed all negative emotions and instinctive reactions, and with extreme stiffness and slowness... turned his head back. He avoided Mostima's gaze and looked back at the distant sea, as if nothing had just happened. However... his originally fair cheeks quickly flushed with a thin layer of red, spreading all the way to his ears. His fingers, gripping the coffee cup, turned slightly white from the force.

He chose to... ignore it. He responded to this excessive "intimacy" with silence and awkwardness.

Mostima watched his awkward attempt to remain calm, though his neck was actually flushed red, and her smile deepened. She knew she had succeeded in testing him again! Su Rui's bottom line seemed to be... a little softer than she had imagined? At least under the "halo" of Lemuen and with the tacit approval of their "comrade" status, his tolerance for such harmless, friendly physical contact was gradually increasing.

She didn't push her luck any further, but simply leaned back against the railing in a cheerful mood, picked up her glass of juice that had somehow appeared, took a sip, and then slowly began to savor the last piece of pizza left on her plate. She stopped talking, just quietly stayed beside Su Rui, enjoying the night breeze and starlight, and the boy's silent, awkward "indulgence" beside her.

Su Rui remained silent, sipping his slightly cooled coffee. The lingering, soft touch on his cheek, like a feather, occasionally tickled his nerves, making him uneasy. He tried to focus his attention on the starry sky and the sea, attempting to ignore the woman beside him with her strong presence and the lingering strangeness on his face.