Baicang felt his palm gradually grow hot, and Runo's face grew redder and redder.
"What's wrong?"
Baicang released his hold on Runo's little face and laid his hand on her forehead, speaking softly.
"Are you feeling unwell?"
As Runo watched Baicang's face draw closer, her breathing quickened, and her heart pounded wildly.
"I..."
Runo couldn't help swallowing, her throat dry.
"Miss Runo, your face?"
Mosquito Girl and Liya also moved closer, looking at her with concern.
Surely their protection mission hadn't failed before it had even begun?
"I... I'm going to take a bath first!"
Runo shouted, breaking free of Baicang's "seal" and darting straight into the bathroom.
Baicang looked at the tightly shut bathroom door and shook his head helplessly.
"Master, what's wrong with Miss Runo?"
Mosquito Girl looked nervously at Baicang, thinking Runo might have suddenly run off because she didn't like them.
"...It's nothing."
Baicang gestured for Mosquito Girl not to worry.
Runo hadn't refused, which meant she had agreed.
Then he stood and led Mosquito Girl and Liya to their rooms.
This home was a standard single-level apartment. Aside from his and Runo's rooms, there were exactly two spare bedrooms.
"Liya, this will be your room."
Baicang opened the door opposite Runo's room. Looking at the empty room, he grew troubled again. He didn't seem to have prepared any furniture yet...
There wasn't even a bed. What was he supposed to do?
"There's no need to go to all that trouble. I can rest in motorcycle form!"
Liya noticed what was troubling Baicang.
She entered the room and instantly transformed into her motorcycle form. The bedroom was spacious enough that even Liya in motorcycle form could drive in circles inside.
Beep beep! The motorcycle's headlight flashed a few times.
"...All right."
What could Baicang say? How