"So… will you accept me fully as your friend?" Leo asked, his deep voice low but carrying a strange seriousness, as if the words meant more than just friendship.
Bella, however, was too distracted. Her wide eyes sparkled as they roamed over the massive tree, the glowing lights, and the rows of plushies. Without missing a beat, she answered, "Of course, silly boy!!" Her tone was cheerful, careless, like she was answering a child asking for candy.
Leo's brow twitched. He turned his face toward her, jaw tightening. "I am not a boy," he said, gritting his teeth, his gray eyes narrowing in a way that made the air feel denser.
Bella only tilted her head, not even looking at him as she muttered distractedly, "Okay… silly man," before she hurried closer to the shelves. Her soft hands reached out to touch one of the plushies, her lips curving in a dreamy smile as she whispered to herself about names. "This one looks like Mr. Fluffy… that one… maybe Coco?"
