Cutie clenched his fists the moment his eyes fell on her. Standing there in the golden light, Kaya faced Veer, who chuckled with a low, knowing glint in his eyes. She looked flustered, slightly out of breath, her brows drawn. And from afar, to someone like Cutie who had watched her far too closely for far too long, the image was nothing short of unbearable. It looked like two lovers standing close, sharing a moment no one else could interrupt.
His eyes narrowed. The color had faded from them slightly, paling in silent resentment. A deep pang swelled in his chest, yet before it could show, a soft pat landed on his shoulder. His head turned slowly.
Behind him stood one of the newly arrived beastmen, looking puzzled. "Um, Mr. Cutie, are you not going to join the walk?"
Cutie paused, his cold gaze softening like a veil had been dropped over his true face. A small smile tugged at his lips—calm, practiced, and convincing. "Yeah, I was just thinking of something."