The silence between them lingered, thick with tension and unspoken questions.
Leon studied her carefully—her stance, her grip, her expression.
She looked like a fierce tiger, focusing completely on his move.
But not unreadable.
A faint blush bloomed on her cheeks, betraying the guarded façade she had.
He noticed immediately.
'There it is.'
A small grin tugged at the corner of his mouth.
He couldn't resist.
"Why are you blushing while looking at me, huh?" His voice dipped with faint amusement. "I'm just a kid. Are you sure you're not the real predator here?"
Her eyes twitched—just barely—but it was enough to fuel him.
He placed a hand on his chest and feigned a hurt expression, brows furrowed in wounded innocence.
"My clothes got destroyed during battle, you know." He gave a subtle spin for theatrical emphasis. "This cloak is all I had left. I'm cold. Vulnerable. And here you are…"
He let his voice fall into mock disappointment.
"…gawking at me. Really shameless."
