There was no bitterness in her voice, only a gentle acceptance tinged with hope—the kind of unguarded optimism that made her such an easy target and, paradoxically, such a valuable asset.
I winced, remembering my speech in the common room. "About that... I might have been a bit harsh."
"A bit?" Her blue eyebrows shot up playfully, but there was a distinct sparkle of amusement in her eyes. "You basically declared war on friendship. I think Jaime is still hiding under his bed, clutching his Sakura Hoshino body pillow for comfort." Her eyes danced with gentle humor as she leaned slightly closer. "Not everyone's out to get you, you know. Some of us just want to... get to know you."
"Strategic intimidation," I replied with a half-smile, testing the waters of a more personable approach. I needed her to believe I was gradually opening up, dropping my guard in response to her kindness.
