Chapter 10: This Scene Will Remain In My Heart Forever
———
Inside the changing room, Furina held the dress in her hands, her face slightly flushed as she stared down at her toes.
What exactly… am I doing?!
What I just said… was way too easy to misunderstand, wasn't it?! How could I say something like that without thinking at all?!
Realizing it too late, Furina kept replaying her earlier actions in her mind. In the end, all she could do was hope that a certain bookworm wouldn't overthink it…
After a long while, the redness on Furina's face faded. She took a breath, calming down, and finally let her gaze fall on the magnificent blue dress she held.
Why did I ask Liu Yuan if it looked good? Do I really want to wear it just for her to see…?
The question had no answer. The damsel carried too many burdens, and many of her thoughts were suppressed under that weight, only slipping out in moments of rare ease.
Looking at the dress, Furina's eyes firmed with determination. Well… I'll just reluctantly wear it for her to see!
---
Liu Yuan leaned against the doorframe outside, feeling strangely unsettled in her own body.
Her existence had always been peculiar. She had appeared by Furina's side in a form similar to a "spirit," not fully physical, not fully ethereal. Based on her studies, her body seemed to be woven from both soul and spirit.
She could use spiritual power, proof that both soul and spirit coexisted. But the soul was fragile, and even when shielded by spirit, it remained delicate.
This intertwining of soul and spirit seemed to give her form certain physical characteristics— like a heartbeat.
Her state also came with secrecy, an ability to remain unseen or undetected, which explained why no one else could perceive her presence.
But now, Liu Yuan was troubled. Twice already, her heart had beaten wildly in a strange, rapid rhythm.
The first time had been because of Furina's smile.
And the second time… just now. Because of Furina, again.
Are the changes in my body… related to Furina?
What exactly is this feeling?
It's strange… but intoxicating. Like the wine described in books— easily addictive.
After only two moments of that irregular heartbeat, Liu Yuan already felt the sensation sinking deep into her, leaving her unable to escape.
What is this? An emotion?
Yet, even after recalling all the books she had read, she couldn't find an answer. Perhaps not all knowledge could be recorded on paper.
Her thoughts spun in confusion— until the door beside her suddenly opened.
Click!
The changing room door creaked, and a figure slowly stepped out.
Liu Yuan froze. Her body shivered as her heart began to pound again.
Furina, dressed in the ocean-blue gown, was like starlight draped across the night sky, radiating a mysterious and breathtaking charm.
The dress's cut hugged her figure, accentuating her elegance and grace. The fabric shimmered with delicate lace and crystals, swaying like rippling waves with her every step.
Her skin was fair as snow, glowing even more brilliantly against the blue gown. Her long hair cascaded down like a waterfall, brushing gently against her shoulders.
For a moment, time itself seemed to still. She was like a princess from a fairy tale, the kind that made one's heart ache to protect her.
And right now, that "princess's" "knight" was utterly stunned in place.
"H-how is it? Not bad, right?"
Furina's voice wavered slightly. She didn't dare meet Liu Yuan's eyes, but still asked anyway.
"Very beautiful."
The reply was plain, almost bland. If it had been anyone else, they might have thought it perfunctory. But Furina, who had grown used to Liu Yuan's manner, recognized it immediately as sincere praise.
Looking at Liu Yuan's faint smile, Furina felt her tension ease. This girl really is as clueless about emotions as ever…
Liu Yuan could learn anything quickly, but when it came to feelings— something every human was born with— she was nearly ignorant. She could imitate joy, sadness, anger, all the expressions she'd seen… but in Furina's eyes, it always rang false.
Perhaps because of her own long history of acting, or perhaps because of their strange bond, Furina could always tell at a glance whether Liu Yuan was genuine.
And right now, she knew. Even if the words were flat, the sincerity behind them was real.
Hmph hmph… You actually think it's super beautiful, right!
…Eh, no, no, Furina, stop! Why are you thinking so much over a single sentence from her?! Calm down!
Taking a deep breath, Furina quickly collected herself. She crossed her arms and looked smugly at Liu Yuan.
"Hmph hmph, of course I look good in anything, you know!"
Tsundere Fufu was overflowing with happiness right now— but definitely not because of Liu Yuan's sincerity. Definitely not!
Liu Yuan blinked, watching Furina's smile and the radiant joy hidden beneath her surface.
Is she… happy right now? Because of the dress? Or… because of what I said?
Liu Yuan didn't know. She only knew one thing—
That she wanted to keep looking at the damsel before her.
That she wanted to remember this moment forever.