Liu Yuan wasn't unaware of what was happening.
Although she had closed her eyes, her physical senses were still sharp and clear.
Her body was highly perceptive — she could distinctly feel Furina's movements just now, the way the girl leaned her entire body against her, and even the faint, trembling breath brushing against her skin.
The moment Furina's hand landed on her, Liu Yuan's relaxed body stiffened slightly.
Her mind remained calm, yet her body reacted on its own — tensing up for reasons she couldn't explain.
Liu Yuan was confused.
Why was her heart beating so fast? Why did this strange, indescribable warmth surge within her chest?
It wasn't the curiosity or thirst for knowledge she often felt while studying; it was something else — something new and bewildering.
Eyes closed, Liu Yuan fell into silence. She began to wonder if… she was sick?
After all, according to medical texts, illnesses often manifested with symptoms such as an increased heartbeat and mental confusion.
Then… if I'm sick, where's the medicine?
She didn't speak, but her mind drifted back to the feeling of Furina pressed close against her — the softness, the warmth, the nearness.
Each heartbeat echoed louder in her ears.
That embrace… that moment of contact… it was what had thrown her composure into chaos. Rationality screamed that this was wrong, yet her heart — stubborn and untamed — wanted to linger in that warmth.
And when Furina abruptly pulled away, the distance between them seemed to pull Liu Yuan's calmness back as well.
She exhaled quietly, her mind regaining order, but her heart… remained in turmoil.
This wasn't the first time. Every close encounter with Furina awakened that same, uncontrollable feeling.
Her reason told her this shouldn't happen. Yet, every single time, she defied it — following the quiet pull inside her chest. Only when it ended did calmness return, chastising her for losing control.
I must really be sick… And the more I touch her, the worse it gets…
If this is an illness, then the source of my fever… is Furina.
Liu Yuan thought silently, her lashes trembling faintly.
---
Meanwhile, Furina was still wrestling with herself, her mind an endless battlefield.
This chance was too good — too close — too tempting.
Even if she stole a kiss right now… would Liu Yuan even notice?
The Hydro Archon stared at the young woman before her, eyes fluttering with hesitation and longing. But before she could act, Liu Yuan's eyes suddenly opened.
Those deep, azure irises locked directly onto hers.
Furina froze. Panic immediately rose to her throat.
"L-Liu Yuan! Let me explain!" she stammered, hands waving nervously. "All those movements just now were just… just measurements! Don't misunderstand!"
She was completely flustered — terrified even.
Why did Liu Yuan suddenly open her eyes?! It's too soon! Too close! Too—
But then, Liu Yuan began walking toward her.
Step by step.
Slow. Deliberate.
Her expression unreadable, but her gaze — steady, unyielding — was fixed entirely on Furina.
Furina's panic deepened.
Is she angry? Does she hate what I did?
Her thoughts spiraled, and before she knew it, she was retreating — step after step — until her back hit the sofa.
"Liu Yuan, I—I didn't mean—!"
Her voice trembled. Regret flooded her chest.
Why did I do that…? Did I ruin everything between us? Will she leave me now?
Tears welled up in her eyes, spilling before she could stop them.
"I'm sorry… Liu Yuan…"
She whispered, her voice breaking.
But Liu Yuan didn't stop.
Her steps remained firm, eyes unwavering.
Even if she didn't yet understand her own feelings fully, one thing was clear — she could never be angry with Furina. Not truly.
She didn't want to leave her.
Even if Furina was the very cause of her "illness," Liu Yuan didn't wish for a cure.
She had made her decision.
Her hand reached out, circling Furina's trembling waist. The other came to rest gently on her back.
Furina's eyes widened in shock — and in that instant, Liu Yuan's deep blue gaze filled her entire world.
So close. So warm. So painfully real.
If this is an illness, then let me… be terminally ill.
Because—
"I want… to be with you forever."
.
.
.
_