Sho's footsteps echoed softly against the stone streets of the capital as he followed the faint traces of Liyana's suppressed aura. She was sharp — far sharper than her delicate appearance suggested — and every time he thought he was closing in, she slipped effortlessly out of sight, leaving him momentarily frustrated.
He rounded a corner near a quiet alley and froze. A soft giggle reached his ears, making him smile despite himself.
> There you are… he muttered.
From above, on a low rooftop, Liyana leaned casually against the edge, her silver-white hair catching the sunlight, crimson eyes sparkling with amusement. She tossed a small apple down to the fountain below — not as a gift, but a marker, a subtle tease.
> Heh… you're slow, aren't you? she called down lightly, her voice melodic and playful.
Sho's eyes narrowed, but a grin formed on his face.
> I've been chasing you long enough. Today, I catch you.
With a sudden leap, Sho scaled a short wall, vaulting into the alley. But Liyana was already there, sliding gracefully between crates, moving like she was dancing with the city itself. Every time he adjusted, she shifted — too fast, too clever, and yet never breaking her playful smile.
A laugh escaped her lips as Sho narrowly missed grabbing her sleeve.
> Heh… you're persistent, she said softly, almost to herself.
Sho glanced back at her, a mix of determination and amusement in his eyes.
> I am. I won't let you slip away.
For the first time, Liyana felt a strange warmth spread through her chest. This feeling was foreign — someone chasing her not out of obligation or duty, but simply because he wanted to. Her usual calm and distant demeanor wavered slightly, and her crimson eyes softened.
She hid it behind a playful smirk, yet her heartbeat betrayed her.
> Why does he make it feel… different? she thought quietly. I've never felt like this before…
Sho's footsteps grew louder as he closed the distance. Liyana darted around a corner, expecting him to slow, but instead, he matched her stride, adapting to her rhythm.
For a moment, time seemed to slow. Liyana allowed herself a brief glance at him — his focused expression, the determination in his eyes, and the faint, stubborn grin she couldn't help but notice.
She laughed softly again, this time a little more genuine, her heart warming at the thought of someone caring enough to chase her like this.
> …Perhaps he's not just another passerby, she admitted quietly, hiding behind her mischievous demeanor.
Sho rounded the corner and finally caught sight of her in a small courtyard bathed in sunlight. She froze, tilting her head as if to challenge him silently, a playful spark in her crimson eyes.
Sho slowed slightly, not from fatigue but from curiosity — and maybe, just a little, admiration.
> Got you… he whispered, more to himself than to her.
And Liyana, hiding behind her usual playful smirk, felt a warmth in her chest she hadn't experienced before — someone genuinely seeking her, not just watching or fearing her power, but chasing her with determination and care.
For a brief moment, the chase felt less like a game and more like something entirely new — a connection neither of them fully understood yet.