The moon hung high over the capital, casting a soft silver glow over the quiet streets. Sho and Liyana had been walking together for a while after the day's events, the playful tension from their previous chase still lingering.
> Sho… are you done? Liyana asked, her crimson eyes glinting under the moonlight.
> Yeah, Sho replied, rubbing the back of his neck. I'm tired now.
Liyana raised an eyebrow.
> Tired? Only the weak say that.
Sho chuckled, trying to keep up his usual confident tone.
> I guess so, he admitted reluctantly.
> So… you admit it? she teased, tilting her head.
> Whether I admit it or not won't change anything, Sho said, smirking.
Liyana's smirk softened, and she tilted her head gently toward him.
> I suppose so… she murmured. By the way, it's already midnight.
> Yeah, Sho replied, glancing at the time.
> You should go home now, she said casually.
> I don't want to yet, Sho muttered, shaking his head.
> Hm… Liyana said, pausing for a moment, her crimson eyes twinkling mysteriously.
Sho hesitated, then asked cautiously:
> Where do you live, Liyana?
She smiled, almost teasingly, and leaned closer.
> …How about I sleep at your house tonight instead?
Sho froze, his eyes widening in shock.
> Wait… what?! he stammered, barely able to process her words.
Liyana tilted her head, her playful grin never leaving her face.
> Well? You going to say no?
Sho's mind raced, but he finally nodded slowly.
> I… guess you can.
The walk back to Sho's estate was quiet, filled with a subtle tension and unspoken words. When they arrived, his mother, the Duchess, and father, the Duke, were waiting up in the parlor, expecting him to return.
> Sho! his mother called with mock sternness. Back so late, and who's this with you?
Liyana, ever composed, gave a small, polite nod.
> Mother… Father… this is Liyana Lufinze, Sho said, trying to sound casual. She… uh… she's staying the night.
The Duchess gasped, covering her mouth, then broke into laughter.
> Sho, my son! A girl at your house, and you didn't even warn me? she teased, grabbing his arm. And here I thought my little boy was innocent!
The Duke chuckled, shaking his head.
> Ha! Sho, it seems you've finally found someone bold enough to visit you unannounced. Don't tell me you've been keeping secrets from us!
Sho groaned, rubbing the back of his neck, while Liyana simply smiled, enjoying the mild chaos she'd caused.
> Mother, Father, Sho said, trying to regain control, she's not… she's just… well, she's my guest, that's all.
> Oh, your guest, huh? the Duchess said, eyes twinkling. Sho, you've grown up faster than I thought.
> Faster indeed, the Duke added with a smirk. I suppose we'll have to see how this 'guest' of yours behaves tonight.
Sho could only sigh, feeling slightly embarrassed, while Liyana leaned lightly against the doorway, crimson eyes sparkling with mischief.
> Looks like you've got a tough audience, she whispered to him, softly enough that only he could hear.
Sho's lips curved into a reluctant smile.
> Yeah… but I guess I like it.
And with that, the Duchess and Duke continued teasing him, laughter echoing through the estate as Sho led Liyana up to his room — the start of a quiet, warm night neither of them would soon forget.