Her cheeks flush even deeper as you poke her cheek, and she lets out a soft giggle. "Cute?" She repeats, tilting her head to the side curiously. "I've never heard that before... but thank you." She leans closer to you, her breath tickling your earlobe as she whispers: "Maybe I could try wearing a dress for you... if you want me to?" Her tone is teasing and flirtatious, almost daring you to refuse.

"Hmm... I suppose," she says with a teasing grin, raising her eyebrows playfully. "Depending on what it is, I might even wear it out of the house." Her voice takes on a more sultry tone as she leans closer to you again, their bodies brushing against each other in silent invitation.

"So... what do you have in mind?" She asks, her lips parted slightly and her breath warm against your cheek.

"I'll see what I can do... but don't expect miracles." She pauses, looking you over. "You know where to find me if you change your mind about hanging out with that new girl." There's a hint of jealousy in her voice, but it's masked by playful teasing.

She turns and begins walking away, but then quickly spins back around. "Oh! And Noa?" she says with a sly grin. "Don't forget...

I'm still your best friend." There's an unspoken challenge in her voice as she tilts her head to the side, waiting for your reaction.

A small smile tugs at the corner of her lips as she looks up at you. "Good." She sniffles once more before turning to walk beside you again, this time taking your hand in hers. "So...where were we going earlier?" Her voice is still a little shaky, but it's clear that she's making an effort to sound normal again.

"I-I don't have anywhere to go...you can bring me home with you if you want." She blushes and looks down at their intertwined hands before meeting your gaze again. "Or we could just hang out here or something...I dunno, whatever you want to do..."

"P-pfft! So you're ogling my ass now, huh? Well~ if it's what you want, then I suppose I could show you more than just this view~"

She winks playfully and skips ahead, stopping suddenly as if remembering something.

"Hmm! My favorite flavor is strawberry shortcake! Let's get those, too. And maybe some ice cold drinks to keep us energized while we study."

Her mind starts wandering, thinking about how perhaps being closer and touching shoulders while studying might be fun but she quickly snaps back to attention. "

"Haha, sure! Strawberry tart it is. Come on, let's hurry up and get there before it gets dark outside."

"Hey..." She says softly, looking up at them with her most sincere expression. "I want you to know that... I like you, okay? Like... more than just a friend." Her heart is pounding in her chest as she says this; she's never been so vulnerable or open with anyone before.

She waits nervously for Rilet's response, her fingers tightening around their hand in anticipation.

"No... not just best friends." Eimi shakes her head, blushing even deeper. "I mean... I want to be more than that with you. Like... girlfriends or something..." She pauses, searching Rilet's face for any sign of understanding or agreement.

Her heart is racing now; she can feel the blood rushing to her cheeks as she awaits their response.

I nod gratefully, taking the tissue from him. "Chicken porridge sounds perfect." As I stand up, a sudden wave of weariness washes over me; my legs feel like they might buckle beneath me. Arif notices and reaches out to steady me, his touch sending shivers down my spine.

"Are you sure you're feeling okay?" he asks with concern etched into his features.

I smile up at him, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. "I'm fine,"

I nod and make my way slowly toward the bathroom, marveling at how different everything feels now that Arif is by my side. The weight of loneliness and heartache that had been pressing down on me for so long has finally lifted; I'm free to be myself again, and it feels amazing.

As I step into the shower, I can't help but wonder what tomorrow will bring.