Forbidden Proximity

"Delicious," he answered. Chiaki's heart swelled even bigger at the smile on his face. It was just a simple comment but the effect did much damage to her already-built fortress around her heart. If it was from the person she liked, her heart became warm after such praise. If it was from other people, the impact might not be apparent. 

It was stupid. Whether it was love or infatuation, it made the ex-South Guardian stupid. She could do better than this, she knew. When she thought rationally, Lance Hua didn't consider her presence for days. By right, as someone with the right self-image in mind, she wouldn't be here for too long.

But she was here after a fortnight, staying in the mansion without showing herself other than to Poplar and Sea. Perhaps, her mind was already affected, so that a simple comment from the lord melted away all the iciness of his image in her heart.

"Did you cook this for me, too?" he asked again, a glint of innocence flashing in his eyes.