Seven.

She circled me slowly, her eyes scanning me up and down. "Oh, so fierce!" she teased, her tone changing from pride to playful curiosity. She seemed genuinely interested in talking now.

I wasn't in the mood, so I simply smiled back, we looked at each other without a word. We stood there, locked in a silent stare. She stepped closer, closing the distance until we were face to face, close enough to hear and even smell each other's breath.

Her breathing was uneven, shaky, while mine steady and calm. She bit her lower lip slowly, her eyes locking onto mine with a seductive suggestion as she leaned in. Our noses were almost touching, but I didn't flinch. She smirked and pulled back, taking a step away.

 "First love, huh?" she asked. "I stayed silent. Loyal to your first love, right?" I didn't answer, but smiled. She seemed curious, not high & mighty like the lantern girl.