Chapter 123 - We'll fight. So be it.

Haruki burst out laughing, a mix of disbelief and amusement, completely unoffended by being called a brat. The sound rang out joyfully, breaking whatever tension lingered in the air.

"Lanling~ We're only seven months apart!" he retorted, attempting a defense that was futile, his smile softening his words and betraying his mock indignation.

Lanling held his arched brow firmly in place, adopting a smug, almost arrogant expression. "So? Even my cousins call me Big Brother when there's only a month between us."

Haruki blinked as an idea popped into his mind. "Hmm~ Then should I start calling you big brother?" He tilted his head, genuinely curious. "Brother Lanling~?"

Lanling's heart skipped a beat. In a flurry of panic, he pressed both hands over Haruki's lips, eyes wide in confusion at the unexpected reaction his body had to the words. He gulped. "L-Let's not do that. Mn." He nodded, trying to reassure himself. "Let's just toss this topic out the window."