The Queen of Ice and the Jester

I leaned against the side of the restaurant, checking my watch again. I wasn't sure why I was waiting. It's not like I cared if Ying Yue showed up or not.

Actually, scratch that-I cared a lot, considering I'd already spent the last hour bragging to every sect member about going on a "date" with her. Maybe keeping it quiet would've been smarter. Whatever. She was probably just caught up in something, right?

My thoughts were interrupted by footsteps approaching, and I looked up to see Ying Yue strolling toward me. Her usual cold expression was there, like it belonged to her, and it only made her seem more untouchable, like she existed in a space beyond everyone else. Really my type

I raised an eyebrow as she neared. "You're late," I said, my voice casual. Not really angry just… mildly amused.

She glanced at me, and I caught the slightest twitch of her brow. "Not your problem," she said, her tone as sharp as ever.

I chuckled. "Of course, but you'd think someone with your reputation would want to at least try to be punctual, right? Or is 'Tsundere' your thing now, huh?"

Her eyes narrowed slightly, a stare that clearly meant, Shut up. But then she sighed, dramatically enough that I couldn't tell if it was real or just for my benefit. "Don't make me regret this."

I grinned. "I'll try my best. You're not exactly the easiest person to deal with."

Without a word, she pushed open the door and walked in. I followed, trying my best to seem cool about it. Inside, I remembered a quote from the author's world ''Give me ten minutes, and I'll bed the queen of France." I thought, How did people get that kind of confidence?

The silence at the table was… well, not what I expected. It wasn't uncomfortable, just kind of there. Ying Yue didn't seem annoyed, more like I was invisible. It was like she was playing a game, and I wasn't even a piece on the board.

I leaned back in my chair, watching her with mild curiosity. "Don't you ever get tired of this whole gloomy act?"

She flicked her eyes up at me for a moment, the briefest hint of irritation in them. "I'm not gloomy," she muttered, like she was dismissing the idea.

I smirked. "Sure, whatever you say."

She glared at me, but there was something behind her eyes frustration? It didn't take long before she opened her mouth to speak but closed it again, clearly reconsidering. The silence stretched out, but I couldn't help enjoying the discomfort.

"How's your side?" she asked, her voice just a bit more… concerned? She quickly masked it, though, raising an eyebrow.

I shrugged. "I'm fine. No need to worry. Didn't know you cared."

"Don't get any ideas," she snapped, her voice defensive, but there was something almost reluctant in it. "Just making sure you don't embarrass yourself too much."

I raised both hands in mock surrender. "Of course. Wouldn't want to disappoint you."

She rolled her eyes and leaned back, obviously unsure of how to handle me. I wasn't sure what I was doing either, but it was fun.

"Is this how you are with everyone?" she asked, crossing her arms, clearly frustrated. "Just teasing people until they lose their patience?"

"Only the interesting ones," I replied, my grin widening. "You're definitely one of them."

She scoffed but didn't retort immediately. Her lips twitched, like she was fighting a smile. "You're really annoying."

"Thanks," I said, leaning in. "I try."

"Can we not talk about the fight?" she cut in, suddenly sharp. It was as if the mere mention of it put her on edge.

I raised an eyebrow. "What, afraid I'll remind you that I almost had you?"

"Shut up," she muttered, her voice quieter, colder. "I said, don't bring it up."

I leaned forward a little too eagerly. "You're no fun, you know that?"

She didn't answer. Instead, she picked up her drink, the way her hand gripped the glass tight enough to pale her knuckles didn't go unnoticed.

After a few moments, I noticed the corner of her lips twitch. A small smile one she didn't want to acknowledge. "You're insufferable, Amon."

I leaned back in my chair with a self-satisfied grin. "Glad you noticed."

The rest of the meal went by in a light, teasing rhythm. We didn't talk much, but the tension between us was less awkward. Maybe she wasn't as untouchable as she liked to pretend. Maybe she wasn't immune to a little attention after all.

When the meal ended, Ying Yue stood, her usual icy mask firmly back in place. "Thanks for the lunch," she said, flat but not as dismissive as usual.

I raised an eyebrow. "You're welcome. See you in the finals."

Her gaze flickered with something almost a hint of softness, but it vanished as quickly as it came. She didn't say anything more. Just turned and walked away, slipping into the crowd like a shadow.

Yeah, I'd see her again. And for some reason, I didn't mind at all.