All’s fair in love and war

As Siaara's face burned with anger, Leon stepped closer, a subtle smirk playing on his lips.

Without hesitation, he reached her bed, moving so close that Siaara could feel the warmth of his breath against her skin.

"What's wrong?" Leon asked in a low, teasing voice, his eyes gleaming with mystery. "You don't like me being here?"

Siaara's heart pounded. His proximity made her breath hitch, and she stammered, "W-why are you coming so close? I can talk to you just fine from a distance!"

Leon tilted his head slightly, his lips curving into a mischievous smile. "Why? Does my being close make your heart race?"

His words sent a ripple through her. Panic surged as she quickly moved to the other side of the bed, pressing a hand to her chest in an attempt to steady her racing heart.

"Leon, whatever you're trying to do, just don't come near me. I don't like it." Her voice was firm, but Leon could hear the faint tremor beneath it.

He leaned back, now comfortably seated on the bed, his expression unreadable. "You really don't remember how you got here, do you?"

Siaara frowned, pressing her fingers against her temple, trying to recall. The moment the memory surfaced, a shudder ran through her entire body.

Then, a sharp burn seared through her wrist. The bracelet flared up again, scorching her skin.

A strangled gasp escaped her lips as she clutched her wrist, but before she could react, Leon moved swiftly. He took her trembling hands in his, his voice steady yet commanding.

"Siaara, calm down. If you keep panicking, the pain will only get worse."

But her breathing was still erratic. Her mind was spinning, as though she were falling into an endless void.

Leon studied her for a moment, then, without a word of warning, he leaned in—his lips capturing hers in a deep, firm kiss.

Siaara froze.

Her heart stopped for a fraction of a second before hammering violently in her chest.

Leon's touch was warm, grounding, as if he were anchoring her to reality with nothing but his presence.

Without realizing it, her fingers curled into his shirt, gripping tightly. The heat that had burned through her wrist faded instantly, and along with it, her fear… vanished.

When Leon finally pulled away, Siaara's eyes remained closed, her breath still uneven—but this time, for an entirely different reason.

He tilted her chin up gently, his voice a soft whisper. "See? Everything's fine now."

Slowly, she opened her eyes, but they held uncertainty, hesitation… and something unspoken.

Leon tucked a stray strand of her hair behind her ear, his gaze locking onto hers. "Siaara, some truths aren't meant to be understood with the mind… but with the heart."

Her heart was still racing, but now… fear was no longer the only reason.

Siaara's heart might not have been under her control, but her anger certainly was. Taking a deep breath, she glared at Leon and snapped, "How dare you kiss me?"

Leon, still standing close to her, leaned in slightly with a mischievous smile. "I just dared," he said casually.

Before Siaara could respond, Leon swiftly leaned in again and planted another quick kiss on her lips before stepping back with a teasing grin.

"LEON!!" Siaara's eyes flared with rage. She lunged at him, but Leon, anticipating her reaction, dodged effortlessly and took off running.

"Why are you running? Stop right there!" she shouted, marching toward him with determination.

But Leon was enjoying this too much. He was fast, almost impossibly fast, his laughter echoing in the room. "Siaara, you look so adorable when you're angry!" he teased.

"Oh, I'll show you just how adorable I can be!" Siaara gritted her teeth and sprinted after him, but every time she got close, Leon would skillfully slip away.

"Leon! I swear I won't let you get away with this!" she yelled, completely frustrated now.

Leon turned his head back with a playful smirk. "And what if I stop? Will you kiss me again?"

Siaara's eyes widened in outrage. "LEON!!!"

Her patience had officially run out. She charged at him with full force, but just as she was about to catch him, Leon spun out of her reach. Off balance, Siaara stumbled and landed right on the floor.

Leon burst into laughter as he walked up to her and extended a hand. "See? I didn't even do anything. That was all you."

Siaara glared up at him, her mind working fast. Before Leon could react, she grabbed the doormat from the floor and flung it straight at his face.

"Let's see you laugh now, Leon!" she declared triumphantly, while Leon stumbled back, rubbing his eyes.

"Hey! That was cheating!" he protested.

Siaara smirked. "All's fair in love and war!"

Leon exhaled deeply, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Oh yeah? Well, Siaara… now it's my turn!"

Before she could even process his words, Leon suddenly lunged toward her.

"Leon! Stay away!" Siaara gasped, but it was already too late.

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