Spar With Shirley

"Fufufu... Someone's having a great time."

Evernight's teasing voice echoed inside his mind, laced with a subtle hint of jealousy.

"Shut up," he replied calmly, unfazed by her jealousy.

Then he turned back to Shirley and gently shook her by the shoulders.

"Wake up, Shirley! Hey, wake up!"

Her eyes snapped open instantly, locking with his face—far too close.

"Ugh?"

She froze.

A deep blush bloomed across her cheeks as she instinctively stepped back.

"I–I'm sorry! I don't know what just happened to me..." she stammered, clearly flustered and avoiding his gaze.

"Don't worry about it Shirley. I didn't take any offense."

"O-Ohh, really? T-thank you."

He chuckled softly, his lips curling into a faint smile as he watched her struggle to compose herself.

She really was beautiful. Gorgeous, even.

But the way he looked at her wasn't the same as the way he viewed Evernight.