A Dangerous Curiosity

Adrian recoiled as if he'd been physically struck, his smirk faltering. He took a step back, his hands raised in a gesture of surrender.

"H-Hey, I was just joking, Merc! Come on, lighten up," he stammered, a nervous laugh escaping him.

But Mercury wasn't laughing anymore. The playful light in her eyes vanished, her expression turned ice-cold, and the warmth that had been there moments ago was gone, replaced by a deadly calm.

"Listen to me carefully, Adrian," she said slowly, enunciating each word. "I don't care about your stupid flirting. But if you try to touch me again, I'll rip your arm off. Got it?"

Adrian's eyes widened, and he swallowed hard, nodding quickly.

"Y-Yeah, I got it. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to cross a line," he blurted out, taking another step back.

Mercury turned away, walking off, her mood visibly soured.

But Adrian, still desperate to salvage the situation, scrambled after her, his voice babbling in a rush.